Murrieta Honors Its January Students of the Month

Five Murrieta high school seniors were honored Thursday as part of the Murrieta Valley Chamber of Commerce High School Student of the Month Recognition Program.

The Murrieta students and their families attended a breakfast sponsored by numerous local businesses. At the monthly event students share personal stories of their most important life lesson, how they plan to ‘pay it forward’ when they return from college and stories of victory through challenging life circumstances.

Students received numerous gift certificates from community businesses along with certificates of recognition, congratulations and encouragement from local, county, state and federal dignitaries.

The following students were recognized:

Vista Murrieta High School  senior Desiree Johnson has served on her school’s Principal’s Advisory Council for four years and her contributions on the Council and Student Senate have helped  shape the school’s culture. Desiree maintains a 4.0 GPA and she is a member of California Scholarship Federation.  In addition, Desiree has participated in track and field and  varsity basketball.   Desiree was inspired to make a difference in people’s lives by the Feed the Children organization. Desiree believes in the importance of education and she will be the first in her family to attend a four-year college. Her first choice college is Pepperdine where she plans to major in biology and obtain a medical degree. Her goal is become an oncology surgeon. One day Desiree hopes to be able to use her medical skills to help people in impoverished countries.

Ryan Van Dyke attended three high schools before starting at Creekside this year. Although he was not on track to graduate when he entered Creekside, Ryan has gone above and beyond to not only catch up, but move ahead so he can graduate early. Ryan not only applies himself in class, he is polite and respectful. Ryan has gained the respect of his teachers who say he has a maturity beyond his years and that he is on the path to  becoming a success in the future. Ryan plans to attend a culinary arts program and pursue a career in the culinary arts. 

Murrieta Mesa High School Senior Chase Chambers is a leader in the classroom and in athletics. He is a three-sport varsity athlete in football, basketball and baseball. As quarterback of the Rams football team, he finished the season as second-best in area history for career completions and attempts before a season-ending knee injury. His injury and recovery efforts have inspired him to become a physical therapist and he plans to pursue a degree in kinesiology. Chase is a member of the AVID program and he has been accepted to Arizona State, Northern Arizona University, Boise State and UC Davis. Chase said his parents' decision to become foster parents has had a profound impact on his life. Chase's exemplary character and humility have made him a positive role model for the foster children and his experiences living with them has given him a desire to work with young people.

Oak Grove Center Senior Isamar Zambrano aspires to a career in the juvenile justice system, either as an attorney, a judge or a child psychologist. Although she has overcome obstacles in her life, Isamar made the decision to be the best person she can be and let nothing stand in the way of achieving her dreams. Academics are a top  priority for her and she plans to attend Riverside Community College and go on to the University of California, Riverside, where she will major in criminal justice and child psychology. Isamar has been involved in the Interact Club at her school and she values helping people. Isamar is a leader and role model for younger students at school and she wants to continue to work with young people who have been neglected or arrested. She wants to be a role model and show them there is hope for them. She said her obstacles have taught her to keep going and never give up on herself.   

Murrieta Valley High School Senior Jordan Niell is at the top of his class academically with a 4.3 GPA and he also has the highest SAT score in his class. He has been involved in Science Olympiad, the Solar Cup Challenge and the school’s Robotics team where he was instrumental in helping the team win the World Robotics Championship last year.  Jordan has a passion for learning and a creative, analytical mind.  He challenges himself with International Baccalaureate and AP classes and  he is interested in pursuing the field of artificial intelligence at Stanford or UC Berkeley. Jordan has earned the respect of his teachers who say he is a genius who never misses an opportunity to learn. He is a leader who sees the big picture and when he sees a need, he steps up to fill it. Jordan’s heart is as huge as his intelligence and he is humble. He also is a mentor and encouragement to his peers. In addition to the computer programming skills he learned in the Robotics Club, Jordan said he has learned how to work with people and how to keep a team motivated and focused during the final rounds of competitions.     

If you wish to learn more about the Student of the Month Program, please contact Sally A. Myers, Founder at 951-506-8024.

If you wish to learn more about sponsoring the Student of the Month program, please contact Margaret D. Jones, Chair of the Murrieta Student of the Month Program at 951-677-4856.  The SOM Program greatly appreciates your support and interest in the lives of our young people.

If you have any additional questions, contact Karen Parris Murrieta SOM Publicity Coordinator 951-696-1600, ext. 1022.   

—News release submitted by Karen Parris