Murrieta Recognizes December Students of the Month

Murrieta Valley Chamber of Commerce High School Student of the Month Recognition Program was held Dec. 6, when five students shown were recognized. 

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.

Here are the December students of the month and some information about them:

Murrieta Valley High School Senior Annika Blacklund is the first to volunteer when something needs to be done and she has accumulated over 460 community service hours. Annika is a member of National Honor Society and she has a  3.9 GPA. She is a member of ASB, serving this year as Commissioner of Athletics. Annika has played varsity volleyball, track and field.  While she said the pole vault can be frustrating, it has taught her that in everything in life is a process and you have to take it one step at a time. On a recent mission trip to Uganda, Annika was struck by the poverty in Africa.  When she came home, she started a Habitat for Humanity club at her school.   Annika is a member of the World Language club and Fellowship of  Christian Athletes. Annika hopes to attend a Christian college and go into nursing.  Annika’s teachers admire her tenacity and say she is a model student and a role model for her peers.

Calvary Chapel Murrieta High School Senior Amanda Do is known for her intelligence, character and her amazing work ethic. She is a member of her school’s ASB and she has played varsity volleyball and track. Amanda has applied to USC, UCLA and Stanford. While school has always been a top priority for her, Amanda said she has learned to cultivate and value her relationships with her peers and teachers. Amanda is a gifted piano player and she also teaches Sunday school.  

Tenaja Canyon Academy Senior Daniel Adame is the youngest of nine siblings. He attended Murrieta Valley High School for three years before transferring to Tenaja Canyon Academy this year. Daniel will finish his senior year at the end of this semester and he will attend Palomar Community College next semester. After two years he plans to transfer to a four-year college.   While attending MVHS Daniel played football and he participated in track, earning top marks as a high jumper before an injury in his junior year.  As a result of the injuries he suffered, Daniel said he learned the importance of being thankful for everything in his life.  Daniel is known for always doing the right thing and for his willingness to help anyone in need. 

Murrieta Mesa High School Senior Hannah Reinert began performing in drama productions as a student at Shivela Middle School and she has been in every drama production Shivela and Murrieta Mesa have offered; performing in a total of 14 productions by her count. Hannah is known for her smile and her desire to help and serve others. She also became involved in PALS (peer leaders) at Shivela and she continues to serve in PALS at Murrieta Mesa and now trains middle school students in the program. Hannah is a member of National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation and the Pink Ribbon Club. She has served for four years  in her school’s United Student Body, this year she is Vice President. Hannah maintains a 4.2 GPA and she plans to attend Northwestern University as a communications major with a minor in theatre.  Hannah is interested in pursuing a career in public relations.  

Vista Murrieta High School Senior Porter Reddish is extraordinary young man who maintains a 4.5 GPA and excels as an athlete. Porter has been in varsity cross country and track for four years. He led the Broncos to a 2012 Southwestern league championship and he placed fourth individually at the Division 1 CIF State Cross Country Championships this year. Although he is a nationally ranked athlete and a fierce competitor, Porter is also a kind, caring soul who gives of himself. Porter is a member of  National Honor Society, California Scholastic Federation and he is serving on ASB this year. Porter is an Eagle Scout and he plays the piano for his church. Although his college plans are undecided, he is considering Stanford and BYU. Porter plans to major in engineering and he is looking at a career in the renewable energy field. 

The SOM Program greatly appreciates your support and interest in the lives of our young people.

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.

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

—News release submitted by Karen Parris, spokesperson for the Murrieta Valley Unified School District