Murrieta's April Students of the Month Named

News release:

Five students were recognized April 11 when the Murrieta Valley Chamber of Commerce High School Student of the Month Recognition Program was held.

The outstanding 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.

Murrieta Valley High School senior Britton Phillips made his remarks at the breakfast via video. He was unable to be present due to his participation in a chamber choir performance at Carnegie Hall in New York.  In addition to being in the choir for four years, Britton has served on ASB for four years and is the Captain of the varsity swim team. His teachers say Britton is a born leader who embraces life and always does his best.  Britton is an honor student in the International Baccalaureate program and he is also an Eagle Scout.  Britton his high expectations for himself.  He plans to attend Brigham Young University in Idaho as a pre-med major and he would like to specialize in pediatric medicine. 

Tenaja Canyon Academy Senior Juliana Johnson is looking forward to attending a liberal arts college and majoring in journalism and environmental studies.  Her goal is to travel the world and use photojournalism to draw attention to the need for environmental protection efforts.  Juliana has accumulated about 638 community service hours volunteering at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve where she has developed her passion for the environment. Juliana is positive, upbeat and professional. In addition to her work at the Santa Rosa Plateau and independent studies at Tenaja, Juliana  takes two classes at Murrieta Valley High School.

Vista Murrieta High School Senior Cody Pham is a student who has known for his selflessness and his ability to make other people feel better about themselves. He is kind, caring and epitomizes his school’s motto of CLASS.   Cody is a member of National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation. He has taken six AP classes, has been on the cross-country and track team for four years and has been involved in ASB for two years.  In addition he is President of the BBC Club. Cody is a talented artist and he started his own successful freelance graphic design business painting  customized shoes. Cody’s goal with his business is to be self-supporting and he plans to attend the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. 

Calvary Murrieta Christian High School Senior Mackenzie Davies is a member of her school’s ASB and National Honor Society. She is a top student who is known for her dedication to excellence. She is striving to become all that God has in store for her. In addition to being an amazing volleyball player, Mackenzie also plays softball, participates in the school’s choir and is on the yearbook staff. Mackenzie will attend LeTourneau University in Texas where she will major in biomedical engineering and play volleyball. 

Murrieta Mesa High School Senior Joanie Rutherford was recently recognized at the Riverside County Academic Awards as one of the top students in the County. She is a four-year member of the school’s USB and is President of the National Honor Society and Key Club. She has also participated in the Make A Wish Club and Pink Ribbon Club. In addition, she Joanie plans to attend one of the UC campuses and UC Berkeley for grad school. She plans to major in economics, attend law school and become a corporate lawyer.

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.