Schools

Murrieta's September Students of the Month Announced

Dean Suchy, Kezia Cunalata, Josiah Nauert, Allison McNeel and Suchi Amin were named students of the month for their respective high schools.

Five local high school seniors were honored Sept. 26 through 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.

Vista Murrieta High School Senior Dean Suchy is a scholar athlete with a 4.37 GPA. He is a member of the National Honor Society and this year he is taking three Advanced Placement classes  along with two dual-enrollment college classes. Dean plays varsity football and basketball. Dean said his participation in football has made him who he is and taught him the value of teamwork, doing the right thing, and overcoming adversity. Dean gives 100% to everything he pursues, from athletics to academics and service. Dean said his greatest contribution at school has been tutoring his classmates. Dean is described as a humble, quiet servant-leader who is known for his outstanding character. Dean’s future plans include attending a four-year college.

Murrieta Mesa High School Senior Kezia Cunalata is an outstanding student who is compassionate, altruistic, humble and persistent. Kezia is the President of her school’s National Honor Society. Kezia is humble about her contributions and puts others before herself. She is known for her ability to bring people together and she started a new club at her school known as POWER which stands for Praise Outreach Word of God Equipped Relationships. Through that club Kezia has been able to care for and encourage other students and set an example of someone who stands up for her faith and beliefs. Kezia plans to apply to several Christian colleges including Azusa Pacific University, Baylor University and Biola. She plans to major in biology and go to medical school.  

Calvary Murrieta Christian High School Senior Josiah Nauert is an exceptional student and who is a member of the National Honor Society. Josiah has a passion for the theatre. His goal is to pursue a double major in math and theatre in college and then  obtain a teaching credential. He looks forward to becoming a teacher so he can share his love for the theatre. Josiah sets a positive example on campus for his peers and he is a mentor to the junior high students at his school. Josiah said the greatest lesson he has learned is to rely on and value the people in his life.

River Springs Charter School Senior Allison McNeel is ASB President at her school and she is an exemplary student who embraces learning. Allison plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College and then transfer to the University of Redlands where she will major in history so she can be a history teacher. Allison said through her involvement in ASB she is learning that a good leader recognizes the importance of delegating responsibilities. Allison is known as a person who perseveres, follows through and stands for what is right and true. Her goal in life is to make the world and her community a better place. 

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Murrieta Valley High School Senior Suchi Amin loves helping others and is an inspiration to her peers. She plans to attend UC San Diego or Cal Tech and major in biology. During trips to India with her family, after seeing the poverty and lack of available health care, Suchi decided to become a pediatrician with Doctors Without Borders. She has been involved in ASB, Science Olympiad, and varsity tennis. Suchi has also done volunteer work at a hospital and as a research assistant. Suchi’s altruistic nature led her to start a program at her school this year where she surveyed the students to find out their greatest wish. Suchi and the school’s leadership students then set out to grant wishes to students at each of the school’s pep rallies throughout the year. 

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

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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


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