LAKE ELSINORE – Seven high school seniors from the Lake Elsinore Unified School District were recently honored by the Student of the Month program, under the auspices of the Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce and BMW Management. Students are individually selected by teachers and school staff for their character, love of learning, leadership, community service, and their ability to persevere through life’s challenges.

Cyrus Smith

Elsinore High School

Cyrus is a valedictorian candidate with a focus on studying Computer Science to fulfill his goal of a career in computer programming. He has applied to several UC universities. He thrives on AP courses such as physics, Spanish and calculus. Other interests include leadership in USAF JROTC Color Guard. To be successful, according to Cyrus, is to set personal goals and to be self-reliant in meeting them.

Ashley Hernandez

Elsinore High School

Ashley is a valedictorian candidate with a passion for mathematics and singing. She plans to attend either USD or UCSD, ultimately to earn a PhD so she can teach college math. School life includes singing in musical productions, though she is also active in Interact, NHS, CSF, and AVID. A high point in sharing her musical talents with others is serving as church cantor.

Jacob Kaiser

Lakeside High School

Jacob is described by teachers as a Renaissance man because of his talents and interests from academics to sports. Once he completes his mission assignment following graduation, Jacob plans to attend BYU Idaho to study Engineering. Career interests include architectural design and structural engineering. Jacob’s commitment to giving back to his community and work ethic are highly commendable, with over 3,000 community service hours logged Advertisement

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Elysha Smith

Lakeside High School

Elysha enjoys volleyball, AVID, and women’s basketball (Sunbelt League champions), plus academics. She has selected Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, because of its historical significance among African-American colleges, where she will study Mathematics. Elysha has been a dedicated volunteer for the annual School Games, co-sponsored by Special Olympics of Southern California, and LEUSD.

Martin Valencia

Temescal Canyon High School

Martin plans to attend Fullerton or Cal State San Marcos as a Kinesiology major and ultimately wants to pursue a career in physical therapy. School life includes studying sign language (ASL) for three years and track and field. Teachers admire Martin’s eagerness to be an instrument for a greater good in school, a sign of his commitment to leading a purpose-driven life.

Bailey Chatwi

Temescal Canyon High School

Bailey has applied to Pepperdine, her first choice in colleges, among other notable schools where she has already been accepted. A scholar athlete, Bailey is accomplished in tennis, track, and dance. Campus life includes NHS, CSF, Interact, and Cheer. She is described by faculty members as a natural born leader. She has been a cheer captain for two years and coaches a cheer club for Thunder Football.

Kyle Ledbetter

Keith McCarthy Academy

Kyle plans on attending MSJC, to study either Bio-marine or Engineering. Not one to be held back because of life’s challenges, KMA has enabled Kyle to push ahead in the belief that attending school is a privilege not to be taken for granted. Wanting to give back to other students, Kyle’s leadership at PLUS program peer counseling forums has made him a favorite facilitator among students at OHS and EHS.