Seven LEUSD Students Honored

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 the Lake Elsinore Sizzler Restaurant. Students are individually selected by teachers and school staff for their character, love of learning, leadership, community service, and their ability to persevere through challenging circumstances.

February ‘Student of the Month’ Honorees:

ELSINORE HIGH SCHOOL
Uriel J. Sanchez Rangel is a Valedictorian and ranks third in his class. His college of choice is Johns Hopkins University, where he plans to study Pre-Med, philosophy and music. Uriel’s ultimate dream is to be a space doctor on a Mars mission. Besides academics, his talents include playing several instruments. Campus activities include Calculus, AVID, and helping his Academic Decathlon team win third place in county. His advice to others is to be true to your identity, rather than being labeled in life.

Jordan Pendergrass is ranked fifth in class. Also a Valedictorian, Jordan will attend UC Berkeley as a political science major. Campus activities include varsity basketball, AVID, and mentoring. She has long enjoyed helping others learn. Having both a keen sense of humor and “old soul” wisdom makes Jordan a natural leader, according to her teachers and peers.

LAKESIDE HIGH SCHOOL
Omar Ruiz found his calling in the Lakeside Culinary career technical education program. He plans to attend community college after a culinary internship in Las Vegas this summer. Recently, Omar was elected by his peers as Student Executive Chef. Omar credits the CTE program for his success, giving him the desire to follow in the footsteps of his brother, who is also a chef.

Bailey Bowe plans to attend the University of Montana where she looks forward to academics, athletics, and hiking. A Valedictorian and ranked fourth in class, Bailey is modest about her soccer fame, but speaks confidently about self-determination. School life includes AVID, Calculus, NHS and serving as team captain. As one of eight children, the drive to prove herself makes Bailey stand out in all she does.

TEMESCAL CANYON HIGH SCHOOL
Giuliano McDonald is a National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete whose pursuits include drama, being ASB vice president, and founding member of the Athletic Council of Ethics. His eye is on Chapman University, and become a teacher and football coach. The giant “TC” rock letters on the mountainside above the campus exemplify his influence on TCHS’s culture, where moving boulders to show school pride is just one of many lasting accomplishments.

Rikki Espinosa, a Canyon Lake resident, is known for her positive outlook in all matters of school and life. She is captain of varsity cheer. With a heart for helping others, her goal is to attend community college next year on the path to becoming a registered nurse. Volunteering has been her greatest after-school passion, especially with the Ian Dykstra memorial wrestling championship.

KEITH MCCARTHY ACADEMY
David OCampo. Editors note: David OCampo was unable to attend the Student of the Month program. --Lake Elsinore Unified School District