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Temecula Valley USD honors its April ‘Students of the Month’

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The Temecula Valley Unified School District once again recognized its hardworking and dedicated students for the month of April:

Pictured: Left to right: Standing: Sally Myers (Student of the Month Founder/Advisor), Caleb Peterson (RVHS), Matthew Starrett (LCHS), Jackie Steed (TVCC Board Member) Seated: Heather Hermesman (GOHS), David Ummel (TVHS), Brandon Hammock (CHS), Alexa Hollander (TAVS).

Pictured: Left to right: Standing: Sally Myers (Student of the Month Founder/Advisor), Caleb Peterson (RVHS), Matthew Starrett (LCHS), Jackie Steed (TVCC Board Member) Seated: Heather Hermesman (GOHS), David Ummel (TVHS), Brandon Hammock (CHS), Alexa Hollander (TAVS).

David Ummel, Temecula Valley High School

Having secured Congressional Nominations to West Point and the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, David hopes to receive an appointment to the Naval Academy. His career plans include becoming a Marine Intelligence Officer. Health teacher Mike Fisher said:  “David is an incredibly driven young man.”

In addition to accruing over 200 hours of community service, David has been a stand out in varsity swimming & water polo. He has volunteered for local animal rescue organizations and for the Special Olympics. He is also the leader of his TVHS’s Wounded Warriors Club. Spanish teacher Elsie Solis, who nominated David, says he has a number of qualities that make him deserving of Student of the Month recognition. She describes him as “very respectful” and she says he has “exceptional leadership traits” that will take him far in life.

Heather Hermesman, Great Oak High School

English teacher Aimee Rickin says, “Heather is a phenomenal student. She is one of the most consistently invested students I’ve had in class.” Mrs. Rickin says Heather’s collaborative spirit helps push the academic rigor in the classroom. She spoke of the work Heather did on Great Oak’s Literary Arts magazine this year, which Mrs. Rickin said was of “collegiate caliber.” Heather says the greatest lesson she has learned in life is that, “If you have drive and initiative you can make your dream a reality.”

Heather says that after high school, she would like to study English at UC Irvine, where she has been accepted with a full scholarship. After college she would like pursue a career in International Law.

Brandon Hammock, Chaparral High School

Brandon Hammock, a self-described “military brat”, says he has attended “eleven schools and lived in sixteen houses on three ocean coasts.” He says the experience of moving around and having his father deployed overseas has taught him to have a sense of humor about life and “not take things too seriously.”

With an interest in film-making earlier this year Brandon recruited a few of his friends to help him put together a video for Chaparral High School’s counseling department. The video explains the “A-G requirements” for entrance into a Cal Sate or UC University. What made the video a hit on campus and on You Tube was the fact that they adapted it to the popular song, “Gangnam Style.”

Counselor Cathy Olszewski said: “Brandon wrote the satire, sang it and starred in it.” She said the counseling department was blown away by the work Brandon put into making the video. She said: “Brandon is a true leader and a role model at school.” Brandon plans to attend New York University Film School in the fall and hopes to one day work in the movie industry.

Alexa Hollander, Temecula Advantage Virtual School

Chris Morel, a teacher at Temecula Advantage Virtual School, says a virtual school can make it more of a challenge to get to know students. Even still, he said: “Alexa stood out from day one. Her intense drive and self-motivation were apparent very early on.” Having been diagnosed with celiac disease and reflux disease, Alexa says attending a traditional high school proved difficult. Alexa says Temecula Advantage allows her greater flexibility with her studies so that she can better manage her health. Alexa’s mother says one of the things she most admires about her daughter is her, “positive and happy approach to life.”

Alexa plans to attend Palomar College in the fall and would like to eventually transfer to Cal State University Fullerton where she would like to study Nutrition and Performing Arts.

Caleb Peterson, Rancho Vista High School

ASB and Yearbook Advisor, Sandra Cerny said: “I’ve watched Caleb grow from a shy kid in class to an amiable leader on our campus. Caleb is someone who stands out on campus.” Mrs. Cerny describes Caleb as having a “huge heart for others.” She said: “Caleb is always encouraging those around him and cheering them on.” His mother echoes the sentiment saying, “Caleb always has a very positive attitude and sets a good example for others.”

Caleb would like to attend Palomar College in the fall and then transfer to a four year university where he would like to pursue Interior Design.

Matthew Starrett, Linfield Christian High School

Matthew Starrett says football has taught him a great deal about discipline and drive. He says, “Playing football at Linfield has taught me that competition when mixed with discipline creates successful teams. I have learned to apply this to my life and to live with discipline driven by a competitive nature to succeed.” Head Football Coach DeChon Burns describes Matthew as, “loyal, dedicated, hard working, and accountable.” He said: “Matthew possesses the qualities every father wants in a son; as a person, player and child of God.”

Matthew plans on attending the University of Nevada to study Business Marketing and then ultimately attend law school.

*Contributed by Temecula Valley Unified School District

The post Temecula Valley USD honors its April ‘Students of the Month’ appeared first on SWRNN.


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