RCOE Honors 10 CNUSD High School Seniors at the March Student of the Month Ceremony

Norco, CA - On March 18, 2025, ten exceptional CNUSD high school seniors were recognized at the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) Student of the Month Ceremony, held at JFK Middle College High School in Norco. This prestigious event celebrates students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to their school and community.

The ceremony, attended by RCOE Superintendent Dr. Edwin Gomez, CNUSD Superintendent Dr. Sam Buenrostro, CNUSD Board Members, county officials, and local government representatives, was a heartwarming tribute to the remarkable achievements of these students. As their proud families looked on, each honoree shared their journey, reflecting on the challenges they have overcome and the aspirations that drive them forward.

Meet CNUSD’s Outstanding Students of the Month

🌟 Joy Benjamin | Academy of Innovation
A dedicated dual enrollment student and ASB leader, Joy has the unique ability to bring students together in a virtual setting. Known for her resilience and eloquence in writing, she transformed personal loss into motivation, inspiring those around her. She thanked her teachers for their endless support and her family for keeping her motivated. Joy plans to pursue a career in nursing.

🌟 Arjun Shaw | Centennial High School
Ranked #1 in his class with a 4.964 GPA, Arjun is an International Baccalaureate and dual enrollment student with a passion for clinical research and healthcare advocacy. His dedication has already earned him an internship at Kaiser before graduating. In addition to his academic excellence, he is a champion for inclusivity and social impact. He intends to be a champion for the causes that improve the lives of others. Arjun expressed gratitude to his family for paving the road for him and CNUSD for providing him the opportunity to succeed.

🌟 Emiliano Perez | Corona High School A passionate visual artist and aspiring animator, Emiliano hopes to become the first in his family to graduate college. Teachers describe him as an intellectually curious and kind-hearted student with a natural talent for communication and creativity. Reflecting on his future, Emiliano shared, “Everyone says the sky is the limit, and I intend to listen to them.” He thanked his family, friends, and teacher Ms. Stone for their support.

🌟 Sarah Pu | Roosevelt’s ESTEM Academy
As an ESTEM ambassador, Sarah has made a lasting impact by visiting local intermediate and elementary campuses to encourage younger students to explore STEM fields. Initially struggling with collaboration, a core tenet of life in ESTEM, she learned to embraced teamwork and now thrives in engineering and leadership roles. She thanked her parents, teachers, and mentors for pushing her to succeed. Sarah plans to study mechanical engineering and law.

🌟 Christine Xiong | Eleanor Roosevelt High School
A leader in BEST Leadership and Kiwanis, Christine has dedicated her time to helping English Learner (EL) students by providing translation and mentorship. She is passionate about giving back and building inclusive communities. Her plans include ROTC and the Navy while pursuing a degree in Applied Mathematics and Cybersecurity.

🌟 Niaomy Lewis | JFK Middle College High School A leader in ASB and yearbook, Niaomy is known for her humor, school spirit, and content creation for JFK’s social media. She puts herself out there out of a deep love for her school community. Naomy is also part of the Police Explorer Program and will graduate with 60 college units and three associate degrees. Niaomy, who aspires to be a physics teacher, believes that “resilience and confidence aren’t something you are born with, they are choices you make daily.”

🌟 Noel Lopez Rico | Norco High School
The valedictorian of the Class of 2025, Noel holds a 4.8025 GPA and has aced seven AP exams, with six more to go. A track and field athlete, he excels in shot put and discus while being a California Scholarship Federation member. He intends to study Electrical Engineering and is proud to be a first-generation college student. Noel thanked his parents for their sacrifices and his sisters for teaching him how to be a role model.

🌟 Margarita Bravo | Orange Grove High School
Margarita has persevered through significant hardships, including housing instability and family illness, yet remains determined to build a brighter future. She is considering careers in nursing or veterinary science, due to her immense love of animals, and expressed gratitude to her mother for her hard work and sacrifices. Margarita’s journey is a testament to strength and determination.

🌟 Jackson Meleney | Santiago High School An MVP in the pool and a standout in the classroom, Jackson maintains straight As while excelling in Water Polo. His charismatic personality and natural leadership make him a beloved figure on campus. Jackson, who credits his family for his success, was honored to be recognized for his dedication to both academics and athletics.

🌟 Stephanie Somera | Lee V. Pollard High School
A dedicated student leader, Stephanie has actively participated in journalism, school site council, and leadership groups. She is passionate about service and higher education, aiming for a career in the Army and biology with a special interest in marine biology. A former English Learner, she has helped her EL peers navigate their educational journeys. Stephanie thanked Ms. Lopez for making her feel included and her parents for inspiring her.

What’s Next? The Student of the Year Ceremony

These outstanding students, among the students honored at the previous RCOE Student of the Month ceremonies earlier this school year, will now have the opportunity to apply for RCOE’s CNUSD Student of the Year award, with five students receiving scholarships at an upcoming ceremony on April 25, 2025, at Eagle Glen Golf Course. Applications opened on March 19, and eligible students have been notified.

Congratulations to these remarkable seniors for their hard work, leadership, and contributions to CNUSD and beyond! Their stories serve as an inspiration to all and a reminder of the limitless potential within our students.