Salute to the Class of 2023

It's graduation season and we are honoring several 2023 high school graduates through the next two weeks.

Graduation season is officially underway in the Coachella Valley. Here are some amazing graduates and their accomplishments.

Priscila Marquez - Cathedral City High School

Priscila Marquez has received enough scholarships to cover her entire tuition at the California Institute of Technology. She said there is a lot of research offered at Cal Tech that excites her. Not only was Marquez a star student academically but she also helped many of her classmates by creating a chemistry helpline.

Shelomith Mariane Hoy - Palm Springs High School

Shelomith Mariane Hoy is a junior from Palm Springs High School who is graduating with two associate degrees from the College of the Desert. Hoy said she is the first student in the school's history to reach these accomplishments.

“I would say that I would consider myself to be somewhat of a pioneer in different ways and just being the person to lead the way and thread through those waters for the first time without anyone to guide me," she said. "It has been difficult but it has also come with blessings, and I'm grateful that I get to be the person that demonstrates that example.”

Hoy will be going to UCLA and studying Mathematics.

Hugo Uriostegui - Desert Hot Springs High School

Hugo Uriostegui only spent less than a year at Desert Hot Springs High School. He came from Mexico just a few months ago and took on a full schedule of classes to graduate on time. He was able to do this while playing soccer, and trying to learn English at the same time. Uriostegui's teachers said he was an active member of his senior class and didn't allow his circumstances to hinder his progress.

He hopes he can continue his studies at College of the Desert.

Lucas Nieto - Shadow Hills High School

Lucas was described by many of his teachers to be a leader among his peers. He was heavily involved in school being part of ASB, Theatre Production, Track and Field, and many clubs.

During his time at the school, he took emergency management classes that helped prepare him for what he wants to do in the future, which is to work with injured athletes.

He will be going to California State University San Marcos.

Marla Armenta - Coachella Valley High School

Marla Armenta said she plans to carry all the memorable experiences with her from high school. She is someone who was very active in her school community.

“I really enjoyed playing sports here so I did soccer, varsity soccer since my freshman year. I also did cross-country track and volleyball."

Armenta will be going to UCLA to study Biology. She hopes to eventually become a dentist.

Jayda Esparza - Rancho Mirage High School

Jayda Esparza said high school didn't start off ideal because of COVID-19. But she managed to make the best of it when she was finally able to return to school in person. Esparza said she helped the student body establish long-held traditions and even helped create new ones. Aside from the many clubs she was in she also took many AP and Honor classes.

“I spend so much of my time here being a student and just being really involved with my grades that I feel like it's important that I’m here and involved because why wouldn’t I be," she said. "I mean that’s what makes it fun and it’s up to the students to make it fun and being involved really gives me a reason to be here every day besides my grades.”

Nevaeh Morales - Mt. San Jacinto High School

Nevaeh Morales spent a year at Mt. San Jacinto High School where she said her life took a turn for the better. She was able to juggle work and commit to her studies while attending school. Morales said her motivation to return to school and finish was her child, and those who she said didn't believe in her.

Now she wants to go to College of the Desert and hopes to train to become a Medical Assistant.

Miranda Tanampai - Desert Learning Academy

Miranda Tanampai goes to Desert Learning Academy which is an independent studies school. She said she enjoyed her time there because she had the free will to work at her own pace and much more freedom. While it was a struggle for her to learn how to do everything on her own, Tanampai said it's a great quality she plans to take with her to college.

She will be going to the University of California Riverside to study Psychology.

Jose Torres - Desert Mirage High School

Jose Torres had nothing but good things to say about the many experiences he had while attending Desert Mirage High School. He said the opportunities were valuable and he will miss the many teachers that supported him.

He'd like to thank his parents for their support, “My mom and my dad as well. They have both pushed me beyond my limits to absolutely be amazing in school. Her goal for me is to always just graduate, but like I went over and beyond. I even made it to the top 10 of my class which was an amazing feeling.”

Josiah Montano - Summit High School

Josiah Montano made a lot of lasting memories during his time at Summit High School. Some of those funnier memories include his teacher being pied. Others included how much of a difference his teachers who helped him made in his life. Montano said coming to Summit High School was his second and last chance at graduating. He was able to get many academic awards on top of doing good in school.

Montano has a love for computers and plans to go to College of the Desert to major in Computer Science.

Joselyn Tejeda - Horizon School

Joselyn Tejeda's high school experience was different than most because she took the remote classes offered at Horizon School. While at the school she was able to learn about time management and how to keep herself accountable for her studies. She will be going to the College of the Desert to get a certificate that will help her find a remote job.

Janeey Carillo - West Shores High School

Janeey Carillo said she liked her school because of the small dynamic and attention she was able to get from her teachers. She was in ASB, Alianza, and Yearbook Club. She lost her mother to cancer while in high school, and she said her motivation to continue her studies is in her memory. Carillo will be going to the University of Texas.

Victoria Sung - Indio High School

Victoria Sung was one of the many accomplished students at her school who will be taking the stage to graduate soon. She went to the school all four years and said she remembers those first few days of freshman year not knowing what to expect.

That didn't stop her however from taking high school head-on. She joined ASB all four years, was class president from freshman to junior year, and held the president position for ASB her senior year. She was even in mock trial as a lead defense attorney starting sophomore year.

"That’s been a really special club to me because, for the first time last year, we got into the elite 8’s in like 10 years," she said. "It felt nice to represent the whole valley in front of a whole audience in Riverside County.”

Sung has a full ride to USC where she will be majoring in Business, Cinematic Art.

Harliana Otto - Palm Valley School

Harliana Otto went to Palm Valley for seven years. She attended school with a small number of students because it's a private school. Otto said she was able to accomplish many things while at the school and will continue her studies at the University of California Irvine to study Engineering.

Nina Cabanyog - Palm Desert High School

Nina Cabanyog started her high school career knowing what her goals were and knowing she wanted to enjoy her school experience. She was ASB president and class president during her last three years at the school. Among many recognitions she said she received one of the most memorable ones was Student of the Month.

“I’ve always wanted to be involved in school and student government any way that I could," she said. "Like ever since elementary school I was in student council. Then middle school I was my Renaissance class president and in National Charity League I was also class president. So it just has always been something I’ve been wanting to do.”

Cabanyog will be going to Arizona State University where she said she will continue to make her parent's proud.

Audrey Paiz - Xavier College Preparatory High School

Audrey chose to go to Xavier because of the smaller environment. With a small graduating class she said she enjoyed getting to know her teachers and peers. Paiz joined the cross country team, and National Honor Society, and managed some clubs during her four years at the school.

“Being involved in school you really hear the words you get everything you put into it," explained Paiz. "This is so true here especially since you have so many clubs and people who want the best for you. So getting involved is the best way to really make the most of your time here.”

Paiz is going to the Naval Academy next. She thanks her family for being her support system through her journey.

"God has a path for me, and I'm constantly reminded of his patience and unwavering love through my family. My gratitude for them is beyond words, but I definitely owe them a spa day (and a lot more) after the stress of college apps!"

Gustavo Avila - Amistad Continuation High School

Gustavo Avila spent the last two years as part of the Auto Program at Amistad High School. His teachers describe him as a mentor to many of his peers. Avila said he has a passion for cars and was able to find his love for school through the program.

 “I feel like with it being a small school, I feel like the teachers could really help you and not be all over the place," he said. They can help you and just you and it makes you feel special and wanted.”

During his senior year, he held an internship at Honda where he was able to get his hands dirty. Avila is planning to go to College of the Desert to earn an Automotive Service Certificate so he can continue working on cars.

Mia Burr - La Quinta High School

Mia Burr attended La Quinta High School all four years where she was student body president, and cheerleader, tennis player, and joined many clubs. One of the clubs she co-founded was called IB Buddies, which helped include special education students in school activities.

Burr was also part of the Riverside County Youth Advisory Council where she was able to volunteer around her city.

While she is sad to leave high school, she said the future is still bright. She is graduating with a full IB Diploma, Summa Cum Laude and will be going to the University of California Berkeley.

Check back here every day where for new graduates who will be honored.