18 local high school seniors recognized at first Greater Coachella Valley Student of the Month event

On Tuesday morning, a total of 18 different outstanding high school Class of 2024 seniors from the three desert-area school districts are being recognized at the first Greater Coachella Valley Student of the Month event.

The awards were organized by the Riverside County Office of Education, and the school districts include Coachella Valley Unified School District, Desert Sands Unified School District, and Palm Springs Unified School District.

“Throughout Riverside County, there are other student of the months. But we wanted to do a certain the month here in this region in the valley," said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Edwin Gomez. "We believe in our students in Riverside County, they are supernatural leaders that we believe are gonna do great things in life."

The diverse group of seniors were chosen for their character, integrity, passion for learning, and active involvement in school life and sports. They were also highlighted for their community service. Many of the students have displayed remarkable resilience in the face of life’s challenges while maintaining a commitment to education.

Families gathers as students took the stage to share stories of opticals they've overcome. One student, spoke about moving to the U.S. from Mexico with her parents who only spoke Spanish. She learned English by taking advanced courses and excelling in school. Another senior, Anastasia Garth, reflected on the year she transferred schools, struggling to make friends and good grades.

“Moving to a new environment, it was really scary. And that kind of affected my grades. But my junior year, I got back on track,” said the West Shores High School student.

When reflecting on their achievements, many of the students thanked loved ones for helping them get here. Many told the audience their family was the foundation for their learning.

“To my parents, thank you for constantly supporting me pushing me. getting me to where I'm at my friends are also being an extremely supportive and pushing factor. My grandparents as well, I really appreciate it, and I love them dearly. And yeah, I really wouldn't be here without them," said Emily Beltran, from Horizon High School. Others, got emotional when recognizing their single parents for teaching them strength and work-ethic.

Many of the seniors are already looking ahead to the future, one that spoke to KESQ says she's planning on going to medical school.

"I want to become an OBGYN because I want to help women everywhere," announced Lota Uyanwune from Cathedral City High School.

 "I'm looking into pursuing a kinesiology major. I just applied to Cal States and I already got accepted into San Marcos and CBU," said shadow hills senior, Daniella Garcia.

Tuesday's special ceremony took place at the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center.

The honorees at the December event include:

Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD)

· Clara Roque - Coachella Valley High School

· Luis Oceguera-Ceja - Desert Mirage High School

· Jesus Molina-Ayon - La Familia High School

· Krystal Sanchez - Nova Academy Early College High School

· Anastacia Garth - West Shores High School

Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD)

· Lota Uyanwune - Cathedral City High School

· Jesse Solorzano - Desert Hot Springs High School

· Jasmine Saavedra-Ibarra - Desert Learning Academy

· Carol Alanis Medina - Mt. San Jacinto High School

· Luke Calderon - Palm Springs High School

· Miguel Beltran - Rancho Mirage High School

Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD)

· Betzy Alverdin - Amistad High School

· Emily Beltran - Horizon High School

· Sol Palomares Lopez - Indio High School

· Aliana Avila - La Quinta High School

· Alondra Hernandez - Palm Desert High School

· Daniella Garcia - Shadow Hills High School

· Nataly Beltran-Lupian - Summit High School

Following the first December 12th event, two additional Greater Coachella Valley Student of the Month events will be held on January 29 and March 25, 2024 for different groups of students.

In April, all of the Student of the Month recipients can apply for the Student of the Year Award by submitting their scholarship applications. The Student of the Year will officially be named on April 30, 2024.