New Program Honors Top High School Seniors Across Coachella Valley

The following is a Dec. 7, 2023, news release from the Riverside County Office of Education:

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — Before they graduate and pursue their college and career dreams, the seniors in the Class of 2024 from desert-area high schools will be recognized at the first of multiple Greater Coachella Valley Student of the Month events on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 9 a.m. at the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center (84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio, CA 92203).

Organized by the Riverside County Office of Education, the first event will honor high school seniors from 18 different high schools in the three desert-area school districts: Coachella Valley Unified School District, Desert Sands Unified School District, and Palm Springs Unified School District.

“Every time I attend the Student of the Month events held in other parts of the county, they are inspirational reminders of the life-changing impact that education has on our students — many of whom have been part of our public schools since they were in Kindergarten and are now only months away from graduating and pursuing their post-secondary dreams,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “I’m excited at the opportunity to launch this excellence recognition program to celebrate students in all three desert districts who not only embody the future success of the Coachella Valley, but will represent our county, our state, and our nation.”

In multiple regions around Riverside County, a variety of community stakeholders including chambers of commerce and community groups regularly highlight students of the month at individual districts. With this new event kicking off in the desert, Greater Coachella Valley Student of the Month will recognize top seniors in all three desert-area districts at one event.

Student of the month honorees embody character, integrity, a passion for learning, active involvement in school life, sports, and community service, or have displayed remarkable resilience in the face of life’s challenges while maintaining a commitment to education.

From October to April, devoted educators and staff members at each high school will carefully select one outstanding student for the unique honor and recognition. These exceptional students and their families will be celebrated at each event throughout the school year.

In early April, these Students of the Month can apply for the prestigious Student of the Year Award by submitting scholarship applications. These students are chosen based on their outstanding academic achievements, active participation in high school life, or their inspiring journey of self-improvement and transformation. The Student of the Year will be named on April 30, 2024.

Following the December 12 event, upcoming Greater Coachella Valley Student of the Month events include: January 29, 2024, and March 25, 2024. These events will also be held at Fantasy Springs Special Events Center and will celebrate additional graduating seniors from desert-area high schools.

Platinum ($5,000), gold ($3,000), bronze ($1,500), and table ($500) sponsorship opportunities are available for all events. Please contact Natalia T. Gonzalez for additional information at ntgonzalez@rcoe.us.

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