Temecula Valley School District Names Students Of The Year

TEMECULA, CA — In recognition of students' character, integrity and love of learning, the Temecula Valley School District named eight high schooler Seniors as the 2019/2020 students of the year.

Each of the students were previously awarded as a student of the month at their school, and, continuing a 28-year tradition, each school in turn selected among their respective students of the months for a single college or trade school-bound senior — someone who, according to a news release, made "a difference in their home, school, and community with sincerity and passion."

Here are Temecula's eight students of the year. Each are being awarded scholarships. Descriptions and photos courtesy of the Temecula Valley School District:

Great Oak High School — Joshua Moore

Joshua is currently on a waitlist to attend UCLA or Harvard.

Joshua shared that he is passionate about his interest in other people. "There seems to be a lack of emphasis on individuals' importance," said Joshua. He makes a constant considerate effort to ensure everyone around him feels important. To showcase his giving heart, Joshua shared that he is giving away his scholarship from the student of the year to another student who could benefit from the financial donation. "I am beyond grateful for my life, and I want to pass that forward."

Chaparral High School — Giuliana Duron

Giuliana will be attending Yale in the fall. She plans to study science and statistics.

Giuliana shared her fascination with analyzing numbers and information. "Data is powerful and can reveal relationships that weren't previously there. My love for data is unique. It is a tool to allow me to explore the world," shared Giuliana. At Yale, Giuliana plans to continue to study justice reform. "I am passionate about understanding the trends of the world because I want to be a positive force in it."

Rancho Christian High School — Maggie Gorham

Maggie will attend Westmont in the fall and will triple major in art, history, and literature.

Maggie has a great passion for art and history. "The relationship between people and art is beautiful, and we should honor that. It will be my goal to honor and preserve the past for future generations," shared Maggie.

Susan Nelson High School — Julia Steinberg

Julia plans to attend Cal State San Marcos to study psychology and eventually become a neurologist.

Julia's passion is to serve others. She has always known what her calling was. "When my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's, it solidified the field I wanted to go into," shared Julia.

Linfield Christian High School — Katelyn Lee

Katelyn plans to attend USC or Pepperdine and major in biology. Her future goal is to become a pediatrician.

Katelyn's passion is to work in pediatric medicine to help children around the world. "I plan to continue with my mission trips, and my faith as both are very important to me," shared Katelyn.

Temecula Valley High School — Seth Mclaughlin

Seth plans to attend UCSD and study aerospace.

Seth is passionate about learning and exploring his passions. During quarantine, Seth took advantage of the time and taught himself to code and created a music video for an ASB virtual rally. "I won't be the only one creating in the future, but what will set me apart is how I truly develop my passions and take advantage of the opportunities that come my way," shared Seth.

Rancho Vista High School — Mary Duenas

Mary plans to attend MSJC for her general education and eventually become a physical therapist.

"One of my biggest passions is helping out other people," shared Mary.

Temecula Preparatory School — Karthik Dharmarajan

Karthik will be attending Berkeley in the fall. His goals are to create software solutions and programs to create a more efficient health care system.

Karthik is passionate about volunteering, helping his community, and being invested in life. "I am passionate about solving problems and creating tools to help others," shared Karthik.