RCOE & CNUSD Celebrate the First Class of 2026 Students of the Month

CORONA, CA - At the first Student of the Month celebration of the year, held November 14 at Lee V. Pollard High School, the Riverside County Office of Education, in partnership with CNUSD and the Corona-Norco Council PTA, honored seniors whose stories reflect the three qualities that define this recognition: character, leadership, and perseverance.

As the morning began, attendees were reminded that these students have power, and by the end of the ceremony, nothing could have been more evident. Their stories demonstrated the very priorities that guide CNUSD’s work; ensuring equity and access, cultivating multi-tiered supports, and empowering students to reach their academic and personal goals. Each honoree, indeed, had the power to inspire a room full of families, educators, and community partners with experiences affirming that every student’s path is worth celebrating.

Addressing the room, CNUSD Superintendent Dalia Gadelmawla encouraged students to carry their confidence forward, saying, “Your leadership, kindness, and hard work make all the difference. Wherever life takes you next, remember that you have a CNUSD family that believes in you and supports you all the way.”

Read about each student below.

John F. Kennedy Middle College High School – Jordan Carrier

Jordan Carrier opened the ceremony with a message about growth, courage, and adaptation, using a subtle nod to the idea that, much like fish, people learn to adjust to new waters. When she arrived at JFK, she set a bold goal: meet every student and staff member on campus.

As president of the Unity Club, she helps create inclusive spaces, participates in cultural events, and credits her school community for helping her find her direction. Jordan plans to attend Cypress College to become a mortician, a path she sees as a meaningful way to serve others during their most difficult moments. She thanked both her family and her JFK community for guiding her toward the next chapter of her life.

ESTEM Academy – Joshua Salacup

Known across campus for his bright smile and ability to lift others, Joshua has faced profound loss with courage. The passing of his father shaped his commitment to help others, not for recognition, but because he believes it is the right thing to do.

He is active in leadership, band, and multiple school clubs, and he credits his determination to honor his father with resilience and optimism that carries him forward. Joshua’s dream is to become a cardiothoracic surgeon so he can give families the time he wishes he had with his own. His story embodies connection, perseverance, and compassion in equal measure.

Academy of Innovation – Caden Bollschweiler

A quiet, steady leader, Caden has not earned less than an A since fifth grade. He is reliable, thoughtful, and deeply engaged in his interests, which include business, digital photography, and music. He hopes to major in music in college, with aspirations in audio engineering, music production, and film scoring.

Caden’s academic consistency and calm leadership reflect a student who excels without seeking the spotlight, an example of determination paired with humility.

Centennial High School – Aria Panjabi

Aria is passionate about research, medicine, and serving communities with limited access to healthcare. She works with colleges and local organizations, including United Way, to advance outreach efforts that support low-cost medical diagnostics and supplies.

As president of the Germs and Diseases Club, a member of FBLA, a podcast creator (Medical Mindset), and a dedicated martial artist and Aikido instructor, Aria approaches her work with a belief that true strength comes from calmness and self-awareness. An IB student with aspirations in biomedical engineering, she credits her family as her foundation and her peers as daily inspiration.

Corona High School – Emerson Rodriguez Valencia

A bilingual scholar and a model of curiosity and determination, Emerson has earned recognition for his willingness to ask hard questions and embrace challenges. His teachers describe him as driven and respectful, and his soccer coach calls him the hardest-working player in the program.

He expressed gratitude for his teachers, counselors, coaches, and family, each of whom played a part in his journey. Emerson’s work ethic and respect for others define him as both a scholar and an athlete.

Eleanor Roosevelt High School – Isaac Rodriguez

Isaac is known for his heart, resilience, and compassion. His relationship with family, especially his grandmother has been a meaningful source of support in his life, grounding him with love and perspective. At school, Isaac discovered the importance of stepping outside his comfort zone and trying new things, a lesson shaped by his teachers and the opportunities he embraced through Student Council, AVID, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation on campus.

He plans to study mechanical or civil engineering and is grateful to the educators who pushed him academically. Isaac says he feels honored by this recognition and thankful for his family, friends, and the Roosevelt community that helped him find joy and purpose.

Lee V. Pollard High School – Daniela Chavez Mendoza

Daniela is known for her articulate voice, commitment, and natural leadership. As part of Peer Leadership and AVID, she uses her bilingualism to build connections across campus. When she transferred to LVPHS, she arrived with low credits and faced personal challenges, but she immediately felt embraced by front office staff, custodians, and everyone on campus who went out of their way to check in with her. This gave her the safety and space to face her barriers and overcome them, while opening up with other students and encouraging them to do the same.

She now excels academically and credits LVPHS for giving her a second chance and the tools to understand herself better. After graduation, she plans to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Norco High School – Brian Reiner

Brian pursues excellence with humility. He is enrolled in five AP courses, plays varsity soccer, and serves as captain of the Unified Sports soccer team, where he fosters wide-reaching inclusivity. Known for leading with empathy, he works hard to ensure every teammate feels seen and valued.

Brian hopes to enter the medical field and one day attend medical school, bringing the same care to patients that he brings to his peers. He expressed gratitude to the Norco High community for giving him a place to grow and lead.

Orange Grove High School – Brandon Lorenzo Vasquez-Tzita

Brandon’s journey is marked by resilience and determination. Born in Los Angeles, he experienced food and housing insecurity early in life. After his family moved to Corona, he struggled to find a sense of belonging, until he arrived at Orange Grove High School, where he discovered a community that fully embraced him.

He is dually enrolled at Norco College, serves on the Mayor’s Youth Council, and plans to pursue mechanical engineering. Brandon says Orange Grove taught him to aim for progress, not perfection, and that with support and perseverance, anything is possible.

Santiago High School – Christian Villegas

Christian is known for his character, leadership, and joyful spirit. A varsity baseball player and talented TV production student, he brings creativity, humor, and kindness into every space he enters. His teachers describe him as driven, friendly, and constantly smiling—a student who leads by example on and off the field.

Christian expressed deep gratitude for the people who have supported him along the way and is excited for the opportunities ahead.

Celebrating Student Voices, Shaping Our Future

The Class of 2026 Students of the Month remind us that the heart of CNUSD’s work lives in the stories our students carry, stories that are strengthened by opportunity, encouragement, and support. Their journeys reflect the District’s commitment to equity and access, literacy and learning, meeting academic standards, and nurturing both the well-being and potential of every student through a strong Multi-Tiered System of Supports. 

These students are not only leaders in their schools; they are examples of the impact that purposeful teaching, caring relationships, and inclusive communities can have. Their achievements illuminate what is possible when every learner is empowered, supported, and seen.

Their futures are bright and their stories continue to inspire the work we do each day.