CORONA, CA - The second Student of the Month celebration of the school year was held last week on January 30 at Centennial High School, hosted by the Riverside County Office of Education, in partnership with CNUSD and the Corona-Norco Council PTA. The event honored 10 seniors across all the high schools who exemplify good character, leadership, and perseverance.
The following students were recognized:
Academy of Innovation - Valen Ng
Valen Ng leads with fairness, empathy, and a deep sense of belonging. By showing up to Zoom classes every day with his camera on and expressing powerful ideas about justice through writing, Valen demonstrates presence, commitment, and care for his community. His consistency reflects a quiet form of leadership rooted in accountability and respect.
Centennial High School - Nimmer Kaur
Nimmer Kaur, an IB candiate with an impressive 4.9 GPA, is known for her personality, perseverance, and willingness to take risks. Once shy, she has grown into a confident public speaker through her involvement with the Corona Mayor’s Youth Council, now speaking in front of large groups with confidence and purpose.
Corona High School - Lara Randhawa
Lara Randhawa has spent immersed in language and learning, participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee as part of a family tradition that has spanned nearly a decade. Through the Spanish Dual Language Immersion program, Academic Decathlon, and her genuine appreciation for culture and language, she has demonstrated both passion and discipline. Known for her strong work ethic and ability to work under pressure, Lara hopes to enter the health system to address inequities in healthcare.
Eastvale Stem Academy (eSTEM) - Elizabeth Ngechu
Elizabeth Ngechu’s interests in science, equity, and access guide everything she pursues. Determined and open to opportunity, she serves on the Eastvale City Council Youth Advisory group, and founded the Afro Nation club on campus, bringing joy to her school community. She believes school is about more than academics, emphasizing growth, responsibility, and showing up for others, values that have shaped her leadership and confidence. Elizabeth plans to pursue a career as a pediatrician.
Eleanor Roosevelt High School - Sydney Barlett
With a 4.3 GPA, Sydney Bartlett balances AP coursework and dual enrollment at Norco College while also leading at Roosevelt High School. As ASB Spirit Commissioner, a theater media manager and dance captain, and a Link Crew Leader welcoming incoming freshmen, her impact is felt across campus. Her leadership is thoughtful and consistent, never seeking the spotlight.
John F. Kennedy Middle College High School - Natalia Perez
Natalia Perez consistently challenges herself academically, completing nine Norco College courses over the last year and 17 college classes overall. A Dual Language Immersion student, AVID participant, student council president, and Link Crew Commissioner, she also volunteers at Corona Regional Medical Center. With 61 college units and five associate degrees, she plans to pursue patient-centered medicine.
Lee V. Pollard High School - Raegan Marie Moore
Reagan Moore’s deep commitment to her studies is matched by her drive to lead and serve. Through Unity Leadership, she focuses on developing student strengths and has led a domestic violence awareness campaign on her campus. Her leadership reflects purpose, responsibility, and determination.
Norco High School - Miranda Torres
Miranda Torres balances strong academic performance while running two small businesses, demonstrating discipline, responsibility, and determination. Through personal adversity, she has shown incredible strength, choosing to use those experiences to fuel her resilience and maintain a positive outlook. Guided by her love for animals, Miranda hopes to pursue a future as a veterinarian, turning perseverance into purpose.
Orange Grove High School - Alexis Guerrero
Alexis Guerrero is a warrior who has overcome serious barriers, reminding others that grades are only one measure of success. Through hard work, determination, and growth, she continues to put her best foot forward while supporting her peers, including special education groups on campus. With interests in nursing and psychology, she plans to attend Norco College and is part of the first cohort of the Power Collective mentoring program focused on developing leadership skills in young girls.
Santiago High School - Nemat Gil
After overcoming health struggles, Nemat Gil returned to school with renewed strength and confidence. While taking challenging coursework and participating in theater, her journey reflects perseverance and dedication. She now sees college as an opportunity and is interested in working in pediatrics.