Celebrating resilience, leadership, and bright futures. Partnership event awards $7,500 in scholarships to support students' next steps

Corona, CA - Sometimes the best stories are the ones about perseverance, quiet leadership, and students who turn challenges into stepping stones. That spirit was front and center on April 24, 2025, when three CNUSD seniors were recognized as Students of the Year by the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE).

The inaugural celebration, hosted by RCOE in partnership with CNUSD and the Corona-Norco Council PTA, was held at Eagle Glen Golf Club in Corona. It marked the first time seniors who had previously been honored as Students of the Month were brought together for one special event—and it quickly became a day no one will forget.

Each student received a $2,500 scholarship to help launch their college journey.

“These students have faced immense challenges and turned them into powerful stories of strength, growth, and hope,” said CNUSD Superintendent Dr. Sam Buenrostro. “Their resilience is a testament to the human spirit and a reminder of why we do this work—to lift students up, remove barriers, and help them see the possibilities ahead. We’re proud to stand beside them as they take flight toward bright futures.”

Meet the Student of the Year honorees:

Stephen Kalani King III
Eleanor Roosevelt High School


Stephen King III’s high school journey hasn’t been easy. After years of instability, not always knowing where he would sleep at night, he found something stronger inside himself: a drive to make life better not just for himself, but for others.

At Roosevelt, Stephen became a leader in UNITY Club, helping create a safe, welcoming space for students to talk about difficult topics. His principal described him as “a light on campus,” and his teacher, Annie Havard, said Stephen is “a gift to anyone who knows him.”

Stephen shared that he originally joined UNITY for an easy grade but ended up finding a second family and a new sense of purpose. “UNITY taught me I wasn’t alone, even though I felt alone,” he said.

Stephen plans to study psychology at Cal Poly Pomona, with dreams of becoming a teacher and paying forward the kindness and support he found during high school.

Niaomy Lewis has always believed in building her own future. Thanks to the sacrifices her parents made, she grew up determined to make the most of every opportunity—and she has.

At JFK, Niaomy became a Police Explorer, served in ASB, ran lunchtime events, and still found time to earn three associate degrees from Norco College before graduation. Teachers describe her as hilarious, sharp, and the kind of student who makes every classroom better.

“My parents have always been my motivators,” Niaomy said. “JFK made me feel at home and connected to my community.”

Niaomy will head to Cal State San Marcos to major in physics, with her sights set on becoming a professor.

Berlin Rivera knows what it means to be resilient. As the oldest of five kids, growing up with a single mom, Berlin learned early to be strong for others—and still found ways to lead and give back at every step.

At Lee V. Pollard, she served on student council, volunteered at Vicentia Elementary, and sat on the Mayor’s Youth Council for the City of Corona. Teachers describe her as wise beyond her years, compassionate, and a voice for those who often go unheard. One of her teachers, a former Marine, put it simply: “Berlin has ‘it.’”

“My journey to get here wasn’t easy, but my family has always been here for me,” Berlin said.

She’ll attend Riverside City College in the fall, following the Elementary Teacher Education pathway. Her dream: to become a teacher and help future students find the kind of support and encouragement that lifted her.

The Student of the Year awards reflect what’s possible when a community comes together to celebrate student achievement and perseverance. Thanks to the partnership between RCOE, CNUSD, and the CNUSD Council PTA, the event shined a light on three extraordinary young people—and the bright futures they’re stepping into.