Moreno Valley Highlighted at the RCOE Student Academic Awards

Great minds from 53 high schools all across Riverside County were invited to be honored with awards at the Ninth Annual Riverside County Student Academic Awards Dinner. Held at the Riverside Convention Center, the event, organized by the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE), recognized students in the county for their outstanding achievements in academia (including GPA and class rank), extra curricular activities, and civic engagement. Music was provided by the Rancho Verde High School Jazz Ensemble. As the ceremony began, assistant superintendent Diana M. Asseier welcomed the guests. The Rancho Verde Air Force JROTC Honor Guard performed the Presentation of Colors, and Chanelle Varner, of Rancho Verde High School sang the National Anthem. "Each school has their own tradition when it comes to the specific mix of criteria that is considered for the choosing of the students to be honored, so it's not always simply the top 3 academic students," shared Kenneth M. Young, the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools. Young thanked the principals, teachers, students and parents present for all of their hard work. "Each successful student had a strong support network," Young said before he directed a message to those students who will soon be out of High School. "You don't have to have it all figured out right now. A lot of you know what you want to do after high school. A lot don't, and that's okay." With that, students, their families and district staff enjoyed a dinner, and Asseier returned for the presentation of recipients. Moreno Vally Unified School District award recipients included Shanon Chee, Quynh Nguyen and Maya Shimamvra of Canyon Springs High School. From Moreno Valley High School, Ruben Rodriguez, Roberto Romo and Patrick Samones were recognized. Valley View High School students Rajesh Kumar, Camille Latzke and Nancy Ruano were awarded. Vista del Lago High School recipients were Kendra Arriaga-Castellanos, Samantha Durazo, and Elizabeth Jaime. "These are outstanding young ladies, who will go on to obtain University education. They are the perfect people to represent our school," shared Gary Yetter, Assistant Principal at Vista Del Lago High School. Superintendent Dr. Judy White said that she was pleased with the 16 students who represented Moreno valley. "These are students that are not only leaders in academics, but they have a sense of civil and social responsibility as well," Dr. White said. She touched on the support coalition that is being built for those students going to the University of California Berkely and University of California Los Angeles. This coalition will allow these students to network with Moreno Valley students and staff, as well as with each other, so that they have a connection with Moreno Valley as they go through college. "We want them not only to succeed in college with our support, but to maintain the connection with Moreno Valley, so that they come back after they graduate." After the presentation of recipients, the All-County Academic Team was presented. These students were chosen from all of the students as the top 11 academic students of 2014.