March PUHSD Students of The Month Aspire to Careers in Medicine, Teaching and Law Enforcement

Connor Forbes
Connor Forbes
6 Min Read
The PUHSD Students of the Month winners for March are, Front Row (L-R): Titus Weston, Perris High School; Carlos Murillo-Vega, California Military Institute; Caitlyn Hocson, Paloma Valley High School; Nandi Dogani, Heritage High School; and Lila Montebon, Liberty High School. 

March PUHSD Students of The Month

The Perris and Menifee Valley Chambers of Commerce have announced their five Perris Unified High School District Students of the Month for March. Nominated by teachers and staff at their respective schools, the students are selected for their character, integrity, love of learning, perseverance to overcome challenging circumstances, community service, and how they make a difference on campus.

The recognized students and their families were honored during a celebratory breakfast sponsored by the chambers along with local businesses and organizations.  As told by the educators, the attending business and government representatives are presented with first-hand accounts of the student’s accomplishments. Each honoree received certificates of recognition, numerous gifts, hearty congratulations, and encouragement to continue their paths. 

All of these students demonstrated a desire to work hard and have a drive to exceed their expectations.  The Perris Valley Chamber and the Menifee Valley Chamber wish them the best in their endeavors. If you wish to learn more about the Student of the Month Program, please contact founder, Sally Myers at (951) 506-8024.

Nandi Dogani – Heritage High School

Heritage High Principal Lindsay Chavez observes that Nandi Dogani leads with compassion. “Her heart is always at the forefront of what she does, and Heritage High School is a better school community because of Nandi,” the principal observed. Nandi is described as an exceptional leader in Heritage organizations including CSF and Link Crew. She is a scholar, graduating at the ripe age of 16-years-old. As an athlete, Nandi is competing in track.  Nandi has set a high bar for her future. She plans to attend UC San Diego, double majoring in psychology and biology with aspirations of becoming a child and adolescent psychiatrist. 

Caitlyn HocsonPaloma Valley High School

When Caitlyn Hocson emigrated with her family from their native Philippines, as an eight-year-old, the first obstacle was learning English. Challenge accepted; Caitlyn hurdled that obstacle with determination and perseverance and was noticed as an overachiever. At Paloma Valley High, Caitlyn has taken dual AP courses.  AP Literature teacher, Lisa Brown commented on Caitlyn’s effort. “In spite of all of the extracurricular activities that she’s involved in, she stays on top of her work,” Brown said. Caitlyn’s next challenge is to further her education, possibly at UC Berkeley, and major in Biomed, with the intent of becoming an anesthesiologist.

Lila Montebon – Liberty High School

Like many artists before her, Lila Montebon is described as personally quiet, yet immensely expressive through her artistic endeavors. Liberty High principal Dr. Erika Tejeda described Lila as an introvert. But “A lot of her actions speak louder than words and are what she embodies and how she gets her friends and peers to move alongside her,” Dr. Tejada reveals. The president of the Art Club, Lila is a talented, multi-faceted musician. A member of the Bison Band, she’s stepped up as music director and orchestra conductor as well. It’s said that music heals, and Lila currently plans to apply that quality of healing in a different venue. She intends to attend either UC Irvine or UC Santa Cruz to study biology and become a nurse.

Carlos Murillo-Vega – CA Military Institute

When one is described as kind, courteous, and respectful with high integrity and character, they are living a gifted life.  Those are the characteristics employed to describe CMI’s Carlos Murillo-Vega, a recognized leader on campus. It is a position he readily accepts, serving as a youth leader at his church as well.  Carlos shared that since middle school, he’s felt a need to help others, and describes leadership as aiding and guiding others to realize their potential. This comports with his faith and belief that when God has a plan for you, it never fails. Carlos plans to attend Cal State San Bernardino with an eye toward a career as a detective.

Titus Weston – Perris High School

“There’s no one I’ve seen at our school who has really enjoyed their time at high school like Titus,” Perris High Principal Juan Santos shares about Titus Weston. It’s an enthusiasm Titus displays on campus every day in his many activities including theater, choir, FFA, and the culinary program. Opportunities that Titus acknowledges he is grateful for having. Looking to play forward his high school experiences, Titus is excited to share that he plans to continue his education at Mt. San Jacinto College and then transfer to San Diego State University majoring in English, with the intent of becoming a teacher.

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March PUHSD Students of The Month. Front Row (L-R): Titus Weston, Perris High School; Carlos Murillo-Vega, California Military Institute; Caitlyn Hocson, Paloma Valley High School; Nandi Dogani, Heritage High School; and Lila Montebon, Liberty High School. Back Row (L-R) Founder Sally Myers; Perris City Clerk Nancy Salazar; Jett Benavidez, Congressman Ken Calvert’s office; Casey Deaver, Assemblyman Bill Essayli’s office; PUHSD Supt. Grant Bennett; Jerry Sepulveda, Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce; and Kirk Skorpanich, Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Front Row (L-R): Titus Weston, Perris High School; Carlos Murillo-Vega, California Military Institute; Caitlyn Hocson, Paloma Valley High School; Nandi Dogani, Heritage High School; and Lila Montebon, Liberty High School. Back Row (L-R) Founder Sally Myers; Perris City Clerk Nancy Salazar; Jett Benavidez, Congressman Ken Calvert’s office; Casey Deaver, Assemblyman Bill Essayli’s office; PUHSD Supt. Grant Bennett; Jerry Sepulveda, Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce; and Kirk Skorpanich, Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce.

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