Meet the Students of the Month From 10 Corona-Norco Unified School District High Schools

EASTVALE – A tennis team captain who has mentored more than 500 elementary school students in STEM topics, a student who has navigated homelessness and family challenges to remain in school, and a scholar who admitted to being weak in math but now calls it “the language that helps him understand the world”, were among the ten outstanding high school seniors in the Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD) who were honored at the second Student of the Month event held at Eleanor Roosevelt High School on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

Organized by the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE), in partnership with CNUSD, and the Corona-Norco Council Parent Teacher Association, the event spotlighted Class of 2025 students in the district that serves the cities of Eastvale, Norco, Corona, and Temescal Valley. The event was also sponsored by Riverside County Second District Supervisor, Karen Spiegel.

“The Student of the Month events are powerful examples of the human spirit—showcasing the academic, personal, and aspirational brilliance of students who are pursuing their dreams in the classrooms of campuses throughout Riverside County,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “We are grateful for the collaboration with Corona-Norco USD and the Corona-Norco Council Parent Teacher Association to provide a platform to recognize these extraordinary students.”

In multiple regions around Riverside County, a variety of community partners, including chambers of commerce and community groups, regularly highlight students of the month at individual districts. From November to April, educators and staff members at each CNUSD high school will identify one outstanding senior as an honoree based on how they embody character, integrity, a passion for learning, active involvement in school life, sports, and community service, or have displayed remarkable resilience in the face of life’s challenges while maintaining a commitment to education.

“We are thrilled to partner with RCOE and our wonderful PTA for this Student of the Month program to highlight our incredible students who continue to inspire us with their resilience, determination, and hard work,” said Corona-Norco Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Sam Buenrostro. “Their stories continue to remind us of our why and keep us committed to ensuring every student has the knowledge, skills, motivation, and resilience to thrive in a diverse global community.”

“On behalf of the Corona-Norco Council PTA and our 19,000 members, we are excited to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our senior students. From their early days in kindergarten to now being just months away from graduation, the unwavering support and encouragement of parents, teachers, students, and community members, have played a vital role in their journey. We look forward to seeing their continued impact on our world and community.”

The next Corona-Norco Unified Students of the Month are as follows:

• Saul Mondragon - Academy of Innovation
• Cameron Choe - Centennial High School
• Diana Stutsman - Corona High School
• Lindsey Hyo-Ryn Young - Eastvale STEM Academy
• Stephen Kalani King III - Eleanor Roosevelt High School
• Lea Eldridge - John F. Kennedy Middle College High School
• Berlin Lila Rivera - Lee V. Pollard High School
• Luciano De La Hoya - Norco High School
• Bryan Garcia - Orange Grove High School
• Carson Chambers - Santiago High School

Exceptional CNUSD students and their families will also be celebrated at the upcoming events:

• March 18, 2025 (at John F. Kennedy Middle College High School, Norco)
• April 24, 2024 (at Eagle Glen Golf Course, Corona)

In late March 2025, these Students of the Month can apply for the prestigious Student of the Year Award by submitting scholarship applications. Students of the Year will be chosen based on their outstanding academic achievements, active participation in high school life, or their inspiring journey of self-improvement and transformation. The Students of the Year will be honored on April 24, 2025.

Platinum ($5,000+), gold ($3,000), bronze ($1,500), and table ($500) sponsorship opportunities are available for all events. Please contact Alejandra “Aly” Herrera, Community Engagement and Partnerships Representative, for additional information at aherrera@rcoe.us.

About the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE)

RCOE is a service agency supporting the county’s 23 school districts and 500+ schools that serve nearly 430,000 students—more than the student population of 17 states. RCOE services include administrative support to districts and charter schools, programs for preschool, special education, pregnant minor, correctional, migrant, and vocational students. In addition, the organization provides professional training, support, and resources for more than 18,000 teachers, administrators, and staff, throughout the 7,000 square miles of Riverside County. Learn more at www.rcoe.us.

About Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD)
CNUSD consists of thirty-one elementary schools, eight intermediate/middle schools, five comprehensive high schools, a middle college high school, and three alternative schools. The district serves over 53,000 students in the diverse communities of Corona, Norco, Eastvale, and Temescal Valley. CNUSD is the largest school district in Riverside County and the seventh-largest district in California. The district’s vision is that every student has the knowledge, skills, motivation, and resilience to thrive in a diverse global community. Learn more at www.cnusd.k12.ca.us.  

About Corona-Norco Council Parent Teacher Association

Originally chartered in 1929, the Corona-Norco Council Parent PTA is celebrating 95 years of making magic for students, schools, and the communities served by CNUSD. The all-volunteer organization is a resource and source of encouragement to PTA leaders who serve the 53,000 students in 48 schools in CNUSD while celebrating scholars, supporting school and district events, and advocating for students and families. Learn more at www.coronanorcocouncilpta.com.