Next group of Class of 2025 seniors recognized at partnership event between Riverside County Office of Education, Corona-Norco Unified School District, and Corona-Norco Council Parent Teacher Association

NORCO – Corona High School senior Emiliano Perez confidently stepped up to the podium at the Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD) Student of the Month event coordinated by the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) and shared his perspective on his own future.

“The sky’s the limit as everyone has said to me throughout my entire life, and I intend to listen to them,” Emiliano said. “I don't know where my ceiling is, but I'll push past it anyway.”

Emiliano was one of ten honorees that included first-generation college students, a scholar set to graduate with three associate’s degrees, and a valedictorian with a 4.964 grade point average, at the event held at John F. Kennedy Middle College High School on Tuesday, March 18, 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. Gold-level sponsorship was provided by Riverside County Second District Supervisor, Karen Spiegel.

“The outstanding scholars recognized at every Student of the Month event are inspiring examples of resilience, brilliance, and outstanding examples of the promise of education to transform lives,” 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 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 most recent Corona-Norco Unified Students of the Month are as follows:

• Joy Benjamin - Academy of Innovation
• Arjun Shah - Centennial High School
• Emiliano Perez - Corona High School
• Sarah Pu - Eastvale STEM Academy
• Christine Xiong - Eleanor Roosevelt High School
• Niaomy Lewis - John F. Kennedy Middle College High School
• Stephanie Somera - Lee V. Pollard High School
• Noel Lopez Rico - Norco High School
• Margarita Bravo - Orange Grove High School
• Jackson Meleney - Santiago High School

View more photos and event information

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.

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 on the CNUSD website.   

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 on the Corona-Norco Council Parent PTA website.