Meet the First 2026-2027 Students of the Month from High Schools in Corona-Norco Unified School District

CORONA – In this season of gratitude, seniors from local high schools shared their appreciation for teachers, counselors, coaches, and nutrition services team members, among others at their campuses for encouraging their success after being named Corona-Norco Unified School District Students of the Month.

Student speeches at the event detailed how these educators and supportive fathers, foster moms, and siblings helped them overcome medical conditions, the loss of family members, and the emotional challenges of geographic separation.

The inspirational students represented the first seniors in the Class of 2027 from all 10 Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD) high schools to be highlighted at the Student of the Month event on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Lee V. Pollard High School in Corona.

Organized by the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE), in partnership with CNUSD, and the Corona-Norco Council Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Council, the event honored high school seniors in the district that serves the cities of Eastvale, Norco, Corona, and Temescal Valley.

“Every single person here believes in you. We see the potential, the promise, and the wonderful future for all of you,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez during his opening remarks at the event. “Thank you to all of our parents and community members for your support and for believing in our students.”

“Our Students of the Month represent more than academic excellence. Their unique journeys reflect perseverance, kindness, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference,” said CNUSD Superintendent Dr. Gadelmawla. “I am incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing all they will achieve.” 

“We love coming together as a community to celebrate and encourage these amazing students. Parents, teachers, and mentors—thank you for cheering them on every step of the way,” said President of the Corona-Norco Council of PTAs Amber Pelland, at the event. “We celebrate your hard work, your resilience, and your incredible achievements.”

Gold sponsorship support for the CNUSD Student of the Month event is provided by Riverside County District 2 Supervisor Karen Spiegel. Platinum ($7,500 and up), gold ($5,000), silver ($3,000), bronze ($1,500), and table ($500) sponsorship opportunities are available for all events. Please contact Neftali Galarza, Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships, at ngalarza@rcoe.us. 

The first 2026-2027 CNUSD Students of the Month are as follows:

• Chao Hong - Academy of Innovation
• Rhocel Maegan Dilag Tapia - Centennial High School
• Armando Sanchez - Corona High School
• Giuliana Gutierrez Carpenter - Eastvale STEM Academy (eSTEM)
• Drake Robert Wilson - Eleanor Roosevelt High School
• Christian H. Kim - John F. Kennedy Middle College High School
• Jessica Alyah Garcia - Lee V. Pollard High School
• Parker Joseph Briones - Norco High School
• Luis Adrian Morales - Orange Grove High School
• Benjamin Walker Rausch - Santiago High School

Highlights from student speeches included the following:

“It was hard for me to be away from my parents who are in China. My brother helped me learn English, and when I transferred to the Academy of Innovation, I learned even more because my teacher really wants to help students learn. When I left China, I promised my mom I would work hard in school, go to college, and do well in life. The Academy of Innovation has helped me keep my promise.” (Chao Hong, Academy of Innovation)

“I realize that many of the qualities I've developed throughout high school, whether it's independence, discipline, perseverance, or leadership, have come from the people and experiences that have shaped me. I want to acknowledge CNUSD for providing me with the opportunities, resources, and educational environment that have allowed me to learn, grow, and explore my interests throughout the years. After graduation, I plan to go to university and work my way to medical school to becoming a doctor like my parents.” (Rhocel Maegan Dilag Tapia, Centennial High School)

“It's the hard things that make high school all the more worthwhile. Right now, it's hard to say confidently that struggle and hardship build character, especially when I still have to finish my college applications. I know one day, I'll say, ‘Wow, where would I be now if I didn't have to struggle and fail and learn through those tough times?’ After graduation, I'm looking to attend a university to pursue a career in medicine. Thank you to CNUSD for giving me the opportunity to excel and develop as a student and as a person.” (Christian H. Kim, John F. Kennedy Middle College High School)

“One important thing I've learned throughout my time at Pollard is that success is not about the grades you earn or the accomplishments you achieve, but it’s about the experiences you gain, the people you meet and have an impact on. These opportunities have taught me the importance of leadership, responsibility, and stepping outside my comfort zone. I am proud of the accomplishments I've made so far because I know how much work, dedication, and effort has taken me where I am today.” (Jessica Alyah Garcia, Lee V. Pollard High School)

“Throughout high school, I've learned that life doesn't always go the way you expect it to. Things aren't always easy, and sometimes you face situations and you question yourself. But I've also learned that what matters most is how you choose to move forward. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that everyone has their own path and learns at their own pace. What matters is that you keep showing up and trying. Don't lose sight of what you want for yourself. I've learned that the decisions we make today can shape the future we have tomorrow. And while I know I still have a lot to learn, I’m proud of the progress I've made and the person I'm becoming.” (Luis Adrian Morales, Orange Grove High School)

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. For the third consecutive year, educators and staff members at each CNUSD high school identify one outstanding senior as an honoree at each event. Recipients are selected based on how they embody character, integrity, a passion for learning, active involvement in school life, sports, and community service, or remarkable resilience in the face of life’s challenges while maintaining a commitment to education. 

The honorees from all three of the 2026-2027 CNUSD Student of the Month events will be eligible to apply for the CNUSD Student of the Year Award by submitting a scholarship application. 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 Friday, May 14, 2027, at the Riverside County Office of Education Conference Center. 

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.