The Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Sizzler Restaurants, named the 2024 High School Student of the Year Honorees at the monthly Student of the Month Recognition Program on Thursday, May 16, 2024.
These exceptional students and their families attended a breakfast sponsored by several local businesses and community leaders. Principals gave a speech honoring each of their students, followed by students, who then shared stories about their high school journey. Student of the Year recipients received a $4,000 college scholarship, an iPad and numerous gift certificates from local businesses, certificates of recognition from local, county, state, and federal dignitaries.
Murrieta Canyon Academy Senior Avery Redmon co-enrolled at Murrieta Valley High School where she was a 2nd Lieutenant in the JROTC program. Her impact was felt across the campus. As a student leader, she represented MCA at the district’s monthly school board meetings. She was a member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, as well as a peer counselor delivering lessons to all classes at MCA. She was President of the Bring Change to Mind Club with a unique focus on mental wellness. She epitomizes the MCA motto of SOAR. Avery will attend MSJC and transfer to a four-year university where she will pursue an advanced degree in music education. She is interested in becoming a teacher.
Murrieta Mesa High School Senior Levi Alderete is an incredible student who maintained a 4.45 GPA and was ranked in the top 5 of his class, the treasurer of the National Honor Society, thepresident of the Astrophysics and Robotics clubs, and he amassed over 150 community service hours as a Mesa student. Additionally, Levi earned a lead role in this year’s Mesa production of Mean Girls and was also cast in “And Then There Were One” and “Westside Story.” Lastly, he was team captain of Mesa’s Varsity baseball team. Levi is a published children’s author. He wrote and illustrated his book, “Going to Otter Space: An Otters Guide to Astrophysics.” Levi will attend Caltech where he will play baseball and work towards a bachelor’s degree in Astro Physics. He then plans on attaining a master’s degree in mechanical engineering then enlist in the United States Air Force for pilot training with the end goal of becoming an astronaut.
Murrieta Valley High School Senior Gina Namkung is an IB Diploma student who maintained a 4.48 GPA. Gina was also selected as the Murrieta Valley Unified School District Student of the Year at the Riverside Exceptional Student Awards. Gina was a member of the National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation, she is the founder and president of the Fencing club, a member of Club Monet (an art club on campus, a member of the Asian Student union and a member of the Robotics club. Gina is also a gifted creative. She plays the piano and flute and is an artist. She competed with the MVHS Mock Trial team in the county competition and took first place as the courtroom artist. In 2023, she received the 2023 California Arts Scholar Award. Gina plans to attend UCLA and study Public Affairs. Her goal is to attain a master’s degree in city and regional planning.
Vista Murrieta High School Student Lauren Sammon is the Bronco Student of the Year. Lauren is the epitome of our motto of CLASS/ Character, Leadership, Attitude, Scholarship and Service, with an emphasis on EVERY LETTER of the word. With an impressive 4.4 GPA, Lauren holds the top ranking in her class and was recently named salutatorian of the Class of 2024. Her leadership at the BBC has been unparalleled, as she set high expectations for herself, and has inspired others to do the same. Lauren’s athletic talent is equally remarkable, as her accomplishments on the golf course speak volumes!
Lauren achieved 15th place in the 2024 CIF State Golf Championship and was crowned the CIF Individual Champion in the spring of 2021. In the fall of 2021, she won the CIF Southern Regional Championship. Lauren is a four-time CIF Southern California Regional qualifier, securing a runner-up finish, and a two-time Southwestern MVP, showcasing her consistent excellence and dedication to the sport. Lauren plans to attend the University of Wisconsin to play Division 1 golf and be a part of the Business School as a Finance major.
