Seniors of Distinction

Jurupa Unified's Class of 2019 features many high achievers with a diverse range of skills, goals, and life journeys. Graduating seniors districtwide have worked hard, cleared obstacles, and laid a strong foundation for college, careers, and life.

To celebrate Jurupa graduates and the graduation season, we decided to hear from a student from each campus who represents Jurupa Unified's commitment to cultivating grit, determination, and learning without limits.

Monserrat Corral, ​Jurupa Valley High School

Favorite class and Top 3 extracurricular activities: My favorite subject is definitely music; it's more engaging than a traditional classroom setting and something that can stay consistent throughout four years of high school. I also participated in marching band and wind ensemble during all four years of high school because I knew they would set me up well for my future career.

What challenge(s) are you most proud of overcoming?: I'm most proud of overcoming the challenges of learning how to balance being a student and a musician. It takes great time management skills to balance both assignments, and consistent practice time.

Who has been key to helping you succeed on your journey? How have they helped?: My mom and big sister have made sure I've had everything I've needed and never let me give up. My private instructor has given me the tools to be successful in my future education, and inspires me to improve and practice. My band director, Mrs. Sears, has proven that you can push through any difficult situation, and given me many opportunities to strive and show my true capabilities. I'm excited to be one of her colleagues in the near future.

What are your plans for the future?: I plan to major in instrumental music education at Cal State Fullerton and pursue a career as a high school band director, bringing music into the lives of young people.

What would like to add about your experiences at JUSD?: I hope to see more art in our community. Our world needs more musicians. Music is what truly makes us human.

Added JVHS teacher, and band director, Leighanna Sears: “Monserrat Corral is an exemplary student, role model, and young woman. When I first met Monse she was (and still is) a bright student with an amazing work ethic and zeal for learning. Monse quickly became one of the best musicians in the band, and the epitome of a good leader. She earned the position of drum major her junior and senior years, maintaining a 4.2 GPA while balancing AP classes, band responsibilities, participation in honor ensembles and top-performing drum corps (which she learned a new instrument for!), and preparing auditions for college her senior year. Monse stays late to help, attends competitions and events of her peers to support them, and helps in myriad other ways. Monse will be studying music education at Cal State Fullerton this fall, and I am confident she will continue to be a successful young woman who deeply understands the power of grit and hard work." 

Nautica Rios, Nueva Vista High School

Favorite class and Top 3 extracurricular activities: My favorite class is ASB and business math because I enjoy learning new things and love the students and my teachers. They are all very supportive and caring. My top extracurricular activities include volunteering to donate blood and volunteering to help with the bake sale for our global cause of water in Kenya.

What challenge(s) are you most proud of overcoming?: For me, one of the biggest challenges that I am most proud of overcoming is getting caught up with all my school work and for being on track to graduate early.

Who has been key to helping you succeed on your journey? How have they helped?: Mrs. Lancaster and Mrs. Wheeler have both been key to helping me succeed on my journey. They have helped me by never letting me slack off and for always pushing me to do my absolute best and pushing me to be where I am today.

What are your plans for the future?: My plans are to attend Riverside Community College where I hope to become a registered nurse and to attend a volunteer program at Riverside Community Hospital to help care for infants.

What would like to add about your experiences at JUSD?: All of JUSD's staff were very supportive and encouraging in helping me get ready and prepare for my future.​

Added NVHS teacher Karen Lancaster:​ “Through personal turmoil and struggles, Nautica has been able to push through and focus on her studies, knowing that a diploma plus a post-secondary education will help her and her siblings get further in life. She is even graduating as a junior!" [Editor's note: Nautica Rios was named a 2019 Top Scholar by the Riverside County Office of Education for her academic work and personal achievements, which have included helping her single father care for her younger siblings.]

Hector Contreras, Patriot High School

Favorite class and Top 3 extracurricular activities: My favorite class is chemistry because it was the most hands-on experience I've ever had in a classroom. It was cool actually seeing the things we were learning in the textbooks in real life. I am also a three-season athlete. I was on the varsity tennis team for three years and the varsity soccer team for two years. My last extracurricular activity is playing my guitar. It's not a school or community affiliated activity, but I enjoy playing and have used my guitar in various school projects to bring life to presentations.

What challenge(s) are you most proud of overcoming?: One of the most challenging experiences I've ever faced was the absence of my AP chemistry teacher for the entire second semester of the course. This was challenging because we had substitutes who did not specialize in chemistry. With the AP test quickly approaching, I realized that I would have to study on my own. It was a difficult process, as I did not know where to start. I learned how to effectively take notes on my own and assign myself homework to do. The fact that I am most proud of is that I was the only one who passed. This experience taught me how to be responsible and self-motivated, and that is what I truly am proud of.

Who has been key to helping you succeed on your journey? How have they helped?: All of my teachers have helped me grow in some way. My tennis coach and English composition teacher Danielle Ortiz helped me become a better writer in the classroom, and on the court she helped me mature and control my frustrations when losing a point. Because of her, I now do not get frustrated easily. Another person who has helped me tremendously is my art history teacher and English literature teacher, Teresa Mendoza. She believed in me. I was surprised when I got a 5 on the art history exam, but I realized that she had pushed me to write better essays and prepared me well for the exam. And in English Lit she always pushed me to write better essays and score higher on my tests. Because of her, I now have deep love and appreciation for art and poetry. Her classes taught me how to have and open mind, and a quality like that will help me succeed on my journey.

What are your plans for the future?: I plan on attending Vassar College and getting a degree in chemistry there. After that I plan on going to medical school and becoming a doctor or pediatrician.​

What would like to add about your experiences at JUSD?: Other than the early start times, I really enjoyed my time at JUSD and I will deeply miss the friends and teachers who have impacted my life.

Added PHS teacher Martha Gonzalez: “Hector Contreras is graduating fifth in his class. Hector will be majoring in biology and would like to become a doctor. It is remarkable for his family to celebrate his achievements and we at Patriot High School have seen him grow intellectually. He has taken many Advanced Placement classes and successfully passed them. In fact, he was the only student at Patriot to pass the AP Chemistry exam during his junior year. We wish him well in his future endeavors and we are so proud of his family. He will be attending Vassar College in a full scholarship." 

Valerie Clara, Rivercrest:

Favorite class and Top 3 extracurricular activities: My favorite class is automotive because I learned many interesting things about cars.  I thank Mr. Leach for teaching me about automotive technology.

What challenge(s) are you most proud of overcoming?: I am proud of overcoming my timidness in theater class. Reciting monologues and performing in plays has helped me with my confidence. I thank Ms. Shaer who has helped me come out of my shell.

Who has been key to helping you succeed on your journey?  How have they helped?: Ms. Chavez and Ms. Cortez have been key to helping me succeed this year. They both guided me through this overwhelming process. My parents, grandpa, sister and brother have been very supportive, and I am very thankful for them.

What are your plans for the future?: My plans include going to the makeup academy to become a makeup artist. I also plan to go to college and become a nurse. My ultimate goal is to work for CHOC Children's Hospital and be a makeup artist on the side.

What would like to add about your experiences at JUSD?: Rivercrest was such an amazing learning experience. In my opinion, online school made learning easier than it is in a classroom. All of the staff here are very helpful and made learning exciting.

Added Rivercrest teacher Lauretta Wilson-Cortez: “What has impressed me about Valerie is how she set the goal for herself to graduate at the end of her junior year and has put in countless hours of academic work to make that goal happen. We are all so proud of her!" 

Edgar Zavala, Rubidoux High School

Favorite class and Top 3 extracurricular activities: My favorite subject is biology, which has allowed me to learn about life and all its forms. Biology is important because it allows us to know how our bodies function. My top three extracurricular activities are volleyball, tennis and class council. Being a part of sports like volleyball and tennis has allowed me to build character skills such as teamwork, cooperation and leadership. Joining class council allowed me to meet new people and build my confidence.

What challenge(s) are you most proud of overcoming?: Both of my parents passed away by the time I was 14. My parents had both grown ill prior to their passing. As a result, I was challenged with balancing school and nursing my parents. I overcame this challenge by setting time aside for both my academics and my parents. My mom always told me there is time for everything; she would say, “You just have to manage your time correctly."

Who has been key to helping you succeed on your journey? How have they helped?: Since the moment I transferred to Rubidoux, a teacher who connected with me was Mrs. Roble, my history, yearbook and AVID teacher. She helped me grow as a student and as a person. She provided the emotional support the same as a mother would, motiviating me and lending me a shoulder to cry on. I am thank for for her advice, which allowed me to pursue a college education.

What are your plans for the future?: In five years I would love to be a college graduate with a bachelor's in biological sciences. I plan to receive my teaching credential and become a high school-level biology teacher. Aside from teaching, I would love to be a tennis or volleyball coach at the school where I teach.

Added RHS college and career counselor Rosío G. Merino: “When it comes to facing challenges and learning without limits, Edgar Zavala Aviles comes to mind. Edgar is here at RHS on a transfer; he lives in Moreno Valley with an older brother. Sometimes, he has to take public transportation to and from school when his brother cannot provide transportation. What has most impressed me about Edgar is his remarkable resilience and positive outlook on life despite suffering the loss of both his parents and having to face so many challenges at such a young age. Edgar is a young man with admirable tenacity and character, and I am extremely proud of him!"

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