Jacqueline Ceja's mother talked about enjoying her daughter's success.
The North Coast Church was primed and ready to honor the outstanding students from Fallbrook High School: Jacqueline Ceja, Reyli Cuellar, Michael Perez, and Emily Schmierer. After Master of Ceremonies Greg Coppock welcomed the community, Pastor Spencer Osborn opened the event with a prayer. The community members included the Angel Society, Fallbrook Vintage Car Club, Fallbrook PTSA, Fallbrook Women’s Club, Pacific Western Bank, Village News, and four San Diego Sheriff representatives. Don and Jen Weeks attended to represent Fallbrook Village Rotary.
Jacqueline Ceja has plans to attend Santa Clara University. Her nominating Teacher Alana Milton explained that Jackie was a four-year Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) student who has taken multiple AP classes. Along with working in the cafeteria, volunteering, and becoming homecoming queen, she is dual-enrolled at FHS and Palomar. Her mother, who is so proud of her daughter, thanked the teachers. Her father always recounts the story of Astronaut Jose Hernandez and how his children can do anything.
Reyli Cuellar, surrounded by his family and friends, said he learned English to recite a poem by Nelson Mandela in middle school. From then on, he became more comfortable speaking to an audience in English. He also met his best friend, another SOM Michael Perez, who helped him increase English proficiency. This brought tears to everyone’s eyes! Reyli had planned to become a firefighter, soccer player or maybe an astronaut but currently wants to obtain a BS in Aviation to go into Aerospace engineering.
Teacher Alydia Han, who nominated Reyli, talked about his calmness and kindness during 2020. He takes AP classes, handles dual-enrollment in Palomar and is a strong leader tutoring other students.
Supported by Teacher Marin Pinell and his mom, Michael Perez takes AP classes, participates in sports, and focuses on bio-medical robotics. Teacher Pinell said that he is a home run covering all the bases - participating in Career Tech Education (CTE) pathways, being a top student, volunteering at the Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary, and managing kids as a baseball coach. He also works part-time at Major Market.
Michael told the audience about his love of metal work and that he plans to study mechanical engineering at CSUSM. He enjoyed creating 100% steel tables for classrooms. His CTE class uses Michael’s well made metal charcoal grill for class parties. To everyone’s amusement, he reminded everyone about the importance of walking at least ten minutes a day. Also go to the gym! He thinks he is ADHD and needed working out for his brains.
BTW - He also wanted everyone to pray for him and Reyli! They both have a calculus test today!
Our Miss Fallbrook Emily Schmierer announced her plans to study Sports Journalism at Arizona University. Teachers Alana Milton and Doug Sehnert are amazed by Emily who is involved in multiple endeavors — Future Farmers of America (FFA) reporter, AP student, ASB President, Agriculture (AG) State Degree and a third-generation National Charity League participant. She has cared for large animals and is currently tending three aquariums full of meal worms. Her AG Teacher Sehnert remembered that Emily only cries when one of her large animals steps on her foot. Teacher Milton recalled Emily as a hard worker who created digital videos in her sophomore and freshman years. Emily’s family were very proud of her, and her sister said, “Emily is the best sister ever!” over and over.
The current Students of the Month received their medals from the San Diego County Sheriffs led by Lt. Aldo Hernandez - both formerly in the military
All the students have bright futures. How far will they go? Time will tell.