From left, Superintendent Peter Livingston, board members Tom Courtney and Jessica Risler, Middle School award recipient Jonathan Lozano, High School award recipient Mikayla McCuiston, school board member Chelsea LaGrange, board president Jason Hansen and board member Jim Harvey. Photo by Olga Fisher
Middle School student Jonathan Lozano and high schooler Mikayla McCuiston were recognized as the Middle High School Students of the Month for April at the April 9th meeting of the Lucerne Valley USD’s Board of Trustees.
Assistant Principal Chris Watkins presented the awards and office manager Adrianna Barajas-Espinoza translated Mr. Watkins’ presentation into Spanish.
Jonathan Lozano with Mr. Watkins
JONATHAN LOZANO - MIDDLE SCHOOL
“Before I start with our middle school student Jonathan Lozano I just wanted to publicly thank his mother for all of the work that she does for our ELAC committee because both her and her husband are extremely involved in those committees both at the elementary and high school. So we want to thank you for that,” Mr. Watkins said.
“So, it's fun to watch this young man and to watch him grow and see this kind of size that he has on here. We are very proud of Jonathan for earning Student of the Month. Jonathan is an 8th-grade student currently excelling in a 9th-grade math class where he consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and high level of achievement. Jonathan demonstrates constant, solid, holistic, work-based, and a high level of achievement.
“He's an outstanding team player, especially during group work and collaborative thinking tasks. Jonathan actively engages with his peers by asking thoughtful questions, offering meaningful insights, and contributing productively to group success. His ability to collaborate effectively truly sets him up. He is a member of the exceptional team, especially during the group work in the training of training, at the work of the students.
“Jonathan embodies Lucerne Valley's mission of pride. His prepared respectful, inquisitive and dedicated qualities allow him to achieve excellence in everything he does,” Mr. Watkins concluded.
Mikayla McCuiston with Mr. Watkins
MIKAYLA McCUISTON - HIGH SCHOOL
“Mikayla has done an exceptional job her entire school career,” Mr. Watkins said. “The grades are unbelievable. I mean, that doesn't happen by accident. It just doesn't. And then you find people that say, well, I'm too busy for this and too busy for that, but then you have such a driven individual (Mikayla) that is just juggling so many things and still achieving and doing those great things.
“Mikayla has been selected as our Student of the Month in recognition of her outstanding dedication, leadership, and character. As an active member of our FFA program, Mikayla consistently goes above and beyond by participating in a wide variety of activities and always stepping up when help is needed. Her commitment to the organization and her willingness to contribute make her a valued and dependable member of the team. And that speaks to that when offered a job, does somebody turn their nose or do they roll up the sleeves? And it's very clear that the sleeves have been rolled up a lot.
“In the classroom, Mikayla is a diligent and responsible student who takes pride in doing what is right. She comes to class prepared each day, actively engages in discussion, and consistently offers thoughtful insights that enrich the learning environment. She has also maintained one of the highest GPAs in her entire class, which is a reflection of her strong work ethic and dedication to academic excellence. Her positive attitude and commitment to learning make her a pleasure to have in class.
“Beyond the classroom, Mikayla’s involvement across campus is truly impressive. She has demonstrated an exceptional ability to balance her many commitments while maintaining high standards in all that she does. Mikayla’s dedication, responsibility, and leadership set a wonderful example for her peers, making her a highly deserving recipient of this recognition. And just on a personal note,” Mr. Watkins added, “you've inspired me.”