Students of the Month - Herrera, Cunningham, Kyle, and Tucker honored for achievements

Jasmine Herrera of Ivy High School and Amanda Cunningham, James Kyle, and Hailey Tucker of Fallbrook High School were honored as Students of the Month for the Fallbrook Union High School District (FUHSD) at a special celebratory breakfast held March 6 at the Fallbrook Community Center.

To be selected for the honor, students must stand out among their peers, have outstanding achievements in academics and community volunteerism.

“This is a time for us to celebrate,” said FUHSD superintendent Dale Mitchell, Ed.D.

Jasmine Herrera was nominated for the student of the month honor by Ivy High teacher Kelly Walker.

“Jasmine came to Ivy behind in credits,” explained Walker. “But through her commitment and hard work she is now going to graduate a year early!” Walker said Herrera “stands out in her class” because “she is not a minimalist,” adding that “she goes above and beyond in her work.

“We are very proud of her,” said Walker.

Herrera thanked the community members and sponsors at the program and congratulated fellow honorees. “I am very thankful,” she said. “We feel sometimes like no one cares if we work hard. I am very honored to be here today.” She said her future plans include college and a career in public service.

Amanda Cunningham was selected for the student of the month honor based on the recommendation of Fallbrook High counselor/coach Anthony Morrow.

“Amanda is a captain of the girls basketball team who has led us to the best record we have had in 14 years,” said Morrow. “She is extremely successful in the classroom; a fantastic student with a high G.P.A. and tries to make the campus a better place.” Morrow explained that as a junior, Cunningham headed up the Fellowship for Christian Athletes and worked to meld the club this year with Warriors for Christ, leading to it being known now as Warrior Fellowship.

“She has led Warrior Fellowship this year.”

“It is so nice to be supported in this community,” said Cunningham. “I’ve been so blessed. I have felt nothing but love, support and encouragement in my four years at Fallbrook High School.” Cunningham, who has already been accepted to several universities, said her goal is to go into nursing.

James Kyle was lauded as a student of the month after being nominated by teacher Trace Deneke.

“James is a terrific young man; I also want to recognize James’ parents for doing an unbelievable job of parenting,” said Deneke. According to Deneke, Kyle possess a 3.7 G.P.A. and is “one of the most humble, selfless students I have ever seen.” “He always has something positive to say; he is inspiring to me,” he added.

Described as a “talented artist,” Kyle “does some great things,” said Deneke. “He always facilitates success; he gets along with everybody; he’s friendly, disarming, and gifted.”

In addressing the crowd, Kyle said, “I used to be a shy person, but when Mr. Deneke gave me English lessons and taught me how to speak to people, I learned I can make friends just by being myself.” Kyle said he didn’t have specific college plans yet, but would like to go to art school and pursue a career in the arts.

Hailey Tucker was deemed a student of the month based on the recommendation of coaches Jesse Schuveiller and Anthony Morrow. Tucker is a member of the school’s varsity girls basketball team.

Schuveiller said, “Hailey has a tremendous work ethic, in demanding classes. She really impressed me when she suffered a significant knee injury last summer. She stayed positive the entire time and that really struck me as admirable. She [rehabilitated] all the way back and led her team into playoffs in just a few months. “

Morrow agreed, “Hailey not only came back, but as a team captain and leader.” A dual sport athlete, Tucker carries a 4.3 G.P.A. and plans to attend a four-year university but has not yet selected a major.

Tucker extended her thanks for the honor. “I would like to congratulate my fellow students of the month for all their accomplishments; my parents and my sister. I want to thank the community and all the volunteers for making this celebration possible. We really do appreciate knowing we have such a great community behind us.”

The first tangible awards were presented by Karl Fekete of American Legion Post 365, who gifted each student with a personalized Lamp of Knowledge medal. In addition, the students received many certificates of recognition and gifts from local organizations and businesses for their accomplishments.

The Fallbrook Student of the Month breakfast is funded by generous local businesses and organizations, including Major Market, Pedro’s Tacos, Fallbrook PTSA, Law Offices of Faunce, Singer & Oatman, Fallbrook Vintage Car Club, and Sheri’s Flowers.

To nominate an FUHSD high school student for this honor, email [email protected].