First students of month selected by Royal High School staff

(left to right) Jessenia Hernandez, Sophie Rodriguez, Samantha Dunn and Elizabeth Guadarrama

by Sun Tribune Editor & Ted Escobar
| October 29, 2015 6:00 AM

ROYAL CITY — The first students of the month were selected recently at Royal High School by a vote of the educational staff. The September SOM are senior Jessenia Hernandez, junior Sophie Rodriguez, sophomore Samantha Dunn and freshman Elizabeth Guadarrama.

The SOM are chosen from a list of nominations made by Royal High Counselor Jennifer McCoy. The nominations are based on various attributes such as academics, leadership and citizenship.

Jessenia is the daughter of Martin and Griselda Hernandez. Her favorite class in school is applied communications.

Jessenia also likes the movie “Vow” and the television show “Chasing Life.” She likes “Just a Dream” by Carrie Underwood.

You can take Jessenia anywhere for dinner. If you ask what foods she likes, she says. “Todas, I like food.” And you can take her running and/or dancing afterward.

“A beautiful life does not just happen. It is built daily by prayer, humility, sacrifice and hard work,” is Jessenia’s favorite quote.

Jessenia has been inspired by her teachers, her boyfriend and family members because they have taught her the real value of life. They also taught her not to give up when things get difficult.

“Construct yourself. Don’t let anybody build you,” is her advice.

Sophie is the daughter of Hector and Angelica Rodriguez. Her favorite movie is “Coach Carter”, her favorite class in school is band, and she likes “The 100” on TV.

Sophia’s favorite food is chiles rellenos. She likes the song “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey. And she loves to play basketball.

Sophia’s favorite quote is: “Que bonito, no creas”. Her inspiration was her grandpa because he never gave up and always had faith.

“Do not procrastinate,” she advises.

Samantha is the daughter of Dirk and Debbie Dunn. She loves math in school. Her favorite movie is “Maze Runner”, and she, too, likes “The 100.” She’ll have tacos for dinner.

Apart from spending time with her family, Samantha likes sports activities, especially softball and basketball.

Samantha is inspired by everyone she meets “because everybody is different in their own way.” And she gives no advice.

Elizabeth is the daughter of Vicente and Araceli Guadarrama. She doesn’t have a favorite class or favorite television show, but she can watch the movie “McFarland USA” repeatedly.

Elizabeth likes to eat enchiladas, and her favorite song is “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys.

“The only person you should try to be better than is is the person you were yesterday,” is one of her favorite quotes. Another is: “When it rains, look for rainbows. When it’s dark, look for stars.”

Her advice is “Live. Love. Laugh.”