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STUDENT OF THE MONTH RECIPIENTS

November 2025 STUDENT OF THE MONTH: Rozita Moini

Rozita began taking classes at Napa Valley Adult Education in Fall of 2025, when she enrolled in the Bilingual (Span./Eng) Basic Computer Skills course at Napa Junction Magnet School. Within the short period of time, from August to October, Rozita has since enrolled in two additional courses offered at NVAE, ASK12 and ESL.

Rozita is being recognized as the Student of the Month because she possesses many qualities that reflect and demonstrate her eagerness to learn, her progress in the class, and self-advocacy skills. Rozita is a shining example of dedication, curiosity, and positivity! Her self-motivation, organization, and punctuality set her apart, while her positive attitude lights up the classroom.

In the class, students are learning new concepts each and everyday, which can be challenging, especially being new to the use of technology and/or computers, and doing so in possibly a language other than one's first language, which in this case is what Rozita has done. From starting with very little knowledge of technology, she has worked tirelessly to develop strong skills in email communication and is now confidently exploring cloud storage and other digital tools.

If Rozita ever encounters an issue or challenge, she attempts to problem solve, asks help from her peers (which can also reinforce her and her peers' learning), or asks for support from the teacher. Rozita utilizes new concepts she has learned and applies them to her daily life (example: emailing to report an absence, instead of calling). Rozita is always asking thoughtful questions and taking careful notes to practice at home, showing her commitment to growth and learning. Her determination, enthusiasm, and eagerness to embrace new challenges make her a role model for her peers.

We are proud to recognize Rozita as Student of the Month—her journey is truly inspiring!

DECEMBER 2025 STUDENT OF THE MONTH: Marlene Saucedo

Image of Marlene, Grant, and Coleen

An NVUSD Graduate Portrait that fits is "Career-Ready Scholar." Marlene took advantage of the two 21st Century Skills courses offered in conjunction with Napa Valley College - "Communication in the Workplace" and "Leadership Essentials: What Emerging Leaders Need to Know" - earning the four remaining elective credits needed to complete her diploma. She reported that she really enjoyed the classes and learned a plethora of relevant and applicable skills for her current job.

In addition, Marlene returned to the HSD program in April of this year (2025) needing 67 credits. She completed all of these doing offline work (not Cyber HIgh), submitting work that was both thoughtful and thorough, demonstrating that she truly cared about learning the material. She did all of this while working full time, being the principal breadwinner for her family.

JANUARY 2026 STUDENT OF THE MONTH: MIGUEL ANGEL RUBIO

Student of the Month, Miguel Angel Rubio

We are honored to announce Miguel Rubio as this year's Student of the Month for the ESL Department!

Miguel has been a student at NVAE for about two  years. Throughout these past years, he has shown great dedication in our ESL program by regularly attending classes and consistently participating in class with a positive attitude.

Miguel works as a supervisor at a vineyard management company, which can require him to work extended hours, including night shifts. Even when Miguel may be faced with schedule conflicts, he makes arrangements to attend class, is ready to learn, and asks clarifying questions to reinforce his learning and attend to any misconceptions he may have.

Miguel is an excellent example of an outstanding student because of his self-discipline, receptive mindset, and self-advocacy. He frequently self evaluates his learning, asks for advice on what activities he can complete outside of the classroom to improve his English skills, and works collaboratively with his peers.

FEBRUARY 2026 STUDENT OF THE MONTH: AMBER LEIGHWOOD

Amber Leighwood with Staff

Amber is a very hard working individual!  During the entire program, she went to work at Napa State Hospital, completed her shift then came to the CNA program. Amber was always 20 - 30 minutes early and had perfect attendance!

Oftentimes, Amber baked delicious home goods and brought them to share with the entire class.  I always teased her saying where do you find the time?

During Theory & Clinical she always received compliments from staff and residents.  Staff never wanted Amber & her partner to rotate off their unit.

Amber was always dependable and appreciated by her peers and myself.

Amber has completed her prerequisites for the Psych Tech program and should be starting 2026. 

We can't think of a more deserving nominee!