Cooper Smith named Student of the Month

Cooper enjoys a family vacation at the Grand Canyon during Thanksgiving break. Photo provided by Mindy Smith

Canyon Lake resident Cooper Smith of Temescal Canyon High School was honored as December Student of the Month by the Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce. Cooper was among seven students feted at a recognition luncheon in December.

The 17-year-old senior has a 4.2 GPA and is involved in several school clubs, including the Photography/Videography Club, Interact Club and HOSA. He also serves on the executive board of the Health and Medical Careers Academy, a program designed for students who have an interest in a career in the medical field after high school.

Cooper has been a member of the varsity water polo team and the varsity swim team for the past four years. He has served as the team captain on both teams for the past two years. He holds school records in the 200 Free Relay and 400 Free Relay.

Cooper sits at Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez’s desk at the State Capitol in Sacramento. Cooper was in Sacramento for the American Legion Boys State, a gathering of 1,000 boys from California who meet for a week and simulate local, state and federal government. Photo provided by Mindy Smith

In addition to his school studies, Cooper interns with the City Manager’s Office in Lake Elsinore.

The senior has hopes of attending college at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He desires to major in International Relations and serve in the U.S. Military.

In his spare time, Cooper enjoys playing the bagpipes and spending time with friends and family.

Cooper was born and raised in Canyon Lake. His parents are Bart and Mindy Smith. His grandparents, Mitch and Virginia Smith, are also residents of Canyon Lake.

The Student of the Month Program was founded in 1992 by Sally Myers, BMW Management, Inc. The Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce is the Lake Elsinore program’s host and sponsor.