Canyon Lake student earns Masters Degree, top award

Donica Loney, a Canyon Lake resident since 2013, received not only a Masters Degree from California Baptist University in Riverside in a ceremony Aug. 16, but also was given the school’s Outstanding Graduate Student Award.

DONICA LONEY

In a separate White Coat Presentation Ceremony after Donica had proudly walked across the stage to receive the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, she was surprised with the top graduate student award.

At the White Coat Presentation Ceremony, after all were honored with the traditional receiving of the doctor’s white coat, the presenter paused and called Donica to the stage.

“Every once in a while, someone can’t be isolated to one award, they just cover it all,” the presenter, Jonathan Barnes, Assistant Professor at California Baptist University, said. He then presented her with the Outstanding Graduate Student Award, a prestigious honor recognizing a student’s exceptional dedication and contributions throughout their academic journey.

Donica’s path to this remarkable achievement was marked by dedication, hard work, and a passion for healthcare. As one of the founding members of Canyon Lake’s ShowCal Skiers, she demonstrated an early commitment to her community that extended beyond her academic pursuits.

Donica graduated Salutatorian with Biomedical Honors from Santa Rosa Academy in 2017 where she completed the PLTW 4-year Biomedical Sciences program. Amidst the pandemic, she went on to graduate summa cum laude with Honors from Cal Baptist in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a Pre-PA concentration.

Donica has simultaneously upheld many positions in officer and leadership roles while maintaining superior academic performance. She also held positions of employment as a Medical Assistant, Emergency Room Technician and Emergency Medical Technician, while putting in many additional hours of shadowing, research, and volunteer services. She has received numerous awards and scholarships.

As required to earn her Masters Degree, Donica completed clinical rotations in Family Practice, General Surgery, Behavioral Health, Women’s Health, Orthopedic Surgery, Urgent Care, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Emergency Medicine.

Donica begins her professional journey with a prominent local medical group and is eagerly preparing to begin her career as a Physician Assistant.

“Her journey from being a dedicated member of the Canyon Lake community to achieving academic excellence and professional success serves as an inspiring example for others,” Traci Loney, Donica’s mother, said. “As Donica steps into her new role in the healthcare field, she looks forward to positively influencing the health and well-being of her future patients.”