The Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild held a family fun day Sunday, May 21, 2023 at the Burrage Mansion in Redlands. Held from 12 to 4 p.m, families were welcomed in by staff and volunteers all over the property.
This event is a community outreach day full of first responders, fun crafts, activities, a petting zoo, food, a nature hike, comfort dogs, tug of war, face painting and balloon animals. Even offering booths along the entrance and around the house such as a library for story time and an hourly cooking class with Chef Burton.
Volunteer at the Family Fun Day and junior at Citrus Valley, Jacob Soto shares, “I thought it was a nice thing for the kids because its not an everyday thing these kids get to see all these unique things all piled up in one location, especially at a mansion and actually go inside and explore the place with all of these activities”
Working with the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital foundation and Loma Linda Guild Big Hearts for Little Hearts, Jill Green explains more about the day planned for families, Green shares, “It’s just an outreach for all of our communities to know that they have Loma Linda Children’s Hospital here for them if needed.”
Overlooking the lot from the hill above near the recreational area (Jasmine Rosales/ Ethic News Photo)
East Valley Therapy Dogs welcoming all to pet the dogs and telling guests the dogs’ story, in hopes to help comfort others. (Jasmine Rosales/ Ethic News Photo)
The petting zoo set up near the golf course gave families the opportunity to pet live animals. (Jasmine Rosales/Ethic News Photo)
Food Trucks set up to cater for guests, featuring The Habit, Grill a Dog and Happy Camper Creamery. (Jasmine Rosales/ Ethic News Photo)
Citrus Valley High School held their annual Spring Festival featuring all their performers on Wednesday May 16, 2023 that showcased theater, choir, color guard and band. All groups were held at separate times throughout the night.
Beginning the program at 5 p.m, the gates near the auditorium entrance opened to families and guests to be stamped upon entry. Entering the campus, to the right was a concession stand of Mexican food being made by “company name here” for guests. They also offered wooden roses for the performers, along with drinks and snacks for everyone at a cheap price.
Different events were held throughout the campus, from the black box to the theater to the quad. While having everyone spread out, it gave all performers their own space and time welcoming all friends and family.
Theater in the midst of performing their skit of “Cinderella”. (Jasmine Rosales/Ethic News Photo)
Located outside, both beginner and advanced jazz bands was performing for all the parents in the quad near the auditorium. (Jasmine Rosales/Ethic News Photo)
Song list projected for the audience to display the song list that advanced mix choir would perform in the next few moments. (Jasmine Rosales/Ethic News Photo)
VDC is unveiled after the curtain is drawn, waiting for their music to start. (Jasmine Rosales/ Ethic News photo)
Voix Enchantee strikes their finishing pose, concluding their performance. (Jasmine Rosales/Ethic News Photo)
Lumiere de Chanson strikes their final pose singing “Black or White” by Michael Jackson. (Jasmine Rosales/Ethic News Photo)
This year, the Citrus Valley High School staff have had many new additions within different departments and Sheena Debose was one new addition to the math department. In addition to teaching math, Debose is the girls basketball assistant coach and the Black Student Union advisor on campus. Debose will be answering questions about her first year at Citrus Valley High School and teaching in general.
Debose was at an event for BSU, the Black Girl Magic Summit and photographed by one of her BSU students. (Photo courtesy of Jazz Daughtrey)
If you could describe your first year at Citrus Valley High School in one word, what would it be and why?
One word I would use to describe my first year here at CV is “eventful” because there have been several momentous events that I have been a part of, being an Assistant Varsity girls basketball coach and BSU advisor.
What has been the highlight of your year here at Citrus Valley High School?
I have two highlights:
Girls Basketball Senior Night, where we defeated our newly acclaimed rivals RHS with a packed house.
The “Black History Living Wax Museum”, where BSU put together a hugely appreciated contribution to prominent African American figures throughout American history.
How have you or how do you plan on making a positive change on campus?
I can only hope to have made a positive change to Citrus Valley, as I often feel I am not doing enough. However, I would like to help formulate a support system that gives a voice to, that is a light for, and gives resources to all students who are underrepresented, underperforming, overlooked, and/or misunderstood. Basically I want to help positively promote and enhance the underdog at Citrus Valley High School.
What led you to be a teacher?
I started working as a Paraprofessional in the classroom shortly after receiving my Bachelor’s degree, where I discovered my passion for teaching and being a role model for students who needed a strong support system in the classroom.
Why is being a teacher important to you?
Being a teacher is important to me because I believe the youth are the future of this world, and you all need effective guidance from a passionate community of educated people.
What has helped you become comfortable here at CV?
Being the BSU club advisor and Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball has helped me to be more comfortable at CV. These roles allowed me to build connections with students and staff in a way that I feel grounded as a staff member on campus.
Can you see yourself having a lengthy career at CV?
I can see myself having a lengthy career at CV, due to the fact that I see my role being needed and significant to the culture of Citrus Valley High School.
What drew you to teach at CV?
Principal McCue drew me to Citrus. She hired me initially to work at Moore Middle school, and I’ve always had a great respect for her, and thought it would be cool to work with her at CV.
What are you most excited for in upcoming years at CV?
I’m excited for the growth in all of the students I’ve met, as well as the growth in the Girls Basketball program and the Black Student Union. All will be epic to watch grow under my support.
How long have you been teaching?
I’ve been teaching for a total of 11 years, and have been working in education for about 15 years.
Do you love teaching and if so, why?
I absolutely love teaching. Teaching gives me an opportunity to spark minds that can potentially positively change the world.
Have you always loved teaching or was it more of a rocky start?
Teaching for me has had a rocky start and can still be rocky. There is always some adjusting that is needed in education. Just think about it, Distance Learning had 20 year veterans feeling like first year teachers. So rockiness just comes with the job!
What are some trials and tribulations you have overcome as a teacher?
I have overcome the trials of being overworked and underpaid. I take work home with me, I work during the breaks, and feel like I could use another $500 a month for out of contract hours I spend working.
What is your favorite thing about teaching at CV?
My favorite thing about working at CV has definitely been working with all of my students this year.
What separates CV from the other schools you have worked at?
What separates CV from other schools is the prodigious school pride and the remarkable student unity. I strongly felt the Blackhawk love/pride when I first stepped on campus. The students here are the most intelligent, charismatic, and unified young people I have yet to meet.
If you could tell students at Citrus one thing/piece of advice, what would it be?
Self-Love when you are young yields healing for others when you are old. Knowing your worth right now is the key to making the world a better place later. I love you all for real – Coach D. (Debose).
Citrus Valley junior students Rylie Grames and Riley Brossia posing before a poster which reads “I saved a life” at the CV biannual blood drive (Mia Caliva/Ethic News Photo).
Every school year semester, Citrus Valley high school hosts a blood drive. The CV Associative student body had been advertising the blood drive on their official Instagram account. The blood drive ran from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 4 in the school gymnasium.
Blood donations are typically a process in which a licensed staff will first clean the area where they insert the sterile needle to collect blood. The process typically takes about 8-10 minutes. During this time you will be sitting down while the staff takes a pint of your blood. After the donation has been made, the staff will bandage you up and you are given water and a snack to regain energy.
The blood drive is being run by LifeStream, a nonprofit blood bank in the state of California, who aims to collect 500 blood donations daily to help patients in need. They provide 80 different hospitals and six medical facilities in Southern California. They have donor sites in San Bernardino, Riverside, Hemet, Placentia, Ontario, Victorville, Murrieta, La Quinta, and Rancho Mirage.
For weeks approaching the blood drive, ASB advertises the blood drive in the daily morning bulletin as well. As encouragement to students signing up, ASB says “this is a time to do some good in our community and help those in need.”
When asked the question, “Why do you think donating blood is a good thing to do” ASB Director, Christopher Galloway said, “Well I think it’s kind of something you can do for your community. It’s almost like a civic duty at some level. We all need to give back to the community. Some people can give back in other ways that some people can’t. I think giving blood is a great way to help people that need it the most.”
A sign that reads “Blood drive enter here” which lets students know that they have to check in and wait to be called back. (Marshall Scott/Ethic News Photo)
Students who are giving blood have to feel well before donations, have to maintain high iron levels, be at least 17 years or have parental consent, haven’t donated in 58 days and weigh up to or more than 110 pounds.
Blood donors were given prizes for their generous donations and students also received Community Service credit if they brought their Community Service Form. Lifestream provided each donor with a coupon for two free tacos at fast food restaurant Jack in the Box, along with a Lifestream branded towel saying “Thank you” for their donation.
Sophomore ASB student, Zane Palacios and Freshman ASB student, Tegan Naoum pose in front of their snack stand students can grab on their way out. (Mia Caliva//Ethic News)
“Mamma Mia” flyer posted around campus, promoting showings and ticket prices (Jasmine Rosales/ Ethic News Photo)
Citrus Valley’s Blackhawk Theatre Company presents their spring musical, “Mamma Mia”. The long awaited play will be showing two weeks back to back on Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm. The play will include melodies from the movie with songs such as “Voulez-Vous”, “Mamma Mia”, “Honey, Honey” and more from ABBA.
CV’s cast goes all out to provide an unforgettable experience to the audience. Starting from the top, following the movie beginning, portraying the role of Sophie, Chloe Cousineau recreates the opening scene by mailing out the three letters to her three potential dads. Following the opener, the cast breaks out into song singing “Honey, Honey” by ABBA. Working hand in hand, the actors and the band work together to recreate the melodies of ABBA to bring the full “Mamma Mia” experience to the stage, led by Austin Meiners, the band director.
Providing much laughter to the crowd, Junior at CV, Noormariam Essa said “the set was beautiful and everyone played their characters very well. I loved everything about it”. All scenes had their own twist but still following the storyline from the movie. Various scenes made specifically to tell the story including other characters’ perspectives.
Sophomore Amber Sibbett, who portrayed the role of Sophie’s best friend, Ali, shares “Mamma Mia was an amazing experience. The cast and crew felt like family and it’s hard to see the seniors leave. I remember going to the very first rehearsal in the choir room, and then seeing everyone right before our closing performance in the choir room and realizing how much time had slipped through our fingers. In parting, all I can say is ‘Thank you for the music!’”
With the play coming to an end, all cast members working hard and enjoying themselves at the same time close out the story. Followed by a big round of applause, the stage lights slowly dim until the theater is dark. Welcoming the cast back onto the stage in groups, each group takes a bow and gives out recognition to the staff in the box, the band beside the stage, and to the audience, the cast gives a bow before performing their final song “Dancing Queen” by ABBA.
Cast of “Mamma Mia” pointed out to the staff in the lighting room to give recognition, concluding the play. (Jasmine Rosales/ Ethic News Photo)
The Blackhawks take a creative take on the beloved movie “Mamma Mia”, bringing an enjoyable performance right in the comfort of citrus valley’s blackhawk theater welcoming all ages.
“CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST” (CMIYGL) is a hip hop/rap album released on June 25, 2021, by Tyler Gregory Okonma, famously known as Tyler, The Creator, a 32-year-old American artist and songwriter. He is known for his sense of style and has his own independent record label, Odd Future Records. The CMIYGL album is a Grammy-winning album for the best hip hop/rap album of 2021 and the sixth studio album in Tyler’s discography. The album has 16 songs and is 53 minutes long. On Mar. 31, 2023, he released his deluxe album, “The Estate Sale”
The “Estate Sale” includes eight additional tracks which include:
EVERYTHING MUST GO (interlude)
STUNTMAN (feat. Vince Staples)
WHAT A DAY
WHARF TALK (feat. A$AP ROCKY)
DOGTOOTH
HEAVEN TO ME BOYFRIEND, GIRLFRIEND (2020 Demo) [feat. TG]
SORRY NOT SORRY
The new length of the album is one hour and 17 minutes long. “The Estate Sale”. The deluxe features artists Vince Staples, A$AP Rocky, and TG. It also features the narrator for this album, DJ Drama. The song “HEAVEN TO ME” was produced by Kayne West showing a sample from John Legends, “Heaven Only Knows” and “WHAT A DAY”, sampled from Madlib.
Image of all Tyler’s alter egos from his past albums including an unfiltered version of Tyler. (“SORRY NOT SORRY” music video/Tyler, The Creator)
“The Estate Sale” was released two years after the original album was released and after his tour. The new release was a shock to fans, but he is known for releasing music every two years on an odd year since the beginning of his career in 2009. Not missing a year, the deluxe was created to show the unreleased songs that Tyler wrote, but never made it to the album. Tyler posted on his Twitter on Mar. 27, 2023, saying, “Call Me If You Get Lost was the first album I made with alot of songs that didn’t make the final cut.” He also says, “Some of those songs I really love, and knew they would never see the light of day, so I’ve decided to put a few of them out.”
The single released to promote the deluxe album was, “DOGTOOTH” on Mar. 27, 2023. Following the single, a small visual for the music video “SORRY NOT SORRY” was released. After the deluxe was released, he also released more music videos for five songs from the deluxe that were made and recorded in 2021.
In the music video for, “SORRY NOT SORRY” Tyler is surrounded by his other personas from his past albums. The personas from his past albums include, “Flower Boy”, “IGOR”, “Wolf”, “Cherry Bomb”, and “Goblin”. It also includes the CMIYGL persona as well, leaving an unknown persona that is set to be an unfiltered version of Tyler the Creator. The video symbolizes the ending of this era of the album and the unknown beginning for his future project.
Nearing the end of the school year, Citrus Valley High School holds their Prom Rally on April 14. Showcasing the spring sports, captains from each sport all share their favorite memory from this season.
Students show support for the Inspire Choir by waving flashlights. (Elizabeth Molloy/Ethic News Photo)
An array of multicolored lights lit the CV gymnasium and upbeat music performed through large speakers, upkeeping the rally’s lively festivities. Students participated in lighting the rally by turning on and waving their flashlights during CV’s Inspire Choir’s performance of “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman.” Other festivities of the rally included performances, dancing, graduating class games, and cheering.
Citrus Valley winter guard performs to “As It Was” by Harry Styles. (Elizabeth Molloy/Ethic News Photo)
The Citrus Valley wInter guard got the chance to perform their 2023 show “As It Was” before closing out their winter season. The show presents the stages of life, from childhood, to adolescents, to adulthood, using the song “As It Was” by Harry Styles. After three competitions and three other performances, the winter guard was happy to present their skills to CVHS students after not having a team for nearly six years.
Winter guard member, Destiny Ramos, performs as a soloist in their show. (Elizabeth Molloy/Ethic News Photo)
Citrus Valley Inspire Choir performs “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman soundtrack. (Elizabeth Molloy/Ethic News Photo)
Spring sports captains participate in a competitive game to see who can get the most balls in their basket. (Elizabeth Molloy/Ethic News Photo)
Hyping up the students in the stands, ASB brings out the spring sport captains for a competitive game. The game consisted of one captain standing in the inner circle reaching to throw balls into their teammates’ bin on their head. The goal was who could catch the most balls in a limited time.
Upperclassmen and lowerclassmen go head to head to see who can pass the ball from side to side fastest. (Elizabeth Molloy/Ethic News Photo)
Carrying on the games throughout the rally, Kira Bruich, a junior, announces the next game versus upperclassmen and lower classmen. The goal of the game was to have the opposing teams work with their side to pass a big beach ball across the bleachers the fastest. Pumping up all the students on both sides of the gym, the lowerclassmen scrape by with a win over the juniors and seniors.
Sophomore Addison Rusk shares, “It felt shocking on how fast the year is going by.”
The Blackhawk Theatre Company performs a routine to “Voulez-Vous” by ABBA to advertise their Mamma Mia! play showing this April and May. (Elizabeth Molloy/Ethic News Photo)
Citrus Valley senior Illir Burns performs to “Billie Jean” by Micheal Jackson while doing some of Jackson’s most famous dance moves. (Elizabeth Molloy/Ethic News Photo)
During an intense “two-what” game, seniors try to be the loudest. (Elizabeth Molloy/Ethic News Photo)
Rylee Thornton, a senior at Citrus Valley, shares “When someone tells you high school goes by fast, it’s true. Although it was sad leaving those bleachers for the last time, I am excited for what’s next!”
Juniors show school spirit by wearing their class color, blue, for the spirit day. (Elizabeth Molloy/Ethic News Photo)
“I was really emotional to be honest, it felt so weird to move to the other side but i thought it was really cool, can’t wait for next year!” Charlee Witham, a junior at CV, shares her thoughts after the rally.
Closing out the year, students were able to show their Blackhawk pride by gathering together to sing the alma mater one last time for the 2022-2023 school year.
Citrus Valley High School students received an email from the Citrus Valley administration team on March 31 explaining the new hallway policy during lunch. On the first day back from spring break, students would no longer be allowed inside of the buildings during lunch. This new rule was due to the amount of trash students were leaving in the hallways which caused many teachers to complain about the messes.
This image shows that there is spilt milk and a meat looking patty on the floor of a hallway, as well as other trash. (Monique Varela/Ethic News)
The new hallway expectation became active on April 4. Only one entrance from every building would be opened and have a security guard at the entrance. The guards look for tickets given to students to prove they have somewhere to be rather than loitering in the hallways.
The ticket shows that this ticket is assigned to the C-building and Mr. Howard’s classroom. (Marshall Scott/Ethic News)
The tickets are different colors depending on the building, name of the teacher and ‘lunch pass’ on the top. Teachers were given these tickets in order to let their students into the building after the grace period. These lunch passes are only to be given for educational purposes such as tutoring, test retakes, quiz corrections and club meetings.
Becky Gidcumb, environmental science teacher at Citrus Valley, said, “I’m in favor of the hallway policy at lunch because we get too many kids in here. They run around, they make a mess, they disrupt the teachers. This is supposed to be our duty free time. We can choose whether or not we have students that come into our classrooms to get help. It can be very distracting when there’s many kids in the hallway creating a mess, and havoc.”
Students got this privilege revoked because of the amount of trash that was left in the hallways, such as chip wrappers, candy wrappers, food, etc. The messes were mainly in the E building.
Within the email that to students and parents, there were written consequences if students were to be found in the hallway without a ticket. These consequences include lunch detention, after school detention, campus cleanup and more.
Karen Ravelo, a sophomore at Citrus Valley, is not in favor of the rule and said this, “not all of us have a place to sit during lunch time. It’s nice to have a place where we feel comfortable to have lunch.”
There are specified checkpoints for students to go to in order to be let into the building after the five minute grace period. Students show the ticket checker the designated ticket for that building. (Marshall Scott//Ethic News Photo)
Students who do not have a ticket but need to talk to a teacher must be accompanied by security or admin. These hallway expectations are to exclude inclement weather, such as heatwaves, rain and other potentially dangerous weather.
Though there is a way to still enter these buildings with the five minute grace period. The grace period allows students to enter the buildings after the bell rings. If students do not make it within this grace period they will need to have a ticket to enter the building.
Caleb Allen is a first year biology teacher and leadership advisor at Orangewood High School, but not new to Redlands or Orangewood.
He says he mostly grew up in Redlands when he was younger and actually went to school at Orangewood after his 10th grade year.
Allen went to Orangewood because he wanted to graduate early.
According to Allen, back then at Orangewood you didn’t need as many credits so it was easier to graduate faster than a normal high school. Another reason he came here was because he wasn’t enjoying the school he was at.
“My experience here was a good one,” says Allen, “Even though I was a troublesome student I knew I could succeed here with a little motivation. I made good friends here that I still have today.”
There haven’t been many changes to the buildings at the school, but the most distinguishable change was that before eAcademy shared a campus with Orangewood, those used to be classrooms for Orangewood students.
Allen says he definitely does not regret graduating from Orangewood.
“I haven’t had any disadvantages because I graduated from Orangewood at all in higher education or anywhere for that matter,” says Allen. “My only regret is not applying myself earlier and succeeding when I had the chance, but it is never too late.”
During Allen’s earlier years he performed many different types of work.
One of his jobs would include working in healthcare. He worked in a position of registration and insurance clerk for the University of Loma Linda Health Care amongst other medical groups. Another line of work Allen did was carpentry, where he built cabinets for new and old homes. Allen also worked as customer service for DIRECTV.
Before going back to school to finish his bachelors of science degree in science education, Allen says he was a stay-at-home dad for almost six years.
“I always enjoyed science as a kid, and I had some pretty amazing science teachers during my schooling career, so that helped push me in that direction,” says Allen. “I like discovering new things, and with technology today there is always more and more discovery and that means more science I can learn and teach.”
He says that there is no teacher that he knew when he attended Orangewood that is still teaching, but his favorite teacher at Orangewood was Mrs. VanMaurek. He also said that he has had many great teachers from elementary all the way through to college.
Orangewood students have many good things to say about Allen too.
“Mr Allen is one of the most funniest and chillest teacher on campus,” says Orangewood junior Dylan Espinoza, who took his biology class this year. “If you are cool with him he’s cool with you. I was with him for almost this whole school year and not once I ever seen him get mad.”
Allen’s favorite part of his job is seeing his students succeed or have a moment of understanding.
“He helps you even if you don’t ask,” says Espinoza. “If he sees you struggling he will be there to help you.”
Allen has been teaching on campus since last school year, since he was a student teacher.
“He was my student teacher when I was a junior and he was always super nice and funny, but he knew how to get serious when he needed,” says Orangewood senior Jasmyn Sousa, “He was cool and I think he’s a great teacher.”
Allen says that seeing his students succeed or understand something new is his favorite part of teaching.
Allen says “You have to come up with ways to ensure your students are willing to do the work and gain the knowledge.”
He feels cell phones are the most challenging part of the job, but he does use technology in his lessons.
Allen says, “I am fairly new to teaching, so technology is the norm for me. I think the technology shift has some massive benefits to teaching, but I also still like just using a pencil and paper. Technology in teaching has its place, as well as, teaching with less technology. It just depends on the subject or lesson.”
Caleb Allen with his family. Photo courtesy of Caleb Allen.
Some of Allen’s hobbies are going to the gym and playing games with his son in his down time.
He also likes to travel, enjoys going to the beach and having fun with his family.
Another hobby Allen has is that he likes to lift weights in his spare time.
But other than that he also spends his time organizing his school lessons. He plans everything a day before so he doesn need to rush the next day.
Allen says he’s a pretty open person so there isn’t much others don’t know about him. He shares about being colorblind.
“There are definitely difficulties with colorblindness, I can’t tell certain shades of greens and red apart at all, I also used to wear a lot of purple thinking that it was blue,” says Allen.
If he had a chance to talk to his past teenage self he says would tell him,”Invest heavily in Apple stock! Seriously though, I would tell myself to make the most of opportunities when they come up. If I would’ve applied myself at Orangewood when I was here, I would’ve moved forward a lot faster in a lot of ways.”
Citrus Valley High School invited incoming freshmen to the CV campus on Monday, March 6, 2023, for ‘Becoming a Blackhawk Day’. Hundreds of eighth grade students from middle schools including Beattie, Moore and Cope Middle Schools toured the CV campus and were introduced to the many extracurricular clubs and classes provided at CV. After a brief welcome by the Citrus Valley Cheer team, choir and counselors, students were released to explore the club booths and discover clubs that indulged their interests. The event featured 25 booths, including but not limited to, ASB, AVID, Theatre Arts, Mock Trial, Choir, Concert Band and, of course, Ethic News.
Soon to be freshmen were allowed to roam for nearly 30 minutes before taking a tour of CV’s campus. (MeAnna Smith/ Ethic News photo)
CV’s staff prepare their booth for visiting 8th graders from local middle schools to advertise journalism in hopes of recruiting future writers (Meanna Smith/Ethic News)
Hallee Resendez and Melina Bline pose for a picture at their booth for ASB. (Meanna Smith/ Ethic News Photo)
Junior Riley Houser, representing the Latin class, said “I’m very excited to welcome the new Blackhawks, they’re so small and have so much potential.” While representing the art class, Serena Almanza said “art is such a fun class and we’re so excited to welcome in the new freshman.”
A visiting eighth grader and soon to be Citrus Valley High School freshman, Braylon Smith said, “it’s really cool to see my future high school and so far I’m happy with what I see.”
The production and design class presented their different show props, clothing, and equipment used to put on their creative shows. (Mia Caliva/ Ethic News Photo)
While the event was being held there were two different groups of students doing different activities. One of the groups was in the gym where many booths were held for different classes and clubs. All of the eighth grade students were given a bingo card which they had to get stamped throughout the day. There were many classes on the card and were stamped after they visited different booths. These bingo cards were needed for the counselors to see which classes they had to choose from to apply for the students future schedules. Students were to visit different booths and get their bingo cards stamped. The other group was being toured around the school and shown different elective classes.
CV’s Editor-in-Chief, Destiny Ramos, talks to the soon to be freshman about Ethic News. (MeAnna Smith/ Ethic News photo)
Mia Caliva, MeAnna Smith and Destiny Ramos pose in front of their booth with the mascots Bubby and Bubbet. (Meanna Smith/ Ethic News Photo)
“Becoming a Blackhawk” provided an opportunity for incoming freshmen to get an idea of what to expect from their high school. Instead of figuring it out along the way, students got the chance to plan ahead in which classes and clubs they would like to participate in. Middle schoolers chatted with students that attend Citrus Valley to get a student perspective and connect with their soon-to-be peers.
In the month of February, it is considered the month of love which is represented by people showing those around you how much you love and appreciate them. The possAbilities club at Citrus Valley High School made it possible for everyone in the special education class to have a chance to receive something on valentines day.
Savannah Hudson, possAbilities club president is posing with students on campus who received a valentine’s day gram (Photo courtesy of Rylie Grames)
They held a PossAbilities club meeting and brainstormed what they were going to do, they ultimately came to the conclusion to give every student a flower with a note tied to it as well as getting the advanced mixed choir to come and sing to the students, much like a sing a gram. The club was sponsored by Hilton Flowers, a local business in Redlands where they were more than happy to donate.
Rylie Grames (Treasurer), Riley Brossia (Vice President), Dania Martinez (Secretary) and Savannah Hudson (President), and with help from fellow students created notes to tie to each of the flowers to let the Special Education students know that they are loved no matter the circumstances. On February 13th, Hudson picked up the flowers and they tied the notes to the flower to be ready to give to the students the next day.
During first period on February 14th, Brossia, Grames, and Hudson walked into the special education class, taught by Christine Hearon, Meghan Hudson, Pam Martin, Phil Noiset, Reggie Pulliam, Chanel Tessitore, and April Finazzo helped with the flowers and chocolates and “immediately saw the surprise and joyful look on the Special Education students and teachers” Hudson says enthusiastically. Each one of them were very grateful for our gifts to them. Hudson, Brossia, and Grames stayed in the class for a while handing out one by one a flower and chocolate. They made some great conversations with some of the Special Education students,Robert and Samuel, and then continued to the other classrooms.
Hudson shares, “Overall the experience of knowing that PossAbilities Club made an entire class feel loved on a holiday where some don’t have the opportunity to share it, made us feel uplifted.”
By MELANIE PEREZ, XIOMARA SANCHEZ and JULIANNA TALAVERA
JULIETA ROBLES, PAIGE SAILOR and LEON JUAREZ contributed to this article
Orangewood High School students received big news concerning graduation credit requirements today.
An afternoon assembly notified seniors of the Redlands School Board’s passage of Emergency Resolution No. 25, which modifies the requirements for high school graduation. With this resolution, the Redlands Unified School District credit requirement for the 2023 and 2024 graduating classes changed from 225 to 200 by reducing 25 elective credits.
Seniors at Orangewood were called to an assembly today by Principal Carli Norris for the surprise announcement.
“They just called all the seniors up through the speakers and that was pretty much it,” says Orangewood senior Natalie Lopez.
Orangewood senior Kamren Shackles said that walking into the assembly, “it was like nothing really changed. Like you were walking into lunch or something.”
Orangewood High School senior Kamren Shackles learned that he would be graduating much sooner than expected due to Redlands School Board Resolution No. 25 reducing elective graduation credit requirements. “School really goes by fast when you’re at the end,” says Shackles. (Photo courtesy of Natalie Lopez)
At the assembly it was revealed that this resolution had passed and graduation requirements were dropped by 25 elective credits.
The resolution states, “This flexibility will reduce all RUSD High School Graduation Credits from the required 225 Credits to a required 200 credits, equating to a reduction of twenty-five (25) elective credits…”
Lopez says, “Everyone processed it differently, but like everyone was happy and shocked, cause everyone had different credits. And a lot of people graduated at that time.”
According to the resolution, the decision was made “due to the statewide emergency concerning the coronavirus (COVID-19).”
This resolution applies district-wide. High schools affected are Citrus Valley High School, Redlands High School, Redlands East Valley High School, Orangewood High School and eAcademy.
It additionally modifies graduation requirements for the Adult Education Program to 180, while it was previously 200.
The resolution states that “the Modified Graduation Course Requirements for the Adult Education program will be reduced from the required 200 credits to a required 180 credits, equating to a reduction of twenty (20) elective credits for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years.”
At an Orangewood High School assembly on Feb. 23, 2023, seniors received transcripts showing the change in their graduation credit requirements before and after Emergency Resolution No. 25. The graduation credit requirement changes to 200 from 225 for high school students in the Redlands Unified School District for the classes of 2023 and 2024, current juniors and seniors. (Photos courtesy of Kamren Shackles)
With this resolution, students at Orangewood have been given an advantage. Many seniors at Orangewood have been put ahead on their graduation status and others will now be able to graduate within the 2022-23 school year. Select students are able to graduate earlier than expected or on time.
Some students were notified today that they would be graduating this grading block which ends on March 10.
Lopez, who just this morning was on track to graduate in June learned that she will be graduating this block.
“I’m sad because I’m leaving friends, but I’m ready to get out of here. It’s still exciting,” says Lopez.
Although Shackles was not expecting the announcement, he does not feel that it changes his plans or feel unprepared.
“It’s more like you’re being brought up to the plate earlier than you expected,” says Shackles, “So you gotta just think of your plan and solidify it more than you did before.”
This resolution also has impacts for juniors at Orangewood who want to go back to their comprehensive high schools.
For Orangewood students to return to their home schools at the beginning of their senior year, they have to have 60 or less credits left to complete. For some Orangewood juniors, this puts them on track to do that.
The current resolution is not one-size-fits-all, however, and may not help all students who were struggling.
The resolution specifies that “the prescribed course of study may not accommodate the needs of some students.”
Shackles says that at the assembly some students received transcripts stating that they would need to go to adult school.
“You’re kindof, I guess, not satisfied, but relieved,” says Shackles, “It’s like, ‘Okay, well at least I know. It’s not like in limbo if I’m going to graduate or if I’m not.’ So I think the assembly was definitely a good push for people to know where they’re going now.”
For Orangewood seniors starting their next steps sooner than expected, there are a range of emotions.
Shackles says, “For me, I know I would have liked it [comprehensive high school] more, but this is for the better. So I’m definitely not mad about where I’m at or where I’ve been taken to. And I hope it continues in a good way. So, no regrets.”
For Lopez, it feels like a flashback.
“I just remember being in middle school and elementary school and now I’m graduating this block,” says Lopez. “I remember being at REV with like all my friends, and then like out of nowhere I’m being sent to Orangewood and now I’m graduating early.”
The resolution states that it “shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and shall remain in effect until the end of the 2023-24 school year.”
“You gotta do life now though,” says Shackles. “Someone was like, ‘you ready to get out there and like do actual things?’ It’s like, no. But I’ll try. I’ll for sure try.”
The Orangewood High School students accepting awards, along with their families, were invited to the school’s multi-purpose room the morning of Jan. 20.
Greeted and welcomed by the school’s principal, counselors, and other school staff, the second quarter awards assembly of the school year started promptly.
First, announcing the Honor Roll students. Second, the Students of the Quarter, who were selected by their teachers for various class subjects. And lastly, those with perfect attendance.
When the students’ names were called, they walked up to the front of the stage to their principal, Carli Norris. There, she shook hands with and congratulated each student as she handed them their awards.
Claudia Ramirez, a senior at Orangewood, said, “I’m thankful for the awards that I got.”
After all the awards were handed out and received, students and parents were treated to lunch. School staff handed out tacos and burritos from Del Taco. Students and their families were able to share a meal together and hang out until the bell rang for their school’s lunch.
Eunice Rodriguez, a parent of one of the students who received an award, stated, “I appreciated that they thought about the students and the parents and were kind enough to feed us lunch.”
Orangewood High School counselors Jason Knight and Georgina Pinto participate in the quarter awards assembly on Jan. 20, 2023. (ANGEL LEON/ Ethic News photo)
Orangewood High School senior Grace Martinez shows her award, surrounded with family and her friend Senior Ceerra Toliver after the quarter awards assembly on Jan. 20, 2023. (ANGEL LEON/ Ethic News photo)
Orangewood High School senior Carolina Cadena stands with her parents and shows her award after the quarter awards assembly on Jan. 20, 2023. (ANGEL LEON/ Ethic News photo)
Orangewood High School seniors Siniva Tuaumu and Azaraiah Williams enjoy the Del Taco lunch provided to students and families after the quarter awards assembly on Jan. 20, 2023. (ANGEL LEON/ Ethic News photo)
Orangewood High School seniors Giovanni Galvan, Rachel Jacobo Aries and Mya Trujillo show their awards after the quarter awards assembly on Jan. 20, 2023. (ANGEL LEON/ Ethic News photo)
A random act of kindness card handed out during Kindness Week at Citrus Valley High School with the words “text a friend that you are happy to see them today” (MIA CALIVA/ Ethic News Photo).
The week of Feb. 6, 2023, Citrus Valley High School enters the new month on a note of love and kindness.
Perhaps in the spirit of Valentine’s Day and Counselor Appreciation Week counselors at CVHS take the extra step to spend a week encouraging kindness in students.
CV counselors introduced “Kindness Week” to students on Monday morning by passing out cards with random acts of kindness on them. Students are meant to complete the random act and pass it on to a friend for them to complete as well.
These colorful cards included “text your friend that you are happy to see them today” and “hold the door open for someone and say hi” as well as many others.
On Tuesday, counselors walked around campus handing out candy to students who completed their random act of kindness.
On Wednesday, posters were put up all around campus asking students to sign if they “pledge to be together against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion”. The posters were filled with signatures and posted on CV’s office doors as a reminder to practice kindness.
A poster that reads “pledge to be together against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion” filled with several student signatures at Citrus Valley High School (MIA CALIVA/ Ethic News Photo).
On Friday, students expressed their appreciation for their counselors, in theme for Counselor Appreciation Week, by answering one fun fact about their counselor and were rewarded with a piece of candy.
Inspired by National Bullying Prevention Day which happened in January, Citrus Valley counselor Helga Reese organized Kindness Week with the other counselors.
Reese says she “realized [kindness] is something we need to bring more attention to” on campus.
Reese reminds us of the importance of kindness when she says “kindness is a small thing, that still does take a little effort, but it can really change your day.”
Girls’ varsity soccer having a fun time posing on picture day (Courtesy of Liz Fierro)
Making Blackhawk history, the girls’ soccer program at Citrus Valley has excelled within the years, holding the title for the fourth consecutive year in a row as the Citrus Belt League champs.
Starting league games the first week of January, the Blackhawks traveled for their first league game against the Beaumont Cougars where the Blackhawks won 2-0 starting off the season strong. On the fifth of January, the girls had their first home game of the season that Thursday in Hodges Stadium against Cajon. Keeping up the strong start, the varsity team took their second win against the Cowgirls with a score 11 to 1. The following Tuesday, the Blackhawks hosted another home game against Redlands East Valley for their third game of CBL winning 2 to 1.
On January 12, 2023, the Blackhawks traveled to Yucaipa for an away game. CV came out very strong. Once the whistle was blown, Ava Lopez, a Junior at CV, put a goal in the back of the net within the first 5 minutes, getting the game going. The girls were victorious over the T-Birds with a shutout of 4-0. For the last game of the first round of CBL games, the Blackhawks held a home conference against Redlands High School. Blowing the final whistle for the game, CV finished the game 6 to 0 against the Terriers.
Already halfway through league games, the girls’ varsity team practiced hard to hold down their undefeated status and first place spot. Going for their second time this season, the Blackhawks versus the Cougars in their home field took another win of 4-1. Traveling to Cajon on the 24 of January, CV beat Cajon on their turf with a final score of 3-1. Thursday, the 26 of January, the girls’ soccer team prepared themselves for a late night game at 7 p.m against the Wildcats.
Pushing through the season with teamwork and hard work, the Blackhawks came out on top against REV 6-0. Held in Hodges stadium, the Blackhawks went head to head against Yucaipa’s T-Birds in a tough nail biting game. Running off adrenaline both on and off the field, in the last five minutes of the second half, senior Sabrina Benjamin, scored the game winning goal to put them over Yucaipa with a final score of 2-1. The last game was held in Terrier town on February 2nd. At the away game against RHS, the girls finished their last league game 4-1 against the terriers.
Taking a look into the past to remember where it all started and how far the girls’ soccer program has come, Assistant Coach Allen Thoe shares, “When we first joined Citrus Belt League (CBL) we had never beaten Yucaipa and we always had tough battles with REV and RHS on all levels. Four years ago, led by seniors Sam Smith and Mashayla Leilua, we managed to break through and beat Yucaipa for the first time ever to take first place in the league standings.”
Senior and captain of the CV girls’ varsity soccer for the 2022-23 team, Marika Lee says, “It feels great to be a part of this accomplishment, I’m really proud of our team and how hard we’ve all worked for this. We put in the work and got the result, so I’m extremely grateful for everyone who was a part of the team during those four years.”
Clinching CBL for the fourth year in a row, the Citrus Valley girls’ varsity team move onto CIF games to be determined.
In November of 2021 during the Walt Disney companies investor day event, Walt Disney Animation Studios announced the release of a new series titled “Tiana” which will be a sequel series of the 2009 animated Disney film “The Princess and the Frog”.
“Tiana”is set to release in 2023 and will premiere on Disney Plus. The series will be a musical comedy series written and directed by Stella Meghie and produced by Jennifer Lee. Meghie stated that “writing at disney animation was a dream before I even knew it was possible.”
The only concept art released for the new series which shows Tiana traveling on a boat while running and holding a suitcase. (Walt Disney Studios)
Because the series is a sequel of “The Princess and the Frog”, it will pick up where the movie ended, meaning there is a very low chance of a content shortage for this series. So far, Disney has given fans a short synopsis for the upcoming series, stating “This series follows newly crowned princess of Maldonia on a new adventure, but her New Orleans past isn’t far behind.”
The new series will be the princess’s first adventure since 2009 and will offer fans a chance to see how she is managing her new royal title as princess of Maldonia as well as running her restaurant and navigating marriage. When asked what being the voice of the first black princess meant to her, Anika Noni Rose, voice actor of Tiana in the new series, has said that “it says a lot to little brown children definitely, that they can be princesses, and that they have no doubt about it anymore.”
One of the most important aspects of this series is the representation of a black princess outside of just a one hour and thirty minute movie. Although the movie did offer representation, Disney fans are hoping to see more of Tiana as a human rather than the animal form she portrayed during the majority of the movie. The return of princess Tiana allows black Disney fans and young black children to have the representation that hasn’t been widely offered by Disney.
Since the announcement of “Tiana”, the upcoming series has received strong support and excitement from fans. Fans have not been given an exact release date for the series, however, “Tiana” offers a large fan base and a plot that many fans can’t wait to watch.
Mauricio Arellano, the current Superintendent of the RUSD. (Redlands Unified School District)
As of 9:00 am on February 8 2023, Mauricio Arellano, the Superintendent of Redlands Unified School District, announced that he will be leaving his position with RUSD.
In Arellano’s letter to RUSD parents and staff, he states that he has “accepted the position of Superintendent for the San Bernardino Unified School District” and will be leaving within the next few months. The plans moving forward have not yet been released.
The Board of Education president, Melissa Ayala-Quintero, also sent out an email to RUSD families saying “Although we will surely miss him, we will not forget the positive and profound impact he has made in our District these past years.”
Information regarding the new change will be released at a later date.
Actor Jeremy Renner had gotten into a snow plowing accident, On Jan. 1, 2023, outside of his home in Reno, Nevada. Jeremy Renner is a 52-year-old American actor who is known as the beloved Marvel character “Hawkeye”.
Renner was crushed by his snow plow machine on new years day when he was clearing snow on his driveway. Once he had gotten out of the snowplow to help someone with their vehicle, the machine started to roll and ran over Renner, causing him deadly injuries. Fortunately, his neighbor, who is a doctor, was available to treat his leg and other injuries until he was airlifted to the hospital. After the accident, Renner suffered blunt chest trauma and other orthopedic injuries.
Actor Jeremy Renner at a premiere. (File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI)
The 911 call was later released, saying how he was crushed under the vehicle, had breathing difficulties, and that he was in “rough shape”. It was also said that the right side of his chest had collapsed and his upper torso was crushed. Renner’s neighbor had called 911 which lasted over twenty minutes. During the call, Renner’s breathing was becoming shallow and he kept drifting off. Emergency services came and he was flown to the hospital by a helicopter.
Renner’s hospital selfie responding to all questions and love being sent from all over the world. (Jeremy Renner/Instagram)
On Jan. 3, 2023, Renner posted on his Instagram account that he was well and expressed his gratitude to everyone sending their regards saying, “Too messed up now to type. But I send love to you all.” Renner had spent his 52nd birthday in the hospital and was in the intensive care unit after he had undergone two surgeries. He would often post himself near his family, friends, and his doctors. Sophomore Mandy Espinoza stated, “ I was very surprised when I found out about the accident” when asked about her reaction to finding out about the accident. She also said that she was “happy and glad” that Renner was okay and healing.
On Jan. 16, 2023, he posted on his Twitter account stating, “Outside my brain fog in recovery, I was very excited to watch episode 201 with my family at home” revealing that he was released from the hospital. Renner is now healing in his home with his family.
After a year of absence, season 15 of RuPaul’s Drag Race premiered on Jan. 6, 2023. (Wikimedia Commons).
Season 15 of RuPaul’s Drag Race premiered on Jan. 6 in the form of a special two-part episode a year after the premiere of season 14. This season is set to air hour-long episodes on Music Television (MTV) every Friday at 8 pm. The newest cast features a record of 16 contestants competing for a cash prize of $200,000, the highest prize to date. Ariana Grande made a special appearance in the two-part premiere episode eight years after her first appearance in season seven. Viewers are excited to see what else the new season has to offer for its long-time fans.
Ariana Grande appears as a guest judge for the two-part premiere of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15. (Wikimedia Commons)
The premise of RuPaul’s Drag Race is for drag queens from all over the world to compete in a series of challenges related to drag, most often including acting, singing, dancing, cat-walking, and talent shows. Each season takes about a month to record and a winner is crowned after a final challenge, typically a lip sync, with the prize being thousands of dollars.
The first mini-challenge was a photoshoot and a drag-themed car wash as a throwback to the first-ever mini challenge, the prize was $2,500. The main challenge in part two of the premiere was a talent show with a cash prize of $5,000. For the newest episode, the main challenge was to write and perform an infomercial with a cash prize of $5,000.
Unlike in other seasons, a queen was eliminated in the premiere episode, and another later on in episode three. Beginning episode four on Jan. 20, there will only be 14 queens left to compete in the competition.
RuPaul’s Drag Race is followed by its transphobic past as it enters season 15. (Picryl)
RuPaul’s Drag Race has experienced much controversy and hardship since its first debut on Feb. 2, 2009. The most recent and shocking is RuPaul’s transphobic commentary during an interview with the Guardian. He stated that he would most likely not let trans women compete on the show because “Drag loses its sense of danger and its sense of irony once it’s not men doing it.”
Since then he has apologized for his commentary and stated that he “understands and regrets the hurt I have caused. The trans community is the hero of our shared LGBTQ+ movement. You are my teachers”. Although five full seasons have aired since his transphobic comments, the show still faces criticism for it today.
In terms of general hardship during the pandemic, the show had to go through many changes to combat the lockdown. The finale of season 12 was almost completely derailed due to strict lockdown regulations. The reunion episode for the cast that season was also online which in many ways took away the purpose of a reunion.
RuPaul’s Drag Raceand its members serve as a beacon of inspiration to the LGBTQ+ community. (Metro Weekly)
The show itself in many ways is a beacon of hope for the LGBTQ+ community, especially in times of hardship, making the crew and cast under extra pressure to perform through the struggles of the pandemic. They succeeded in making season 13 a success even after the hardships of season 12. Season 13 was one of their longest seasons and it came with multiple spin-offs and international versions.
RuPaul’s Drag Race shocks its viewers every new season, from bringing world-renowned celebrities as guest judges to making a tremendous comeback. Through controversy, drama, and worldwide pandemics the show has continued to thrive. Although the show has been around for nearly 14 years the crew still manages to come up with new ideas to keep things interesting. This provides an easy way for new viewers to jump into the show as every season is unique. The show’s multiple Emmy awards prove that it is worth the watch.
Depending on your source, the recent lunar new year may be the year of the rabbit or year of the cat depending on what culture you are celebrating. For Chinese Lunar New Year, it is the year of the rabbit, but for Vietnamese Lunar New Year, it is the year of the cat.
Besides having a year of the cat instead of the year of the rabbit, Tết differs from Chinese new year by having the year of the buffalo instead of the year of the ox and the year of the goat instead of the year of the sheep.
The Vietnamese Lunar New Year is called Tết Nguyên Đán or simply Tết which directly translates to “the first morning of the first day of the new period.”
According to the Asian Nation, Tết is almost like New Year’s Day, Fourth of July, Christmas, and Thanksgiving combined because it is the biggest and most important holiday to many Vietnamese.
Tết Nguyên Đán is celebrated for the first three days of the first month of the Vietnamese lunar calendar which is around late and early February. According to ThoughtCo., some traditions can be observed for up to a week. This year, Tết will begin on Jan. 22, 2023.
Those who celebrate it for three days usually spend the first day with immediate family, the second for visiting friends, and the third day is dedicated to teachers and visiting temples.
Similar to Chinese Lunar New Year, Tết is used as a fresh start, so in preparation of the coming new year, individuals clean and dust their homes in hopes of attracting luck and as much good fortune as possible.
“Before Tết, we prepare the house by cleaning it entirely,” said Redlands East Valley High School senior Jennifer Huynh, “It’s believed that cleaning your house before the new year will bring you good luck because it gets rid of the bad luck and misfortune.”
Another tradition during Tết is to hand out red envelopes with money inside to children.
“People give out lucky money which is called li xì,” said REV senior Chi Vo.
“For my family tradition, we all wear red and go to my grandma’s house,” said Redlands East Valley High School junior Kayla Vu, “My grandma makes a lot of food including moon cakes. Later in the night, the older people in the family like my aunts and uncles give me and my cousins money in red envelopes.”
All can now take part in the Vietnamese Lunar New Year by attending a festival. The popular festival is called the UVSA Tết Fest, and it is organized by the United Vietnamese Student Alliance (UVSA). Tết Fest is held in Orange County at the OC Fair and Event Center and tickets are $8 which are purchased at the main gate.
Tết Fest went from Jan. 27 to Jan. 29. Festival activities include a pho eating contest, lion dancing, and plenty of food and merchandise from small businesses to purchase.
By MAURICIO PLIEGO, CRAIG MORRISON and KENDRA BURDICK
The first games on the new Redlands East Valley High School stadium are expected to be played this week by the REV boys and girls soccer teams, who will also have their senior nights at these games.
REV boys soccer plays versus RHS on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 5:30 pm and REV girls soccer plays versus Cajon High School on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 5:30 pm.
When Redlands East Valley High School first opened in the 1997 – 1998 school year, it did so without a stadium.
Each of the other two comprehensive high schools in the Redlands Unified School District have had their own stadiums: the Larry Dodge Stadium at Redlands High School and Robert Hodges Stadium at Citrus Valley High School.
Marking the 25th year of REV’s anniversary, the school administration announced on June 6, 2022 at 3:30 pm that they would begin breaking ground for the building of a stadium.
REV Principal Robert Clarey and Superintendent Mauricio Arellano addressed the crowd gathered around the soon-to-be stadium with speeches. Along with Clarey and Arellano, several school board members were in attendance and had the honor of shoveling the first heaps of dirt.
Redlands East Valley High School mascot Wendy the Wildcat stands next to the shovels meant to symbolize the breaking of ground for the new stadium on June 6, 2022. (Craig Morrison / Ethic News Photo)
Student-athletes, Spirit leaders, and school and community leaders expressed excitement for the long-awaited stadium that was set to open for winter or spring sports next year if construction goes as planned.
“I’m really happy that REV’s getting a stadium cause now people can’t make excuses and finally realize how amazing we are,” said Junior Emmanuel Wallace, track and field and basketball athlete. “Besides, it’ll be nice to not have to run on a bad dirt track.”
Redlands East Valley High School football players walk down towards the field as they prepare to be part of the announcement of the new field on June 6, 2022. (Ava Larson / Ethic News Photo)
“I’m happy that our school’s finally getting this stadium so we can improve and be the best we can be,” said REV student Teddy Collins.
Over the last six months, progress on the construction of the stadium has been visible as students and staff attend school.
On Jan. 23, the REV marching band was among the first to stand on the new field meant for the stadium and began to prepare for a performance. It was a small performance meant for the teaching and faculty staff of the school.
Caption: Drum Major Jennan Foutz stands to prepare for her first performance on the newly set grass of the future Redlands East Valley High School stadium on Jan. 23, 2023. (Geffrey Acosta / Ethic News Photo)
Current senior and Drum major Jennan Foutz said, “Now that we have this field it’s relieving that we can actually do what we have to in order to win competitions and to get better than we’ve ever been before. The field affects the band’s playing through our attitude, we sound better when we’re more enthusiastic and it’s hard to have that high energy level when we don’t have a field. It’s also safer for our feet to glide cause that affects the sound, if you bounce and have to gopher holes to worry about it makes the sound wavy and not consistent. Now the sound will be consistent and we’ll be able to know what to improve on.”
A marching band hat and trumpet sit on the newly set grass of the new Redlands East Valley High School stadium on January 23, 2023, as the marching band prepares for a performance. (Geffrey Acosta / Ethic News Photo)
Showing his humorous side, Coach Bruich strikes a pose for the camera (JASMINE ROSALES/ETHIC NEWS)
Growing up, Citrus Valley High School football coach Kurt Bruich was an all around athlete who dabbled in whatever sport was in season. From a young age, Bruich could always be found on the court, the diamond, the mat, or field year round, but the football field at Fontana High School where his dad, Dick Bruich coached, would be the place that would shape Bruich into the person he is today.
As a child, Bruich grew up in Fontana, California. He is the middle child with one older sister, who is 11 months older, and a younger brother, who is nine years younger than him. While growing up, his older sister became his best friend, they did everything together. The two of them would always be outside playing sports or games until the street lights came on.
Jerry Sheare, an English teacher at CV, shares his fond memories of his childhood spent with Bruich.
“I remember racing up and down the sidelines running fade routes with Kurt before, during and after every FOHI game,” Sheare says, “We topped it off with greasy pizza from Mazzullis, what could be better for the sons of two football coaches?”
With his dad as the head football coach at Fontana High School at the time, Mr. Bruich was busy coaching during the fall. So because of that, Bruich and his sister would go to school with their dad to the practices where they learned to run around the school and make it like their second home.
In high school football, Bruich was an offensive player. He played both sides of the ball, but on offense he played wingback and H-back.
Being able to be coached by his dad really impacted Bruich because his father is his role model. Bruich grew up watching his dad impact his friends’ lives on and off the field.
Elijah Penrice, a senior at Citrus Valley states “He’s taught me to keep myself in check and i’m the one who controls my own destiny, he really has been a role model and father figure in my life for the past four years and I will always be grateful for that.”
Seeing what he was able to do, the lessons he taught them, and just the impact he made overall really inspired him to do the same as a coach now.
Bruich’s platform is to not only teach his team how to win on the field but to also win in life. He wants to be able to mentor kids the way he watched his dad do when he was younger. It’s deeper than football.
Penrice also says, “One thing that I’ll take with me that coach B taught me is to be resilient in any situation life threw at me and keep pushing to my ultimate goal whatever that may be.”
Bruich shares how having past players come visit him 20 years later and to see how they’ve grown as a person and even as parents is what it’s all about. He takes great pride in every kid that he coaches and loves watching them become great players and people.
Leaving high school, Bruich received a scholarship to Cal Polytechnic State University where he majored in Physical Education with an emphasis in Sports Psychology. He attended CPSU for two years and then transferred to the U of R where he received his degree in physical education and a masters in education.
Following Bruich’s college graduation, he had already begun his coaching career while assisting his dad in the spring during Bruichs’ off season. After graduating from the U of R, Bruich became a graduate assistant.
His first head coach position was at Cerritos High School, Bruich got the position at just 23 years old. Moving from Cerritos to Redlands became a reality when one of his old college coaches called him, and asked if this is somewhere he would want to be.
“Being in Redlands, Inland Empire, it’s home to me so it was an easy decision for me to come back” Bruich confidently answered.
He then got hired for Redlands East Valley High School and to Citrus Valley where he is currently working as the head coach of the Blackhawks.
Early on Bruich knew he wanted to have a family, so when he moved to Redlands to coach at REV, he had been given a miracle.
At his first head coach position at Cerritos, he met his wife, Lisa Bruich in the spring of 1988 where she worked as the cheerleading coach. The two began dating in January of 2002, they got engaged three months later on April 1, 2002. That following year she was hired to teach English at Moore Middle School. Currently, Mrs. Bruich serves as the Director of Human Resources in the district office.
Coach B and Mrs. Bruich were inseparable since. With time, Bruich would get married to his best friend.
“Because of Coach Bruich’s support and encouragement, I have been able to accomplish many things. We’re a great team and I am truly thankful,” Mrs Bruich shares.
Working together as a team, the pair have accomplished many things in their careers. Bruich achieved his 200th win this season at Citrus Valley.
On coach Bruichs right arm, he has a tattoo to signify him and his dad’s coaching. The state of california as the base, the top ring was when Bruichs dad were state champs under his coaching in 1989. The ring under that is when coach Bruich led the Redlands East Valley team to the championships in 2014. Bruich and his father are the only father and son duo who have each won state championships and won 200+ games in their career. (JASMINE ROSALES/ETHIC NEWS)
Throughout the years, Bruich had to overcome many challenges growing up which have shaped him into who he is today. From being the son of the head football coach, having an older sister who was an All California Athlete in two different sports and got a scholarship to Marymount California University. This left Bruich with a lot of pressure on him to live up to the Bruich name his family had built up. He really wanted to find his own identity and create a name for himself.
Going through a rough patch in his early 20’s showed Bruich just how strong he was as a person, having to relay and rebound from unfortunate circumstances made him stronger. Meeting his wife and committing to a relationship, and being able to establish himself as a coach separate from his dad really helped Bruich be able to define who he is.
One of the many mottos that Bruich heavily believes is “Find your passion & pursue it.” This motto keeps him young and motivated and hopeful. Day by day he continues to better himself and continues to find his identity.
In his spare time Bruich enjoys spending time with his family, as his two girls give him a purpose in life, he loves to watch sports, mainly football. Bruichs’ favorite hobby is barbequing. He loves to smoke all kinds of meat, and different woods, really changing it up. His specialty and well known brisket, seasoned with his special recipe. Smoking tri tip on a day to day basis is where it’s at, boneless chicken thighs the list goes on and on.
Coach B, as many call him, is a very uplifting person with a sense of humor, Bruich shares that he is very keen on dad jokes and even has a book on them.
Taking it day by day, Bruich strives to better himself and see what the future holds for him. Hitting a milestone of receiving his 200th win on October 14, 2022, he is setting and achieving personal goals, always pushing for more.
Matthew Stewart is a fifth year engineering teacher at Orangewood High School with a goal to ”help as many students as possible…to achieve things beyond what they believe they are capable of.”
As a teacher in the Career Technical Education program, Stewart likes seeing his students improve and realize that they can understand engineering.
“In Mr. Stewarts we are always working on something that is fun and creative,” says Orangewood senior Cody Thorpe, “From battlebots to CO2 cars, there is never a dull moment inside the class.”
“My favorite project in the class so far has been building battle bots,” says Thorpe, “This was my favorite project because we got full responsibility over our bots. Everyone’s bot was unique and had its own mechanism to destroy other students’ battle bots.”
Orangewood junior Ronnie Garcia says, “Stewarts my all time favorite bald teacher.”
Stewart had many careers before becoming a teacher.
“I started as a carpenter out of high school, transitioned into an operating engineer, then a surveyor, then moved into the office setting of a large civil engineering company,” says Stewart.
“From there I started as a project engineer and moved into estimating and finally a general superintendent. I then moved into ICT and worked as an IT director for a medium sized clinical laboratory consulting firm.”
Stewart says he left that position in 2016. He started teaching at Orangewood in 2017 as a long-term sub for Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program and, Stewart says, “never left.”
Stewart also keeps two small businesses running in his spare time from being a full-time teacher.
Looking back at his younger years, Stewart describes his teenage-self as “a hot mess.”
In high school, Stewart says he was saved by his football coach. His coach taught him to give 100% at everything that he did.
“My brother and I were saved by our high school football coach,” says Stewart. “Without coach P, my life would be much different. He taught us to give 100% at anything and everything we do. He held us to high standards and I can’t thank him enough for doing that.”
Stewart says that his advice to his teenage-self would be, “Change nothing, it’s worked out alright.”
Orangewood High School teacher Matthew Stewart instructs Engineering I students, seniors Justin Hernandez, Josh Bennecke and Cayden Van Winkle, on how to construct a box to hold transmitters for battle bots. (TRISTIN HOLLENBACH/Ethic News photo)
Citrus Valley High School’s engineering class visited Orangewood on Dec.7 to do a shared activity racing CO2 cars.
After Citrus Valley arrived, a large table was set up, one the length of the multi purpose room, the dragsters were pulled out and they were raced.
Stewart had a positive reaction about the event with Citrus Valley, saying it was “awesome.”
He proceeded to mention about how Orangewood took eight of the top ten positions and four of the top five against Citrus Valley.
According to Stewart, Citrus Valley teacher Brian Bartlett actually asked how Orangewood did it.
Though Orangewood stood out, the top two positions of the two fastest dragsters were that of Orangewood seniors Nicholas Boiarski and Jeremiah Lopez.
Stewart had no opinion on the rules as they are by the national committee of the specific activity.
Stewart’s students also participate in the annual Rube Goldberg competition, and have won at the national level.
Youtube viewers can watch the final product of Orangewood High School student’s winning 2022 Rube Goldberg entry. Engineering teacher Matthew Stewart guides students in this project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCQ49a9cGlI
According to Stewart, it is different every year and the objective is to build a contraption with random materials provided to get some task done. Prior to the main competition, the event has mini games where you can win materials or tools to aid you in the competition.
In each competition there are eight highschools, eight middle schools, and eight elementary schools.
With the provided materials the competitors get six hours with only direction from the teachers chaperoning, no physical intervention even with power tools.
The Rube Goldberg Competition is at Rialto High School this school year on Feb. 4.
Stewart has hobbies outside of school like fly fishing, riding off-road motorcycles and learning “something new as often as possible.”
As for the most challenging part of teaching, “this is the easiest, most fun job I have ever had,” says Stewart.
The annual Redlands Smudge Pot took place on Oct. 20, which ended with the Terriers taking back the Smudge Pot trophy.
During the first quarter, the Wildcats had the first score of the game which was a touchdown but a missed kick with one minute and 57 seconds left. Being the only score of the quarter, it ended with a score of 6-0 with the Wildcats in the lead.
By nine minutes and 37 seconds left of the second quarter, Redlands High School’s first score of the game occurred; a touchdown and successful kick. Ending this quarter with a score of 6-7 with the Terriers in the lead.
Throughout the game, cheers and jeers could be heard from both the Wildcats and Terriers. When it was the third quarter and the Terriers were leading by a point, the student section for RHS, the Boneyard, cheered “Why so quiet?”
Once with 10 minutes and three seconds and the second occurring with nine minutes and 48 seconds left in the third quarter, there were two false alarms that the REV had scored a touchdown. Just five seconds later, there was an attempted touchdown by the Wildcats, but the Terriers intercepted the Wildcats’ pass.
In the third quarter with two minutes and four seconds left, REV scored a touchdown and instead of going for a kick, the Wildcats attempted another touchdown to no avail. This ended the third quarter with a score of 12-7 with the Wildcats in the lead.
In the fourth quarter, the pace quickly picked up with the Wildcats scoring a touchdown and kicking successfully. Then with the Terriers simply scoring a touchdown making the score 19-13 with the Wildcats holding on to the lead.
With barely two minutes left on the clock of the fourth quarter, RHS managed to score a touchdown and a kick garnering them seven points which put them in the lead by only one point. After getting one down and with only twenty seconds left, the Wildcats unfortunately were not able to make up for the loss, leading the Terriers to win the 25th annual Smudge Pot.
The final score of the game was 19-20 with the Redlands High School Terriers winning the 25th annual Smudge Pot game.
On Oct. 20 2022 for the annual Redlands Smudge Pot, Wildcat cheerleaders lined up along the sideline for the national anthem. The Wildcat cheerleaders helped in keeping student motivation up throughout the game. For this Smudge Pot game, REV was the home team, but because of the continued construction on the Wildcat stadium, home games for the Wildcats’ 2022-2023 year of football were held at Citrus Valley High School. (AILEEN JANEE CORPUS/Ethic News Photo)Before the annual Redlands Smudge Pot started on Oct. 20 2022, the Wildcat cheerleaders hold a sign that says, “Hey Terriers better luck next time #smudgepotstays[home].” Immediately afterwards, the varsity Wildcat football team ran through the sign passionately and ready to take the Terriers on in the infamous rivalry. (AILEEN JANEE CORPUS/Ethic News Photo)The Wildcats varsity football team celebrates their first score of the game on Oct. 20, 2022 for the Redlands annual Smudge Pot game held in the Ted Runner Stadium at Citrus Valley High School. (AILEEN JANEE CORPUS/Ethic News Photo)
Wildcat senior Carissa Perez is performing a solo on her clarinet during the Wildcats’ marching band performance for the halftime show of the annual Redlands Smudge Pot game on Oct. 20 2022. For the halftime show of the Smudge Pot game, the Wildcat marching band performed all three parts of their program for the crowd. (AILEEN JANEE CORPUS/Ethic News Photo)The Wildcat song team performed for the halftime show of the annual Redlands Smudge Pot game on Oct. 20, 2022. Unlike cheerleaders, song leaders focus more on hip hop, jazz, and more dance aspects of performance. (AILEEN JANEE CORPUS/Ethic News Photo)
On Oct. 20, 2022 in the Citrus Valley High School Stadium at the end of the annual Redlands Smudge Pot game, the Redlands High School Terriers triumphantly take the smudge pot trophy back to the crowd full of Terrier fans. (AILEEN JANEE CORPUS/Ethic News Photo)
“Work hard, play hard and you will succeed,” says junior Jeremy Zaragoza, who plays left field for the Orangewood High School boys softball team.
The Orangewood Dragons took their fourth win of the season at home against Citrus High School on Friday, Sept. 30. The Dragons were down in the second inning by ten runs. They ended up overcoming and scored a consistent 19 runs against Citrus. The Dragons upset Citrus with a score of 19-16.
The Dragons took their fifth win against the undefeated team from Sierra High School on Wednesday, Oct. 6. The Dragons took the lead in the first inning going up 5-0. The game ended with a Dragon victory with a score of 13-10.
If you ask the players on the team what’s the secret to their success, they talk about their close-knit team.
“We are not a team because we work together, we are a team because we respect, trust, and care for eachother,” says Orangewood junior Jesus Arana, who plays center left field.
“Even though we may argue and yell at each other, we are still a good team and we are close like family,” says Orangewood senior Nick Boiarski, who plays right field.
“We play as one and we win as one,” senior Samuel Bahena, who plays pitcher.
According to Orangewood senior Alex Sanchez, “We the best team in years.”
The Orangewood team played Glen View High School and went head to head till Glen View hit a walk-off double to seal the game 19-18 giving Orangewood a loss.
Orangewood boys softball team made it to the playoffs this season. They played against Val Verde and was devastated 18-6 being first round exits.
Senior Andrew Gonzalez, senior Sol Ramirez and junior Jeremy Zaragoza jog off the Orangewood High School softball field. This was after the second inning the boys were coming in from getting three straight outs against Slover high school on Sept. 14. (Brianna Shirley/ Ethic News photo)
Orangewood High School seniors Alex Sanchez, Jose Hernandez and Nicholas Boilarski celebrate taking a win against Citrus High School on Sept. 30. (Brianna Shirley/ Ethic News photo)
Pictured from left to right: Orangewood High School Senior Ivan Navarro, senior Sol Ramirez, senior David Garcia, senior Victor Garcia, senior Axel Gonzalez, senior Samuel Bahena, senior Andrew Gonzalez, junior Jesus Arana, senior Nicholas Boiarski, senior Jose Hernandez, senior Alex Sanchez, and junior Chase Bass. The team watches the Dragon girls softball team compete at Orangewood High School. (Ethic news photo)
Pictured from left to right: Senior Adrian Marroquin, senior Jose Hernandez, senior Giovanni Galvan, senior and team manager Jennifer Castro, senior Axel Gonzalez, senior David Garcia, senior Vincent Castro, senior Alex Sanchez, senior Azariah Williams, junior Jeremy Zaragoza, senior Sol Ramirez, junior Chase Bass, senior Jack Bryan, senior Andrew Rosas, senior Nicholas Boiarski, and coach Mark Perkins. The team took a win against Slover High School on Sept. 14. (Brianna Shirley/ Ethic News photo)
By MATTHEW MENDES, JUSTEN NGUYEN and JOSHUA ZATARAIN
This feature does not focus on one single person at Orangewood High School, but three: Alfred Cabral, Mynel Shelton, and Cynthia Duran. Cabral and Shelton do the custodial work and Duran does the cafeteria work. They are staff workers who don’t get as much recognition due to the jobs they do around campus, but they deserve recognition because without them the Orangewood campus wouldn’t be what it is. All of three work hard to make Orangewood a positive place for everyone.
Mynel Shelton, custodian
Mynel Shelton, custodian at Orangewood High School, stands in front of a water fall garden on the Orangewood campus, an area staff and students find peaceful. Shelton is known for being friendly and conversational with anyone he meets. (MATTHEW MENDES/ Ethic News photo)
“A lot of people say they want peace, but they don’t do the things to make peace. Just say you’re sorry and move on.”
Mynel Shelton, custodian at Orangewood High School
Matthew Mendes: What inspired you to become the person you are today?
Mynel Shelton: Initially I wanted to start working for the district. They had many departments. It was something I wanted to do. So, I applied and tested. A lot of the people that were working there were working as custodians. So naturally, I tried the position out. Working as a custodian started off as embarrassing, but it soon became very fulfilling for me. You get to know all kinds of people, students and staff. I am truly blessed working here.
Mendes: How long have you been working here and why did you choose Orangewood?
Shelton: In custodial work, the school typically chooses who they want to work there. I was selected by Orangewood to work, and accepted the position. I soon grew to love it here.
Mendes: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Shelton: Karaoke, racquetball, and chess are some of my passions in life.
Mendes: If you could have any car with money not being an issue, what car would you choose?
Shelton: I would go for an electric truck, from Rivian. Gas is too high nowadays.
Cynthia Duran, child nutrition services worker
Cynthia Duran is the child nutrition services worker that students see in the cafeteria daily for breakfast, snack and lunch at Orangewood High School. Students call her Ms. Cindy and describe her as “sweet,” “chill,” and “kind.” Orangewood custodian Mynel Shelton says that they also call her Cinderella. (Joshua Zatarain/ Ethic News photo)
“Just be kind.”
– Cynthia Duran, child nutrition services worker at Orangewood High School
Josh Zatarain: What inspired you to become the person you are today?
Cythnia Duran: My love for kids of all ages, as I used to be a daycare teacher for many years.
Zatarain: How long have you been working here and why did you choose Orangewood?
Duran: I was assigned to Orangewood and have been here for six years. When I was first assigned I didn’t want to come here but of course that changed and now I won’t leave Orangewood.
Zatarain: What do you like to do during your spare time?
Duran: I like to watch movies, read comedies. I like romance and my favorite movie is “Sleepless in Seattle.”
Zatarain: If you could have any car, with money not being an issue, what car would it be?
Duran: I would like a palisade SUV because I like SUVs.
Alfred Cabral, lead custodian
Alfred Cabral, lead custodian at Orangewood High School, stands in front of a student artwork of the school mascot. Students describe Cabral as friendly and hard-working. From before school to after school students see Cabral around campus helping people and working to keep the campus looking its best. (Justen Nguyen/ Ethic News photo)
“Enjoy it like it is because time flies fast.”
– Alfred Cabral, lead custodian at Orangewood High School
Justen Nguyen: What inspired you to become the person you are today?
Alfred Cabral: My dad and his work ethic
Nguyen: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Cabral: I play the drums, when I was younger I played basketball, and I am also a concrete contractor.
Nguyen: How long have you been working here and why did you choose Orangewood?
Cabral: 11 years at Orangewood, because I wanted to work days instead of nights at RHS.
Nguyen: If you could have any car with money not being an issue, what car would you have?
Cabral: A Ferrari because when I was younger I had a poster of a Ferrari in my room.
Orangewood High School custodian Mynel Shelton, nutrition worker Cynthia Duran and custodian Alfred Cabral stand at the entrance of Orangewood on Texas St. in Redlands. (Matthew Mendes/ Ethic News photo)
On Sept. 8, 2022, Spanish teacher Michael Celano hosted a luncheon commemorating the French exchange student Adèle Morin and her experiences living with Jennifer Baldwin, Redlands East Valley High School’s French Teacher. The luncheon began with introductions of everyone in attendance, including ASB advisor Jennifer Garret, a number of teachers from the foreign language department, and various student body representatives.
Students and staff gathered in Michael Celano’s classroom on Sept. 8 for a luncheon commemorating the French exchange student, Adèle Morin (Spencer Moore/ETHIC News).
Morin had an arduous journey to the United States, which began with her landing in New York City, where she and other foreign exchange students explored Times Square as their tour guide assisted them in acclimating to the different cultural and societal expectations of the United States. After their original flight to New York, the students went their separate ways, with Morin flying into the Ontario International Airport, but not before she was hit with a 12 hour delay.
Fortunately for Morin, she had been taking English language classes since the beginning of 6th grade, as per French standard. To expand her linguistic knowledge, Morin began studying the English language in her personal time, beginning with her favorite English-Language television shows on Netflix.
Track team member and REV Junior Adèle Morin, focal point of Celano’s luncheon. (Spencer Moore/ETHIC News).
For American classes, Morin stated, “My favorite class would probably be AP Psych because the teacher, Mr. Brown, is very funny”.
After high school, Morin does plan to attend a four year university, and when prompted on whether she would prefer scholarship in France or the United States, Morin said, ”I don’t know, I have the ability to do either, and in Germany as well”.
Morin further stated about schooling in France versus schooling in the United States, “For school, I definitely prefer here, because of all of the teams and clubs, it’s really cool”.
Overall, the luncheon allowed for Morin to share her story as a French exchange student, and further introduced both students and staff to a foreign culture.
Citrus Valley High School’s Homecoming dance is quickly approaching. In order to get students excited for the dance, as well as giving them inspiration for attire, ASB held a Homecoming fashion show. The fashion show was held during lunch in front of the E-building on Monday, Aug. 29th. Students gathered around the stage watching as pairs of friends and couples walked down the catwalk showcasing their handshakes and outfits. Students from all grades participated in the fashion show and had a blast. This year’s homecoming theme is “All of the Lights”, and is being held at Citrus Valley High School from 7-11pm on September 17th.
Photo 1: All fashion show participants gather on the stage as the show comes to an end. (ELIZABETH MOLLOY/ Ethic News Photo)
Photo 2: Sophomore Lucas Teeter grabs phone to take a point-five picture with the crowd. (ELIZABETH MOLLOY/ Ethic News Photo)
Photo 3: The freshman prince, Teagan, shows off the his blue suit. (ELIZABETH MOLLOY/ Ethic News Photo)
Photo 4: Freshman Teagan and Tori give their special handshake for the crowd. (ELIZABETH MOLLOY/ Ethic News Photo)
Photo 5: Seniors Kaelynn and David show the crowd their homecoming outfits. (ELIZABETH MOLLOY/ Ethic News Photo)
Photo 6: Fashion show participants prepare for grand finale. (ELIZABETH MOLLOY/ Ethic News Photo)
Citrus Valley High Schools’ freshman English teacher, Stephen Howard answers 11 questions about himself and his years of teaching. Howard has been teaching for 19 years, two of those 19 years spent at Citrus Valley.
Stephen Howard standing in his classroom where he teaches grade nine English at Citrus Valley High School. (Marshall Scott/ Ethic News Photo)
Q: What made you want to become a teacher?
“There was a point when I was in college and I felt like I could do more good trying to help educate people, to bring about positive change in the world as opposed to just me. That’s what kind of motivated me to become a teacher”
Q: What is one thing you wish you had known before teaching?
“I probably knew how much homework I would have going into teaching, I wished that I loved homework in high school, because teachers have lots of homework, and I didn’t like homework. I wish I had better prepared myself for all the homework that I have as a teacher. It’s never ending”
Q: What made you want to teach highschoolers?
“I definitely didn’t want to teach middle school. I thought about [teaching for] colleges with older kids but then I thought “when you’re teaching college students, you’re limiting the interactions you have with students.” So I felt like high school would be a better fit for me so I focused on becoming a high school teacher”
Q: Is there a specific reason you wanted to teach English?
“English was my worst subject in highschool. I know how students don’t like English. I actually majored in English because I wanted to better myself as a person and improve on my deficiencies. The more I took English classes the more I started to realize just how important literature was to helping us to understand what it means to be human”
Q: In your opinion, what is the most frustrating part of teaching?
“The most frustrating part of teaching – here it’s a little different. Since I’ve been in California, I feel like I’m given the freedom to teach. I’m not burdened with [stuff like substituting without volunteering and entitled kids.] Back in Georgia we had lots of duties we would have to do. Here there’s a substitute – if they need someone to substitute for a class they ask for volunteers. Here I feel like I have a lot more freedom to be able to come to work, teach and go home. I’m much happier [in California]”
Q: If you weren’t a teacher what would you be?
“I was a farmer for a little while, I enjoyed that. It was like teaching in a way, you’re constantly learning new things everyday. I learn something new everyday in the classroom. In a classroom you learn about people, on a farm you learn about people, machines, equipment, something goes wrong everyday. In school something goes wrong everyday. I’m good at going with the flow, if something happens I don’t freak out. I can adjust”
Q: What subject is your favorite to teach in english?
“Probably the thing students hate the most, Shakesphear. I love poetry and we don’t have a lot of poetry in ninth grade literature”
Q: What would you consider to be the thing you dislike teaching the most?
“That society doesn’t truly appreciate the [teaching] that we do, though some people do. But it seems like the last couple years, all the kids are home, all the parents are like “Oh my god, go back to school, we love our teachers” and then COVID ends and all of a sudden “Oh no you can’t teach them this book, you can’t teach them this.” The whole back and forth with parents”
Q: Favorite thing to do outside of school?
“Fishing, specifically fly fishing and also traveling the world, that’s an easy one”
Q: Favorite thing about your students?
“The diversity of the kids. I have kids that like to draw, kids that like to write, kids that like to play sports. I can’t tell you how many ninth graders from last year still come by to see me. That makes [me] feel good”
Q: What would you say is your biggest pet peeve?
“Kids leaving trash in the classroom, it drives me crazy. Constantly having to go pick up water bottles and candy wrappers. Not throwing things in the trash, is one of my pet peeves in the classroom”
Singer and songwriter Taylor Swift announced her upcoming tenth studio album “Midnights” at the Video Music Awards on Aug. 28. In her announcement, Swift excitedly reports her newest album will tell “the stories of 13 sleepless nights” and comes out Oct. 21.
Swift also took to Instagram and Twitter to share the good news in a heartfelt post in which she says, “We lie awake in love and in fear, in turmoil and in tears…this is a collection of music written in the middle of the night, a journey through terrors and sweet dreams. Meet me at midnight.”
Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift pictured in her long-awaited studio album “Midnights” releasing on Oct. 21st, 2022. Swift’s album, which she captioned on Instagram will tell “the stories of 13 sleepless nights”, is her tenth studio album. (Taylor Swift/ Instagram)
Swift’s last album, “Evermore,” was released Dec. 11 of 2020, and after nearly two years, her fans are restless for the arrival of “Midnights” and its 13 brand new tracks. Ambiguously, Swift titles her tracks “Track one,” “Track Two,” “Track Three,” all the way to “Track Thirteen.” Fans theorize that these titles are not official and that Swift will eventually reveal the genuine titles of her tracks, but nothing has been confirmed. It is also uncertain if Swift’s latest transition to indie/folk-pop style music, as represented in her albums “Evermore” and “Folklore,” will continue to be a theme in “Midnights.”
As always, a Taylor Swift album couldn’t be released without a ceaseless stream of fan speculations. This time, fans fixate on the release date, Oct. 21, of “Midnights” as it coincides with Kim Kardashian’s birthday. Some speculate this is a jab at a past feud between Swift and Kardashian in 2016, where Kardashian had supposedly called Swift a “snake” after defending her ex-husband Kanye West for writing misogynistic lyrics about Swift in his song “Famous.” Fans also speculate that Oct. 21 was chosen as the release date for the album because ten, two, and one add up to 13, Swift’s famous lucky number, which seems most realistic.
“Midnights” is already available for preorder as a vinyl, CD, cassette, and digital album.
Orangewood High School hosted their first Black Student Union meeting this year on Aug.31 at lunch.
The staff who attended the meeting were Orangewood AVID Coordinator and teacher LouAnn Perry, Family and Community Liaison and BSU advisor LaRena Garcia and Orangewood teacher and BSU advisor Vanessa Aranda.
There were around 35 students and pizza was provided for all the kids that attended.
“The meeting was an introduction about BSU and it was also enjoyable and entertaining,” said Orangewood senior Blessen Thomas.
At the meeting they talked about upcoming events like the Soul Food Fest on Sept. 11 at Ed Hales Park and the Historical Black College and University Fair.
“This was a good time and it was for students who wanted to join BSU. It’s a new club at Orangewood,” said Orangewood senior Anniyah Allison.
Citrus Valley’s annual club rush took place on Aug. 26, 2022. Club rush is when most of the CV clubs gather together in CV’s quad to give out information about their club. This is especially helpful for incoming freshmen who want to join a club but don’t exactly know what their new school has to offer.
Club Rush was held in the quad during lunch. Some of the popular clubs at club rush included Blackhawks for Change, Asian student union, Cars and Coffee, Auto Shop, Black Student Union, Multicultural Dance, Possibilities, Hispanic Heritage, and Interact club.
In total, thirty-four Citrus Valley Clubs attended club rush. Club rush gives many students the opportunity to join a club, socialize, and to develop many skills that the clubs at Citrus Valley offer to students.
The multitude of clubs gave many options to this year’s arriving freshman.
Freshman Karla Ziga Ortega said, “I’m looking to join the Hispanic Heritage club because I love my Mexican pride and supporting people, and I’m already in Yearbook, but it would be nice to see everyone coming together and to unite.”
Freshman Ellie Caliva said, “I want to join the Asian Student Union.” The Asian Student Union is a very popular club at CV that celebrates many aspects of Asian culture.
Club Rush was considered a success by many freshmen, including Caliva, who said that “It was good, I had fun,” and Ortega, who said that she “[liked] all the free stuff, [everything] looked good. I don’t know if I can commit to everything but I’ll try to join at least one club.”
Photo 1: Students gather around the Black Student Union tent to learn more about the club. (ELIZABETH MOLLOY/ Ethic News Photo)
Photo 2: Students flood the quad during lunch time, walking around with friends and peers as they learn about the clubs at Citrus Valley. (ELIZABETH MOLLOY/ Ethic News Photo)
Photo 3: Students stop by the Environmental Club table to learn about the club. (ELIZABETH MOLLOY/ Ethic News Photo)
Photo 4: Amber Sibbett, a sophomore at CV, passes out flyers to by passers reeling people in to join the Improv club on campus. (ELIZABETH MOLLOY/ Ethic News Photo)
Photo 5: Trevor Lam, a junior at CV poses for a picture holding up a sign advertising for the Asian Student Union (ASU) at club rush (ELIZABETH MOLLOY/ Ethic News Photo)
Katie Mackenzie, maestra de inglés con honores de décimo grado en Citrus Valley, responde 25 preguntas sobre sí misma.
Katie Mackenzie ha estado enseñando durante 18 años. (DESTINY RAMOS/ foto de Ethic News)
Reflexiones didácticas
P: ¿Cuánto tiempo lleva enseñando?
Mackenzie: Creo que con este llevo 18 años de enseñanza.
P: ¿Qué es lo más bonito que ha hecho un estudiante por ti?
Mackenzie: Los estudiantes son simplemente muy encantadores. Escriben bonitas cartas y saludan. Recientemente, el estudiante de magisterio de mi hija era un exalumno y fue muy divertido reconectarme con él y me escribió esta carta realmente encantadora en la que, al final, felicitaba a mi hija pero también me felicitaba a mí y decía que lo inspiré a enseñar. y eso fue realmente especial. Sobre todo porque son tantos años después.
P: ¿Qué es lo más frustrante para enseñar?
Mackenzie: Creo que son solo cosas que están fuera de mi control. Al igual que la pandemia, fue muy difícil.
P: ¿Cuál de sus lecciones es su favorita para enseñar?
Mackenzie: Me gusta enseñar a escribir. Me gusta cuando hayan terminado un ensayo, aunque es un poco aburrido. Me gusta repasarlo porque creo que es útil. Me gusta cuando se siente útil, esa mentalidad de ‘está bien, vamos a mejorar en esto’, así que realmente me gusta repasar la escritura.
P: Qué es lo que más le gusta de sus alumnos?
Mackenzie: Me gusta la energía y siento que los estudiantes de segundo año, en particular, se vuelven más felices a medida que avanza el año. Me gustan los estudiantes de segundo año porque son divertidos y juegan un poco y todavía no están demasiado atascados por el estrés, así que me encanta eso de ellos. También me gusta que estén abiertos a compartir sus ideas y que siempre tengan ideas nuevas. Me gusta mucho aprender de ellos.
P: ¿Cuál es tu historia favorita que les cuentas a tus alumnos?
Mackenzie: I don’t like to talk about my life very much to my students. Like little things, but they’re often interested in how I met my husband and how I studies abroad and I do like to talk about how I studied abroad because it’s fun and it can inspire other kids to do that and I think that it was a really awesome experience but I tend to not talk about my personal life very much.
P: ¿Qué es lo que más le gusta de la docencia?
Mackenzie: Creo que realmente es la conexión con los niños y conocer gente nueva cada año. Es interesante cómo nos conocemos ahora, pero a veces me encuentro con ellos mucho más tarde y creo que a veces las personas entran en tu vida cuando se supone que deben hacerlo y me siento afortunado de poder conocer a todas estas personas diferentes y aprender de ellas. todos los años.
Otros favoritos y una mascota peeve
P: Cuando no estás enseñando, ¿qué es lo que más te gusta hacer?
Mackenzie: Me gusta salir con mis amigos, me gusta viajar mucho. Esa es probablemente mi favorita actividad en realidad. Me encanta viajar.
P: ¿Cuál es tu lugar favorito en el que has estado?
Mackenzie: Estudié en el extranjero en Oxford, ahí es donde conocí a mi esposo, y mientras estuve allí pude viajar mucho,así que fuimos a Praga, Escocia, Francia y todos esos lugares porque son muy cercanos. Mi esposo es de Sudáfrica, así que he estado allí y me gusta mucho Sudáfrica y Nueva Zelanda, iríamos porque es donde viven sus hermanos, así que no sé. Siento que podría vivir en Nueva Zelanda, pero realmente me gustaba Praga como ciudad.
P: ¿Quién es tu autor favorito?
Mackenzie: Honestamente, Shakespeare. Sé que es aburrido, pero él es mi autor favorito.
P: ¿Cuál es tu fiesta favorita?
Mackenzie: Navidad
P: ¿Cuál es tu molestia mas grande?
Mackenzie: No me gustan las malas actitudes, como cuando la gente está de mal humor todo el tiempo.
Fun Facts
P: Si nunca te hubieras convertido en maestro, ¿en qué crees que te hubieras convertido?
Mackenzie: Solía pensar que hubiera sido divertido ser abogada porque me gusta discutir y porque me gusta pensar en cosas así. me gusta debatir y me encantan los programas de abogados, pero no creo que me hubiera gustado el estilo de vida. Pero creo que me hubiera gustado ser abogada.
P: ¿Te gusta mas el té o el café?
Mackenzie: Té.
P: ¿Qué película puedes ver constantemente y nunca cansarte?
Mackenzie: Me gusta mucho la miniserie de A&E Orgullo y Prejuicio con Colin Firth como el Sr. Darcey.
P: ¿Qué te alegra el ánimo cuando tienes un mal día?
Mackenzie: Mi familia, estar con mi hija y esposo me hace muy feliz.
P: Si pudieras vivir en cualquier lugar, ¿dónde sería y por qué?
Mackenzie: Creo que me mudaría a Nueva Zelanda. De todos los lugares que he visitado, creo que es el lugar donde sería más feliz viviendo. Es un poco como el sur de California porque es costero y es un poco metropolitano, pero hay mucho más espacio abierto y es muy hermoso.
P: ¿Cuál fue el último libro que leíste?
Mackenzie: Es de mi club de lectura. Es un poco oscuro pero se llama ‘Deep Water’.
La clase de último año de 2022 de Redlands East Valley se reunió en el almuerzo del 29 de abril para celebrar el día del compromiso de los estudiantes de último año, un evento para reconocer los planes de educación de los futuros graduados después de la escuela secundaria.
Entre los edificios M y K en REV, el Cuerpo Estudiantil Asociado organizó una pequeña reunión de pizza, refrescos y papas fritas gratis para los estudiantes de último año que asisten a la universidad en el otoño.
Debido a que el patio de césped entre ambos edificios estaba cerrado solo para los estudiantes de último año, los estudiantes pudieron disfrutar del almuerzo con ellos mismos y conectarse entre sí sobre sus planes para la universidad.
“Fue agradable poder ver con qué están comprometidas otras personas. Da la sensación de que vamos por caminos separados, pero siempre tendremos una experiencia compartida en la escuela secundaria”, dice Alicia Gullon, estudiante de último año en REV con planes de asistir a la Universidad de California, Berkeley.
“Da la sensación de que vamos por caminos separados, pero siempre tendremos una experiencia compartida en la escuela secundaria.”
Alicia Gullon, estudiante de último año en REV
Además de comer, los estudiantes también podrían tomarse fotos frente al fotomatón con amigos y firmar una pancarta con su nombre y la universidad a la que planean asistir.
Entre los edificios M y K en Redlands East Valley High School, los estudiantes de último año de Wildcat, Prescott Neiswender y Katelyn Kennedy, posan frente a un fotomatón decorado para tomar una foto para el Día de Compromiso de los Mayores el 29 de abril durante el almuerzo. (ELLA FITZPATRICK/ foto de Ethic News)
Giselle Sefiane Coady, Ella Martinez-Spencer, Luca Smith y Corey Ford, estudiantes de último año de Redlands East Valley, firman una pancarta con sus nombres y las universidades a las que planean asistir en el otoño en el Día de Compromiso para Personas Mayores en REV el 29 de abril. (ELLA FITZPATRICK/ foto de Ethic News)
Las bandas de la escuela primaria del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Redlands visitaron la Escuela Secundaria Citrus Valley para presentaciones e instrucción el martes 14 de abril. Las escuelas primarias incluyeron Bryn Mawr, Mission, Crafton, Highland Grove y Victoria. Los miembros de la banda de sexto y séptimo grado de Beattie Middle School también hicieron acto de presencia.
Durante su visita, los estudiantes de cuarto y quinto grado asistieron a una actuación del conjunto de viento del tercer período. El grupo avanzado ha trabajado durante muchas semanas preparándose para los niños y su presentación de “Carnegie Anthem”, “Amparito Roca” y “Star Trek Theme”, que también se presentarán en el concierto de primavera en mayo.
Después de que terminó el conjunto, los estudiantes de primaria pudieron actuar para los estudiantes de secundaria mientras recibían consejos musicales de otros coordinadores de música que también visitaron Citrus Valley. Al final de su taller, los estudiantes del conjunto afirmaron que podían escuchar mejoras en el juego de los niños.
Los alumnos de quinto y cuarto grado del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Redlands disfrutan de un día lleno de música en la Escuela Secundaria Citrus Valley el 14 de abril. (DESTINY RAMOS/ foto de Ethic News)
In honor of Mother’s Day on May 8, Citrus Valley High School students give appreciation to their mothers that work on campus. The following students responded to what they cherished about their mothers, what it is like to share a campus with their mother and if they had a message to say to their mothers.
Michelle Stover, chemistry teacher:
“I cherish her enthusiasm and care for her students.”
“It’s nice because I get snacks.”
“I love you mom.”
Michelle Stover is Citrus Valley’s General and Advanced Placement Chemistry teacher and her daughter Julianna is a sophomore at Citrus Valley. (Photo courtesy by Julianna Stover)
Kari Hill, Career Center Coordinator:
“I cherish how loving and helping she always is to me.”
“Having my mom on campus is the best because she can always give me advice where to go or what to do and help me with colleges.”
“A message I would like to give my mom would be thank you for everything you’ve done for me in the past 18 years. Now, I’m structuring a great future because of everything you’ve helped me understand and learn.”
– Ryan Hill, senior
Kari Hill is Citrus Valley’s Career Center Teacher/College-Career Counselor and her son is senior Ryan Hill. (Photo courtesy by Ryan Hill)
Kelly Teeter, counseling clerk:
“She’s really lovely, she takes care of me, she puts food on my plate, provides me with everything I need and she takes really good care of me.”
“For me, it’s nice because I’m diabetic so if something happens to me she’s there for me. She doesn’t have to worry so it’s nice for her too, and it’s just nice having her here.”
“Thank you, thank you for doing everything you do and thank you for being here.”
– Lucas Teeter, freshman
Kelly Teeter is a counseling clerk at Citrus Valley and her son is Citrus Valley freshman Lucas Teeter. (Photo courtesy by Lucas Teeter)
Maisie McCue, principal:
“I think that she is very empathetic and compassionate so she can help you through lots of stuff just because she’s able to relate.”
“It’s interesting but I’ve already had her on my campus for three years because she was my middle school principal also. But like, middle school was a little better than high school though. It’s still nice though, being able to see her every day at school.”
“Just that I love and appreciate you.”
– Kylie McCue, sophomore
Masie McCue is the principle of Citrus Valley, and her daughter is Citrus Valley sophomore Kylie McCue. (Photo courtesy by Kylie McCue)
Joan Snavely, telepresence paraprofessional aide:
“I cherish the fact that my mom is someone I can count on to be there for me.”
“Some people think having your mom on campus could be tiring, but its definitely made my high school experience easier. Whether it’s using her microwave for lunch or always having a classroom that I can feel safe in, she’s always been there for me.”
“Thanks for all the snacks during passing period, and bringing me a little bit of home while I’m in school.”
– Maggie Snavely, senior
Joan Snavely is the telepresence aide for Citrus Valley, and her daughter is Citrus Valley senior Maggie Snavely. (Photo courtesy by Maggie Snavely)
At Citrus Valley, these individuals take on the dual role of mother and staff member and this Mother’s Day their children’s appreciation for them does not go unnoticed.
The Redlands Unified School District’s elementary school bands visited Citrus Valley High School for performances and instruction on Tuesday, April 14. The elementary schools included Bryn Mawr, Mission, Crafton, Highland Grove and Victoria. Beattie Middle School’s sixth and seventh grade band members also made an appearance.
During their visit, the fourth and fifth grade students sat through a performance by the third period Wind Ensemble. The advanced group has worked for many weeks preparing for the kids and their performance of “Carnegie Anthem,” “Amparito Roca,” and “Star Trek Theme,” which will also be performed at the spring concert in May.
After the ensemble was finished, the elementary students were able to perform for the high school students while getting music tips from other music coordinators who also visited Citrus Valley. By the end of their workshop, the ensemble students claimed they could hear improvement in the children’s playing.
The fifth and fourth graders of the Redlands Unified School District enjoy a day full of music at Citrus Valley High School on April 14. (DESTINY RAMOS/ Ethic News photo)
The Redlands East Valley senior class of 2022 gathered at lunch on April 29 to celebrate senior commit day—an event to recognize the future graduates education plans after high school.
Between the M and K buildings at REV, the Associated Student Body set up a small gathering of free pizza, soda and chips for the seniors attending college in the fall.
Because the grass yard between both buildings was closed off for only seniors, the students were able to enjoy the lunch with themselves and connect with each other about their plans for college.
“It was nice being able to see where other people are committed to. It makes it feel as if we’re going our separate ways but we’ll always have a shared high school experience,” says Alicia Gullon, a senior at REV with plans to attend University of California, Berkeley.
“It makes it feel as if we’re going our separate ways but we’ll always have a shared high school experience.”
Redlands East Valley High School senior Alicia Gullon
Along with eating food, the students could also take photos together in front of the photo booth with friends and sign a banner with their name and the college they plan on attending.
Between the M and K buildings at Redlands East Valley High School, Wildcat seniors Prescott Neiswender and Katelyn Kennedy pose in front of a decorated photo booth to take a photo for Senior Commit Day on April 29 during lunch. (ELLA FITZPATRICK/Ethic News photo)
Redlands East Valley seniors Giselle Sefiane Coady, Ella Martinez-Spencer, Luca Smith and Corey Ford sign a banner with their names and the colleges they plan on attending in the fall on Senior Commit Day at REV on April 29. ( ELLA FITZPATRICK/ Ethic News photo)
Pig cheeks, oxtails, and chicken feet–all seen as disgusting pieces of the very animals we eat, but one man’s trash is another man’s treasure as they say.
Offal is all of these things. According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, offal is “the waste or by-product of a process.” By associating the less used pieces of meat as waste, there is already a negative connotation to these other parts of livestock.
When I was in one of my classes, we were talking about Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle” and the teacher branched off to talk about how pieces of meat including pig cheeks or tails are undesirable.
In most other countries outside of America, they use the “undesirable” and “unwanted” pieces of meat.
As a Filipino, there is a traditional dish called sisig and it is made up of the unwanted pieces of meat, pig cheeks, ears and more, and kare-kare which is another traditional dish usually made with peanut butter and oxtail. These are delicious dishes, and I pride myself on being a Filipino.
Other delicious dishes include chicken feet that one can find at Chinese dimsum restaurants, but when I was watching an old Disney show with my siblings, they used chicken feet and called them monkey knuckles in a sketch making fun of microwave dinners.
Although the conversation on chicken beaks making up chicken nuggets most likely only lasted a few minutes, a few confused minutes. I couldn’t help
Starting with “The Jungle” by Upton Sinclair, a novel originally written to expose the exploitation of immigrants coming into America, Americans started to have a negative view on offal.
A part of the stigma can come from back in the day when good cuts of meat were associated with the rich and the unwanted parts with the poor. Logically, the impoverished would try to make their dish as delicious as possible with whatever they have.
Things have obviously changed from the Progressive Era: the food and drug act and necessary nutrition facts. The making and processing of our foods is now better.
Even the local Costco is starting to sell beef tripe and ox tails; near the meat section, I saw a few people piling up and looking at some large white meat, so when I went over to check it out, it was beef tripe, and right next to it was oxtail. I was filled with joy to see offal in a place more accessible to people.
Food culture is culture. Attacking someone’s food is attacking their identity and their culture, whether or not it is intentional, but that article is for another time.
For the time being, normalizing offal allows people from multitudes of countries to have pride in their cultures and not have to feel put down or what their eating is disgusting simply because it is not what the majority indulges in.
America is known as the big melting pot so it should be just that: a big melting pot with a variety of delicious cultures.
Citrus Valley High School’s girls’ varsity soccer team circle up and begin their cheer to pump each other up before kickoff (Courtesy of Mike Mccue)
Since Dec. 1, 2021, the soccer season at Citrus Valley High School has been underway. From preseason to league, the soccer girls have worked hard during their practices. From 6 a.m. to after school practices, they are dedicated to crushing every game.
At the beginning of the league, the varsity team felt they had a target on their back after being the top team in their district and back-to-back Citrus Belt League champions. Starting off with preseason, everyone worked on strengthening weak points.
The first league game for Citrus Valley was Jan. 5 at Cajon High School. The Blackhawks came out strong with a win of 7-1. With another away game against Redlands East Valley High School on Jan. 7, the team again took the win against the Wildcats with a 3-0 victory.
The third game of the league and the first home game of the season was against their rival Yucaipa High School. The Thunderbirds and Blackhawks battle it out on the pitch. Citrus Valley comes out hard from the start and wins the game against YHS 3-1 with a goal from Blackhawk senior Lindsey Chau, junior Natalie Thoe and sophomore Sasha Mezcua.
After their third consecutive win, varsity girls made their way to Terrier town against Redlands High School. Working together, the Blackhawks scores ten goals on the scoreboard and earns a final score of 10-1.
Teammates No. 10 Lindsey Chau, No. 15 Vanessa Alcala celebrate with No. 8 Elizabeth Northcott after scoring a goal against the Terriers. (Courtesy of Hung Chau)
The team followed up with a home game against Beaumont, finishing against the Cougars with a win of 3-1. Wrapping up the first round of games, Citrus Valley girl’s varsity held a streak of five wins.
Round two brought each team head-to-head one more time, starting from the top Citrus Valley had a home game against Cajon. Cajon comes in strong while Citrus Valley matches up and plays strategically. Through teamwork, they came out on top and beat the Cowgirls 2-1.
The following week, Citrus Valley went head-to-head against the Wildcats on Wednesday Jan. 26. The teams battles it out and approximately 80 minutes later, the Blackhawks are victorious beating REV 3-0. Shutting out the Wildcats and keeping their league record undefeated.
With a challenging game ahead of them, Assistant Varsity Coach Allen Thoe said, “We used our recordings of the games and watch the film before practice. We mainly use this to devise what system we will be using, in this case, we went with a 4-3-3, but we also use it to highlight any specific players to watch out for.”
After filming and taking note of what needs to be brought to attention, the team traveled to Yucaipa. The girls warmed up and got pumped up for the game. With a hard battle from both defenses and shots on goal from offense, Citrus Valley kicked five goals into the back of the net. Pushing through and using their studying from the previous practice, the girls find the weak points and use it to their advantage to break through and win against the Thunderbirds for the second time this season with a final score of 5-1.
With only two games left of CBL, the varsity girls gave it their all when they went up against Redlands High School. The Blackhawks started strong in Hodges stadium a little before 5 p.m with warm ups, followed up with shots on goal and long kicks from defenders. Leaving everything on the field, the game finished up with a final score of 3-0, Blackhawks with the win.
In the final league game, the players took the bus and enjoyed the ride to Beaumont to face the Cougars. The whistle was blown and the girls on the sidelines ran to cheer with the players on the field as they celebrate their win of 3-0 and their record of ten wins and zero losses.
With an undefeated season, the girls and the seniors celebrated all their hard work as undefeated league champs for the past three consecutive years.
The varsity girls pose with coach Norma Mendez after their last Citrus Belt League game. (Courtesy of Hung Chau)
On March 17, a protest was organized on Opal and Colton Avenue by #savefash, a movement created by the Redlands East Valley Associated Student Body junior class in hopes of reinstating their advisor, Matt Fashempour, of eight years.
Members of the ASB class felt that there was not an explanation given.
Robert Clarey, the REV Principal, says, “ This is a personnel decision and, as such, it would be unprofessional of me to discuss openly.”
Shannon Cockerill, current senior and ASB Executive President at REV, says, “I realize protest and petitions don’t guarantee anything, so at the very least, I hope Fashempour gets an explanation and he see’s just how many people support him and appreciates everything he does.”
Clarey says, “I hear the rumors as well, it is unfortunate that a lack of information causes people to make up their own narrative. People feel the need to be in the know…or at least to appear that they are in the know.”
More students joined the crowd throughout the morning prior to the start of school. Participants received shirts printed by a parent of one of the students involved and held student-created posters.
Redlands East Valley High School junior Nathan Derry holds a “Save Fash” poster along the sideline of Colton Avenue before school on March 17. (AVA LARSON/ Ethic News photo)
Redlands East Valley High School sophomores Lily Shaw and Amanda Morrison carry posters for passing cars to “honk for Fash” along the sideline of Colton Avenue before school on March 17. (AVA LARSON/ Ethic News photo)
The Redlands East Valley High School theater department presented its Spring Showcase on Friday, March 11. While the department traditionally performs a musical in the spring, this year they decided on a showcase in which students were allowed to perform and collaborate on acts of their choosing.
The show was also unique in that it was a collaboration between REV and Redlands eAcademy. REV is one of the Redlands Unified School District’s three comprehensive high schools. Redlands eAcademy is the district’s hybrid learning school which shares a campus with REV. Students from both schools worked together to put on the Spring Showcase.
The show consisted of many scenes from popular movies and tv shows including “Mean Girls” and “Victorious” as well as acts from acclaimed musicals such as “Hamilton” and “In the Heights.”
“My favorite part has been working with my friends, and seeing how talented everyone is. Getting to act is amazing, but my favorite part [is] having fun with other actors,” said Connor Bromberger, a senior at REV.
REV senior Leilani Baldwin said, “The people are so supportive and loving. Needless to say, they are some of the most fun people I know.”
Many of these acts required students to work together creatively for weeks.
Grace Castell, a senior at REV, said her favorite part about the showcase “has to be working with my friends. There’s never a dull moment with them.”
Bella Mia Fraley, a freshman at Redlands E-Academy said, “Being on stage, the lights, the sounds, it’s all so fun, and I hope I can do more productions with this school in the future.”
While preparing for the showcase was full of excitement, performers admit that the process was stressful at times.
Nina Brown, a freshman at E-academy said, “The preparation process has been really stressful, but also really fun. It’s always fun to go to rehearsal and practice.”
Ella Fletcher, a senior at REV, said the showcase was “definitely a little stressful, but that is always a part of performing onstage because performers care so much that what you see onstage is as perfect as possible.”
(From left down to right down) Evie O’Brien, Lizeth Lopez, Rose Blatchley, Ella Fletcher, Dana Hatar and Megan Rimmer starred in Ex Wives from “Six” the musical. Their performance was the closing act of the night. (ALISSON BERMUDEZ/ Ethic News photo)
Junior Evie O’Brien (left) and senior Connor Bromberger (right) stand next to each other with weaponry during their portrayal of Henry vs his Demons. (ISAAC MEJIA/ Ethic News photo)
The actors and actresses of the showcase had their own unique individual experiences. Behind the scenes, the tech and stage crew had their own experiences as well.
eAcademy freshman Dakarai Marshall said “I have learned a lot more than I expected, such as using power tools. I have had fun learning these life lessons and skill sets that I will benefit from forever.”
Moments before the show, the cast sits around the set patiently waiting to be called by the tech crew for their last mic check. (ALISSON BERMUDEZ/ Ethic News photo)
Liliana Arroyo (left) and Lelanie Baldwin (right), two of the soloists of the night, pose for a picture outside of the theater room. Arroyo performed “Hopelessly Devoted To You” from Grease while Baldwin performed “Breathe” from In the Heights. (ALISSON BERMUDEZ/ Ethic News photo)
(ISAAC MEJIA/ Ethic News video)
For some students, the Spring Showcase marked the beginning of their theatrical career at REV. However, for seniors, the showcase was the last time that they would set foot on the Blackstone Theater Stage and perform in front of a live audience.
Fletcher said, “I am happy to be a part of this production, but it is a little bittersweet. I do wish it was a full show though, but I’m happy to be involved!”
“It’s a surreal feeling to know this is the last time I will walk on and off of the Blackstone Theater stage as an attending REV student, ” said Baldwin. “I had grown so much in my craft in this very building.”
“I do wish we could have done an actual play, but having the freedom to create a scene on our own is still just as great,” Catell said. “As long as I have fun and get to be with my friends, then I don’t mind! I will miss all the people I got to work with once I graduate though.”
At Orangewood High School, a new cell phone policy is starting on April 4. This policy was created due to cell phone abuse taking up class time. There will also be new consequences to go with it.
The new policy states that starting on April 4, teachers may allow the use of cell phones or any electronic devices for a designated time “for a specific educational opportunity” or if there is an emergency, but there must be a verbal “explicit permission” before the electronic device is pulled out to be used.
As with any rules, there are consequences for using these devices without the permission of school personnel.
According to the policy, the first offense will result in the teacher issuing a verbal warning, with the parents or guardians being notified.
The second offense will have the device confiscated for the rest of the school day, but will be “released to the student.”
The third offense will be having the device once again confiscated “for the remainder of the school day,” and parents or guardians will have to come to the Orangewood High School administration office and pick up the device.
The policy states, “Orangewood High school is not responsible for stolen, lost, or damaged electronic devices.”
Some students at Orangewood are not too pleased to be having this new policy and others say they understand the reason for it.
Johnathan McGuire, a junior at Orangewood said, “I think they should change it, not like get rid of it, but revise it.”
Monica Penunuri, a sophomore at Orangewood, states “I don’t like it, but I get it.”
Students can attend School Site Council meetings and discuss their concerns with the staff.
ETHIC NEWS 
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