Poster made for the new reinvented Saturday morning market. (Elizabeth Molloy /ETHIC NEWS ART)
Working to bring all aspects of the community back, Redlands beloved Thursday Market Night is brought back. As of Mar. 4, 2023, Redlands reintroduced Market Night as Saturday morning’s market. The morning market will be operating 8 a.m – 12 p.m in the afternoon, located along East State Street between Orange and Seven street. The market will be open throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons with up to a variety of 80 vendors.
The long awaited reopen of market night was discussed in the May meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission. The subcommittee brought up the reopening of Market Night with new rules and modifications for both the vendors and the community as a whole. Re-introducing Market Night as Downtown’s Morning Market rather than Thursday Market Night was to better complement the downtown businesses and work with available staff. In addition to the Saturday Market, downtown businesses and communities are familiar with the existing operations. The market leads to reformatting policies and guidelines to include higher quality merchandise or artsy products for customers.
Vendors posted up in downtown redlands selling to buyers (Photo Courtesy / Sierra Mason)
Sierra Mason, a junior at Redlands High School visited the Morning Market the day of reopening, “It was awesome to see the community come together again like that, since the pandemic shut everything down community events never really healed, and I’m really excited that we are starting to bring them back! There were so many people and small businesses, and it was great getting to see everyone support each other.”
People crossing the street making their way to other vendors to browse at selections (Photo Courtesy / Sierra Mason)
In reintroducing market night as saturday morning market, the community rejoices together like times before the pandemic.
The brand includes different foundations, highlighters, eyelines, lipsticks and more. (Nadia Ceniceros/ Ethic News Photo)
HudaBeauty is a cosmetics brand created by Huda Kattan. Kattan is a 39-year-old makeup artist, beauty influencer, and entrepreneur. The brand was created in 2013 by Kattan and her two sisters Mona and Alya Kattan when she simply could not find false eyelashes to purchase. Now, HudaBeauty is a favorite and popular brand that many people love.
Before she was an influencer, Kattan had worked at a finance office but quit to pursue her dream job. In April 2010, she started a blog called “Huda Beauty” with her videos about makeup tips and tutorials. However, after three years, Kattan’s sister, Alya, gave her 6,000 dollars to start the company after considering it for some time. She also used her 10,000 dollars of savings to start her now well-known brand.
The first product to launch was false eyelashes. Her false eyelashes became very popular after the Kardashian sisters had talked publicly on social media about how great the lashes were. When she later released eyeshadow pallets, the colors were bright to embrace her heritage and have makeup with a Middle Eastern impact. As Kattan’s products got more attention, her followers on social media became larger as she would constantly post about new or feature releases.
HudaBeauty’s “Glowish” highlighter. It retails for $38 at any Sephora store. (Nadia Ceniceros/ Ethic News Photo)
In 2022, HudaBeauty sold more than 140 beauty products that range from lipsticks, eyeshadow pallets, compact powder, highlighters, false lashes, and more. HudaBeauty is mostly popular for its eyeshadow palettes for varieties of colors in pigmentation and matte lipsticks. Kattan also sells 39 different shades of foundation, after releasing nine more shades in 2020. HudaBeauty is only exclusively sold at Sephora stores.
HudaBeauty is connected to a skincare line called “Wishful” which was also made by Kattan. The line is also sold only at Sephora stores. The line was released on Feb. 16, 2020, with its first product being an exfoliating scrub. There are so far 34 products available in different sizes. HudaBeauty sells a fragrance brand called “Kayali” founded by Huda’s sister, Mona Kattan. There are 11 different types of perfumes, the first edition was released in 2018 and is now sold on the HudaBeauty website.
HudaBeauty makes over two hundred million in annual sales today. Kattan’s net worth is about five hundred and sixty million, while the brand is four hundred million. HudaBeauty is manufactured in Dubai, where her parents were from. Kattan is the second richest beauty influencer, right behind Sofiya Nygaard. HudaBeauty is declared one of the fastest growing beauty brands.
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)
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.
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.
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 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.
On Feb. 12, 2023, Singer-songwriter Rihanna performed at the 57th Super Bowl Halftime show after seven years of not performing. Rihanna is a 34-year-old Barbadian pop and R&B singer. She is known for her famous songs like, “Pon Del Rey”, “Love On The Brain”, “Woo” and many more.
After Rihanna released her last album “Anti” on Jan. 12, 2016, she took a step back from the music industry to focus on other things like her cosmetics brand, “Fenty Beauty” in September 2017. In 2022, she released “Lift Me Up” which was a part of the Black Panther Wakanda Forever soundtrack. Her last tour was her Anti Tour from March 2016 to November 2016. Since her album and tour, Rihanna did not perform or make music for seven years. During the seven-year time period, she started dating A$AP Rocky, a 34-year American rapper. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky started dating in May 2021 and have been together since. On May 13, 2022, she gave birth to her first child.
Rihanna standing on the platform at the Superbowl before performing (FentyBeauty/Instagram)
Rihanna performed her most popular songs Sunday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, sponsored by Apple Music. Her setlist included
-B—- Better Have My Money
-Where Have You Been
-Only Girl
-We Found Love
-Rude Boy
-Work
-Wild Thoughts
-Pour It Up
-All of the Lights
-Run This Town
-Umbrella
-Diamonds
Rihanna also announced her pregnancy with her second child. She opened her performance by showing her stomach and announcing to everyone that she is pregnant after the show. Rihanna performed in an all red outfit while her dancers took the stage in all white. She was on a platform 15 to 60 feet off the ground during certain parts of the performance. There was speculation since she announced she was performing at the Superbowl of who her special guest would be, however, she performed alone with her dancers. The choreography was created by Parris Goebel, a choreographer and founder of The Palace Dance Studio”. During the performance, she took the opportunity to promote her beauty brand “Fenty Beauty” by touching up her makeup in the middle of the show.
The performance was 13 minutes long and needed over 800 people to make the show possible. Aaron Siebert, the project leader for the making of the platforms had said that it was “The most technically advanced Super Bowl halftime show that’s ever been done because of the amount of tech used to move the platforms.” Her halftime show performance will go down in pop cultural history.
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.”
The month of February has been designated as National Black History Month after Carter G. Woodson created what he called Negro History Week in 1926. Carter held Negro History Week during the second week of Febururay, in honor of Frederick Douglas’s and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays. After this, Woodson’s concept was expanded into Black History Month which was officially established in 1986 when congress passed Public Law 99-244.
During this Black History Month, Citrus Valley High School’s Black Student Union (BSU) club presented multiple different activities in celebration. During the month of February, BSU hosted an after school movie night, had different members of BSU give a quote on the announcements every day, hosted a living wax museum, sold chocolate covered strawberry valentine grams, and hosted a black history themed spirit week.
Starting from the 13 to 17, BSU planned themed days for the entire week. These days included Sunday’s best, where people dressed in their best church. Fresh prince day where everyone dressed in 90s decade fashion. Harlem Renaissance day in which students dressed in 1920s fashion. Next, there was Favorite Television show/ Sitcom where students dressed up as a character from their favorite tv show or sitcom. Lastly, wear red, green, and black day where students will wear red, green, or black clothing articles to represent the colors of the African flag.
In regards to the BSU spirit week, junior Jazz Daughtrey stated “It made me, as a black student on campus, feel connected to other black students on campus and even if only BSU members participated, we were the only group that truly mattered.”
BSU advisor Sheena Debose dressed up during the Harlem Renaissance themed spirit day, dressed in 1920’s attire. (Meanna Smith/Ethic News photo)
Junior Jazz Daughtrey dressed up for favorite television show/sitcom day, dressed up as game show host Steve Harvey. (Meanna Smith/Ethic News photo)
On Valentine’s Day, BSU made chocolate covered strawberries and sold them as valentines grams. The grams were packaged and delivered to classes on Valentine’s day. BSU used the selling of the grams as a fundraiser to fund events in the future.
The making and decorating of the chocolate covered strawberries. (Meanna Smith/Ethic News photo)
On Feb. 17, 2023, BSU hosted an after school movie night that began with karaoke. There was pizza provided as well as other snacks and beverages. The movie night began at 5pm showing the 2002 film “Barbershop” as a way to celebrate black entertainment. BSU member and senior, Amanda Keza, stated “the movie night was a lot of fun and it was important because it helped me find a sense of community on campus.”
Students watching the film in the Citrus Valley High School Bistro. (Meanna Smith/Ethic News photo)
BSU also presented its first ‘Living Wax Museum’ event in the library during lunch on Feb. 21. Members of BSU dressed up as historical black figures and created poster boards for students and staff to see during lunch. The event was very popular and even had a line formed outside of the library to enter. Some of the historical figures that were presented include Jimmy Hendrix, Rosa Parks, and Kathleen Cleaver.
BSU president and senior Amanda Keza presenting Jimmy Hendrix during the Living Wax Museum. (Meanna Smith/Ethic News photo)
Black History Month on campus was very active and fun for many students. It was important to so many students to finally see Black History Month celebrated on campus and to connect with different people.
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.”
Genesis, a school dance hosted on the Yucaipa Performing Arts Center property, invited high school students from Orangewood, Grove, Citrus Valley, Redlands High, and Redlands East Valley High for a fun night on Feb. 10.
This event lasted from 7-11 p.m. and offered an array of entertainment ranging from a maze, a video game truck, concession stands, outdoor photo booths, and a DJ with a large outdoor space allocated for dancing. Inside the YPAC building were virtual reality stations, a stage for karaoke, a nacho bar, and various other game tables.
RHS junior Andrew Winter says, “The karaoke was the best part. Singing with friends and a cheering audience was amazing.”
Eva Valtierrez a REV senior says, “It was very entertaining and fun. A good chance to reconnect with old friends.”
Citrus Valley junior Kylie McCue says, “I think that it went really well with all the schools. All of the games made it really inclusive and always made it so there was something to do for everyone, but I ended up in the karaoke room a lot because it was really fun.”
An RHS sophomore Tristan Eubanks says, “Doing karaoke with my friends was the highlight of my night. The snacks were great.”
An overview of the outdoor concession stands, photo booths, and the crowd can be seen here. (ALEX VERDUZCO/Ethic News photo)
The Yucaipa Performing Arts Center illuminated by lights with the Genesis color scheme welcomes in high school students by the designated Redlands High School entrance on Feb. 10, 2023 in Yucaipa, California. (ALEX VERDUZCO/Ethic News photo)
A sign of the dance greets students walking by the stage on Feb. 10, 2023. (SPENCER MOORE/Ethic News photo)
Purple and blue lights surround the main stage highlighting the crowd and area for dancing. (ALEX VERDUZCO/Ethic News photo)
The main stage is illuminated by blue lights while the DJ entertains the lively crowd with popular songs and remixes. (SPENCER MOORE/Ethic News photo)
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.
Brandon Ford is a newer addition to the Redlands East Valley High School staff and is in his second year teaching on campus. Before REV, he spent 18 years teaching at Redlands High School.
Brandon Ford poses at his desk in his classroom at Redlands East Valley in Redlands, California on Jan. 17, 2023 (ALEX VERDUZCO/ Ethic News Photo)
What does your involvement look like on campus?
I teach two different classes. I teach American government for two sections and sociology for two sections, mostly upperclassmen and then I am the head softball coach on campus.
How do you hope to positively affect the staff and students here at REV?
I think the best way to impact, to be a cog in the machine, is to try and be myself. I am a pretty energetic person, I’m very passionate and I care about my students in the classroom and I care about the players that play for me and I think that the more that we have on campus [students] that the kids know that the staff is unified under the ideas of trying to help them and nurture them through these tough times of school.
How would you describe your high school years?
I grew up in a small town, a farming area, we don’t even have a stoplight still, so it was a small school with about 350 kids when I went to high school. School for me was not easy, it was a struggle having some learning disabilities and things we didn’t know back then, and it made certain subjects hard. And so I had to go and get extra help and tutors in math and science just to get through since nobody in my family had gone to college but I was told at an early age that I was going to. I needed to make sure I was on a path to do that.
If you could leave your high school self a message, what would it be?
What I would tell myself is to just keep doing what I’m doing, keep working hard and have that work ethic—don’t be afraid to get help. Honestly, believe in yourself because you’re going to get there kid, you’re going to be able to achieve this and reach the goals you want to reach so keep believing and trusting yourself.
Where did you attend college?
I started out taking a football scholarship to Chico State University after high school, but they dropped their football program and I transferred to the University of Redlands. I finished there, with my social studies degree. I coached in college for two years while I was getting my masters in education at the University of Redlands. I never moved back home, I fell in love with this place.
What guided you to this career choice?
I was impacted at an early age. I was involved in a lot of sports, my goal was to be a professional baseball player. I was good enough to play in college and was proud of that but I had teachers and coaches in school, who I still tell stories about in my classroom. They believed in me and pushed me. I was an athlete that responded to being challenged and they knew how to challenge me in the right ways. When you put out the work ethic, they notice that and give you positive praise for that and I built relationships with those people. I sat back in class one day as a junior [in high school] and I remember just thinking about what I wanted to do and I thought about these people, teachers, coaches. I thought, ‘That’s a good life,’ you get a chance to be on campus and play a positive role in mentoring these people that are trying to figure out their lives and need more help.
Redlands East Valley sociology teacher and softball coach, Brandon Ford, stands in front of banners and posters hanging on his classroom wall of the J-Wing of the REV campus. (ALEX VERDUZCO/ Ethic News Photo)
What would you be if you weren’t a teacher?
I would probably be a firefighter or go into the military. What I would have liked to be but probably would have never done is be a DJ or someone working for a company that had to do with music because I love music a lot.
Which hobbies and/or interests would you like to share with students to take interest in?
I believe if you want the students to buy into your classroom then you have to get them to buy into you as a person, they have to know that you are a person with likes and dislikes. I try to show them my love of music and the places I’ve seen, and the bands I’ve seen. I like to talk about sports a lot and life stories in my classroom. I have no problem connecting who I am and what my journey has been and letting the students know that. I feel that making connections with pop culture and making connections to the students helps them buy into you as a person.
Any advice for REV students?
Life is a journey, not a destination, don’t feel like you have to have it all figured out right now. If you do that’s great, if you don’t you’re alright. Life is going to take you down these roads and paths that you’re going to have to choose and sometimes you’re going to pick the wrong ones and sometimes the right ones. Believe in yourself and understand that this is your journey and never lose sight of that. Don’t let the hard times take you far out of your path, you only get one shot. Bet on yourself and believe that you can do this and you’ll succeed. It’s not a race to get to the end, it’s how you get there.
Citrus Valley’s first spirit week of Jan. 17-20 2023 consisted of the student body’s favorite spirit weeks from previous years. The spirit days were leading up to the rally of the 2023 year. The Associated Study Body (ASB) of Citrus Valley brought back “Anything but a backpack,” “Barbecue dads versus Soccer Moms,” “White Lies,” and “2000’s day.”
TUESDAY
Tuesday’s theme was “Anything but a backpack.” Students were to bring items that could hold their school supplies that was ‘anything but a backpack’.
Image 1: Freshman Iris Price holds a store bag with her school supplies for ‘Anything but a Backpack’ day. (Marshall Scott/ Ethic News Photo)
Image 2: Sophomore Taylor Baumann poses with a suitcase for spirit day. (Marshall Scott/ Ethics News Photo)
Image 3: Freshman Alexander Carreon holds a child’s Lightning McQueen ride-on for spirit week. (Marshall Scott/ Ethic News Photo)
WEDNESDAY
The theme for Wednesday was “BBQ dads vs Soccer Moms.” Students had to dress as their interpretations of what Barbeque dads and Soccer moms meant.
Image 1: Madison Sauerbrun, a freshman at CV poses as a ‘soccer mom’ for spirit-week. (Marshall Scott/ Ethic News Photo)
Image 2: Micheal Carballo, a Freshman, dresses as a barbecue dad for CV’s ‘Throwback’ spirit-week. (Marshall Scott/Ethic News Photo).
Elliot Anderson, a Math teacher at CV dresses as a barbecue dad with his big smile for Wednesday’s ‘BBQ Dads vs Soccer Moms.’ (Marshall Scott/ Ethic News Photo).
THURSDAY
The theme students had to follow for Thursday was “White Lies or Wear White.” Students had to write untrue statements on white shirts/papers/paper plates and wear them around campus.
Image 1: Freshman, Monserrat Barrera, poses with her white lie ‘I am 6′ 1’ for spirit-week. (Marshall Scott/ Ethic News Photo)
Image 2: Juniors, Riley Houser and Julian Ramos wear white for Thursday’s ‘White Lies’ spirit-week. (Marshall Scott/ Ethic News Photo)
Image 3: Martin Lopez, a Junior, wore a shirt saying “School security can catch me.” for “White Lies” spirit day. (Marshall Scott/ Ethic News Photo)
FRIDAY
The last day of Spirit week went back in time as students dressed up in 2000’s clothing trends. The official theme being “2000’s day or wear black and gold.” Students had the choice of wearing CV gear or 2000’s clothing.
Image 1: Junior Jazz Daughtrey poses in her Britney Spears inspired 2000’s outfit. (Monique Valera/Ethic News Photo)
Image 2: Sophomores Abigail Landa, Mackayla Herrera, and Amaya Pantaleon pose with Junior Leila Clemons in their CV and black and gold attire. (Monique Valera/Ethic News Photo)
Image 3: Sophomores Todd Hessell and Elise pose together wearing 2000’s wear for Friday’s “2000’s day” theme. (Monique Varela/Ethic News Photo)
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)
Not everyone likes school. Long hours, lots of work, frustration and burnout. For some, it feels stressful and unnecessary, a social mess. However, how do people with autism spectrum disorder feel about it?
The author of this article has autism, and in their experience, thinks that school is especially difficult for anyone with ASD, due to the stress and awkwardness of having to work through a system not designed with anyone on the spectrum in mind.
First and foremost, diagnoses are an issue. Expensive, difficult to get ahold of and finicky, diagnoses are one of the major barriers to qualifying; they shouldn’t be. It takes multiple phone calls, complex layers of dead ends and insurance not covering what it should be covering just to get an appointment and it’s rarely cheap. Even if one is lucky enough to get an appointment, and one can pay for it, costs begin in the hundreds of dollars and only increase, which may or may not be covered by insurance.
Secondly, even with an accommodation, getting a 504 plan respected is another process in itself. While rarely do teachers intentionally or maliciously ignore requests, sometimes it’s just a matter of being difficult to work with. For example, a student with accommodations to type being required by a teacher to print things out would be within the bounds of a 504, but frustrating to do. Another example is that people with ASD do not typically like social interactions like public speaking or group work, but it’s impossible to have a single kid graded entirely differently, so it simply ends up as an annoyance. It is rarely malicious, but always annoying to the student.
Thirdly, it’s an issue of school overall. Any game or event requiring to sit in an uncomfortable, loud environment is difficult, so being encouraged to do such always is met with a groan. Frankly, it makes school spirit more of an annoying obligation rather than a memorable point in time. At high school campuses specifically, it’s horrible for anyone with ASD to navigate in certain spots.
Overall, school could be better for those with ASD. Even with a diagnosis and a 504, it’s difficult to adapt and this should be changed for the better. More formal accommodations and separate spaces, like at lunch or during passing periods, for people with 504s would be nice.
FEATURE IMAGE: Ribbon representing autism with black background from Canva.com
While female athletes make up a total of 44% of all athletes, they receive a fraction of the coverage male sports do, as female sports coverage is less than 10% of all media attention.
This is according to Togethxr, a media company founded by female olympians Alex Morgan, Sue Bird, Chloe Kim and Simone Manuel launched a platform in March 2021 dedicated to showcasing more women in sports.
These decorated athletes use their voice to uplift fellow women in the field of sports and put out content to shine a spotlight on those who otherwise would not be featured in televised programs.
Digital art created to incorporate the sports of founders of Togethxr, sports coverage company highlighting women in the media on Dec. 15, 2022 (ALEX VERDUZCO/Ethic News media)
Since 1989, a study has been conducted every five years by the University of Southern California and Purdue University, with the purpose of revealing the percentage of female sports media coverage when compared to male sports coverage. The most recent findings, published in 2019, revealed that 95% of sports media coverage tends to revolve around men’s sports, leaving that remaining 5% to presumably feature women’s sports.
These results raise the following questions, “Why do men’s sports grab the most attention?” and, “Do women deserve more recognition in media coverage?” Yes, female athletes put in the same amount of training and undergo the same requirements to be recruited in professional sports as do their male competitors. Why are sports presented differently based on the gender of the players? If, according to the study’s data, women are receiving some small amount of attention in the media, then why is the percent staying the same rather than increasing over time?
Cheryl Cooky, professor at Purdue University of American Studies and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, explains that the reasoning behind this is due to women landing a piece in the news that is often overshadowed by multiple accomplishments done by male athletes. With this, “one and done,” as she refers to it, the amount of content highlighting women’s achievements in sports is buried by the male dominated industry, and their surplus of coverage which limits the attention of female athletes. This restricts the increase of recognition women receive.
Do female athletes deserve more recognition in sports? Redlands East Valley High School student athletes weigh in.
Kate Sorenson of the REV varsity girls’ wrestling team says, “Girls’ wrestling is rarely ever shown in the media which makes opportunities far fewer. If women received the same amount of media coverage in our sport, we’d experience far more success and earn more praise for our accomplishments. Media coverage improves the quality of sports by increasing participation. For wrestling, the more women we have on the team, the more competitive we can be as a school. It’s hard to get girls interested in wrestling when girls are a minority.”
Kate Sorenson, representing Redlands East Valley High School varsity girls’ wrestling, stands in front of the weight room doors on Dec. 5, 2022. (ALEX VERDUZCO/ Ethic News photo)
Jason Knutson, mixed doubles badminton player at REV says, “Yes, womans’ sports should have more recognition, but the reason they don’t is because their sports are newer to the world than mens’ sports so they haven’t gained as much popularity and publicity.”
Jason Knutson, from the Redlands East Valley High School badminton team, stands in the REV library after school on Dec. 5, 2022. (ALEX VERDUZCO/ Ethic News photo)
“Yes, I do feel like girls in sports are unrecognized. I feel like this is also a part of hidden misogyny,” says Kate Heinze of the varsity water polo and swim team. “For example, boys’ water polo has been given money and is always talked about. But for girls’ water polo, we are a division 6 team and almost beat a team that has future Olympians on it; additionally, boards like the ABC [Aquatics Booster Club] refuses to give us money to travel to games for California Interscholastic Federation because we are destined to lose– why are they giving the boys’ team a chance but not ours? We deserve it just as much because we are bringing in wins.”
Celine Hill, captain of the varsity cheerleaders and water polo says, “Yeah, I believe women deserve equal representation in all fields including athletics. Like at football games, cheerleaders have supporters too and yet all the ticket money made goes toward the football players. Girls don’t seem to get funding in [school] sports like the boys do.”
Kate Heinze and Celine Hill varsity girls’ water polo players stand in front of the Redlands East Valley High School swimming pool fence on Dec. 5, 2022. (ALEX VERDUZCO/ Ethic News photo)
Dylan Cockerill, a member of the cross country and track team says, “Yes, women deserve equal representation compared to men.”
Jared Rubow, varsity boys’ tennis player, “Yes, that way we [as a society] can watch more tournaments.”
LEFT: Jared Rubow, Redlands East Valley High School varsity boys tennis player, stands in front of the trees on school campus before class starts on Dec. 5, 2022. RIGHT: Dylan Cockerill, REV cross country and track runner, stands in front of the pool fence after school on Dec. 5, 2022. (ALEX VERDUZCO, Ethic News Photo)
High Schools across Redlands competed in a hot cocoa competition. The competition tookplace on Dec. 9 between Citrus Valley High School, Redlands East Valley High School and Redlands High School.
Citrus Valley High School, Redlands High School and Redlands East Valley High School each promoted the hot cocoa competition on their instagram accounts. (Instagram screenshots/ Ethic News media)
The competition was also named the “Mug-of-War” contest.
Kylie McCue, a Citrus Valley junior, said,”It was good. Participation was good and hopefully it will be an annual thing.”
At each high school, the student government representatives scanned identification cards, filled cups with water, and provided hot chocolate packets. Students had to come before school to have their cups filled. Citrus Valley also went out of their way to provide disposable cups to anyone who did not bring their own cup.
The winner was announced at the end of lunch. The results were posted on Instagram announcing that RHS had won the competition by 45 cups with Citrus Valley coming in second and REV placing third.
Citrus Valley junior Riley Brossia said,”Even though we lost, I think it really rallied our school spirit.”
All three high schools posted the results of the “Mug-of-War” on their instagram accounts. Citrus Valley High School and Redlands East Valley High School congratulated Redlands High School for their win. (Instagram screenshot/ Ethic News media)
Overall the competition was a big success with Citrus Valley, REV and RHS all receiving high participation in the first “Mug-of-War” hot cocoa challenge.
It was announced that this was going to be an annual tradition and this year was the first.
Amongst the chaos and politics of the Oct. 25 Redlands Unified School Board meeting, a local swim team named the Inland Empire Aquatics took to the podium to request pool access at Citrus Valley High School. The Inland Empire Aquatics Club has been adamant in requesting this pool access, with several student-athletes and parents speaking during public participation with the School Board, sharing their stories and reasons for request.
Citrus Valley High School parent Karen Hitter says, “[IEAQ] started at a community pool in Highland, and then to Pacific high school, and finally we were at Indian Springs High School before we were pushed out by another San Bernardino High School.”
IEAQ is currently practicing at Indian Springs High School. IEAQ reportedly does not have access to any other pools in Redlands.
Public participation from IEAQ parents and athletes also reveals that another local swim team, the Redlands Swim Team, has access to all Redlands pools, including the pool at Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa, which makes the appearance that IEAQ is being unfairly mistreated.
RST has access to all local facilities due to an old contract with the District from over many years ago. Several parents and students remarked that this old contract should be terminated as it prevents other aquatics teams from growing and providing for many athletes.
The Board was provided with statistics when Redlands Unified School District resident Maria Figueroa said, “Roughly 80% of Citrus Valley aquatics athletes come from clubs other than RST.”
Despite the fact that many Citrus Valley aquatic athletes are members at IEAQ, limited pool access for IEAQ prevents Citrus Valley athletes from pursuing their extracurriculars.
Figueroa goes on to express her disappointment with the School Board. She says, “This creates inequality with access to Citrus Valley and RST’s ability to serve Citrus Valley athletes.”
Hitter says, “We just want a fair opportunity to use or share the facility.”
The IEAQ team carries more than 100 competitive swimming members per year but has had fewer members since COVID. Still, the club is still largely community-oriented.
Citrus Valley student Jonah Martinez says, “I’ve been a member of this family for 6 years. We’ve all grown close together through COVID. Nothing had broken us apart and now thanks to the relevant and old contracts, exclusive clubs, and decisions made by the district and school board we are ultimately torn apart.”
Supporters feel that because of restricted pool access, IEAQ is being broken up and prevented from possibly giving rise to many great swimming athletes. Several requests have been denied multiple times and many are upset at what they feel is mistreatment.
The Redlands School Board has still yet to allow pool access.
In a heartfelt conclusion, Martinez says, “This issue is beyond contracts, rights, and laws. I just want to be with my teammates and under the advice and direction of my coaches.”
Feature photo: An empty Citrus Valley High School swimming pool prior to the water polo match on Dec. 15, 2022. (DESTINY RAMOS/ Ethic News photo)
Known as an amazing counselor and great human being, students already miss him and he hasn’t left yet.
Jason Knight, Orangewood High School counselor, is known around campus as a kind and comedic counselor that can relate to students and their situations.
Although he loves Redlands, Knight is going to move to Tennessee and work as a behavioral intervention teacher at an elementary school.
Orangewood High School guidance counselor Jason Knight and senior Lauren Bishop stand at the front entrance. Knight has been Bishop’s counselor at Orangewood and she says of Knight, “He makes me so comfortable because he can actually relate to my situation.” (JOSHUA ZATARAIN/ Ethic News photo)
Knight has been working in the fields of education for “a while now“ or to be more accurate, 30 years.
As a guidance counselor, Knight’s favorite part of his job is “helping students graduate.”
On the contrary Knight’ hardest part of being a counselor is “watching students struggle with stuff such as personal issues and that sort; it makes it hard for them to graduate.”
“Mr. Knight is comforting and he actually listens when you open up to him,” says Orangewood junior Xiomara Sanchez.
Unlike traditional quarter or semester calendars, Orangewood operates in a block system where grades are due every three weeks and counselors have to check transcripts of every student assigned to them every three weeks. Having to check 150 students almost at the same time monthly can be stressful but Knight manages.
Angel Leon describes Knight as “a cool counselor.”
“He understands the situation I’m going through because of the situations that we share,” says Leon.
Knight is from San Diego and claims to be “like an Orangewood student, to be completely honest.”
As a teenager, Knight says, “I didn’t like school. I think that’s part of why I do okay here.”
His advice to his teenage self would be, “Work a little bit harder in high school because it does make a difference.”
Before being a counselor, he worked for a car dealership delivering car parts and then as a teacher.
Outside of his work, Knight enjoys being outdoors and volunteering for the police department.
In his community volunteer role, Knight says that he likes the people he works with but has seen “ugly fires, bad accidents and people who aren’t always happy with you.”
Knight describes himself as an introverted extrovert who enjoys the outdoors.
He says he’s going to miss waking up to “the view of the hills in my front yard.”
He likes to travel and his idea of traveling is going camping, hiking and just overall being outdoors.
He likes visiting national parks with his wife and his goal is to hit all of the national parks in the contiguous United States.
As an outdoors person, he doesn’t play video games much now, but remembers playing Atari as a kid or going to the pizza place to play video games.
Knight also used to speak a little German but over the years he’s lost it as he never really used it.
He loves his family and friends and likes “just hanging out and being able to talk to somebody that will listen.”
He owns a Chiwawa Mix and her name is Trixsy who he says is very friendly.
As to the controversial question on whether pineapple belongs on a pizza, Knight says, “If you ask my wife she would say yes but, if you ask me, I’m not so sure.”
This semester is his last with Redlands Unified School District and as a counselor at Orangewood. After that, he will start his new position as a behavior intervention teacher in Tennessee.
His message is, “Let’s treat each other with kindness, because we all need it.”
Orangewood high school girls participated in a volleyball tournament Dec. 6. The tournament was at Citrus High School in Fontana.
The starting lineup of the girls was seniors Selena Gomez, Siniva Tuaumu, Blessen Thomas, Samantha Espinoza, Mya Trujillo, and Alicia Zaragoza.
Orangewood High School senior Siniva Tuaumu practices hits before tournament games on Dec.6 at Citrus High School in Fontana. Tuaumu plays on both the girls and boys volleyball teams. (JORDAN CARRANZA BECERRA/ Ethic News photo)
¨It’s harder than it looks and it’s a lot more fun than I thought it was gonna be,” said senior Mya Trujillo.
The girls went into the tournament as the bottom seed of the bracket. It was a two elimination tournament stating if you lose twice you are eliminated for the tournament.
The first game Orangewood played was against the top seed which was Citrus High School, the girls of Orangewood lost 18-25.
The Orangewood High School girls volley team prepares for games on Dec.6 at Citrus High School in Fontana. (JORDAN CARRANZA BECERRA/ Ethic News photo)
In the second game Orangewood won 25-17, which led to a third game to decide the winner. The girls went in confident but lost 13-25.
Going into the losers bracket, Orangewood ended up playing Birch. The girls ended up losing all three games and were sent home.
¨Success is how high you bounce when you hit the bottom,¨ said senior Alicia Zaragoza.
The Orangewood High School boys also participated in a volleyball tournament on Dec. 7. They also played in Fontana but at Jurupa High School.
The starting lineup was seniors Daniel Mejia, Samnuel Bahena, Victor Soria, Jonathan Reynoso, Moktar Rejah, and Siniva Tuamu.
Orangewood High School coach Mark Perkins gives the boys volleyball team a motivational speech before the games on Dec. 7 at Jurupa High School in Fontana. (SAMANTHA ESPINOZA/ Ethic News photo)
The first game Orangewood played was against March High School.
The boys lost two straight games putting them in the losers bracket.
In the losers bracket Orangewood played against Lincoln High School, taking the win twice in a row.
Going back into the main bracket, Orangewood also played Citrus High School, the top seed team. Orangewood beat Citrus two straight games, moving Orangewood to third place.
Orangewood High School coach Mark Perkins speaks to the team during a team huddle on Dec. 7 at Jurupa High School in Fontana. (SAMANTHA ESPINOZA/ Ethic News photo)
¨Work hard, play hard,¨ said Carranza.
Orangewood went in confidently, but the tournament was running out of time so both coaches decided to only play one game.
The boys ended up losing 10-25 which led to them leaving the tournament in third place.
¨We went farther than expected,¨ said Bahena.
Orangewood High School coach Mark Perkins and members of the boys volleyball team shake hands with the opposing team after a game on Dec. 7 at Jurupa High School in Fontana. (SAMANTHA ESPINOZA/ Ethic News photo)
Redlands East Valley High School is finally reopening their art gallery after three years and is doing so with an art show that has East Valley Singers, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band Concert, Band Chamber Orchestra, Pacific Culture Club, and CSUSB Wind Ensemble.
The art show took place at REV’s art gallery and the Blackstone Theatre. Students with ASB (Associated Student Body) cards will be going into the theater for free and everyone else must pay $8 to enter the music side of the art show, though the gallery is completely free to all on Nov. 9 to help celebrate the opening of the gallery and also as recognition for all the types of art REV encourages.
The theme for this Art show is “Around the World” and various types of art will show different cultures and experiences around the world. The show also went as far as to present some of the art that connected to the culture or place the music or performance was inhabiting.
Corbin Bakker, a REV junior that has some pieces of art in the gallery, says that “the gallery is that building that people pass by and now it’s filled with things students have made with emotions and time, which I think is pretty cool.”
The art gallery was made specifically for showcasing art and it was the only one built in one of the high schools in Redlands and in November it was filled with pieces done by REV students from all classes and all categories of art. Some of the categories are sculpture, art CP, ceramics, drawing, and digital art and will all be displayed for anyone who comes to the art show.
According to Carolyn Raleigh, one of the art teachers at REV, the art gallery was closed due to COVID in 2019 “and after that it basically became a storage room.” She explains that the reason for the gallery being open for the Evening of the Arts is to showcase the students’ art and presenting the different creations and cultures that they’ve been making throughout the semester.
Raleigh got her codental over 20 years ago and she ended up in the nonprofit world until four years ago, going back into a classroom to teach. She started teaching at high school but switched to teaching at an elementary school. When a position opened up at REV she realized that she missed teaching at a high school and now has helped to reopen the art gallery.
Below are some art pieces that were done by students that were featured in the art gallery.
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.
REV varsity football players Noah Brooks and Ashton Palmer are interviewed about what the Wildcat football team has learned from their season and what they could do to improve their skills.
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 marching band has been underestimated for a long time. This behind-the-scenes video shows hard work, discipline, skill, and emotion. These students use every practice to perfect the show and strive to make it the best. There is a family within this group as they are all the parts that make up Redlands East Valley High School’s marching band.
Come join Ethic News as they interview Citrus Valley High School senior Ryenn Aidoudi. Aidoudi responds to questions about the Blackhawk Brigade and marching band.
Sophia Malsher-Lopez is an academic case carrier counselor in the Redlands Unified School District. Malsher-Lopez is known as Ms. Sophia by her students and visits different schools, including Citrus Valley High School.
What is your position or title?
Academic Case Carrier Counselor
Pronouns?
she, her and hers
What are some of the main responsibilities with this position?
As a counselor, my main responsibilities are to ensure that students are successful academically and in their personal lives. I help students with academic challenges, social challenges, mental health challenges, homelife challenges and help prepare them for life after high school.
How long have you worked in education?
I have worked in education for seven years.
Have you held any jobs outside of education?
Yes, I previously worked in the business sector and worked for a publishing company in the motorsport industry. I dedicated nine years to Racer Media & Marketing and started out as an office manager and ended as an advertising manager
What made you choose this job?
My sister-in-law recognized I could be ideal material for becoming a counselor. She encouraged me to apply for a position as a Career Coach so I did and loved the job within minutes! I thought, “What have I been doing with my life?!” I helped students with college and career readiness. I immediately went back to school to get my Master’s degree in School Counseling.
What is one of your favorite parts of your job?
My favorite part of being a counselor is working with students and helping them overcome barriers so they can be successful. Everyone deserves happiness and success and there can be many obstacles that get in the way of that, so I love to equip them with the tools necessary to both give the best of themselves and earn the best for themselves.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
The hardest part of my job is to mentally shut off at the end of the working day.
Did you have any mentors or role models growing up? How did they influence you?
Both my parents are hard workers yet endured very troubled times from their late teens through to their early 40s, a period where they went down potentially self-destructive avenues. They have shown me it is possible to overcome barriers and difficulties and find a way back to the right path – which undoubtedly contributes to my belief that the work I do can help nudge students in a direction that can lead to happiness and fulfillment. As for my parents, both have qualities that I admire and try to emulate: my mother has the biggest heart I know and loves unconditionally, while my father is ambitious and never gives up.
Is there an experience or event that had a major influence on who or where you are today?
I was never a studious person; I actually disliked school. I knew I had to go to college because that was what my father wanted for his children. He never wanted us to do physical work, he wanted us to build our brains and use them in the careers we chose. It took me 12 years to get my Bachelor’s degree; it typically takes 4-6 years. I learned to never give up and to just keep going even when you fail or it feels like a never ending journey.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
Pay attention in school!
Which languages do you speak?
English and Spanish/Spanglish
Do you have skills, interests or hobbies that you would like to share?
I like to hike, travel and eat. I am interested in history and love to learn about different cultures and ways of living.
What do you enjoy doing most with family and friends?
I love to create memories by trying new things, going to new places or spending the holidays together.
What is a goal you have?
Although school is not my thing, I plan to finish my doctoral program within two years.
Come join Ethic News as they interview Redlands East Valley High School senior Brooklynn Rios. Rios responds to questions about Associative Student Body (ASB) and song for the Redlands East Valley Wildcats. As always, Rios answers fast, controversial “this or that” questions at the end of the interview.
The new Arrow line service opened for commuters to ride starting Oct. 24. As an extension of the MetroLink lines through San Bernardino’s transit hub, the Arrow train will connect the East Valley of San Bernardino to the rest of the Metrolink network via the San Bernardino Downtown station. It is also referred to as “The Redlands Passenger Rail Project” with most of the stops along the line being located in Redlands.
People fill the Redlands Downtown station during the ribbon cutting ceremony next to one of the Arrow trains which was open to the public for viewing on Oct. 21. (JOHNATHAN GHAZAL/Ethic News photo)
The rail project “has been more than a decade in the making, featuring new tracks, enhanced street crossings, quiet zones, and five stations along the nine mile route between downtown San Bernardino and downtown Redlands,” according to the San Bernardino County Rail Authority.
A dedication ceremony was held to mark the opening of the Arrow Rail line to the public on Oct. 21. Representative Pete Aguilar was one of the speakers at the event who spoke about the importance of new infrastructure in our community and the use of energy-efficient trains in its rolling stock.
Many important figures, including California Representative Pete Aguilar, D-California 31, participated in the ribbon-cutting event during the dedication ceremony on Oct. 21 to commemorate the opening of the Arrow rail line at the Redlands Downtown station. (JOHNATHAN GHAZAL/Ethic News photo)
Afterward, attendees were permitted to tour one of the new Arrow trains, which was displayed at the Redlands Downtown station. They had the opportunity to walk through coaches and get a glimpse of the experience of coming onboard the train and feeling the modern design inside.
One of the new Arrow trains arrived at the Downtown Redlands station in the early morning for the first day of revenue service on Monday, Oct. 24. (JOHNATHAN GHAZAL/Ethic News photo)
The line was officially opened for revenue service on Monday, Oct. 24. The first trains arrived in Redlands around 6 a.m. Small crowds were grouped together in the frigid temperatures to watch the train, now open to the public. It was a mostly uneventful morning with fewer people boarding the train than standing on the platforms. To commemorate the opening of the Redlands University station, the University of Redlands offered refreshments to onlookers and passengers at the station.
All the trains in the rolling stock are all energy efficient by utilizing hybrid engines which will later be replaced by fully electric engines in years to come.
As Congressman Aguilar said, “until those oil companies stop gouging us at the pump, we’re going to have to get more creative with what we do. Investments in transit… one way we can do that.” The trains were originally meant to be light rail vehicles, but it would have surpassed the budget given by the state grant. Instead, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority opted for heavy diesel trains.
Passengers wait for the Sante Fe passenger train as seen in this historic photograph from more than 90 years ago. (Credit: Redlands Area Historical Society)
The historic Sante Fe train line ran through Redlands starting with the construction of the original Redlands Sante Fe Depot in 1888, but the building we are familiar with today as the Redlands Downtown station was built in 1909 to replace the former structure, according to the National Register of Historical Places. Service of the Sante Fe line ended its passenger service in 1938. The introduction of the train was vital to the city’s export of oranges, as can be seen with the last operating packing house located along the train route.
The opening of the station to passengers after more than 80 years is a momentous occasion for the City of Redlands and its residents. Redlanders will now have access to the large Metrolink network, connecting commuters across Southern California.
The Redlands East Valley High School girls’ tennis team held their annual Senior Day on Oct. 20, marking the end of their season with their last match before the Citrus Belt League Championship games.
Senior Day posters hang on the tennis fences greeting parents, family members, and onlookers with the names of the graduating players of the Redlands East Valley girls’ tennis team on Oct. 20. This home match is against the Cajon Cowboys at the REV tennis courts. (ALEX VERDUZCO/ Ethic News Photo)
Their final score was against the Cajon High School girls’ tennis team at home totaling 15-3. With the previous score of the season away against Cajon being 16-2, securing the Wildcats’ win against Cajon for the 2022 season.
Before the line up announcement commencing the Wildcats versus Cowboys match, Wildcat family members and parents showered their senior players with flowers, gifts, and shared with their teammates personal jokes and kind words about their daughters.
After these private moments with their families, parents from the senior captains Abigail Washburn and Maryn Strong handed roses and took pictures of each graduating player.
Redlands East Valley girls’ tennis senior players pose for a picture on the courts in Redlands, California before their last league match on Oct. 20. Victoria Lee, Sadie Foley, Abigail Washburn, Maryn Strong, Elliana Valentino, Coach Edward Stark.
(ALEX VERDUZCO/ Ethic News photo)
To begin the match, parents announced their loved ones in the line up participating in their senior’s last high school league match and sending them off to play their opponents.
With abrupt line up changes and unforeseen injuries, the Wildcats persevere and adapt with members stepping up to do their part and cover for their teammates helping to lead their senior players through their last season with sentimental memories through the winning moments, team bonding experiences, and challenging drills during practice.
The team managers senior and sophomore duo, Thys Hallen and Brayden Yorgesen, organized Wildcats by keeping score, directing players to courts, setting up and tearing down supplies for practice and matches, and providing the players with comedic and moral support.
Redlands East Valley girls tennis team managers senior Thys Hallen and sophomore Brayden Yorgesen kept scores during the match, chatting in front of the tennis shed with previous seniors’ ‘paw prints’ ‘ painted with their names and graduation years.
(ALEX VERDUZCO/ Ethic News photo)
Washburn says,“Starting tennis my freshman year has put me on an incredible journey from starting as varsity doubles No.3 to winning the CBL championship two years in a row. Overall, it’s been an unforgettable experience and an honorable contribution to the team that I can say I have taken part of.”
Strong says, “Tennis has been a blessing to me for the past 4 years. I’ve loved every bit of it: From the start of my freshman year to senior year I feel like I’ve grown so much in tennis. I’m so grateful for the whole experience and the friendships I’ve gotten.”
Team captains and seniors Abigail Washburn and Maryn Strong stand under their respective posters after their 15-3 win against Cajon High. (ALEX VERDUZCO/ Ethic News photo)
Although graduation is not until June of 2023, the seniors on REV’s girls’ tennis team experience the end of their high school tennis career as a benchmark of their last year on campus.
Senior Victoria Lee says, “As much as I love the playing aspect of tennis, my favorite part would definitely be the karaoke bus rides and post-game In-N-Out runs! I wholeheartedly believe that the friendships I’ve gained over the past four years, are one that’ll carry me throughout my lifetime.”
Sadie Foley, a senior on the team says, “I joined tennis my junior year and I’m really happy I did. I had never even held a tennis racket before and so I’m grateful to [Coach] Stark for helping me get to where I am today, and I love this team for everyone supporting each other and it has been fun!”
Senior Elliana Valentino says, “I’ve had so much fun these four years playing tennis, especially this year because I got to play doubles with my sister.”
Along with the wins against Cajon, the Wildcats held onto their winning streak throughout the season despite their two losses against rival school, Redlands High. The Redlands Terriers continue holding onto their triumph year after year but the REV girls’ tennis team persists onward and moves closer in the competition to hopefully soon win the match of Wildcats v. Terriers.
Other than the Redlands defeats, the players still reign successful in their league matches with the only losses being against the Terriers.
Coach Ed Stark adds, “If I had known at the beginning of this school year that there would have been such great obstacles and challenges I would not have expected the season to turn out as well as it did but it was made possible with such strong leadership shown from the girls and their hard work in finishing strong.”
Final League Scores of 2022
Redlands losses for REV
Home: 8-10 Away: 7-11
Beaumont wins for REV
Home: 11-7 Away:15-3
Citrus Valley wins for REV
Home: 12-6 Away: 10-8
Yucaipa wins for REV
Home: 12-6 Away: 9-9 tied in sets, Wildcats won in games
Cajon wins for REV
Home: 15-3 Away: 16-2
Team captains Abigail Washburn and Maryn Strong share a hug underneath the Senior Day poster with the graduating players’ names after winning the match against Cajon.
“Expect the unexpected,” said senior Jordan Beccera, starting cornerback for the Orangewood High School Dragons flag football team.
For the first time in district history, according to Orangewood coach Mark Perkins, there was a flag football tournament for continuation high schools in the area.
The games were played at the outdoor football field in Central City Park in Fontana on Oct. 26.
The Orangewood Dragons were coached by Perkins and Orangewood engineering teacher Matthew Stewart.
“I was very proud of how the athletes participated and I couldn’t have done it without Mr. Stewart,” said Perkins.
In the game of flag football, it is a seven on seven. Each game is four quarters long and each quarter is 15 minutes long. Each school that attends the tournament is guaranteed three games. The three games are to consider where they stand in the bracket for playoffs.
The Orangewood flag football team went into the tournament with only five weeks of practice. Practices were held everyday at lunch on the soccer field.
The Dragons played their first game against Birch High School from Fontana. When going against Birch, Orangewood never let go of the lead and proceeded to win the game 27-14.
“Winning feels better when it’s earned,” said senior Samuel Bahena, starting rusher.
The second game of the tournament for the Dragons was against Sierra High School from San Bernardino. The Dragons lost to Sierra 26-12.
Orangewood had a third game against Slover and took the win 30-16, sending them to the championship game against Sierra.
In the championship game it was a back and forth between touchdowns until Orangewood got intercepted and scored on, losing the game by four, 28-24.
“We failed, but we will be back,” said junior Jeremy Zaragoza, starting wide receiver.
The Orangewood High School flag football team with coaches Matthew Stewart (top left) and Mark Perkins (top right). “We are not a team because we work together, we are a team because we work and respect each other,” said junior Jesus Arana, defensive captain. (Photo courtesy of Orangewood High School principal Carli Norris)
Correction: The original posting of this article stated two weeks of practice. It has been corrected to state five weeks of practice. Nov. 18, 2022 6:30 pm.
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)
Come join Ethic News as they interview Redlands East Valley High School senior Frankie Russo. Russo responds to questions including about what her usual school day looks like and who inspires her the most. As always, Russo answers fast, controversial “this or that” questions at the end of the interview.
“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 ZARATAIN
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)
Come join Ethic News as they interview Redlands East Valley High School senior Jennan Foutz. Foutz responds to questions about marching band and the 2022 marching band show for the Redlands East Valley Wildcats. As always, Foutz answers fast, controversial “this or that” questions at the end of the interview.
Citrus Valley High School had their 2022 Homecoming dance on Sep.17 on campus. According to a video posted by the Citrus Valley Associated Student Body (ASB) class on instagram, it was their “best one yet.” The event had many activities like pool tables, a photo booth, a 360 camera, casino-style game tables, and a fro-yo truck.
ASB stuck to their word, as there was a DJ set up with screens, lasers, fog, and music to fit the theme of the night, “All of the Lights.” The dance floor was set up in front of the E-builidng in the center of the quad. A stage set up housed the DJ with five different screens, numerous laser beams aiming in all different directions, colorful spotlights, disco balls and fog machines. These special effects combined were able to transform a normal lunch area into an unrecognizable dance floor.
This year’s homecoming dance offered a few different options of sweet treats and finger food for all students, included in the price of the dance ticket. A frozen yogurt truck offered free, and technically unlimited, frozen yogurt in four different flavors: vanilla, chocolate, cookies and cream and strawberry along with both fruit and candy toppings. Other food items included french fries and hot grilled cheese sandwiches, which provided students with some vegetarian options.
Elysa Lebig, Citrus Valley junior, said that “everything except the french fries was good, but not worth the $75 ticket.”
The majority of attendees enjoyed the fro-yo truck and food stands despite the long lines.
The line was long for the 360 camera, but Citrus Valley Senior Brooklyn Timm said “it was awesome” and rated it a “10/10.”
The photo booth also had a long line and Citrus Valley Senior Lily Florez enjoyed the picture quality.
Florez also preferred the digital version “so [she] wouldn’t have to hold the physical copy of it.”
Although some students preferred the physical photos, they were still enjoyed and popular among attendees.
The commonly used game tables reappeared at this year’s Homecoming. The game tables at this year’s dance included pool, blackjack and poker. Even though there were many more tables at this year’s dance in comparison to last year, they were still packed with students who were both eager to play and eager to learn.
Hailey Barrios, Citrus Valley freshman, said, “It was very fun, very fun!”
Featured image: Citrus Valley presented their 2022 homecoming ‘All of the Lights’ on Sept. 17, 2022. (MIA CALIVA/ 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.
Heidi Van Deventer is the newest addition to staff here at Redlands East Valley High School as the new assistant principal. This is not her first time teaching at REV and worked during its first two years teaching summer school. Until prior to this year, she worked locally at Moore Middle School as vice principal for eleven years. At Moore her career expanded to include teaching sixth grade math, science, eighth grade algebra and English Language Development (ELD) as well as seventh grade social studies. Her background also includes being a math teacher on assignment for two years, principal of AAA Academy of Redlands, summer school teacher at Clement and Department Chair of math.
Redlands East Valley High School’s Vice Principal Van Deventer poses in her office in front of her wall of inspirational quotes to keep her motivated during the school day on September 8, 2022. (GEFFREY ACOSTA/ETHIC Photo)
How do you hope to positively affect the staff and students here at REV?
When I’m out there [front school gates] in the morning before school starts I like to greet the students coming into school with a smile and a wave to change their day and to possibly be someone to come and talk to. No one is perfect, not even myself, and everyone can improve.
What is your motivation in life?
My parents said that education is a gateway to college. I am a first generation college graduate in my family. They said to open up doors by reading and to always continue reading books for more knowledge.
If you could leave your high school self a message, what would it be?
Get involved more as a freshman and sophomore, do not wait until your junior and senior years to start getting involved in clubs.
*Follow up* How would you describe your high school years?
I attended an all- girls Catholic high school in San Diego, California and I loved it. It was a different high school experience than REV, but I liked that appearance didn’t nearly matter as much and it was very comfortable going to school there. I was also the ASB historian and I played right field on the Varsity softball team. I enjoyed high school but college was an easier experience for me.
Where did you attend college?
I went to Cal Poly Humboldt State and Point Loma Nazarene University after high school. I love math and I even tested out of math in college but I took them anyway as electives.
Which hobbies and/or interests would you like to share with students to take interest in?
I like watching the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. I have always been interested in sports and I consider myself sports-minded. I also really like ceramics. I started becoming interested in high school and throughout college but I don’t make any ceramics anymore, I mostly just watch TV programs.
What are the highlights of your career?
The highlights of my career would be when I get to have students on campus and know that I taught their parents previously at Moore or Clement and see them around the school. Overall being able to see that my previous students now have successful jobs in life. Also seeing them succeed and do well in school is always a great thing.
Any words of wisdom for the students at REV?
I would tell them to believe in themselves. I am an open book and I have an open-door policy. The students are always welcome to stop by and chat.
What guided you to this career choice?
I have always wanted to be a teacher. Even when I was a kid I loved to play school and pretend to be the teacher. However, it wasn’t until I started teaching at Clement that I had decided to go into administration.
Correction: Ethic News incorrectly published information in the original Sept. 27 posting of this article stating that Heidi Vandeventer taught English. Heidi Vandeventer was math department chair at Moore and Clement. She taught eighth grade algebra and English Language Development, but not English. The article was updated to reflection this correction at 2:29 pm on Sept. 28.
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