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RIALTO, CA— On Saturday, December 18, was the Smile America, Abdi Foundation annual toy drive at the Werner Elementary School in Rialto.

This event marks the 10-year anniversary of the foundation holding a toy drive to donate toys to children in the Rialto community. In these dire moments due to COVID, they had to double their request for toy donations from their sponsors.

They were able to donate more than 1000 toys and over 1000 meal bags to more than 300 families to help them celebrate Christmas as holy as possible. The foundation’s proud satisfaction is seeing the children smile with great excitement after getting their toy bags.

The Abdi Foundation would like to thank their sponsors Mayor Deborah Robertson, Rialto Fire Department, Children’s’ Fun, IEHPA, Fury Ontario Soccer, Emmanuel Praise Fellowship, Pal Charter Academy, Tires Less Schwab, Werner Elementary School, Operation New Hope, Rialto Democratic Club and a big thanks to their volunteers for their dedication and continuous support.

In loving memory of Abdi Mohamed, they are continuing his work and his dream for the community.

The love that was outpoured on social media this week for Dr. Margaret Hill was PRICELESS! She was a major influence and inspiration to many of all ages within the Inland Empire. Below are a few quotes and comments that were left across Facebook in remembrance of Dr. Hill.

Lea Michelle Cash: I am reading all the beautiful and loving tributes to our community Queen. I just can’t find words right now, it hurts too, too bad so thank God for photos. Like with many of you in our community, Dr. Hill and I took so many, many photos. As I go through my collection I stumbled on a few when she was sooooooo happy. We all were. Remember this day…..Just priceless.

Darrell Frye: I love you Dr. Hill — your legacy will forever live in my heart . I will honor you with my words and actions #wakandaforever

Eugene Weems: Dr. Margaret Hill I love you Beautiful. You always will be remembered, loved and honored. I will miss your Encouraging words and your Random calls to check up on me. Love You Kiss-Kiss.

Gwen Rodgers: I don’t know how to say goodbye right now because there are no words today or ever that can express the love and respect I have for my mentor, friend and community mother. So, I will simply say so long Queen Margaret Hill until we meet again. You were faithful to the end.

Troy McSwain: The McSwains and everyone at Beola’s are saddened at the passing of a lady that meant so so much to us. If you had the pleasure of meeting her then you know she was a very special lady loved by many. Lord you truly have an Angel… we will always love you Ms. Hill.

Bronique Martindale: Margaret Hill My Moma Hill. I’ve known this woman all my life . She was my mother’s Vice Principal in High School, but it goes so much farther than that. This woman supported everything I’d do. She encouraged my soul . Not many people can encourage the soul. I can’t believe she is no longer here with us physically. This was a woman that truly embodied the phrase an object in motion stays in motion . My heart is truly hurting. I do know that she instilled greatness in myself. I know that she instilled greatness in so many others. In speaking for my self I will continue to carry the mantle . I know there will be others that will do the same. I will continue to make you proud Mama Hill . I’m still in shock and disbelief. I just want to thank you for the matches time to turn them into flames. In casting away my flesh I can say I’m relieved to know that the sickness you fought can’t follow you into the gates of Heaven . Hallelujah !

Carolyn Tillman: …and now on to reward. We were so blessed and there is so much to be thankful for. She poured out her all for us. If you knew her, you know what I’m talking about. It’ll take centuries to figure out her magic. It will linger into eternity. What happy times we have to treasure. So many stories to share with each other after we cry our buckets of tears! For now, our sweet Ms. Margaret Hill is finally able to rest, shedding her earthly tent for an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. I’ll see my friend again, until then may she Rest In Peace.

Kim S. Scott: The village that molded me into the woman I am today stood on your shoulders. I was introduced to you through them at the tender age of 18 when I needed voices like yours and theirs the most and I am forever grateful! There are truly not enough words to describe just how powerful you are but even more importantly, how loving you were to each and every one of us. You made us all feel important and seen! Margaret Hill to say you will be missed is a complete understatement. I pray that we all pick up where you left and continue to run this race and fight the good fight, just like you taught us. Rest in Heaven!

Sending all my love and prayers to The Village and the City of San Bernardino!

Terrance Stone: This Angel has earned her wings Dr. Margaret you believed in me when nobody did… you are my hero and I love you.. you fought the good fight and one of the strongest people I know … a walking talking example of love and appreciation… If I had one wish it would be one more moment with you, one more conversation, one more hug from you … please watch over me from the heavens you will be missed you will be loved and you will never be forgotten. #EverybodyLoveMargaret

Gone from earth, but forever in our hearts!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Dr. Margaret Hill, current member and past president of the Board of Education of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, passed away Sunday, December 19. She was 81 years old.

Dr. Hill was a passionate advocate for children and a dedicated educational leader, having served on the Board of Education faithfully since she was elected in 2011. She led the District as Board President in 2015-2017.

Prior to her election, Dr. Hill served as an assistant superintendent with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. She started her local education career in 1971 as a teacher before serving as vice principal at San Bernardino High School. Dr. Hill retired from SBCUSD in 2003 after serving 16 years as the principal of San Andreas High School.

Dr. Hill returned to work at the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools office in 2006, where she was assistant superintendent of Administrative Services until her second retirement July 2, 2012.

“Dr. Hill was loved for her warm heart and frequently encouraged educators to motivate kids with ‘more hugs than tugs.'” said SBCUSD Board President Dr. Scott Wyatt. “We are better because she led with strength, love, and compassion for everyone.  We will miss her every day.”

The district honored Dr. Hill by naming its boardroom, the Dr. Margaret Hill Community Room in 2019. She also received accolades from a multitude of organizations, which recognized her strength as a leader and her character as an example to others.

“Dr. Hill’s tireless, kind, and cheerful presence made her arguably the most admired leader in San Bernardino and among the greats statewide throughout the education community,” said SBCUSD Superintendent Doc Ervin. “She inspired me, and I am thankful to have worked with her here.”

No details are known yet about memorial services, but these will be shared when information becomes available.

YUCAIPA, CA— A scholarship established in memory of late Crafton Hills College (CHC) student Adam Yahel Diaz has received funding from a longtime supporter of education and the College.

Patricia Atherton and the CHC Foundation recently entered into an agreement to accept a $20,000 gift to help fund a memorial scholarship endowment established in Diaz’s memory after his 2015 death. The scholarship was created “to recognize the accomplishments and contributions” of Diaz who was just weeks away from graduating from CHC before he was killed from injuries sustained in a car accident. He was 26.

“I feel honored that I was able to do this,” said Atherton. “I can’t think of a better cause.”

Six years after Diaz’s death, his impact is still being felt around the entire Roadrunner community by those who loved him, including Atherton who took Diaz in when he needed a place to live.

Atherton said she first met Diaz when her daughter asked if he could live with them temporarily as he looked for a job and sustainable income. Four months had passed, and Diaz was presented with an ultimatum: either find a job and pay rent or go to school full-time.

“He decided to go to school even though he thought college ‘was for rich white kids with nothing to do,’” Atherton explained. “But he said that when he walked into a classroom (at CHC), he was hooked that very first day.”

Diaz had big plans for the future. Before his death, he had been accepted into the University of California, Berkeley and aspired to earn his Ph.D. in English literature and teach at the college level, all while serving his community as a priest in the Orthodox Christian Church. He died while on his way to attend Easter service on April 7, 2015.

Atherton hopes scholarships awarded through the memorial fund will make an impact on a student’s life. When asked what Diaz’s reaction would have been knowing the fund was established in his honor, Atherton said he would have been “very, very proud.”

“When he lived with us for those few years, he became my son in every way. I just want his memory to live on forever,” Atherton said, and said that prior to his death, Diaz had finally “found his spot in the world.”

“He would have been happy to know that someone else would be getting some help along the way,” she said. “Education can change your life.”

The Foundation remains committed to raising the additional $5,000 to fully endow the fund. To make a donation or learn more about Adam’s scholarship, visit craftonhills.edu/diaz

RIVERSIDE, CA— About 150 young adults and their guests celebrated the holidays this week at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside surrounded by foster parents, friends, social workers, community members and a massive Christmas tree – a scene similar to New York City’s Rockefeller Center.

“This was an incredible event. I was able to reconnect with other foster youth and it really let me know people care,” said Katherene Daughtrey, 19, who entered foster care as a teenager and attended Tuesday’s 10th Annual Young Adult Holiday Celebration.

Children’s Services, which is part of the county’s Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), hosted the event with support from about a dozen faith-based and community partners.

The celebration provided dinner, gifts, free haircuts and holiday-themed activities for youth ages 18-21 who are transitioning from Extended Foster Care to independent living. Approximately 365 young adults in Riverside County are in Extended Foster Care.

Daughtrey graduated with honors from Coachella Valley Adult School in 2020 and was the class valedictorian. Today, she lives on her own while also receiving benefits through the Extended Foster Care program which is helping her afford to attend College of the Desert, where she’s studying culinary arts and business.

Many of the young adults attending the event, including Daughtrey, have limited or no family connections – making the holidays difficult – and Tuesday’s event especially important.

“We hope this event provides our young adults with love, support and joyous holiday memories that may have been missed during their childhood,” said Charity Douglas, assistant director of Children’s Services at DPSS.

“I’ve actually never had a picture with Santa until now,” said Daughtry who cuddled with her 12-month-old son Ezequiel while posing for a photo with Santa.

Last year, social workers delivered holiday gifts to young adults. Daughtrey said she’s glad the event was in-person and hopes to visit again next year.

“I really felt the sense of community and appreciate the community partners who worked so hard to make this possible,” she added.

Henry is one of seven children born to Sandy and Georgia Primus Hooks in Shreveport,
Louisiana. He attended elementary school and in 1942 was inducted into the United States Army Air Force, during World War II, for three and half years. He rapidly advanced to Projectionist and a member of the general staff where he became a specialist in presenteeism. During his lectures, Henry encouraged civilians to stay on the job during this critical period of the war. All of his duty was stateside.

The highlight of Henry’s life was his marriage to the love of his life, Opal Harris, on March 3, 1944. They spent seventy-seven years together as husband and wife and best friends. Henry and Opal’s life has been a testament on how to live a Godly life.

Henry was discharged as a sergeant and became a federal employee at Norton Air Force Base (San Bernardino Army Airfield). He earned his diploma from San Bernardino High School and then attended San Bernardino Valley College majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Photography. As an entrepreneur, he participated in the real estate business while continuing to advance as a federal employee to become a Quality Control Supervisor. This necessitated extensive travel across the country to various missile sites. After eighteen years, he transferred to the Defense Contract Administrative Service in Los Angeles, California where he was involved with the missile system regarding the U. S. Endeavor to reach the moon. After thirty-seven years, Henry retired from the government, returned to his first love and became staff photographer for the Precinct Reporter.

Henry chronicled various family and social events in the Inland Empire for more than five decades. Several of his photographs have been displayed at the Norman F. Feldheym Public Library, CSU San Bernardino and the San Bernardino County Library. Henry was the first African American photographer in the Inland Empire to have his photographs published in The Sun Telegram.

RIVERSIDE, CA— Forbes magazine chose Charlotte Smith, a Riverside, California native, for this year’s 30 Under 30 list for her work in media relations at Google. Smith and her colleagues appear in this month’s issue of Forbes magazine (in stores starting December 15, 2021).

Forbes unveiled its 10th annual Under 30 List for 2022 early this December, recognizing 600 disruptors across 20 different categories, who are reshaping industries and reimagining business around the world.

Smith, a 29-year-old Policy Communications Manager for Google in Washington, D.C., is included in this year’s list for her important work shaping Google’s 2020 election integrity policies and for advocating for communicators of color within Google.

Smith graduated from Harvard in 2014 with a B.A. in Government and is a proud graduate of RUSD public schools, including Riverside Poly High School, Matthew Gage Middle School, and Alcott Elementary School.

Smith started with Google five years ago and has worked in a variety of roles, including leading external media relations for Google’s education, product, infrastructure, and policy initiatives with media contacts across the country.

Smith worked for Burson-Marsteller, a global PR agency in D.C. before joining Google. Her parents, Jim and Carol Smith, live in the Riverside area, and have for more than 20 years.

Carol, Smith’s mother, is a teacher at Alcott Elementary School and her father Jim worked in local government – including for the City of Riverside – for many years.

Charlotte Smith’s Forbes profile online at: https://www.forbes.com/profile/charlotte-smith/?list=30under30-media&sh=5d0358ab66d4

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On November 16, 2021, the Board of Education presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents, and staff at Arrowhead Elementary School, King Middle School, and Middle College High School (MCHS).

The Board recognizes Outstanding Student Award winners to build self-esteem and honor excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship, and most improvement. The Board also presents the Outstanding Parent/Guardian Award and Outstanding Employee Award to individuals who embody the district’s dedication to student achievement and well-being.

Arrowhead Elementary School, Principal Tina Murray:

Zayden Damu Ralph is a 4th-grader and Outstanding Student. Zayden demonstrates outstanding citizenship and academics at school. He follows directions and completes all of his assignments. He frequently participates in class discussions and is helpful to classmates and staff. Zayden plans to attend college to become an engineer so he can create tall buildings.

Lorenzo Michael Lopez is a 2nd-grader and Outstanding Student. Lorenzo is very conscientious in all he does, which is what makes him a good citizen and a good student. He completes all his assignments, helps his classmates, and is very responsible. Lorenzo wants to become a police officer because they drive cool cars with sirens and help people.

Fabian Torres is one of King Middle School’s Outstanding Students. (Photo by Corina Borsuk and provided courtesy of SBCUSD)

Outstanding Parent Award winner Lorraine Mosqueda is the mother of three Arrowhead students. Her children have great attendance, which shows how much she values education. On the first day of school, Lorraine saw a need and moved to fill it. She’s been a substitute rec. aide ever since. Now, Lorraine constantly looks for ways to support all Arrowhead students.

Educational Assistant III Kadi Francisca Regalado is the Outstanding Classified Employee. She’s a team player and maintains a positive attitude when working with staff, students, and families. Kadi works with students in small groups, assists with supervision, and interprets for parents. All of this helps ensure that the Learning Academy and the entire school are a success.

Outstanding Certificated Employee Cynthia Webb is focused on meeting the needs of all her students. Her classroom is a warm, welcoming environment that promotes fairness and high expectations for all. She sets the example for her students by always seeking ways to improve her skills. The relationships she builds with students and staff make her a trusted teacher and friend everyone can count on.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, Principal Maria Jauregui:

Fabian Torres is an 8th-grader who demonstrates outstanding academics, citizenship, and leadership. He was elected ASB vice president this school year and is a committed AVID scholar who embodies the Roadrunner ideals of academic achievement, integrity, and perseverance. Fabian has a passion for helping others and wants to become an immigration lawyer.

Omari Hailee Carrington is an 8th-grader and Outstanding Student. Omari is a good citizen, student, and leader. She maintains a 3.6 GPA while also serving as Student Body president and a member of the School Site Council. Omari is also active in sports and in helping her fellow Roadrunners. She wants to attend John Hopkins University to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.

Outstanding Parent Award winner Brandie Foster has been an involved parent at King for more than 10 years. She’s served on the School Site Council, volunteered to support school functions, is an active PTO member, and is willing to pitch in with any task, no matter how big or small. And she does all that while raising three children, Derek, Frederick and Latona.

Outstanding Classified Employee Avelina FierrosVera takes pride in her work as a custodian. Her attention to detail means that everyone in the King family enjoys a clean and pristine campus environment. She arrives early and cleans the front of the school and parking lots so families start the school day with a clean campus. Avelina is the quiet hero of the school.

Science teacher Cesiah Rojo is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. She’s admired by her peers and loved by her scholars, in part because of her positive attitude, her solution-oriented approach to teaching, and her willingness to go above and beyond for her scholars and the school. Cesiah believes in seeing the best in everyone, and she shows us her best every day.

Middle College High School, Principal James Espinoza:

Sophomore Nishia McCain is one of three Outstanding Students from Middle College High School.(Photo by Corina Borsuk and provided courtesy of SBCUSD)

Sophomore Nishia McCain is an Outstanding Student because she is laser focused on both college and career. She’s preparing for her future, with the goal of attending UC Berkeley and majoring in Criminal Justice so she can become a civil rights attorney and eventually a judge. As long as she can remember, Nishia has been interested in fighting for the rights of others.

Senior Diana Vicencio is also an Outstanding Student. Despite the challenges of the pandemic and on her own initiative, Diana founded both a National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation chapter at MCHS. Diana plans to attend UCLA and earn a bachelor’s in micro-cell biology and a master’s in biology on her way to becoming a hospital pharmacist.

Junior Venus Fernandez is contagiously positive and supportive of others, helping them be successful academically and emotionally. Venus discovered she was interested in the mind and helping children while attending SBVC, and she wants to continue her studies at UCR to become a pediatric psychiatrist.

Judith Garcia is an Outstanding Parent. She’s been an active member of the School Site Council, Coffee with the Principal, and the WASC focus group. But what MCHS appreciates most about Judith is her kindness, humility, and willingness to share ideas for the benefit of not just her child, but all Middle College scholars, parents, and staff.

Joanna Perez is a bilingual office assistant I-health aide and Outstanding Employee. She demonstrates positive passion, teamwork, and a focus on results in whatever she does. No task is too big or too small, and she completes every assignment with excellence in mind. Everyone in our Middle College family values, respects and appreciates Joanna.

Marissa Austin is an AVID supporter of Middle College, and her principal means that in all senses of the word. She’s the AVID site lead and a senior advisor. Her positive passion and relentless dedication to success has helped MCHS achieve a yearly 100 percent A–G completion rate, graduation rate, and college acceptance rate. She also helped us become an AVID Site of Distinction.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) Children Deserve Success program held its annual holiday celebration event on Dec. 10. This year’s event stopped at three transitional sites in San Bernardino.

“I’m honored to be part of this amazing opportunity to spread holiday cheer to the students who need it most,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “The amazing folks with Children Deserve Success consistently deliver a holiday celebration that delights the children and helps alleviate some of the strain the holidays can cause for families experiencing challenges.”

The holiday procession included County Superintendent Ted Alejandre, SBCSS staff members dressed as Santa Claus and Buddy the Elf and members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

The procession was led by a fire engine from the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

Tony Moore, a motivational speaker known by his superhero persona, The Motivator, and his Warriors also accompanied SBCSS staff.

The celebration kicked off at 4:00 p.m. at the Time for Change Foundation’s Phoenix Square location. The county superintendent and SBCSS delivered approximately 40 holiday gift bags to students served by SBCSS programs. The bags contained gifts from the children’s wish lists, books, a warm coat and healthy snacks provided by community partners. Law enforcement officers also distributed restaurant gift cards to the children. The children’s mothers watched with smiles on their faces.

“It’s amazing. The love that I feel in my heart from strangers, people I don’t even know. We really, really are so grateful,” said Kayla Irving, a mother of 2 and a client at Time for Change Foundation.

San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre gives a high-five to Hope at the first of 3 locations for the SBCSS Holiday Celebration event.

She shared that she and her children were living in a car going from motel to motel up until recently and was worried about how to get Christmas presents for her children.

“To take the time to show that they care, show that they care for our children, I cry happy tears at night because I’m in awe of it,” said Irving. “I just thank everybody for giving us this opportunity, because I couldn’t have done this myself.”

The Time for Change Foundation assists and empowers disenfranchised women and their children. They help families achieve self-sufficiency by providing housing and other supportive services.

“Each year, Time for Change Foundation looks forward to partnering with the Superintendent of Schools to ensure that children in transition experience the love and joy of Christmas,” said Time for Change Foundation Executive Director Vanessa Perez. “Most of our children have never experienced being together on Christmas morning with their mothers and this event allows our families to enjoy that experience together.”

The holiday procession also visited two other local sites, the Salvation Army and Veronica’s Home of Mercy. In total, over 100 children received holiday gift bags during this event.

San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre calls out a child’s name with a bag of presents in hand with the help of Santa Claus, Buddy the Elf, San Bernardino County Firefighters and SBCSS staff.

The SBCSS Children Deserve Success program has conducted this annual holiday celebration since 2004. Each year, SBCSS staff, as well as their families and friends, volunteer to sponsor wish lists provided by each child identified by the Children Deserve Success tutoring program.

This year, community partners included Child Assistance Fund, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, Highland Congregational Church, Inland Empire Health Plan, San Bernardino County Teachers Association, Fifth District PTA and The Home Depot.

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. #transforminglives.

San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre and Santa Claus meet some of the children and their mothers at the Holiday Celebration event during its stop at the Time for Change Foundation.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- — San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) facilitated two events this week in an effort to advance computer science education.

“I am thrilled we are creating learning opportunities for both students and our educators and parents,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Not only is computer science a field that offers various career opportunities, but it’s making an impact in our daily lives. It deals with the process of solving problems, and every part of our world has some sort of problems that need solving. It is critical our students and educators have access to computer science education.”

The events took place before and during Computer Science Education Week, which is celebrated during the second week of December. The goal of these events was to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers and partners within the field.

On December 4, dozens of students and guardians participated in a virtual workshop that teaches students how to program a micro: bit and create fun and exciting projects.

The two sessions allowed students to engage with cyber-security related digital escape room activities with physical computing and block-based coding. Volunteer facilitators also served as positive role models for the event.

An eighth-grade student at Wayne Ruble Middle School in Fontana Unified School District says she first learned about micro: bit during last year’s student workshop. She attended this year’s event as well.

“[Computer science] might be something I want to pursue in a career just because of the way it changed my perspective,” said Malani. “When I learned about it, it piqued my interest, and it started to make me more interested in what a micro:bit can do.”

The annual Computer Science Equity Mini-Summit took place Dec. 8. It was a two-hour learning event for educators, counselors and administrators to participate and learn about ways to introduce or advance computer science education as it relates to equity, inquiry and computer science concepts.

The event included spotlight speakers and presentations. Computer Science Equity Advocate Dr. Emily Thomforde painted the big picture of the importance of broadening participation in computer science and provided guidance on where administrators can begin this work.

“Computer Science is a foundational 21st century skill for all students, not only to succeed in college and career, but to find joy in self-expression and make the things that will change the world,” said Dr. Thomforde.

The mini-summit brought together an incredible network to continue the impactful work that is happening in advancing computer science education.

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. #transforminglives.