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(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— Makeup artists, hair stylists and photographers flocked to Jensen Alvarado Ranch and Museum in Riverside earlier this month. They were among roughly 40 volunteers who helped create senior portraits for foster children preparing to graduate high school in May.  

“It’s amazing,” said 18-year-old Melissa Sauceda, a senior at Rancho Verde High School. “All of us don’t have the support and money to do it ourselves. We don’t have our parents so just to have volunteers to do it for free is just a great feeling.” The event, known as ‘High School Senior Portrait Day,” started five years ago with a dozen students. This year 60 kids signed up. DPSS Children’s Services Regional Manager Michelle Wohl said returning caretakers who bring students from all over Riverside County helped the event grow.

“This year DPSS signed a contract with Riverside County Regional Parks. With help from park rangers and Jensen Alvarado Ranch and Museum, foster youth teamed up with volunteers to spend the entire day preparing for senior pictures.

“It really gives us the opportunity to talk with the community about the awesome things that happen in child welfare,” Wohl said.

The foster youth ranged from age 17 to 20 and came from several school districts and communities across Riverside County, including Moreno Valley, Indio, Perris and Beaumont.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— LOS ANGELES, CA— As May 1st is the deadline by which many high school seniors determine which college they plan to attend in the fall, Reach Higher hosted their annual College Signing Day on Wednesday, May 1 with former First Lady Michelle Obama and over 9,000 students from across California at UCLA‘s Pauley Pavilion.

Reach Higher, started by former First Lady Michelle Obama during her time at the White House, works to inspire every student in America to take charge of their future by completing their education past high school, whether at a professional training program, a community college, or a four-year college or university. 

McDonald’s is a proud supporter of Reach Higher’s mission to empower students to take charge of their future and own their success. McDonald’s and its franchisees bring positive economic opportunities to the neighborhoods they serve in numerous ways, including hiring directly from the community, providing scholarships and engaging in other philanthropic activities that provide access to education, empowerment and entrepreneurship.

The high-energy event featured celebrities such as John Legend, Yvonne Orji and Usher, as well as education influencers, all of whom attended to recognize students’ academic achievements, and to offer encouragement and guidance on how to make the most of their future educational opportunities.

St. Elmo Village’s 50th Anniversary
THE ART OF CREATIVE SURVIVAL

Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26, 2019

Memorial Day Weekend

12pm-6pm

FREE

Mid-Town Shopping Center4830 St. Elmo Drive
Los Angeles, California 90019-5571

Park and use the Shuttle Bus

4725 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019 (behind Living Spaces / Shuttle Bus Location)

The Village is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this Memorial Day Weekend with outstanding performers and musicians. Amongst them are some of our favorite musicians and cultural symbols of Los Angeles including Dwight Trible, which Bandcamp calls “The Bridge Between Two Generations of Jazz.” And highly respected for her scat ability and “Crystalline Tone,” Sandra Booker pushes the musical envelope to create a unique style and sound. We can’t wait for their performances!

The two-day weekend will also feature cultural dance and spoken word performances, artisan vendors, delicious food trucks, arts and crafts and more – come join the fun and invite your friends! For more info, please visit our website.

The Village is transforming as folks come to paint to courtyard mural. There are two weekends left to participate in our Pay-to-Paint Fundraiser – come add your creative energy to the space and be a part of something beautiful!

For more information visit stelmovillage.org.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Women of St. Paul A.M.E. located in San Bernardino will hold a weekend of Prayer, Praise and Worship May 18 and 19, 2019 at 1355 W. 21st St. The speakers will  include Rev. Laurie McDonald Albert and Rev. Noella Buchanan. The  weekend theme is “Overcoming Life’s Challenges and Living Victoriously.”

The Women’s Prayer Conference on Saturday will focus on the spiritual means of overcoming challenges and living victoriously through Christ. McDonald, former pastor of Greater Harvest AME Church, will bring the inspirational message that will focus on “Overcoming.”  

On Sunday the 10 A.M. worship service will also honor two faithful members Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry and Mrs. Thelma Earl and will feature Rev. Noella Buchanan former pastor of Corona, Allen Chapel Riverside, and St. James AME, St. Louis, MO. Her message will focus on “Living Victoriously.”

The weekend is free and the community is invited to come join them in prayer, anointing, worship and praise in song and dance.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—

Anderson School

Graduation: Wednesday, June 5, 9:30 a.m., Anderson School MU Room

Graduates: 7^

Arroyo Valley High School

Graduation: Wednesday, June 5, 7 p.m., San Manuel 66ers Stadium

Graduates: 576*

Valedictorian: Yoselin Mayoral

Salutatorian: Ismael Banuelos-Romo

Cajon High School

Graduation: Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m., Cajon High School, Jack Wilkins Cowboy Stadium

Graduates: 660*

Valedictorians: Zakaria Doueiri, Chloe Cooper, Rocky Rivera, Charlotte Ward, Elizabeth Ortiz, Natsumi Ruiz, and Daniel Gonzalez

Salutatorian: Janay Burks

Indian Springs High School

Graduation: Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m., Indian Springs High Athletic Complex

Graduates: 355*

Valedictorian: Jimmy Nguyen

Salutatorians: Steven Huynh, Kevin Nguyen, and Steven Nguyen

Inland Career Education Center (formerly San Bernardino Adult School)

Graduation: Wednesday, May 29, 11 a.m., California Theater, 562 W. 4th Street

Graduates: 200* (includes high school diploma and GED certificate graduates)

Middle College High School

Senior Crossing: Friday, May 17, 6 p.m., Valley College Auditorium

Graduation: Wednesday, May 22, 6 p.m., San Bernardino Valley College Greek Theatre

Graduates: 67* (includes 10 students who will also earn an A.A. degree)

Valedictorians: Faith Lauren Falcone and Mariah Yasmin Grajeda

Salutatorians: Karen Fuentes Santana, Angela Lizeth Villalbazo Garcia, Madison Virgina Morrie, Samantha Victoria Spencer, and Jennifer Duyen Tran

Pacific High School

Graduation: Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m., San Bernardino Valley College Football Stadium

Graduates: 261*

Valedictorian: Morgan Diaz

Salutatorians: Paloma Alvarez and Maria Stroud

San Andreas High School

Graduation: Monday, June 3, 6 p.m., San Manuel 66ers Stadium

Graduates: 320* (includes Destination Diploma graduates)

San Bernardino High School

Graduation: Friday, June 7, 7 p.m., San Bernardino Valley College Football Stadium

Graduates: 330*

Valedictorians: Ivy Garcia Guevara and Johanna Soto

Salutatorians: Jhunelyn Parafina and Guadalupe Lopez

San Gorgonio High School

Senior Celebration: Monday, June 3, 5 p.m., San Gorgonio’s gymnasium

Graduation: Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m., San Gorgonio’s Phil Haley Stadium

Graduates: 458*

Valedictorian: Athena Vo

Salutatorians: Ashley Alvarado, Ryan Chung, Hanh Le, and Leonarda Medina Ruiz

Sierra High School

Graduation: Saturday, June 1, 6 p.m., San Manuel 66ers Stadium

Graduates: 185*

Approximately 3,412 San Bernardino City Unified School District students will receive their high school diplomas or GED certification this year. This does not include those graduating from vocational programs.

It’s a story of struggle, perseverance, and achievement with a legacy that includes art, music, literature, architecture and lasting contributions to the world. Discover the energy and richness of the African American experience throughout the year and join the Black Chamber as we present the Black History Super Expo Celebration Rewind because everyday is black history.

This event is free to the public and will take place May 18th 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Greek Theater inside San Bernardino Valley College.  Enjoy live entertainment, shop local vendors, enjoy food, a kid zone and youth workshops, a fashion show presented by local designers, artist exhibit and so much more.

Come out with the family and enjoy:
Live Entertainment( Bands, Singers, Dancers)
Kids Zone
Youth Workshops
Artist Exhibit Sculptures
Murals and Painting
Fashion Show
Jewelry
Food and Vendors

San Bernardino Valley College
Inside The Greek Theater
701 South Mount Vernon Ave.
San Bernardino, CA. 92470

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE

We invite you to a vendor or sponsor!BECOME A VENDOR / SPONSOR

Click here for info/ limited spacing

For more information, please call 844-332-2243 ext 902 (Tammy)or visit us (click events):bccinlandempire.com

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Akoma Unity Center has been selected at the beneficiary of Macy’s 2019 Your Extra Change Can Help Your Community Round Up Campaign from May 1 – May 15, 2019. Each year, Macy’s chooses a local based charity to support. With Akoma Unity Center serving over 2,500 youth and parents in San Bernardino since its inception in 2017, the choice was made clear.

During the Macy’s Round Up Your Change Campaign customers are encouraged at the register to round up change to .99 cents that will be donated to Akoma.

“The best way to contribute is to purchase each of your items separately and round up with each purchase,” Akoma’s Executive Director, Kimberly Calvin stated. “On Saturday, May 4, 2019 Girl Scouts Troop #1419 will be present to meet with customers and are excited for their first outreach event.”

For an extra 30% off, stop by Akoma to pick up a Friends and Family coupon just in time for your Mother’s Day shopping. Macy’s is also sponsoring the School Cents Program, where customers can shop at any store in the Inland Center Mall and earn points for every dollar spent. Points are then accumulated to a dollar amount that will be donated to Akoma. There are three ways to turn in receipts: turn in receipts into management office, log receipts online at shopandlog.com/inland or drop them off at Akoma. Either way, your receipts will go a long way!

Akoma Unity Center is a 501 C(3) Non-Profit organization committed to providing children with high quality, no-cost after school structured recreation, and development programs in a safe and supervised environment.

If you would like to more information about Akoma Unity Center, please visit www.akomaunitycenter.org or call (909) 217-7956.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Wednesday, the last day before San Bernardino High School graduate Alexander Mattison headed for the Minnesota Vikings’ rookie camp, he returned to his alma mater one more time.

Walking into the school’s weight room on May 1, Mattison reflected on the remarkable journey from his native San Bernardino to the NFL.

“It feels good to be back in San Bernardino because I feel the love and the energy of my community,” Mattison said. “This is a new beginning for me and for my city.  I want to be an ambassador. I want to help rewrite the narrative because it tends to be negative.  But we have so much talent right here, so many intelligent individuals.”

Mattison is one of them.

He graduated from San Bernardino High in 2016 with a 4.6 GPA and earned the state’s prestigious Seal of Biliteracy, validating his fluency in English and Spanish.  Mattison is a product of the San Bernardino City Unified School District‘s award-winning Dual Immersion Program.  Mattison started in the program at Hillside Elementary, later transferring to Lincoln Elementary and then continuing at Arrowview Middle School.

As far back as elementary school, Mattison knew he was destined to succeed.

“Whether it be through academics or athletics, I knew I would reach my dreams,” Mattison said. “To everyone here in San Bernardino, I would say don’t let your dreams die. Every day you wake up is a new opportunity to chase your dreams, so chase them with 110 % energy and passion.  Don’t let your opportunities go to waste.”

Mattison, a running back, is not the only SBCUSD graduate to take the first big step toward an NFL career this year.

San Gorgonio High School graduate Nate Meadors was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent.  Meadors attended Thompson Elementary, Serrano Middle School, and graduated from San Gorgonio High in 2015.

Meadors and Mattison are representative of the high caliber of students in San Bernardino, said Superintendent Dr. Dale Marsden.

“These young men are proof that if you dream big, hold on to hope, and work hard, anything’s possible,” Marsden said.  “Alexander and Nate are key players in our collective efforts to change the narrative about San Bernardino.”

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— PAL Charter Academy is a small High school located in San Bernadino, California. PCA had a standout player in last weekends HBCU Combine. Donavon Becker received a second-day invite, at the 2nd Annual HBCU event held at Lynnwood High School in Los Angeles.

He was one of the hundreds of football players who came out to compete in a rigorous two-day Combine. All players that met the first-day evaluation received a callback to compete in the second day of the Combine.

Donovan Becker is a 6’6, 220 lb junior player at PCA High school that caught the eyes of HBCU’s and Junior College recruiters, and received a second-day invite.

Coaches came from all over to evaluate players from all over California to showcase their talent and to compete for a football scholarship. It was a robust combine that gave local players a huge opportunity to compete for a scholarship.  PCA’s Head Coach Julian Patrick said. Donovan held his own against Juco and High school players, and that earned him a second-day invite.

The HBCU combine has been an excellent platform for players to receive a football scholarship, quality education and the opportunity to experience college life outside of California.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO) announced today that the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra is the recipient of the 2019 Kris Sinclair Leadership Award for its successful implementation of a new strategic direction, which has led to impressive growth in concert attendance and community engagement over the past three years.

This award is named in honor of Kris Sinclair, ACSO’s longtime former executive director, and is given to an ACSO Organizational Member that demonstrates recent and measurable leadership initiatives by its staff and/or board in one or more of the following areas: finance, governance, staff development, audience development, education, or community engagement.

“The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra is a great example of how orchestras that have been in operation for decades can still continue to evolve and grow and provide relevant and meaningful art experiences for their diverse audiences,” said Sarah Weber, executive director of the Association of California Symphony Orchestras. 

“In the last few years, the leadership of the orchestra has programmed innovative concerts, provided music education for thousands of at-risk youth, and increased community awareness and ticket sales through expanded media coverage. They did hard work to make a plan for improvement, and that plan is yielding amazing results.”

With the Sinclair Award comes a $5,000 prize, which the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra will use to install new software for ticketing and to train staff to effectively utilize the system.