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FONTANA, CA- A morning full of inspirational family support, community pride and student celebration. The Inland Empire Alliance of Black School Educators (IEABSE) presented “It Takes a Village” 2016 Scholarship Celebration on Saturday April 16 at the Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Center in Fontana. With the room filled to capacity, over forty scholarships were awarded to Inland Empire High School students for their academic achievements, community service, perseverance and leadership. This event was sponsored by Black Voice Foundation and New Life Christian Church. The scholarship donors were comprised of local organizations and businesses as well as individuals who desire to see Inland Empire students thrive in their educational aspirations. Long time scholarship donor Dina Walker, President of BLU Educational Foundation, stated “Saturday’s ceremony was philanthropy at its best! We see businesses, community, faith-based organizations and individuals contributing to secure the educational futures of our children”.

Mayor Acquanetta Warren of Fontana welcomed the audience to the growing city of Fontana and gave an encouraging message that focused on working together as a community to use education as a tool to attract resources to the Inland Empire region. The highlight of the morning was a series of what IEABSE has coined the “Reveals”. This is a similar process to when a student athlete selects their college choice on national signing day. IEABSE highlighted five stellar students from the entire group of scholarship awardees. Each student was joined on stage by family members and their most influential educators. On the table were their top four college considerations. Their parents began by talking about their children’s challenges, achievements and special qualities. In the short time the parents spoke the audience had an opportunity to peer into the lives of the students and identify with the awesome importance of their future educational decisions. As the anticipation rose to a height, the student was given the microphone and either unrolled a diploma or reported their choice to and audience of cheers.  Audience members were both impressed and inspired. “This was an epic and historic celebration of black youth achievement in the classroom, in life and at play. I found the entire experience moving, inclusive, & inspirational celebration of black youth achievement.” Rev Benita Ramsey, Jordan- Rustin Social Justice fund.

IEABSE board with checks

Inland Empire high school administrators, teachers, coaches and counselors were also on hand to encourage their students and celebrate in their triumphs. “The reveals were exceptional, allowing both parents and students to speak and key supporters to be acknowledged” Linda Wing, Ph.D. Chief of Information and Accountability. Rancho Cucamonga High School, Arlington High School and Summit High School seniors walked away with fifteen of the forty-three scholarship opportunities. The goal of the Scholarship Celebration was to offer family members, educators and community members an opportunity to celebrate and focus on the accomplishments of local African American students. The ceremony left students motivated, parents hopeful, and donors reassured.  Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers, Founder, Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE) and parent of a prior recipient declared “With so many of our students needing educational support Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation was happy to be able to provide a deserving student a scholarship thanks to IEABE’s community outreach”.

The Scholarship Celebration precedes the IEABSE annually hosted Inland Empire High School Black Graduation Recognition Ceremony (I.E. Black Grad). The I.E. Black Grad is the largest High School Black Graduation Recognition Ceremony in Southern CA and will be held May 14^th, 2016, on campus at California State University, San Bernardino, where over two thousand individuals are expected to attend. For more information please contact IEABSE directly at ieabse@gmail.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- It was a night of glitz and glam as Time for Change Foundation (TFCF) held their 13th Annual Star Studded Awards Gala to recognize unsung community heroes, and to celebrate their success in helping over 850 homeless women and children reach self-sufficiency over the last 14 years.

The night began on the red carpet where guests stopped to strike a pose followed by comedic opening remarks from Mistress of Ceremonies Actress/Comedienne Kim Coles. “I thought Time for Change meant menopause.”

The room was filled with elected officials, law enforcement, school board members, local businesses, and community organizations throughout the region. Special guest celebrity Taylor Schilling, actress of the hit Netflix show Orange is the New Black, dazzled the room with her acceptance of TFCF’s first ever “Acting for Change” Award.

Other awe-inspiring community heroes recognized included: Kim & Tommy Morrow with the Hometown Media Heroes Award, Dr. Tomás D. Morales with the Community Education Champion Award, SB Strong First Responders with the Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award, the Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire & the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce with the Community Chamber Champions Award, Dr. Dale Marsden & Dr. Harold Vollkommer with the Public Education Dynamic Duo Award, Caliber Collision with the Community Business Leader of the Year Award, Senator Connie Leyva with the Public Service Champion Award, Manal Iskander with the Community Champion Award, and Alaina Mathews with the Humanitarian of the Year Award.

TFCF’s track record proves that consistent efforts, compassion and evidence based programs can transform the lives of homeless women and children and put an permanent end to their cycle of homelessness. However, they know that the work that they do is a community effort.

You can join in the efforts to end homelessness today by supporting the mission of TFCF  by making a financial contribution. For additional information, please visit our website www.TimeForChangeFoundation.org or call us at (909) 886-2994.

SAN BERNARDINO – In recognition of their contributions to public education in San Bernardino County, 35 nominees in six categories for this year’s Education Medal of Honor have been announced.

The nominees will compete to be chosen for the 25th annual awards, and six recipients of those nominated for the Education Medal of Honor will be announced at a banquet on April 28 in Fontana at the Sierra Lakes Country Club.

Nominations for the Education Medal of Honor were made in six categories: Volunteer in Action/Community Volunteer; Volunteer in Action/Service Group; Partners in Education/Small Business or Franchise; Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency; Excellence in Education/Education Professional; and Excellence in Education/Student Alumni.

The Education Medal of Honor program is sponsored by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, the County School Boards Association and the County Communicators Network. School public relations professionals in Riverside County are judging this year’s entries.

For more information, contact the County Schools’ Communications office at 909.386.2413.

San Bernardino County 2016 Education Medal of Honor Nominees

Alta Loma School District

Judith Bach, assistant principal at Vineyard Junior High, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Chaffey Joint Union High School District

Josh Atkinson, student at Los Osos High School, Volunteer in Action/Community Volunteer

Jennifer Nicastro, English teacher and California Scholarship Federation advisor at Los Osos High, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Chino Valley Unified School District

Lisa Lista, teacher, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Robert Mount, teacher at Ruben Ayala High, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Kevin Russell, teacher at Ruben Ayala High, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Colton Joint Unified School District

Bertha Arreguin, director III of Language Support Services, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

City of Colton, Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency

Mirza Andrade-Martinez, mental health specialist for Mental Health Systems Central Valley Prevention Program, Volunteer in Action/Service Group

Susie Garcia-Torres, parent volunteer at Walter Zimmerman Elementary, Volunteer in Action/Community Volunteer

Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program

Laura Bowden, K16 coordinator for ESRI, Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency

Conrad Calbes and David Jaffe, recreational coordinators for Redlands Community Center, Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency

Anita Nava, office manager of Allstate Insurance Co., Partners in Education/Small Business or Franchise

Cherie Towers, director of volunteer services at Redlands Community Hospital, Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency

Ross Veckey, agency owner of Farmers Insurance, Partners in Education/Small Business or Franchise

Etiwanda School District

Cucamonga Valley Water District, Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency

Rialto Unified School District

Dr. Cuauhtemoc Avila, superintendent, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Lea Michelle Cash, president and CEO of The Brightest Star, Inc., Volunteer in Action/Service Group

San Bernardino City Unified School District

Assistance League of San Bernardino, Volunteer in Action/Service Group

Erin Freeman, program facilitator and ASB director at Serrano Middle, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Ray Gallardo, vice principal at Arroyo Valley High, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Dr. Richard Hart, president of Loma Linda University Health, Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency

James McGarry and CR Tetlock, teachers and coaches, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Elizabeth Resmi Kackery, program specialist, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Thinkwise Credit Union, Partners in Education/Small Business or Franchise

Jesse Venegas, teacher at Arroyo Valley High School, Excellence in Education/Student Alumni

Dina Walker, president and CEO of BLU Foundation, Volunteer in Action/Service Group

Brian Willemse, program specialist and Common Core demonstration teacher, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

Keynasia Buffong, chair of Inland Empire Alliance of Black School Educators, Volunteer in Action/Service Group

Dr. Jane Guttman, librarian media specialist and teacher, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Silver Valley Unified School District

Cynthia Anderson, kindergarten teacher at Newberry Springs Elementary, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Danica Darden, volunteer at Fort Irwin Middle School, Volunteer in Action/Community Volunteer

Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

Angie Nett, human resources manager for Sorensen Engineering, Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency

Travis Paye and team, captain of Cal Fire San Bernardino Unit-Station 552 – Crafton Hills, Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency

Jane Smith, Board of Education member, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Honorees of the 2016 COE Gala and Inland Valley News Inc. Board Members during the Press Conference Luncheon held at Mt. San Antonia Gardens. Photo by Naomi K. Bonman

UPLAND, CA- The days are counting down until the most illustrious event in the Inland Valley and Inland Empire. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend this event, buy your tickets today!  The Inland Valley News Inc. is thrilled to present its 19th Annual Celebration of Excellence Awards Gala and Scholarship Dinner, “Investing in the Next Generation of World Changers,” to be held on Friday, April 29, at Doubletree by Hilton located at 222 North Vineyard Avenue in Ontario.

The Celebration of Excellence Awards Gala and Scholarship Dinner is a community outreach program of the Inland Valley News, sponsored together with its affiliated not for- profit, public benefit 501(c)(3) corporation, Shining Glory Publications. The event is one of the few true celebrations of the achievements and contributions of people who help make this community the jewel of Southern California. Last year, hundreds of registered guests, including leaders in business, education, housing, transportation, health care, government, church and media as well as other key decision-makers participated in this annual celebration.

The Publisher’s Awards Recipients are: Tamara Weston, (Macy’s) –Publishers’ Choice; Eric Dickerson, (NFL Hall of Famer, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist) –Lifetime Achievement Award; Dr. Lester J. Jones, (Western University) –Educational Innovation Award; Dr. Martha Melendez, (Arrowhead Regional Medical Center) –Excellence in Community Health Leadership Award; Laura Mancha, (San Bernardino County Board of Education) –Excellence in Educational Leadership; Dr. Felice Loverso, (Casa Colina) – Excellence in Corporate Leadership; Gilbert A. Holmes, JD. (University of La Verne) –Excellence in Jurisprudence Award; Richard E. Yochum (Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center) –Excellence in Hospital Administration Award.  The Community Awards Recipients are: Kenneth Gray, Excellence for being a Champion of Change; Linda Wright-Lee, Excellence in Community Activism; Antoine & Heather Dunham, Excellence in Youth Empowerment; A. Majadi, Excellence in Youth Advocacy; and Larry Ortega; Excellence in Technology Activism.

Congratulations to all our honorees and recipients of the 2016 Celebration of Excellence.

The proceeds from this event will provide scholarships and internships through the IVN Scholars program. The IVN Scholars Program was designed to provide Shining Glory Scholarship recipients who are pursuing education or careers in mass communications, the arts, as well as those who are pursuing careers in the STEM-related industries with more than just money for college.

“The goal was and still is to extend our reach as we work to prepare the next generation of global leaders who will work to make the world better. Students within the program are paired with highly trained mentors who support them throughout their entire undergraduate career. Additionally, participants receive ongoing comprehensive leadership development training, service learning opportunities and internships within their respective areas of interest. The intent is to use these different facets as a means to fostering the 21st century competencies and leadership capacities necessary for them to become powerful, thoughtful and engaged world changers. We at the IVN Scholars Program are excited to induct our second class of future world changers who will join our program this Fall” said, Ta Mia Morrow, Executive Director.

For more information tickets, sponsorships regarding the Celebration of Excellence Awards Gala and Scholarship Gala, please do not hesitate to contact the IVN office at (909) 985-0072 or visit www.coegala.org or www.inlandvalleynews.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-Authors from throughout Southern California have been invited to discuss their works, sell, and sign books at the Norman F. Feldheym Central Library on Saturday, April 23, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

This is a good opportunity to meet local authors and authors from around Southern California who represent many genres; including fiction, non-fiction, science fiction, fantasy, poetry, political cartoons, children’s books, young adult books, local history, and mystery. 

Over 30 authors, poets and cartoonists have confirmed their participation; including Al Ward, Alice Hall, Beth Winokur, Beverly D. Thomas, Carol Wright, David Brown, Elizabeth Briggs, Ernie Garcia, Fred Smith, Gary & Isabel Walbourne, Gina Rider,Herb Williams, Jeri Westerson, John Weeks, Judith Valles, Loralie Kay, Lynette Davis, Makeda Kumasi, Margaret Hill, Marilyn King, Mary Ruth Hughes, Michael Palmer, Mike Kennedy, Molly Jo Realy, Myron Portley, Nick Cataldo, Phil Yeh, Rhea Frances-Tetley, Robert Kirkconnell, Roberta Smith, T’ana Phelice, Terri Elders, and Victoria Taylor. Local non-profit group PoetrIE will have a table and will be doing readings in the Bing Wong Auditorium during the event.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the San Bernardino Library. For more information, contact Program Coordinator Linda Adams Yeh at (909) 381-8238 or visit www.sbpl.org or www.facebook.com/SBPLfriends.

By Diana L. McKee

There are a few outstanding STEM Plus schools in America which has a near 10 years track record of success with their methods of implementing STEM + concepts within their curriculum.  Whether it be STEM+ entrepreneurship, STEM + internships or SSTEM + Project based learning, these schools have proven to be very effective when implemented and executed correctly.  Good examples can be seen by three schools in Ohio: ·  MC²STEM High School, Cleveland, Ohio, Linden-McKinley Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics High
School, Columbus, Ohio and Metro Early College High School, Columbus, Ohio

At MC2 they focus on project based learning.  Linden McKinley focuses on the latest technology with upwards of 1000 registrants in their school.  Metro Early focuses on real life science experiences with an emphasis on personalized growth and support.

To my knowledge no one has ever successfully argued that STEM subjects are not necessary subjects for college and ultimate scholastic success.  The true scholastic issue is how to weave in the other elements of education in order for the Students to develop the greatest potential for success.

By using models from successful schools, A charter school which is poised to be in Rialto this August is destined to be the next great charter school which successfully combines business, volunteerism and internships to create a 360 degree educational experience for all of their graduates.

Prior to completing their high school education they will have the benefit of experiencing all three of these additional elements to their STEM education.  Then name of the school is Transforming Lives Charter School.  The Location Rialto.  Status-Now registering 7th and 8th grade students.  Be a part of this school, and register your children now.

Chidera Okam

By Jamal Eric Watson

If colleges and universities want to find out how to best retain young African-American males, they may want to consult Chidera Okam.

Okam, 20, a senior at California State University, San Bernardino has some concrete and simple ideas that he says can prove useful in keeping young Black men in college.

The upper-class Black men have to get to the first-year students before they drop out of school, says Okam, an economics major from Nigeria who has plans to go on to law school. We have to target these young brothers and educate them about what college is really like.

Seem simple? Perhaps, but experts say that these kinds of high-touch examples go a long way in strengthening ties between young Black and helping them to graduate at higher rates.

For the past four years, Okam has been a member of the Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB) on his campus, an organization founded by Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe in 1990, that has been a forerunner to some of the more recent initiatives focused on African-American men, including President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative.

Since its inception, SAAB has expanded its national presence and now includes more than 200 chapters on college and university campuses and in middle and high schools across the nation.

Okam and about 300 other young men mostly African-American gathered in Dearborn, Michigan, over the weekend with their faculty advisers for the group’s annual national conference. Over two days, the young men networked and talked during fireside chats about a range of topics from mentoring to community building. They also heard from actors Lamman Rucker, Dondre Whitfield and Halle Berry. This year’s theme was, “Transforming the Mindset … Redefining the Narrative.”

“It’s been an eye-opening experience,” Okam says of his participation in SAAB. “I am really committed and eager to reach out and help others coming along.”

These men hug and embrace. They’re not afraid to use the word love. And they openly share their life’s challenge, as one young man did when he reflected on being suicidal a few years ago. Now, he says, he’s on a forward path and has no desire to return to those dark days.

That form of brotherhood has caught the attention of national funders such as the Lumina Foundation, which has been a sponsor of the organization headquartered at the University of Toledo.

Amadin Agho, a marketing and supply chain management major at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), is a junior and attended his second conference.

At IUPUI, there are about 30 students who are active in the SAAB chapter. They get together regularly to talk about personal and academic matters.

“It’s amazing to see so many young Black men who are driven,” says Agho. “It’s also good to see that the SAAB family is growing and that there are new faces joining the family. We are able to lean on each other for support and that’s a good thing.”

Jamal Eric Watson can be reached at jwatson1@diverseeducation.com. You can follow him on Twitter @jamalericwatson.

FONTANA, CA- In honor of our local youth, the Inland Empire Alliance of Black School Educators (IEABSE) presents “It Takes a Village” 2016 Scholarship Celebration, sponsored by Black Voice Foundation and New Life Christian Church. The scholarship celebration will take place on Saturday April 16, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Jessie Turner Center located at 15556 Summit Avenue in Fontana. This event is open to the public with a $20 donation, but seating is limited. The Scholarship Celebration foreshadows the IEABSE annually hosted Inland Empire High School Black Graduation Recognition Ceremony (I.E. Black Grad).

The I.E. Black Grad is the largest High School Black Graduation Recognition Ceremony in Southern CA and will be held this year on May 14 at 2 p.m. on the CSU San Bernardino campus where over two thousand individuals are expected to be present. The Scholarship Celebration offers family members, educators and community members an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of local African American students. The scholarship donors are comprised of local organizations and businesses as well as individuals who desire to see Inland Empire students thrive in their educational aspirations.

Seniors from all districts throughout the Inland Empire were invited to apply for our “It Takes A Village” Scholarship Contest where winners will be awarded from $500 to $1000. Each application was evaluated on academic merit, community service, perseverance and leadership.

This year’s special guests include 47^th District Assemblymember, Cheryl Brown, and Fontana Mayor, Aquanetta Warren. There will be representatives from each donor organization and the high schools of the scholarship recipients. An anticipated highlight of the ceremony will be “The Reveal” where students will make final decisions on their college/university choice. For more information please contact IEABSE directly at ieabse@gmail.com.

Front L/R: Joyce Smith, VP Social Lites, Inc., Cynthia Wilhite, Social Lites,, Inc. Member and Chairman, Edna Wade. Back Row L/R: Zonte Walker, Julian Houston, Donovan Ferguson, Tyree Walk, Courtney Wilson, Terrance Bradshaw, Brigitte Shaw, Twillea Evans-Carthen, Linda Hart, Ariella Houston, and Madison Gill

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Social Lites, Inc. under the leadership of Bettye Brewster, president, held its inaugural healthy living seminar on Saturday, April 2, at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino.  According to the chairperson of the event, Cynthia Wilhite, “Healthy leaving is a lifestyle that needs to be developed and practiced.”  Daily monitoring of healthy choices will help to develop a healthy habit in balancing, nutrition, exercise, and rest.

Brigitte Shaw educated attendees to pay attention to their mental health as well as their physical health.  Dr. Steve Wilson of “In Your Best Interest Medical Clinic,” was among the guest speakers who inspired attendees to work towards preventive care to avoid sickness and illnesses, including heart disease by way of making healthy food choices.

Healthy leaving is more than diet and exercise.  Rest and creating healthy habits is key.  “The life in front of you is far more important than the life behind you.” Educational information both oral and written were provided to all along with healthy snacks. Participants left the event expressing the morning seminar was time well spent in a relaxed environment to “Learn, Grow and Live Healthy!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-      Mr. Donovan D. Ferguson, senior at Grand Terrace High School was recognized as Sir Knight 2016 at the 49^th Social Lites, Inc. Beautillion program among approximately 200 guests at the formal event held at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino on Saturday, April 2.  Mr. Ferguson has participated in this annual program as a “Page,” (elementary school) a “Squire,” (middle school) and now a “Knight.”  Also, during this Beautillion season, Mr. Ferguson held the office of president and was awarded “Mr. Congeniality” among his peers.   Mr. Ferguson will be attending Bendict College in Columbia, South Carolina in the Fall and will major in Psychology to work towards becoming a High School Counselor.

This year’s event included guest speaker, Dr. Edward Bush, President of Consumnes River College in Sacramento.  Dr. Bush shared with the “Young men of valor: from vision to reality” to be more than ordinary men, and that they should  strive to become successful men and an asset to society.

All Knights were awarded various scholarships and gifts to help with their future college expenses.  Congratulation to Sir Knight, Donovan D. Ferguson and all participants in the Beautillion program!

For more information for future events and activities, please contact Mrs. Bettye Brewster, President at bettyebrewster@yahoo.com.