SAN BERNARDINO, CA—On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education presented its November Outstanding Community Partner Award to the Inland Empire Children’s Book Project for helping ignite a lifelong love of reading by placing thousands of free books into the hands of children across the District.
“A home filled with books strengthens language and cognitive development, deepens parent-child connections, builds imagination and empathy and helps children fall in love with learning. A single book can spark confidence, curiosity and a lifelong commitment to reading,” said I.E. Children’s Book Project Chairwoman Berenice Lowenstein during remarks at the Nov. 18 Board of Education meeting. “This year alone we will visit 34 elementary schools on a Wednesday where every student will get to select a book at their reading level and interest.”
The SBCUSD Board also presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents and staff of Arrowhead Elementary School, Wilson Elementary School, Cesar E. Chavez Middle School and Middle College High School (MCHS).
The Board recognizes Outstanding Student Award winners to honor excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship and most improvement. The Board also presents the Outstanding Parent/Grandparent/Volunteer Award and Outstanding Employee Award to individuals who embody the District’s dedication to student achievement and well-being.
Arrowhead Elementary School, Principal Dr. Felicia Noel:
Adrian Acosta is a fifth-grader and Outstanding Student. Acosta is working confidently at grade level and continues to make steady academic progress. He approaches learning with a commitment to excellence and demonstrates good citizenship by modeling respectful behavior throughout campus. All of this makes him a great role model who is soaring to new heights.
Kenzai Arrington is an Outstanding first-grader. Arrington has made great academic growth this school year, showing increased effort, focus and enthusiasm for learning. He participates actively in class discussions and puts forth his best effort in every assignment. His positive attitude has led to improved behavior and greater success in the classroom and around campus.
Outstanding Parent Award winner Alexsis Sandoval supports Arrowhead as a member of the School Site Council and by representing the school on the District Advisory Council, ensuring the Arrowhead community’s voice is heard. Her positive spirit makes a lasting impact on students, staff and families. Arrowhead staff are grateful for parents like Sandoval.
Attendance Assistant Xochitl Ochoa is an Outstanding Classified Employee. During her daily calls to clear absences, she demonstrates empathy, understanding and genuine care for families. She goes above and beyond by helping with yearbook editing and serving as an integral member of the attendance review team.
Outstanding First-Grade Teacher Alejandra Castaneda-Corona lives out the District’s Operating Values every day. She believes in the human potential of every student and colleague. Her spirit of collaboration brings people together to reach shared goals. She demonstrates professionalism and equity through compassion and fairness, and resilience and innovation through creative solutions to challenges.
Wilson Elementary School, Principal Robert Madrigal:
Emmanuel Reyes is a third-grader and Outstanding Student. Reyes consistently demonstrates a positive attitude, strong work ethic and kindness towards his classmates. He has a curiosity for learning, always striving to do his best in every subject. He also gladly helps and supports his classmates. He is a wonderful example for his peers to follow.
Fourth-grader Savannah Singleton is an Outstanding Student. Singleton demonstrates exceptional reading proficiency, with fluency and comprehension skills well beyond grade-level expectations. In math, she excels with advanced reasoning and problem-solving skills. Savannah exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and compassionate learner.
Outstanding Parent Award winner Anna Gonzalez actively serves on the School Site Council, offering valuable insight and support in shaping school goals. In addition, she regularly volunteers at school events, always willing to help and build positive connections with students, staff and families. Staff truly appreciate Gonzalez’s commitment to making Wilson a better place for everyone.
Custodian I Romelia Mariscal’s exceptional attention to detail and pride in her work ensure that Wilson remains a clean, safe and welcoming environment. Her reliability and dedication go beyond routine tasks—she consistently anticipates needs, supports school events and responds quickly to emergencies. Her positive attitude SHINES through and makes Wilson sparkle.
Outstanding Teacher Al Mesones exemplifies the District’s Operating Values by fostering an inclusive classroom where every student’s potential is nurtured through equitable learning opportunities and a strong sense of safety and belonging. His innovative teaching practices and pride in his work inspire students to thrive and reflect the very best of our District’s values.
Cesar E. Chavez Middle School, Principal Zackary Peters:
Outstanding eighth-grader Mikah Lyons is a shining example of what it means to be an outstanding scholar at Chavez Middle School! He maintains a 4.0 GPA, excels as an athlete, serves as an International Baccalaureate Ambassador and is a student body leader. Lyons truly embodies SBCUSD pride and represents the spirit of Rattler Nation.
Joseph Tovar Medina is an outstanding seventh-grader. Tovar Medina is an all-around outstanding student who models what it means to be a Cesar E. Chavez Rattler. As a native Spanish speaker, Tovar Medina is working hard toward full English proficiency while also keeping up with his other subjects. He is caring, knowledgeable and willing to take risks by doing his best in all his classes.
Daisy Morales is an Outstanding Parent. Morales is an incredibly involved parent who brings positivity and joy to every event she attends. She serves on both the School Site Council and the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council, where her energy, insight and enthusiasm shine brightly. Daisy truly embodies a spirit of family partnership that makes the Rattler Nation shine.
Secretary III Rebecca “Becky” Matthews is an Outstanding Classified Employee. She exemplifies dedication, excellence and heart. As the operational heartbeat of Chavez, she ensures every aspect of the campus runs smoothly. For 20 years, she’s been the go-to for staff, students and families—offering support, solving problems and creating a welcoming, organized environment. Matthews leads by example, helping our entire community shine brighter.
Sabrina Campbell is an outstanding science and design teacher. Campbell believes in every student’s ability to achieve and creates engaging, hands-on learning experiences that unlock curiosity and confidence. Her innovative approach encourages creativity, teamwork and problem-solving, inspiring excellence across the Rattler Nation.
Middle College High School, Principal James Espinoza:
Brisa Hernandez Garcia is an outstanding scholar with a 4.78 GPA and is on track to earn three Associate’s degrees from Valley College. She plans to attend Stanford University as a pre-law major, aspiring to one day serve as California’s governor. Serving as a Student Board Member, Brisa amplifies student voice Districtwide while being mentored by the Board, Cabinet and Superintendent.
Class of 2026 President Ethan Zarate has earned a 4.7 GPA and is on track to earn multiple Associate’s degrees from Valley College. He plans to attend UCLA as a Biological Sciences major with an emphasis in pre-med, aspiring to become a surgeon. He founded Middle College’s first student orchestra and earned County Honor Orchestra 1st Chair for Double Bass.
Ashley Zarate, Ethan Zarate’s mother, is an Outstanding Parent. Among Ashley Zarate’s many accomplishments are founding Middle College’s first Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), advocating for the creation of beautiful school murals and serving as a parent leader for the Western Association of School and Colleges (WASC) accreditation team.
Stephanie Ramirez is an Outstanding Secretary III. As the heart of the office, Ramirez connects the principal, staff and community with grace and efficiency. Whether she’s welcoming District staff, teams of educators from across the state or parent and community leaders, Ramirez hears everyone, sees everyone, values everyone, loves everyone and always shines.
Under the visionary guidance of Digital Media Arts Pathway CTE Teacher and Dept. Chair Richard “Rick” Wilshire, every Middle College student now graduates with a minimum of 61 college credits and industry certifications in Adobe. In 2025, 72% earned one or more Associate’s degrees. Working together with partners like KVCR, Wilshire and his colleagues continue to empower students with real-world experiences and future-ready skills.
About San Bernardino City Unified School District:
The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) is California’s ninth-largest school district and is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for college, career and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and empowerment, the District serves a diverse student population in the San Bernardino and Highland communities. For more information about SBCUSD, visit www.sbcusd.com and follow the District @SBCityUSD on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.
This section is not for publication: If you would like photos of any of the other Outstanding Award winners, please contact Corina Borsuk, SBCUSD Communications photographer, at corina.borsuk@sbcusd.k12.ca.us.
