Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
One date in September, leading to one year of service for one Mr. Cardinal City winner and one Miss Cardinal City winner to represent San Bernardino High School (SBHS).
It may seem like Mr. and Miss Cardinal City are just about pageant night, but that is far from the truth. The September 24, 2022, pageant will be preceded by many days of preparation. The Mr. Cardinal and Miss Cardinal contestants will spend days practicing their opening number and hundreds if not thousands of hours performing community service before the big night. And although only one Mr. Cardinal City and one Miss Cardinal City will be crowned, they will each have a court to help them fulfill their duties.
The Mr. and Miss Cardinal City pageant is the brainchild of Jaime Rios, who wanted to bring positive attention to both SBHS, where he has worked for more than 20 years, and the entire San Bernardino community. He also wanted to empower the young men and women of Cardinal City, named for the school’s mascot. That is why the focus of the entire process is on academics, social skills, and community service.
“I am looking forward to attending the pageant to see the impact it makes on our student participants,” said newly appointed SBHS Principal Anna Sosa. “When I was a teacher, it was wonderful to see some of my students find their voice, build their confidence, and experience the value of giving back to the community.”
The school is asking local businesses and individuals to help make the pageant and the reign of both Mr. and Miss Cardinal City a success by donating time and resources. Any donations are welcome, from cash to bottles of water. To become a sponsor, contact pageant director and bilingual school outreach worker Jaime Rios at (909) 881-8217.
The pageant is set for Saturday, September 24, 2022, at 6 p.m. at Sturges Center for the Fine Arts, 780 North E Street in San Bernardino.
