Energized by the pioneering legacy of Black and African American artists, San Dimas High School art students have created work in a diverse range of styles, themes, media, and cultural influences, assembling them for the exhibit, “Inspired by Black: Student Reflections on African American Artistry,” currently on display at the Bonita Center for the Arts (BCA). Curated by San Dimas High visual and performing arts chair and art teacher Dominic Black, the exhibit features drawings, paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces from dozens of art students, who engage and reflect on the work of Black or African American historic and contemporary artists.
Bonita High School’s Chamber Singers became the first choir in Bonita Unified School District history to perform at the California All-State Music Educators Conference (CASMEC), a selection reserved for the most elite choirs in the state. Each year, the California Music Educators Association (CMEA) and California Choral Directors Association (CCDA) select choirs from across the state to perform at CASMEC after a rigorous audition process. CMEA hosts CASMEC for music educators including professionals in all musical disciplines, from choir and orchestra, spanning from elementary to the college level.
Jurupa Hills High School senior Karla Louisa dedicates every Tuesday to inspiring the next generation, sharing her passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) while playing games and building a meaningful bond with her fourth-grade “Little,” Yasmin, as part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) program. BBBS of the Inland Empire named Louisa one of its two 2025 Mentors of the Year from its High School Bigs Program for her extraordinary mentorship, friendship, and advocacy. Each year during National Mentoring Month, BBBS honors two outstanding mentors with a regional title, which comes with a $2,500 College & Career Award to help fund their post-graduation dreams.
It is with profound sadness that Lynwood Unified School District announces the death of Deputy Superintendent Shawna Dinkins, Ed.D., who passed away on Saturday, March 1, following a sudden and courageous battle with cancer. Her passing is a heartbreaking loss for Lynwood Unified and the many lives she touched throughout her extraordinary career. Dinkins’ unwavering commitment to student success and nearly seven years of leadership at Lynwood Unified have elevated the District to new heights, establishing it as a model for equity and excellence.
Bonita High School students who want to augment their creative design talents with handiwork skills are taking advantage of the school’s longtime jewelry career technical education (CTE) courses, which teach them the ABCs of manufacturing jewelry while also giving them the opportunity to make their own accessories as they learn the meticulous and precise art. Bonita High’s jewelry pathway consists of two elective classes: a beginning class that acquaints students with the tools and methods used to make handcrafted jewelry, and an advanced class that allows students to take their skills to the next level and can be taken more than once for credit. The classes are limited to juniors and seniors for safety reasons.
Fontana Unified School District’s (FUSD) Southridge Tech and Wayne Ruble middle schools have been honored as 2025 California Schools to Watch, recognizing them as model schools dedicated to supporting the whole child. Fontana Unified accounted for two of the 90 middle schools across the state to be named to the California League of Middle Schools’ 2025 list of California Schools to Watch. These schools are recognized for their commitment to academic excellence, social equity, developmental responsiveness, and innovative systems.
Yuba College’s dedication to institutionalizing Caring Campus into its culture is evident in its decision to renew its Caring Campus Network (CCN) membership for the next five years – a long-term investment that ensures continued access to resources and tools that support a caring environment and enhance student success. The CCN is designed to increase connections between Caring Campus colleges and universities nationwide, promoting collaboration and shared commitment to student success. Members gain access to a range of benefits, including free webinars on key student success topics, Caring Campus certification eligibility, an extensive artifacts database for cross-institutional collaboration, exclusive discounts on Caring Campus events, and a network of dedicated professionals working to enhance student experiences.
The Pioneer High School football team made history in the fall 2024 season, taking home the school’s first-ever CIF Southern Section (CIF-SS) title, followed by a regional title – an achievement that has ignited school spirit and set the stage for future generations of athletic excellence. While the team fell to Balboa High School in the CIF State Championship game on Dec. 14, their journey united the school and community in a milestone season. To commemorate this achievement, Pioneer High’s football team is raising funds for championship rings, a lasting tribute to their historic season. Contributions can be made through the school’s dedicated fundraising page or directly at Pioneer’s Business & Activities Office.
More than 150 Lynwood Unified School District high school students gathered for a day of empowerment, connection and self-discovery at the District’s annual Teen Summit on Feb. 20, engaging in impactful discussions on leadership, resilience and personal growth. A staple District event rooted in inclusivity and equity, the Teen Summit provided African American students from its three high schools with a dedicated space to explore their identity, gain inspiration from role models, and build a sense of culture and community with their peers.
