The Inland Empire-based organization focuses on supporting childcare professionals while strengthening the communities they serve. A recent grant awarded through the Inland Empire Community Foundation’s CIELO Fund is helping expand those efforts by increasing access to quality childcare services in underserved and minority communities throughout the region.

    “Considering the decrease in funding to nonprofits over the last year, this grant is a miracle, and we are more than grateful,” said Yvonne Choyce, founder and CEO of Providers Need Care.

    According to Choyce, the funding has allowed the nonprofit to reach more participants and broaden opportunities for childcare providers, particularly within Latino communities.

    “This funding represents an opportunity to continue investing in our children, families and communities,” she said. “The support has allowed us to grow participation in our programs over the last year, leading to a successful increase in Latino providers and business owners.”

    She said the impact extends beyond the providers themselves. As childcare businesses become more sustainable and successful, they are better positioned to serve families and meet growing childcare needs within their neighborhoods.

    “That, in turn, strengthens their sustainability and ability to expand access to much-needed childcare services within their own communities,” Choyce said. “That’s an important impact, especially right now.”

    The grant arrives at a critical time for many Spanish-speaking families and childcare providers who continue to face financial and structural barriers. Choyce believes investments like this can create lasting change.

    “This is a major investment in childcare, and it changes lives,” she said.

    Reliable childcare plays a vital role in helping parents remain in the workforce while ensuring children receive quality care and early learning opportunities. Programs supported through grants such as those distributed by the Inland Empire Community Foundation also help address ongoing childcare shortages across the region.

    Providers Need Care was founded three years ago, but the inspiration behind the organization began much earlier.

    Before launching the nonprofit, Choyce operated a home-based childcare business for more than two decades. Several years ago, she was recruited by a Women’s Business Center to train aspiring childcare providers who were looking to start their own businesses.

    As she worked with those entrepreneurs, she began noticing something troubling.

    “They asked me to train providers based on a grant they had, and these were startups,” Choyce recalled. “In the middle of that second cohort, I started hearing a lot and seeing a lot of red flags.”

    Many of the women she encountered were struggling with the aftermath of the pandemic, including job losses, family hardships and financial instability.

    “A lot of them were starting a business because they needed a fresh start,” Choyce said. “I didn’t feel right training them to take care of children when they themselves were carrying so much.”

    She said that realization sparked an idea that eventually became the organization’s name and mission.

    “I had this overwhelming feeling that I needed to do more than just train them on how to get licensed,” she said. “It just came to me that providers need care.”

    Soon afterward, Providers Need Care was established and has continued to expand its reach across the Inland Empire.

    One of the organization’s strongest areas of focus is self-care. Choyce believes childcare providers often spend so much time caring for others that they neglect their own well-being.

    “We do a lot of self-care training because of all the challenges providers face,” she said. “Every year we hold a retreat where they can take a step back and allow us to care for them for a day. That’s really important to me.”

    Choyce credits much of the nonprofit’s success to the professionals who believed in the mission from the beginning. In the early days, financial resources were limited, but many facilitators agreed to participate because they believed in the organization’s purpose.

    “I started recruiting facilitators from within the industry,” she said. “I told them there wasn’t going to be much money, but I needed them to believe in the dream. They did.”

    Looking ahead, Providers Need Care plans to continue expanding its services, including business counseling, professional development training, compliance support, resource sharing and wellness programs designed specifically for childcare professionals.

    “We want to equip providers with all the right tools and knowledge they need for success,” Choyce said.

    More information about the organization can be found at providersneedcare.org.

    The Inland Empire Community Foundation works to strengthen communities throughout Inland Southern California through philanthropic partnerships and community investment. Its CIELO Fund, established in 2022, supports initiatives that empower Latino communities through education, leadership development, capacity building and community-based programs. Additional information is available at iegives.org.

Source: Information provided by Providers Need Care and the Inland Empire Community Foundation.

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Guided by ancestral stories of creation, ceremony, and community values, Native students at Noli navigate both Indigenous and Western educational systems. This exhibition is living proof of that journey — a space where tradition and scholarship are woven together.

An opening reception on May 21 attracted a large group who were treated to a welcome hour followed by introductions of key contributors to the exhibit. Guests were then invited into the gallery to experience the exhibition and engage with the stories woven throughout the work.

The sound of bullroarers greeted visitors as they entered the gallery. It is an ancient communication device consisting of an oblong slat of wood attached to a cord that produces a distinctive low-pitched, roaring vibration when swung rapidly in a circle. Widely used by Native American tribes, it has served for distant communication, religious ceremonies, healing rituals, and imitating the sounds of thunder or spirits. The recording was made at Noli’s annual Gathering of the People after male students had completed making their bullroarers.

Noli Cultural Teacher Tashina Ornelas said the university reached out to her with a grant collaboration project to promote traditional arts, community and higher education in the 2024-2025 school year. They wanted to collaborate with a traditional arts educator, which Ornelas has been at Noli for more than 20 years. The Culture Department at Noli Indian School understands that education and culture are inseparable.

This exhibition is the culmination of a growing relationship between CSUSB and Noli Indian School, facilitated through CSUSB’s Department of Tribal Relations. RAFFMA is honored to host a showcase that highlights the inextricable link between traditional knowledge and the success of Native students in higher education.

Native scholars are continually weaving timeless practices and teachings into their academic journeys. This exhibit serves as a powerful reminder that Native people have always been teachers, scientists, caretakers, healers, and students of the land and that this legacy continues today.

“In the first year of the program, it was mainly focused within the Culture Department, but I would also choose students who seemed eager towards both culture and higher education,” Ornelas said. “This school year we mainly focused on Art and Culture Department students. Now with three teachers within the department, it gave us access to a large majority of students with various art, writing, and cultural courses.”

Summer Herrera teaches art and middle school culture at Noli and her sister Emma Herrera teaches English. They worked together with Ornelas to curate the exhibit. Different sections featured various topics such as clothing, materials and tools, ceremonies, and more. Summer said it started with more traditional pieces and ended with contemporary art and talking about community at Noli and beyond. She said she directed her art students to create contemporary pieces by giving them the prompt of what they would make if they were commissioned as an artist to make a traditional or contemporary art piece.

Some made sculptures and fired pottery and others made collages and paintings. Ushla Resvaloso used Pala clay as a nod to her heritage and imprinted the piece with sage flowers since Sage is the name of her cat. Michael Malone carved a hairpin that was inlaid with black tar and crushed abalone. He learned the technique of using black tar from his cousin but is a self-taught carver. Kisil Morreo is one of the students that worked on making the bullroarers.

“The reception was really beautiful,” Summer said. “We had a large turnout of students and families plus singers and dancers.”

The exhibition reflects ancestral stories of creation, ceremony and community values while highlighting the lived experiences of Native students navigating both Indigenous and Western educational systems.

Approximately 30 students either submitted their own piece or worked collaboratively on community projects/works and about half of them were able to attend the opening reception, along with seven staff members. The school is planning a field trip for some of the students who could not attend the reception.

Emma Herrera said at Noli it’s important to show students the connections they can make with their culture in every subject. She prompted her English students to write a three-to-four-page argument essay about using culture in education, how the six core traditional values are used and why they are necessary, and what it takes to be successful.

Victoria Boiso was proud to have two of her works displayed. One was a framed copy of her essay on the Six Core Traditional Values. “I also made a drawing off of that,” she said.

Emma Herrera said having the essay on display for guests to view at the beginning provided a good overview for the entire exhibit. “We want people to know that our core values are a living, breathing thing and not something in the past,” she said.

Aydreean Garcia said she was able to share her framed poem with family members that attended the reception with her. The subject was bird dancing and why it’s important. Avasily Temanxwanvish’s did an acrylic painting of her cattail dolls from her coming-of-age ceremony and was part of the group that participated in the stick game display. One of the bird skirts she made was also on view. “I really liked the flow of the exhibit,” said Avasily, who was joined by her whole family.

Destiny Saucedo helped with the stick game project that was done in class where students chopped the wood, measured it, burnt it and then made a design and hers was chosen for the final. She said their teacher, Emma Herrera, was very helpful with all the steps that were required.

“It was fun to see our work inside a place we could visit,” Destiny said of the reception. “This was a good experience and fun to do with my classmates.”

Nadillya Mendoza assisted with the stick game display and with the bird skirts that are made for the Soboba Tribal Preschool and kindergarten students every year. “I liked how we got to look around at everything, and my family really enjoyed it too,” the eighth grader said.

Candace Devore helped set up the stick game to make it look nice in the museum. She said she has played the game before, mostly at traditional gatherings. “I liked seeing other people’s art works at the show,” she said.

Su’kutt Morreo made a collage that featured birdsingers and included his father as well as a mountain lion which represented his clan.

“We heard very good feedback from attendees and RAFFMA museum representatives,” Ornelas said. “Everyone was very excited, impressed and honored that students shared so much of their cultural experiences with them and the public. Invited singers also shared song and dance with the community during the reception in the courtyard and this was very exciting for CSUSB and RAFFMA.”

The Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art, nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, maintains significant collections of ceramics and contemporary art. RAFFMA presents 10-12 temporary exhibitions annually and provides CSUSB students valuable hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in the arts. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $3. Parking at CSUSB is $10 per vehicle. Museum Hours are Mon-Fri, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Tóonavq cham ‘áa’alvichum exhibit will be on view through June 13. For more information, www.csusb.edu/raffma or 909-537-7689.

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The evening began with a procession of 74 students who made their way into the amphitheater where family members, friends and community supporters were seated. Seniors represented Beaumont Unified School District, Hemet Unified, Lake Elsinore Unified, Murrieta Valley Unified, Nuview Union School District, Perris Union High School District, San Jacinto Unified, Temecula Valley Unified, and Val Verde Unified.

After an opening prayer and the Black National Anthem was sung, Lowona Crawford, founder and CEO of SWRC-IEJC, thanked the young scholars and their families for attending this year’s Rites of Passage Ceremony honoring the graduating Class of 2026. “This moment is bigger than a ceremony, it’s legacy in motion,” she said. “Every step across that stage carries years of sacrifice, growth, and determination. Families, your love and support made the journey possible. Students, keep walking in purpose. The world is waiting on what you bring next.”

Delivering the message of the Significance of the Village Rites of Passage was Angela McClaron who explained that the Rites of Passage tradition honors the transition from adolescence into adulthood by intentionally surrounding youth with wisdom, accountability, cultural affirmation, leadership, and love. The presentation reinforced that a rite of passage is more than a ceremony — it is a declaration from the community to its youth saying: “We see you. We believe in you. We are invested in your future.”

The “village” was described as everyone who pours into the lives of young people, including parents, grandparents, educators, mentors, counselors, faith leaders, community members, and peers. Graduates were recognized as emerging leaders, scholars, creators, advocates, and changemakers whose journeys reflect perseverance, growth, identity, and purpose.

Keynote speaker Eric J. Chambers is a nine-time Emmy and Golden Mike Award winning journalist, documentary filmmaker, author, cultural visionary, and radio and television host. He hosts The Jazzspel on KCAA radio (1050 AM and 106.5 FM) in San Bernardino, where it currently airs Saturdays from 5-7 p.m. This groundbreaking show has aired more than 1,300 episodes and has become a beloved blend of jazz, interviews, and community empowerment. The Jazzspel will celebrate 32 years on the air on July 10, 2026.

Stephanie Bruce, Black Voices of the Valley Executive Director who collaborated with SWRC-IEJC for this event, said Chambers’ message focused on empowerment, perseverance, cultural identity, leadership, and the importance of investing in the next generation. “Through his remarks, he emphasized the power of purpose, resilience, and the responsibility of the village in helping young people successfully transition into adulthood,” she said.

Chambers said his first job in journalism was when he became a sportswriter for his hometown newspaper at the age of 13, reporting on Little League baseball and earning $3 per article.

“I didn’t care about the money. I was in it for the purpose,” he said. “How did I get to this point? By doing what you are going to have to do: Believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams. Believe in each other’s dreams. Work hard. Keeping your eyes on the prize. Staying motivated. Don’t get distracted. Limit your scrolling so that in the future you will be strolling in your divine destiny.”

He told the young men and women to think about all the hopes and dreams that weren’t fulfilled. All the books that were never written, songs that were never sung, and inventions that were never shared all because someone was too scared to take the first step or worried about what others would say.

“Don’t let that be your story,” Chambers said. “Class of 2026, we are traveling spirits in this journey. I implore you to take full advantage of the opportunities ahead. And if you run into a roadblock or a dead end, it’s okay. Do as I did, make a U-turn and blaze your own trail. If I, a little kid from the projects of New Orleans, can be the producer of multiple radio and TV shows over the past 35 years, and the recipient of three doctoral degrees, so can you. You just have to believe that your time will come.”

The Presentation of Graduates included the formal reading of each student’s name as they walked across the Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre stage. Graduate presentations were organized by school district region and announced by the following: Dianne Cox represented Temecula, Murrieta, Nuview, Val Verde, and Beaumont; Chavada Adams represented Lake Elsinore and Perris; Stephanie Bruce represented Hemet; and Angela McClaron represented San Jacinto.

Guests enjoyed the Lighthouse Christian Church youth praise dancers, who ministered through dance as part of the program. A reception with light refreshments at the Ramona Bowl courtyard followed the ceremony, offering families, graduates, and community supporters an opportunity for fellowship and photos.

SWRC-IEJC was founded in March 2022 with a mission to elevate and showcase Black heritage through a variety of impactful and engaging activities, including professional entertainment, educational workshops, and ceremonial events. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to enhancing Black awareness and celebrating Black culture within Southwest Riverside County and the surrounding Inland Empire region. SWRC-IEJC has successfully hosted two previous Rites of Passage ceremonies in Temecula.

Bruce said Black Voices of the Valley was honored to assist in securing the Ramona Bowl for this meaningful event as the new venue for this celebration and looks forward to supporting many more ceremonies in the future. SWRC-IEJC also extended sincere gratitude to everyone who supported the event, as well as to the parents and students whose participation made the ceremony such a memorable and impactful experience.

They extended special appreciation to Charles Ford Champion II, member of the Ramona Bowl Board of Directors and interim CEO, and the Ramona Bowl staff for their partnership and all the support they provided in helping make the ceremony possible.

For more information, www.swrc-iejc.org, www.EricJChambers.com, and www.blackvoicesofthevalley.org.

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Residents from across the San Jacinto Valley gathered over Memorial Day weekend for a unique outdoor experience hosted by Hemet Mom’s Adventure Club (HMA), a growing local nonprofit dedicated to connecting families through nature-based activities.

The group organized a family-friendly campout at Golden Era Golf Course, where dozens of families came together for a weekend centered on community, outdoor fun, and shared experiences. Unlike traditional clubs, HMA operates without membership fees, offering free or low-cost events that are open to families from Hemet, San Jacinto, and surrounding areas.

While its Facebook group is reserved for female caregivers, HMA’s in-person events are designed for the entire family. The Memorial Day gathering reflected the group’s inclusive spirit, with attendees enjoying camping, socializing, and outdoor recreation in an environment defined by generosity and connection.

Hemet Mom’s Adventure Club focuses on encouraging children and families to embrace the outdoors. Through activities such as fishing trips, campfires, trail exploration, Jeep rides, and river outings, the organization promotes values like curiosity, resilience, and confidence while strengthening family bonds.

The nonprofit operates under the sponsorship of the San Jacinto Lions Club and has become a valued community resource. Organizers emphasize their mission to “trade screens for sunrises” and create meaningful, lasting memories through shared outdoor experiences.

Golden Era Golf Course has served as a long-time partner, helping make events like the recent campout possible. Organizers say the collaboration allows more local families to access safe, welcoming outdoor spaces.

Participants described the weekend as a standout experience, with some noting it rivaled even major theme park outings in terms of enjoyment. For many families, the event offered a rare opportunity to unplug, connect, and create lasting memories close to home.

One mother had the following to say, “My grandkids and I had a blast.  We felt so safe and comfortable surrounded by friends. We had a great adventure and appreciate Golden Era letting us share your beautiful space.”

Hemet Mom’s Adventure Club continues to host events throughout the year and welcomes new participants. Those interested in joining or learning more can find the group on Facebook by searching “Hemet Mom’s Adventure Club” or contact organizers directly at

hemetmomsadventureclub@gmail.com.

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Soboba’s Cultural Resource Department revitalized the Fiesta in 2008 after a long hiatus. Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Joseph Ontiveros said the event gets bigger every year. The Fiesta Committee began planning for this year’s event in November. Members Harold Arres, Steven Lopez, Joseph Ontiveros, Renee Rhodes, Andy Silvas, Annalisa Tucker, and Jessica Valdez worked in collaboration to make sure everything was ready to greet visitors from all over.

The $ovóova Po’$wáamay (Daughter of Soboba) committee is overseeing three candidates vying for this year’s title. They are Se’ish Morillo, So’a Nelson, and Raya Salgado. Carrie Garcia, one of the board members, said the current program was formed a few years ago and the group spent a couple of years figuring out exactly what they wanted to do. Soboba used to host a Fiesta Maiden Contest but that ended in 1970.

“We wanted to bring back our cultural traditions and be able to represent our Tribe and people in a more positive manner, so we created this program and we’ve been taking the girls out to do things,” Garcia said. On May 30 the girls will join committee members in the mountains to teach them how to identify plants and talk about their uses. They also plan to pick soaproot bulbs from which they will learn how to make soaproot brushes that are used in the making of wewish, a traditional staple made from acorns.

The current $ovóova Po’$wáamay, Su’la Arviso, is looking forward to helping guide these young women through various activities leading up to the crowning ceremony in October. She introduced each one to say a few words.

“I would like to be the 2026-2027 Daughter of Soboba because I want to represent Soboba with pride, strength, and authenticity,” Se’ish said.

So’a said she grew up around the culture and it’s important to her to pass it down to the next generation. Raya, who competed against Su’la last year, said she really wants to give back to her community.

The Soboba Elders hosted bingo games inside the gymnasium and graciously supplied all the baked goods available for kids to win during the cakewalk. A horseshoe tournament, one-pitch softball games, a three-legged race, tug of war, and a watermelon-eating contest were spread throughout the day. Peon games began at dusk and continued into the night. Birdsingers and dancers from all over were invited to the microphones at the center of the handmade ramada arena to share their songs.

Students from the Soboba Tribal Preschool and kindergarten sang three songs in Luiseño, each introduced by teacher Julissa Garcia who thanked Soboba Tribal Council Secretary Monica Herrera and Chámmakilawish Pechanga School Principal Andrew Masiel for sharing their knowledge with the teachers so the songs could be taught to the children.

After a song about working together to clean up, they sang “noyo nopush nonaq” which translates to “my head, my eyes, my ears.” “Our third and final song we call ‘Hethi Nakki’ or ‘open shut’ where students sing while following along with their hands,” Garcia said.

The annual salsa and tortilla contests were popular again this year with tasters voting on 11 unique salsas and seven tortilla entries. Cultural Resource Specialist Jessica Valdez was helping at the booth and said there were no restrictions as to what type of salsa the contestants could enter. New this year was the awarding of trophies as well as $250 to the winners in each category. Ruby Arrietta received the most votes for her salsa and Rose Vera was the top vote getter for her fresh tortillas.

Darius Cabudol chose a salsa he said had a lot of flavor but wasn’t too hot while Ashwet Arellano, 6, liked one that was more saucy than chunky. Clyde Wilcox cast his vote for one of the spicier salsas while Deanne Wilcox cast her vote for what turned out to be the winner.

“I liked the citrus taste, and it didn’t have cilantro,” she said. She chose a tortilla that was not too thin or thick and said the one she liked best had the perfect tortilla taste. “I was looking around for some refried beans to put on it,” she said with a smile.

Several Soboba departments and partners were represented at information booths, with many offering fun freebies and some games for the youngest visitors.

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The improvement was reflected across Riverside and San Bernardino counties, where hiring gains helped lower the number of residents counted as unemployed. The new figures point to continued demand for workers in parts of the regional economy, particularly in fields tied to education and health services, hospitality, government, construction, and trade-related work.

Labor data for the Inland Empire is closely watched because the two-county area has one of Southern California’s largest workforces and includes major logistics, health care, retail, education and public-sector employers.

While the lower rate is a positive sign for job seekers, local economists and workforce officials typically caution that month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal hiring patterns, school schedules and shifts in consumer spending.

For communities in Riverside County, the report suggests that employers are still adding positions even as households continue to face pressure from housing, transportation and other living costs.

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The fire threatened the former Santa Susana Field Laboratory, a hilltop property outside the San Fernando Valley that was once used for nuclear and rocket testing. The site has been the subject of long-running cleanup concerns because of radioactive and chemical contamination left from decades of research and industrial activity.

Air monitoring was initiated as a precaution while crews worked to assess potential risks from smoke and fire activity near the property. Officials have not reported in the source article that contamination was released, but the location of the fire drew attention from nearby residents and environmental advocates who have pushed for stronger oversight of the site.

Wildfires burning near industrial or contaminated land can create added public health concerns because smoke may carry particles from burned vegetation, structures or soil. The situation underscores the broader challenges facing communities across Southern California, where dry conditions and wind-driven fires can quickly affect sensitive locations. Residents throughout the Inland Empire are familiar with similar wildfire-related air quality concerns during major regional fire events.

Authorities urged people near the affected area to follow official updates and heed any evacuation or health advisories. Residents with respiratory conditions, older adults and families with young children are generally advised to limit outdoor activity when smoke is present and to check local air quality information during active fires.

The Sandy Fire response remained focused on containing the blaze and monitoring conditions around the former lab site. Additional information was expected from fire officials and environmental agencies as assessments continued.

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The graduates represent a broad range of healthcare disciplines, including nursing and allied health programs that prepare students for careers dedicated to patient care, community wellness, and critical healthcare support services. As healthcare systems across California continue to face workforce shortages, MSJC’s newest graduates will play an important role in serving local hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations.

“Healthcare professionals are essential to the well-being of our communities, and we are proud to send 157 highly trained graduates into a region where the need for skilled healthcare workers continues to grow every day,” said Roger W. Schultz, Superintendent/President of Mt. San Jacinto College. “These graduates are stepping into careers centered on service, compassion, and excellence, and their work will make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals and families throughout our region.”

In addition to celebrating this year’s graduates, MSJC also recently received a significant investment to expand its nursing program capacity and help address California’s ongoing nursing shortage. The college was awarded approximately $1.1 million through the Rebuilding Nursing Infrastructure (RNI) Grant Round 2 to develop a new hybrid Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)-to-Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) pathway within the college’s ADN program.

The grant will expand educational opportunities for working healthcare professionals seeking to advance their careers while increasing the number of registered nurses entering the workforce.

As a result of the grant, MSJC will be able to admit 12 additional students to the nursing program each year. Beginning in the spring semester, the total number of students admitted into the program will increase to 84.

“This investment strengthens our ability to respond to regional workforce needs while creating additional pathways for students to pursue careers in nursing,” Schultz said. “By expanding access to nursing education, MSJC continues to support the health and economic vitality of the communities we serve.”

MSJC’s healthcare programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training, providing students with real-world experience in medical settings throughout the Inland Empire. Many graduates will remain in the area, contributing directly to the local workforce and helping address critical healthcare staffing needs.

For more information about MSJC’s nursing and allied health programs, visit https://www.msjc.edu/nursingandalliedhealth

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English teacher Jacquelin Phillips oversees the process with a strict timeline that starts with them submitting their topic, outline and five research sources when the school year kicks off in August. They must write an essay of at least eight pages that includes a minimum of five reputable sources, two from tangible sources and three from the Internet.

Throughout September and October, they needed to provide an introduction and detailed information about the sources they were citing. November was a light month with only their title page and references in MLA format required. By December, students had to submit their first rough draft with the second draft due at the end of January and a final draft in February.

Based on their topic, students created a 10-20 slide PowerPoint slideshow that had to include pictures and animations, at least three different transitions, and one video or audio component. March 12 was the due date for their completed slideshow.

They had two days and 2.5 hours to practice their presentations. They were given as many opportunities as they wanted to present in front of other classes and teachers, or even after school.

Presentations had to be a minimum of 30 minutes and include at least three physical objects to enhance the effectiveness of their slideshow’s topic. Students were rated on their ability to answer questions from the audience and dress professionally and/or appropriately to their topic.

“Each component is worth 100 points, graded individually,” Phillips said. “Students must pass each component. Students are docked points for components not turned in by the due date or turned in late.”

Along with teachers and staff members attending the two days of public presentations on April 21 and 22, there were 4-5 panel members using a rubric to score each one. From knowledge of their subject to engagement with the audience, they were rated from 1-4 on various criteria.

Panelists included Brian Eddy of Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District; Michelle Steffani, who works in the field of renewable energy; Angel Bill with the Brown Descents Car Club Association nonprofit; and Camilo DeLaCueva of Bostik Inc.

“This is something I put on my calendar every year because I like to support the students and their teacher,” Eddy said. “It provides life skills they will always need by starting something and seeing it all the way through. Kudos to each and every one of them.”

Steffani said she looks forward to seeing the array of topics that the students choose and how much research is put into their projects. “I always keep their essays; they leave an impact on me,” she said.

“I’m also a business owner and I come out to give back to the youth,” Bill said. “This helps them prepare for life and I get something out of it every year in ways I don’t expect.”

DeLaCueva, a Marine Corps veteran, said this event provides valuable practice for youth to learn how to speak in front of strangers because they will have to do this for future job interviews and other experiences. “I love hearing young adults speak about what they learn; it’s important to be a lifelong learner,” he said.

Seniors and their topics who presented on the first day were Selaya Snow Helms, Northern California Tribal Ceremonies; Shawna Rivera, Gun Violence in Native Communities; Francisco Lemus Jr., Creative Expression: Native American Expression; and Ronald Morillo III, Land Back: Soboba Water Rights. Day two was dedicated to Leland Razon, Billy Corgan; Sophia Resvaloso, Climate Change; Serena Hawk, The History of Rodeo; and Edgar Gladin Jr., The Game of Football.

Selaya shared that Tribal ceremonies have been crucial to Native American communities since time immemorial. She explored the significance of cultural ceremonies amongst the Hupa, Yurok, and Karuk Tribes of Northern California. She detailed the dances, gender roles, ecological significance, and the meaning behind regalia that is worn. Animals and feathers play a huge role in regalia; plants and shell materials are important, too. “Every piece has a purpose and carries meaning that goes far beyond what is seen on the surface,” Selaya shared. She brought examples of some of the items used in cultural ceremonies as well as photos of herself taken with family members after participation, since photos are not allowed to be taken during a ceremony itself.

Shawna said her topic choice was based on the fact her own family became part of the tragic narrative when her uncle became a victim of gun violence two years ago. In the 1600s, firearms were initially introduced to Indians as a tool for survival, conflict, or political power among other Native communities and colonists. In modern times, guns continue to shape the way communities interact and are used for safety, and to fuel conflicts and power struggles. Native youth struggle with suicide at twice the national average among youth ages 10-24 and firearms play a big role in these tragedies. “Raising awareness about gun violence is a way to protect more lives, preserve more culture, and support the future of Native communities,” Shawna explained.

Francisco shared that creative expression is woven into our daily actions and choices and is not reserved to the arts, which is what most people think of when they hear the word creativity. “It’s what makes you unique and who you are,” he said. “There is no correct or wrong way to express yourself.” Because imagination fuels creativity, it can take many forms. Francisco discussed the work by Matika Wilber, a Native American photographer, whose Project 562 has become an unprecedented repository of imagery and oral histories from 562 federally recognized Tribes. Francisco wore a shirt that contained a specific colorful design that he created, and a friend helped him make. Each color has a specific meaning with a rainbow on the back to represent his family members.

Ronald explained that the term “Land Back” means to restore land and resources to its original intent. It is a movement to decolonize Indigenous people, which is not done without restoring the land itself; returning control back to the Native people and allowing them to start restoring their connection with the land. Through his research, Ronald found that the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians fought from the 1930s to 2008 to regain water rights that were taken from them. Soboba’s story reflects the core message of the Land Back movement, and “their journey from dispossession to restoration stands as a powerful reminder that Indigenous resilience is ongoing, and respecting Native sovereignty is essential for a just and sustainable future.”

Leland is a music fan who shared the background of singer, songwriter and The Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan. He explained that the influential musician blended his deeply personal lyricism and real-life pain into something meaningful, creating a unique and dynamic atmosphere. Behind all his success in the 1990s, Corgan was “just a kid from Chicago using music as an escape from the abuse and trauma of his childhood.” On December 2, 2000, The Smashing Pumpkins played their final show, a four-hour concert at the Cabaret Metro, the same place where the band played their first show 12 years earlier. Corgan branched out into writing a poetry book, launched the Madame ZuZu’s tea company, and continues to sell his band’s merchandise sporting his alter ego of “Zero.”

Sophia has a very personal reason for exploring the subject of climate change. She has fond memories of spending time with family and friends at the creek that runs through The Oaks and has been dubbed “Soboba Beach.” It is fed by a river that flows from the San Bernardino Mountains to the edge of the Soboba Reservation. In the past three years, she has noticed a decrease in water due to less rainfall and other factors. “Climate change doesn’t just affect people, but also impacts animals, plants and resources leading to food scarcity,” Sophia shared. She also detailed things that can be done to combat climate change and offered a link to a carbon footprint calculator to learn more.

Serena explained the origin of rodeos from cowboys working in the cattle industry saying the word comes from the Spanish word “rodear” which generally means “to round up” cattle. Her grandfather was a cowboy. She said evidence suggests the first official rodeo was created in Colorado in 1869. Serena shared some photos and information about the first ladies of rodeo, including Lucille Mulhall, whose skills at roping and riding gave her the very first title of “cowgirl.” Serena said those who have never been exposed to animals through ranch life or farming think that roping competitions are a form of animal cruelty. However, experienced ranchers and farmers deal with these animals daily and know just how tough and resilient they can be.

Edgar, who has played 8-man football for the Noli Braves, said the game has taught him many important life lessons and skills. One is to be kind to teammates since it’s a team sport. “At the end of the day, it’s a game so you want to have fun,” he said. Playing the game takes commitment to strict schedules, healthy eating habits, and good sleep routines. Edgar shared the early beginnings of the game, the birth of professional football, and rules and varieties of the sport. He also delved into the life of Lamar Jackson who is widely regarded as one of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks in league history. He is a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player and the NFL’s all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards.

The seniors did very well with their presentations and were comfortable and knowledgeable when answering questions that were posed to them. Noli Indian School’s graduation ceremony is scheduled for June 4 at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center.

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They acknowledged the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and Soboba Foundation for being among the program’s strongest supporters and major contributors since day one. Zermeno said that Soboba’s generosity allowed them to award every student who submitted an application with a scholarship. Chairman Isaiah Vivanco was invited to the stage to say a few words.

“On behalf of the Tribe, I’d like to welcome you to our homeland,” he said. “We are proud to be sponsors of this program and to celebrate the accomplishments of all these great students. We can’t wait to see where their dreams take them.”

After the final breakfast in March, each Student of the Month was encouraged to complete an application to be considered as the Class of 2026 Student of the Year for their school site, resulting in eight honorees. Both districts have schools of choice that take turns attending the monthly celebrations throughout the school year and one student from each district’s rotating schools is chosen to be Student of the Year.

“Tonight we come together to recognize an incredible group of students whose resilience, character, and determination continue to inspire all of us,” Zermeno said. “Each student being honored this evening has faced challenges with courage, shown strength in their difficult moments, and continues to move forward with purpose and heart. Their stories remind us that true success is not only measured by achievements, but by perseverance, kindness, and the ability to rise above adversity.”

Guests were treated to a gourmet buffet before awards were given. The evening mirrored well-known awards ceremonies such as the Oscars and the Grammys since the results were not revealed in advance. A short video clip of each student’s speech from when they were honored during their month was played before announcing the winner for each school, after an anticipatory drum roll.

Students of the Year

Hemet Unified School District’s Student of the Year honorees are Aidan DeSanto, Nevaeh Gray, Celeste Lopez, Samantha Calvillo Navarro, and Eddie Villa. Those honored from San Jacinto Unified School District are Karen Alvarenga Quiroz, Elizabeth Schmitz, and Christian “CJ” Viramontes. Each accepted their award with gratitude to the sponsors, school personnel, friends, and family members who supported them throughout their high school journey.
As Student of the Month in February for Tahquitz High School, Aidan DeSanto will be attending Cal State, San Marcos on his path to becoming a history teacher. Nevaeh Gray was September’s Student of the Month from Hamilton High School. She is going to be studying nursing at Cal State, San Marcos in the fall. The Western Center Academy honored Celeste Lopez as Student of the Month in February. She will be studying nursing at California Baptist University. Samantha Calvillo Navarro was West Valley High School’s choice in March. She will be completing her core classes at Mt. San Jacinto College before transferring to Loma Linda on her way to becoming a sonographer. Eddie Villa was singled out in March by Hemet High School. He will attend MIT to major in nuclear science and engineering.

November’s Student of the Month for Mountain Heights Academy was Karen Alvarenga Quiroz. She will attend Cal State, San Marcos and plans to be a lawyer, medical assistant, and an actor “because I can do everything” she said. San Jacinto High School chose Elizabeth Schmitz in January. She will study business and business analytics at UC, Davis. Christian “CJ” Viramontes was honored as Student of the Month in October for San Jacinto Leadership Academy. He will begin his college education at Mt. San Jacinto College where he will major in journalism, hoping to become a sportswriter.

Additional scholarships

Individual scholarships were presented to students who were chosen for their ability to meet the criteria set by the community members or businesses who sponsored the awards.

The Adanesne Carrasco Soto Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Justin Valladares, San Jacinto Leadership Academy’s March SOM. He will attend MSJC to study to become an EMT before joining the fire department “to help this community.” Adanesne had been honored as SOM for San Jacinto High School in December of 2021. She passed away from cancer the following June, shortly after graduation.

Terry Cobb presented the Mike Christie Memorial Scholarship to Lola Elzy, Hemet High School’s SOM for December. Lola will attend San Diego State University as a biology major on a pre-med track. Terry said she and her late husband, Mike, met at Hemet High School. Zermeno said Mike Christie created the Student of the Month website in 2012 at the beginning of the program and that losing him was a great loss to the community.

The $2,000 Hemet Teachers’ Association Scholarship went to Jaysen Arreola, who earned Hemet High School’s SOM recognition in September. He will be studying geology at UC, Berkeley with the intention of becoming a paleontologist. The award was presented by Hemet High School teacher James Walsh.

The Dr. Koka & Family Medical Scholarship was awarded to Erendira Soria, Hemet High School’s January SOM. She plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College as she pursues her goal to become a nurse. Dr. Vidhya Koka said her family has had the privilege of being in this community for 22 years and this award is to congratulate and encourage people going into the healthcare field so they can come back and serve this community.

Jackie Sanchez Ibarra, Mountain Heights Academy’s SOM in March, was presented with the Daniel Lopez Jr. Memorial Scholarship. She wants to take EMT courses to become a paramedic. Daniel was named SOM in the 2015-2016 school year and died in a tragic traffic accident a few days before graduation. His parents set up the scholarship to honor students that best represent their son who always gave back to his family and community.

The Dr. Kari McGowan Memorial Scholarship was presented to Savannah Garcia, Tahquitz High School’s December SOM. Savannah is headed to Riverside Community College in the fall to study performing arts and pursue a career in the music industry. Current principal Andrew Holmes said the scholarship is designed to support a student who embodies the same qualities former principal McGowan held dear—a heart for service, a resilient work ethic, and a fierce belief in the power that education has to change lives.

Katelyn Cerpas Fuentes, January SOM for Tahquitz High School, received the Marie Quandt Memorial Scholarship. She will be attending Grossmont College in San Diego to prepare for a career as a laboratory scientist. John Norman presented the scholarship after explaining that Quandt had been a very active woman in the community who showed up for kids. He said, “The support that she provided is like the support that I see a lot of the teachers and administrators giving.”

Shannon Murdaugh presented the Sizzler/BMW Management Inc. Scholarship to Diego Gomez, Western Center Academy’s SOM for November on behalf of Sally Myers. Diego will be studying engineering at California Baptist University before pursuing his career as a civil engineer in the water industry. The local SOM program is based on the one started by Myers of Sizzler/BMW Management Inc. more than 30 years ago. Her programs have since spawned more than 20 variations in San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties, including several in the Inland Empire overseen by Zermeno.

The Cassi Tichy Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Lily Snow, who was SOM in September from the Academy of Innovation. Lily has not yet decided on her future plans. Cassi was Hemet High School’s Student of the Year for 2016-2017. She had been chosen as SOM while battling a rare form of cancer. The award was presented by Hemet Unified School District Superintendent Christi Barrett.

Closing Remarks

“Students, this is not just an award; this is a testament to all of the challenges that you have overcome and are currently overcoming,” Zermeno said. “But you are ready to face the world because you have shown that you can overcome anything. You have shown that you have built your character and your strength and you use those

strengths to help others. Your kindness has carried you through and we hear the stories of your perseverance and helping others. Congratulations again to our students of 2025-26.”

To learn more about the program and to view monthly videos, please visit www.studentofthemonth.net.

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