On Tuesday, April 21, the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education presented its April Outstanding Community Partner Award to several community car clubs for helping the District shine at community events, like the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and the Black History Parade.
Among the car clubs honored in April were Them Foolz, Bomb Life, Old School Bombs and Bikes, Nite Owls, Road Machines, Jimmy Dorame from SideAffect, Oldie Style, Bennie and Dollie Garcia and Tina and Carlos Gomez.
“On behalf of Them Foolz car club and the many car clubs standing with us tonight, I am truly honored to accept this Outstanding Community Partner award,” Nancy Carrillo said as she accepted the award on behalf of the car clubs. “This recognition means a lot, not just to us, but to every member of our car club community who shows up, gives back and believes in the young people of San Bernardino.”
The SBCUSD Board also presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents and staff of Dominguez Elementary School, Hunt Elementary School, Del Vallejo Leadership & STEAM Academy and Arroyo Valley High School.
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.
Dominguez Elementary School, Principal Manuel Reyes:
Bao Bui is a third-grader who consistently works hard, is eager to learn more and thoughtfully implements all feedback he receives. He demonstrates excellent behavior in class and is always willing to support his peers in understanding the content they are learning. Bui’s creativity and dedication truly shine in both math and writing as he showcases his talents.
Kiyanna Love is an outstanding sixth-grader who always participates in class, gives her best effort in everything she does and takes feedback thoughtfully, applying it quickly to continue improving. She is consistently kind to her peers and to school staff. She even volunteers her time to help keep the Dominguez campus clean and welcoming.
Outstanding Parent Award winner Zuleicka Suarez has made a meaningful difference at Dominguez through her consistent involvement and dedication. She is always willing to participate in school events and actively contributes through her work with the School Site Council and PTO. In addition, she generously volunteers her time to support the school community.
Office Assistant I/Health Aide Yvonne DeLaCruz stays calm and composed under pressure, providing steady, reliable support to scholars, parents and staff. She’s always willing to help and ensures tasks are completed with accuracy and care. Being knowledgeable in all areas of the office, she is able to provide support wherever needed and treats everyone with respect, professionalism and kindness.
Dianna Gamez is a Teacher on Special Assignment with the Multi-Tiered System of Supports program. Gamez exemplifies the District’s Operating Values by building on human potential. She ensures each scholar is treated with dignity, kindness and respect while providing targeted support to meet individual needs. She takes pride in her role and finds joy in the success of scholars and colleagues.
Hunt Elementary School, Principal Teresa Hopkins:
Lillith Holt is a third-grade SANKOFA student. She exemplifies what it means to be both a high achiever and a responsible citizen. Holt takes pride in her work, shows perseverance and treats others with respect and kindness. Her leadership and integrity make her a standout member of the third-grade class.
Fifth-grader Leonardo Trujillo consistently demonstrates outstanding academic achievement while maintaining a strong commitment to learning. He shows responsibility, respect and leadership, making him a positive role model for his peers. Trujillo’s dedication to both academics and citizenship truly reflects excellence in all areas.
Outstanding Parent Award winner Sharonda Harris has made a meaningful impact at Hunt through her active involvement and commitment to supporting both her child and the entire school community. She participates on the School Site Council, volunteers at school events and chaperones field trips, demonstrating her dedication to student success.
Health Aide Erica Contreras truly SHINES through her commitment to serving students and families with care and compassion. She models the District tenet of involvement through strong communication with families and demonstrates human potential by ensuring every student receives the care needed to succeed. Her exceptional customer service and dedication create a safe, supportive environment where all students can thrive.
Priscilla Villegas, a Teacher on Special Assignment with the Multi-Tiered System, demonstrates collaboration by working closely with staff, leadership and intervention teams to support student success. Her commitment to equity ensures all students receive targeted, culturally responsive interventions. Through her dedication, she fosters human potential and resilience, ensuring every student has the support needed to grow and succeed.
Del Vallejo Leadership & STEAM Academy, Principal Jackie Maner:
Daniel Aguilar Cruz is an outstanding sixth-grader who has an incredible work ethic. He demonstrates dedication, perseverance and a commitment to doing his very best, while also encouraging and supporting those around him with kindness and respect. Aguilar Cruz leads by example through his positive attitude, strong character and determination.
Eighth-grader Athena Galvez embraces challenges as opportunities to grow, consistently demonstrating resilience, integrity and a deep commitment to success. She models respect and a strong work ethic while maintaining high academic standards and contributing thoughtfully in class. Galvez’s positive influence on her peers and unwavering perseverance make her an exceptional representative of Del Vallejo.
Outstanding Parent Maisha Turner is a valued member of the school’s African-American Parent Advisory Council and plays an active role in planning events that strengthen the school culture. Turner also made a significant contribution to the parent panel, which was instrumental in Del Vallejo earning the Schools to Watch award.
Microcomputer Specialist Jose Nieves is truly outstanding. His creativity and innovation radiate through all things STEAM. He encourages all students to embrace their diversity, human potential, resilience and innovation as evidenced by his work with students in various grade levels and competitions, ranging from Battle Bots to SeaPerch.
Felisha Singleton is a Special Day Class Teacher. To know Singleton is to know she is SBCUSD SHINES. She embraces all students as if they are her own. Her high expectations for learning are apparent every day in every task. Her firm belief that every student can successfully achieve their academic and behavioral goals is reflected in her students’ consistent, against-all-odds accomplishments.
Arroyo Valley High School, Principal Manuel Gonzalez:
Alejandro Rojas is an outstanding AVHS senior. He radiates honor through the respect he shows both staff and peers. He exemplifies achievement through his dedication to academic excellence. He is willing to embrace challenges and step outside of his comfort zone. And perhaps most importantly, he leads with kindness, and he does it all while maintaining a 3.75 G.P.A.
Zion Singletary is an outstanding student athlete. She leads by example, showing what it means to carry yourself with integrity, responsibility and pride. She competes in multiple sports, including track and field and flag football, while maintaining a 3.12 G.P.A. Most notably, she organized and developed a Spirit Week to honor culture and heritage during Black History Month—an initiative that celebrated diversity, built community and elevated student voice.
Guillermina Madrigal is an Outstanding Parent. Madrigal is a pillar within the school’s parent groups, providing thoughtful insight and meaningful feedback on matters that impact Arroyo Valley. Her advocacy is rooted in collaboration and a genuine desire to see Arroyo Valley thrive.
Outstanding Secretary III Tamara Talbert believes in human potential, supporting staff and students so they can succeed. She promotes equity and safety by ensuring systems are clear, consistent and supportive for all. Through strong collaboration and unwavering professionalism, she works seamlessly with every department, while her positivity and commitment demonstrate true pride in serving our diverse school community.
Keith Brockie teaches sculpture and is also the school’s Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair. AVHS SHINES because of Brockie’s support of his students and department, the countless hours he spends upgrading and enhancing all VAPA programs. He serves the entire campus by creating event centerpieces and handcrafted staff appreciation awards. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his students, who regularly earn first-place honors at local and national competitions.
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 and its Vision 2030: SBCUSD SHINES initiative, visit www.sbcusd.com and follow the District @SBCityUSD on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.