C O L T O N C O U R I E R WWe e eekkllyy
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By Manny SandovalDuke Medina, a gradu-
a t i n g s e n i o r f r o m Colton High School (CHS), has been accepted to eight prestigious universities and has made the decision to a t t e n d t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f C a l i f o r n i a , L o s A n g e l e s ( U C L A ) t h i s f a l l M e d i n a ' s journey, marked by his involvement in student government and extracurricular activities, as well as his resilience during the pandemic, has led him to this momentous achievement
A s a f r e s h m a n a t C H S , M e d i n a t o o k o n l e a d e r s h i p roles, serving as the freshman class president and actively participating in various activities such as baseball, cross country, track, and the debate club He was also a part of the National Honor Society and represented C a l i f o r n i a Vo i c e S t a t e i n Sacramento, ensuring student g o v e r n m e n t k n o w l e d g e w a s a c c e s s i b l e t o h i s p e e r s Additionally, Medina engaged i n t h e Yo u n g L e g i s l a t o r s
P r o g r a m , w o r k i n g u n d e r
A s s e m b l y M a j o r i t y L e a d e r Eloise Gomez Reyes, where he gained valuable insights into the legislative process
Reflecting on his experience i n t h e Yo u n g L e g i s l a t o r s P r o g r a m , M e d i n a s t a t e d , " I really enjoyed the outreach to other schools I met really great p e o p l e a n d m a d e l i f e l o n g friends, friends who have been accepted into great universities "
Medina also faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which profoundly impacted his sense of belonging Initially feeling that he couldn't recover from self-image issues, he discovered an opportunity to focus solely on academics, free from d i s t r a c t i o n s T h i s d e d i c a t e d approach to his studies allowed him to excel and thrive
A f t e r r e c e i v i n g a c c e p t a n c e letters from eight universities, including CSU Long Beach, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San L u i s O b i s p o , C a l S t a t e S a n
Diego, UC Berkeley, UC Santa
Cruz, and UC San Diego, Medina ultimately chose UCLA Explaining his decision, he cited financial considerations and the comprehensive support offered by the university throughout his undergraduate years With aspirations of entering the medical field, he believes UCLA will provide him with the necessary foundation for future clinical trials
Medina shared, "During the college application process, I took interest in going into the medical field, and UCLA
showed great potential in supporting me in future clinical trials When networking among pre-med students at UCLA, they gave advice on upperclassmen years and the importance of finishing general education courses quickly I believe I can handle the challenges that lie ahead "
Diane Valdez, Medina's mother, expressed her excitement for his new journey and her pride in his accomplishments She said, "It's a dream for me that he's going to UCLA He has a 4 6 GPA, a brilliant mind, and is going
to do great things "
In addition to his academic pursuits, Medina has secured an internship at Kaiser over the summer Starting on June 12 in the Inland Empire, he will gain valuable experience working alongside doctors and other healthcare professionals
Looking ahead to his future, Medina expressed his desire to leave a positive impact on younger individuals He aims to inspire and support underclassmen, leaving behind a legacy of encourage-
ment and empowerment
As he prepares to graduate from CHS, Medina extends his gratitude to his family for their unwavering support throughout his journey He expressed his appreciation, saying, "I would like to thank my mom who has supported me my whole life, my siblings, my aunts, my ninas, my Nina Rosie, and Nina Amanda; along with my Grandma Gina Sanchez (also a CHS graduate), who has babysat me since I was a child I’m grateful for my grandma’s presence at my graduation "
Cherished Memories Honor ed at Aristr ong Foundation's Annual Memorial Event
By Rich Corral, Community Writer and PhotographerThe Aristrong Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing solace and support to those coping with loss, held its second annual "Cherished Memorial" on Saturday, May 27th, at Fleming Park in the City of Colton
Family members gathered to remember their loved ones through a poignant candlelight vigil and a heartfelt slideshow
Under the bright evening sky, the event commenced with Chris Villalobos, President, and Founder of the Aristrong Foundation, introducing himself to the attendees
In his address, Villalobos empathetically acknowledged the deep void left by death and loss, emphasizing the Foundation's mission to foster unity within the community and offer solace and compassion to one another In addition, the name "Cherished" was chosen to encourage families to hold on to their treasured memories, symbolizing the enduring power of love
Vice President John Villalobos further elevated the atmosphere, leading the assembly in prayer as the memorial progressed
Families in attendance found solace in the words of Pastor
Conrad Valdez from Echoes of Love Ministries in Colton
Pastor Conrad delivered a touching message of comfort to those present, many of whom still grappled with the emptiness that grief leaves behind His encouraging words uplift the families, their hands raised in a gesture of love and gratitude towards the heavens
During the ceremony, 152 names were read aloud, each representing a departed loved one
As each name resonated through the park, family members had the opportunity to light a candle in honor of their beloved The event culminated with a touching slideshow, displaying cherished photographs, birthdays, and dates of those who had embarked on their heavenly journey, accompanied by uplifting music
The event was impeccably organized, fostering a peaceful and healing atmosphere that the community sorely needed
The Aristrong Foundation has been a steadfast pillar of support, standing alongside individuals grappling with hardships since its establishment in 2020 as a 501(c)(3) organization; their mission, inspired by the memory and vision of Arianna "Ari" Villalobos, who courageously battled stage 4 brain cancer (glioblastoma), centers on spreading
hope and healing to hurting hearts
Before she passed away in 2019, Ari requested that her parents create something that would aid those facing adversity
Following her wishes, her brain, tumor, and spine were donated to medical research, ultimately benefiting pediatric patients with glioblastoma at Stanford University
Looking ahead, the Aristrong Foundation is preparing for its annual Aristrong Foundation kickball tournament and car show, an event held every year since 2018
This year marks the event's fifth anniversary, which is scheduled for Saturday, November 4th, in the City of Colton The Foundation remains committed to fulfilling Ari's legacy and serving the community's needs of Colton, the Inland Empire, and beyond
For further information about the Aristrong Foundation, please visit their website at www aristrong org or follow them on Facebook at Aristrong Foundation and on Instagram at @Ari strong12
SBVC Celebrates 96th Graduating Class at San Manuel Stadium
Community News
In front of thousands of cheering family and friends, San Bernardino Valley College graduates crossed the stage on May 24 in the San Manuel Stadium, signifying their successful transition from students to Wolverine alumni
This year ’s ceremony honored the 1,698 students comprising the college's 96th graduating class, who have earned their associate degrees, certificates or completed transfer requirements, receiving a total of 2,721 degrees and certificates
Graduates included those who met all requirements in fall 2022, spring 2023 and summer 2023 semesters
The top degrees and certificates were CSU general education for transfer, basic peace officer, biological & physical sciences, social & behavioral sciences, and psychiatric technology
Led by Vice President of Instruction, Dina Humble, the ceremony featured a keynote address from Dr Louie F Rodriguez, SBVC Hall of Fame Alumnus and Vice Provost at University of California, Riverside His impactful address highlighted the importance of the local community, reminding students, “Excellence is about your community It’s about our communities Your community needs you ”
Class of 2023 graduate Daniel Hinojosa delivered the student speech during the ceremony He shared his story of struggle and triumph adversity, including dropping out of high school, post-traumatic stress after military service, addiction and mental health issues He said he hopes his story will inspire others to keep going and never give up on their dreams
Community News
The Changing Lives Association in association with Music Changing Lives, the California Endowment and the Institute for Public Strategies is excited to announce the second annual State of the Youth Conference (SOTY), Creativity and Sustainability™, to be held Thursday, June 22, 2022 through Saturday, June 24, 2022 from 8:45 a m to 3 p m at the San Bernardino Valley College in San Bernardino, California
This event is open to all youth living in the Inland Empire and Los Angeles County, ages 13-34, at no cost Registration is required; space is limited to the first 150 registrants More than 70 students have already registered SOTY will empower and set participants up for success by featuring workshops, panel discussions, team building activities,
and live entertainment Local colleges and employers will share information on education and job opportunities while thought-leaders from across the country will offer valuable insight to equitably lift up the voices of the next generation of leaders by addressing the racial, economic, and social issues that are important to them
The vision is simple: create civically engaged leaders through artivism, a practice which combines activism with creative expression to foster diverse thinking while creating real change and impact
Workshops over the three-day conference will focus on leadership, civic engagement, policy change, entrepreneurship, creating generational wealth, career readiness, college pathways, health and wellness including the prevention of alcohol and substance misuse, mental health, mindfulness, nutrition, creative expression, family dynamics, and
self-sufficiency
The ultimate goal of the conference is to create real change and impact, driven by youth across the Inland Empire and Los Angeles county Participants looking for the support of an advisor for ongoing growth and development after the conference can also apply for a mentorship program
To register for the conference and view the conference schedule, please visit https://www mus i c c h a n g i n g l i v e s o r g / s o t y Conference organizers are grateful for the outcry of support from their community They are no longer in need of speakers but volunteers are still in needed for the event If you are interested in donating to assist funding the conference and other endeavors facilitated by Music Changing Lives, please contribute by clicking this link: https://www musicchanginglives org/donate or to volunteer, call MCL staff at 951992-0721
