COLTON COURIER Weekly
May 29, 2025
Vol 153, NO. 24
SBVC’s 99th Commencement Honors Largest Graduating Class at San Manuel Stadium: “Diversity Still Matters”
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“Class of 2025, you are truly special. Almost half of our graduates are earning two or more degrees. Many of you are the first in your families to earn a college degree,” Contreras said.
The commencement, which began at 9 a.m., opened with a presentation by the Colton High School Color Guard and a powerful rendition of the National Anthem by student alumna Jessi Rachel Ko. With more than 800 graduates walking the stage and an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 family members and supporters in the stands, the two-hour ceremony drew such a crowd that the entry line at one point stretched all the way to South G Street.
Inland Regional Center Leads Research to Help Police Better Engage Californians with Autism & Disabilities Pg. 3
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Andrea Feodorov, 72, an English major, waits on S E Street for her family to pick her up after graduating with honors from SBVC, speaking with IECN about her journey back to school.
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class in SBVC’s history.
an Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) celebrated a milestone 99th commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, at San Manuel Stadium—home of the Inland Empire 66ers—where a recordbreaking 1,765 students earned associate degrees or certificates, with nearly half receiving two or more.
IECN.com
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By Manny Sandoval
SBVC President Gilbert J. Contreras delivered a rousing keynote, celebrating the diversity, resilience, and academic excellence of the Class of 2025—the largest graduating
“Our graduates today include veterans, undocumented students, those living with disabilities, mothers, fathers, housinginsecure individuals, and those returning to school. You are as diverse as the communities we live in.” “We remind the world that diversity still matters. San Bernardino still matters,” he continued. “We accept 100 percent of the best and brightest at SBVC. You are a story of success in one of the most uncertain times in world history. You are a story of hope—hope that our graduates will elevate this nation based on truth and love.” “Have the courage to be you— throughout life, choose to counter untruth with truth. Don’t allow fake news—or fake news about fake news—to confuse SBVC Graduation, cont. next pg.
Colton Honors 17 Student Leaders, Declares May 20 Student Leadership Day By Dr. G (Dr. Luis S. González), community writer
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he Colton City Council formally recognized 17 high school student leaders during its recent council meeting and proclaimed May 20 as Colton Student Leadership
Day.
The students, representing a diverse range of school programs including Band, Culinary Arts, HEAL (Health Education and Leadership), Wellness, Yearbook, Auto Shop, Welding, and Graphic Communications, were honored with certificates of recognition for their demonstrated excellence in leadership. Each student was introduced by Dr. Luis S. González, founder of the Youth Leadership Program, who announced their name, program affiliation, and post-graduation plans. Family members, teachers, and community members were present to celebrate the honorees.
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The Youth Leadership Program, launched in 2016, aims to highlight students nominated by educators for leadership and excellence within their respective programs.
PHOTO DR. G Seventeen student leaders being recognized by Colton City Council on May 20, 2025.
The 2025 student leadership honorees are:
Administration at SBVC.
Sarah Bautista, Culinary Arts – plans to attend San Bernardino Valley College, majoring in Culinary Arts.
Sienna Fernandez, Band – will pursue Music Composition at SBVC.
Anthony Castellanos, HEAL Program – will attend Chaffey College, majoring in Anesthesiology.
Alejandra Gomez, Wellness Program – plans to attend Chaminade University of Honolulu to major in Zoology.
Inland Empire Community Newspapers
Kaeley Diaz, Band – plans to study Criminology at Cal Poly Pomona.
Joceline Lopez, HEAL Program – will study Psychology at UC Riverside.
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Hailey Dubon, Wellness Program – will attend Cal State Fullerton, majoring in Business.
Ash Mendoza, Yearbook – plans to major in Criminal Justice at SBVC.
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Emily Estrada, Culinary Arts – plans to study Business
Student Leaders, cont. next pg.