Speak-Off Hosted for Local High School Students by Amy Bonczewski - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ JULY ►
S M T W T F S
28 29 30 01 02 03 04
05 06 07 08 09 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31 01
View Events
Submit Events

Speak-Off Hosted for Local High School Students

By Amy Bonczewski, Community Writer
November 19, 2014 at 09:51am. Views: 113

The Inland Empire Resource Conservation District (IERCD) hosted their annual speak-off speech competition at the Frontier Project in Rancho Cucamonga on Nov. 1. The topic for this event is different each year; this year's prompt challenged participants to address ”How can RCD’s help address the increasing fuel load in California’s wild lands and the potential for catastrophic wildfire?” Students in grades 9-12 on campuses within IERCD District boundaries were eligible to participate through development and presentation of a 3-5 minute speech on the prompt. The top three finishers received cash prizes of $250, $150, and $100 respectively; however, all participants received a prize bag valued at $20. The first place winner, Valerie Kwee, from Eleanor Roosevelt High School, will go on to represent the IERCD at the Regional Meeting and State Speak-Off in Ventura. If she wins first place at the State Speak-Off she will win $1,000 in total. The second place winner is Jahmil Brown, who attends Arroyo Valley High School. The third place winner is Alejandra Guillen of Rialto High School. The IERCD is a public agency that provides preservation, restoration, education and outreach services to over 25 cities and unincorporated communities in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The District operates under the guiding principle that the quality of the environment determines the corresponding quality of life, and works accordingly to improve local habitat sustainability for the benefit of all area dependent species. The Speak-Off is just one of the many events planned and/or participated in by District board and staff, in an effort to spread the message of the importance of conservation of natural resources.

Related Articles

Downtown San Bernardino's Small Business Momentum Signals a New Chapter for the City's Future
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 715

Pedestrians walk past locally owned shops and outdoor cafés in a vibrant downtown district, illustrating how small businesses contribute to economic growth, community pride, and a welcoming environment in San Bernardino.

Blue Mountain Continues to Inspire Outdoor Recreation and Conservation in Grand Terrace
Photo Courtesy of: MapQuest

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 677

Hikers enjoy scenic trails and panoramic views from Blue Mountain Open Space in Grand Terrace, one of the city's most treasured natural landmarks and recreational destinations.

Grand Terrace Library's Summer Programs Inspire Young Readers and Bring Families Together
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Grant Walker, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 489

Families and children participate in educational activities at a public library, reflecting the Grand Terrace Branch Library's commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement.

Growing Greener Together: How Loma Linda's Trees, Trails, and Open Spaces Shape a Healthier Future
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Grant Walker, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 591

Residents enjoy a tree-lined walking path and community park, reflecting Loma Linda's long-standing commitment to healthy outdoor living.

Building More Than Businesses
Photo Courtesy of: AllEvents

By Nolan Hayes, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 592

Local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members gather for a networking luncheon focused on economic development and collaboration.

Healthy Communities Begin With Healthy Conversations
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 618

Healthcare professionals lead a community wellness program designed to educate residents about healthy living and preventive care.

Summer of Discovery: Loma Linda Library Helps Turn School Break Into a Season of Learning
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Caleb Foster, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 572

Children and families gather at a public library to enjoy story time, browse books, and participate in educational activities during the summer.

Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Honored with National Quality Award
Photo Courtesy of: Totally Kids Rehabilitation

By William Cortez, Community Writer

June 26, 2026 at 07:56am. Views: 1335

Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’s pediatric subacute program has become the only program
of its kind in California to earn the Bronze Commitment to Quality Award from the American
Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living

Highland GLO MedSpa Celebrates Grand Opening, Bringing Advanced Medical Aesthetics to the Highland Community
Photo Courtesy of: Highland Glo MedSpa

By Highland Glo MedSpa, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1493

Claudia Torres, Aesthetics Consultant, Mairah Angulo, Aesthetics Consultant, Jill Ali, FNP-C (Provider), Dr. Namita Mohideen, MD, CEO, Dr. Kelly Jeu, MD, Provider, Dr. Jose Arciniega, DO, Provider, Ilsse Castillo, Office Manager, Alexia Sanchez, Office Manager

The Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California Proves Its Relevance in a Changing America
Photo Courtesy of: The Civil Rights Institute

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1369

Photo caption: The Civil Rights Institute Board of Directors and the community celebrate the Woman of Achievement Awardee. Photo L to R: Ken Gutierrez, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Kathy Wright, Community Leader; Sabrina Gonzalez, Civil Rights Institute Executive Director; Launa Wilson, The Civil Rights Institute Board President; Q'Vinc Asberry, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Irma Asberry, Community Leader/Retired Judge, Superior Court of Riverside County.

Turning Grades into Goals: San Bernardino Students Honored for Academic Triumphs
Photo Courtesy of: Chris Sloan

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 988

Valdez Educational Services President Aaron Valdez, SBCUSD ETSA Wil Greer, Ionatauna Asu, Student, Equity guest teacher Fernando Tanioka, then Equity Counselor Francine Blacksher, celebrate Asu’s achievement, taking his grades from a low F to a high A, at An Evening of Excellence.

Colton Chamber of Commerce New president

Photo Courtesy of: Christina Gaitan

By Chamber Inducted new President , Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1090

left to right -Nelky Rodriguez ( secretary) - Arnise Dejohnette ( board member)- Anna Juarez (board member) David Toro (Council member) Belen Cordero(Board member) - Javier Gomez (treasurer) City Manager -Mayor Frank Navarro- Brian Childstrom (Emeritus) Christina Gaitan (Coordinator) Shelley Burnach ( Vice President ) Lesley Stevens ( Board member) Frank Aguliar (president ) Matthew Hernandez (board member) Councilman Dr. G - Chief Vega Colton Police Department .

--> -->