Mr. Cardinal Crowned

Recently, San Bernardino High School (SBHS) hosted the annual Mr. Cardinal Contest at the Sturges Center for Performing Arts in San Bernardino. The student who was crowned the winner and given the title, Mr. Cardinal, has demonstrated the Cardinal City, or SBHS, virtues of justice, fortitude, school spirit and charity. The Mr. Cardinal Contest is for students recognized for their contribution to the school and making a positive difference in the community. The contest has been instrumental in building a sense of school pride in the students, according to SBHS Principal Sandra Rodriguez. Jamie Rios began holding the pageant 11 years ago and the event was named to honor San Bernardino High’s standing as a chartered city, Cardinal City. The program's intent is to allow candidates to give back to the community through various community service projects and assisting non-profits and organizations throughout the City of San Bernardino. The skills students gain during the program include mock interviews and public speaking, both of which better prepare them for life after high school and gets them ready to succeed in college and the workplace. Some of the places the students toured and volunteered were Lighthouse of the Blind, Salvation Army, Ronald McDonald House, and Loma Linda University Hospital. The program is 12 weeks and is open to any junior student attending SBHS. The contestants this year were, Alejandro Gomez Villarreal, Luis Valencia, Rosalio Cruz, James Laskey, Robert Noble, Jorge Flores Najera, Oswaldo Bribiezcas, Daniel Murillo, Samuel Moreno, Joseph Ortega, Jacob Tucker, and Anthony Hernandez. 16-year-old, Samuel Moreno won this year’s Mr. Cardinal Contest and said, “I learned a lot. I learned not to take things for granted because you might not always have it”. In the last round, Moreno won by one point. He was tied with this best friend, Rosalio Cruz, and if there comes a time when Moreno cannot fulfill his responsibility, Cruz will be there to take over. Rios stated Moreno, “has a way of speaking with people and he was also voted Mr. Congeniality for the school year book. He helped other students learn the dance routine and cared about making the show look good. He thought about others, not only himself. He now embarks on a full year of responsibility in the community and will attend various events.” Rios stated, “I created it because I thought there should be something for guys to give back to the community and to be a positive role model.” He went on to say, “It’s nice to have the support of the City Council, Board of Supervisors, Assembly members and board members from the school district."