Alpine Mountaineer, June 20th, 2024, By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY, Staff Writer
It is “all about the kids.” That was the common thread throughout the Rim of the World Education foundation’s gala held on May 19 at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa. It was a fun afternoon and evening with a Caribbean theme, complete with a steel drum band and a Caribbean-flavored buffet. The Island Rhythms steel band began playing at 3:30 on that Sunday afternoon, followed by the Caribbean Joy Dancers.
After demonstrating their prowess, the two dancers invited gala guests to join them, which many did quite willingly. They then conducted a limbo contest, which led to some great gales of laughter.
The highlight of the afternoon for the guests was hearing from five Rim of the World High School students who shared how the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) and ROP/CTE (Regional Occupational Program/Career Technical Education) classes have impacted and changed their lives.
Each gave a brief status of their home lives and the immense change the programs created in their school and daily lives and their attitudes toward life, others, their family and school. Many are first generation high school graduates who are now looking forward to futures way beyond their previous expectations.
Osvaldo Perez, Alex Nunez and Dulce Bahena all spoke on how the AVID program taught them skills and techniques that have not only organized and motivated them but have shown them a positive future and have changed their outlook on life. Osvaldo, who has faced adversity in his life, found AVID which taught him resilience in facing obstacles. He is now resolved to move forward and become the best version of
himself he can be at UC Davis. “AVID impacts lives,” he said. Alex said he is looking forward to attending Cal Poly Pomona, and that the AVID organizational and communication skills he has learned will keep him engaged and make his future promising. Dulce said meeting other determined students in this program encouraged her to strive to succeed. She will be pursuing a nursing career, studying at Cal State Fullerton. She considers AVID a vital foundation for ambitious students. Jaered Angel and Milo Barajas spoke on how the CTE/ROP program has taught them skills and a work ethic that has already inspired them and given them after-school direction with real workplace skills. Jaered said that, since the sixth grade, he was
interested in fixing things. His father, as a plumber, embodies the dream of coming to the U.S. The CTE
program has not only taught him skills in carpentry, but also inspired him to be more skilled. He stated
he plans to become a politician someday. Milo learned skills in auto shop and management – respect for the equipment and the techniques to keep Americans’ cars running. He hopes to be the best at his occupation and be helpful to others.
Following the students’ speeches, Rim Ed board member Jim Ferranti conducted a reverse auction, starting at the $75,000 required to fund the AVID and ROP/CTE programs as well as Partnership with Schools, a program that offers funding for special projects and materials for students at all the Rim campuses. The first paddle was raised by Burrtec, which had already donated $2,500 as a sponsor. They donated another $10,000. As Ferranti called out lower and lower numbers, paddles started flying up all over the ballroom. In addition to the Burrtec sponsorship, other Platinum sponsors included Hake
Productions, Susan Sparks and Joan Leopold. Gold sponsors were Dave’s Viking Auto, Wildflowers
of Lake Arrowhead, Women’s Club of Lake Arrowhead, AudioQuest Audiophile, Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, Schools First Credit Union and Steve and Ronalyn Fujii. This year there was also a silent auction with items donated from businesses across the mountain. All told, the gala raised $31,000 for the Rim Ed Foundation.
Rim Ed President Jo Bonita Rains gave a brief history of the Foundation. In 1983, it was established to provide “continuing financial support to encourage educational excellence in the Rim of the World Unified School District.” Since 2010, Rim Ed has presented more than $675,00 to the Rim school
district to benefit students. Their vision is to enrich the lives and potential of Rim students to enable them to become both productive members of society and successful in their futures. For more information on the programs the Rim Ed Foundation supports or to make a donation, see their website, www.RimEdFoundation.org.
