Elementary schools dip slightly, high schools up

 Catholic schools in the Diocese of San Bernardino closely mirror a national trend of slightly decreased enrollment although local high schools have actually seen a slight uptick in their student populations.

 Overall, elementary schools in the diocese reported 97 fewer students this year with 12 schools reporting enrollment drops and 11 reporting enrollment increases, according to enrollment reports submitted to the diocese on Oct. 26. Catholic high schools in the diocese were up 49 students, most coming at Xavier College Preparatory High School in Palm Desert.

By Cristian Magaña

 My name is Cristian Magaña and I am 19 years old. I am a student at Riverside Community College and I am a ride operator at Castle Park. I am currently a leader in a youth group called Grupo de Adolescentes (Adolescent Group) at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, Riverside. To me, Christmas is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ and it’s widely observed and celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world.

SAN BERNARDINO—While many throughout America await the coming of Santa Claus, and others await much needed help to take them out of the devastation of war and natural disasters, the film students of Mr. Matt Troy at Aquinas High School have produced a short film that challenges what we have come to know as “Christmas” in this holiday season.

By Kate Stenmoen
Grade 10

PALM DESERT—Rock Squad is a club at Xavier Preparatory High School where our goal is to help the homeless through donations and learn more about giving back to the community. Each month we have a specific collection, such as blankets, jackets, or hats, and have bake sales to raise money. With this money, members of our group go out to stores and buy food, such as canned goods or whatever we feel that the homeless need. Once we reach the end of the month, a few members distribute goods that the whole school has provided under a bridge in Indio with Mr. Rockwell, who too, goes out with donations and inspired us to start this club last year.

By Andrew Alonso
Grade 12

ANAHIEM—“CADA. CADA. CADA.”

 That was all that was on the minds of every ASB member at Notre Dame High School from the beginning of November till the actual event on November 19th. The California Association of Directors of Activities (CADA) is a statewide leadership conference held each year in November in conjunction with the California Association of Student Leaders (CASL). 

PERRIS—In nearly 50 years of history St. James Catholic School in Perris has educated thousands of students and relied upon the selfless sacrifice of parent volunteers.

 So on December 3, when the California State legislators were sworn into office, it was with a great deal of satisfaction and pride that students gathered to watch the historic moment as former St. James PTG President and mother to five current students, Melissa Melendez, became the Assembly representative for the 67th District.