Citrus Valley Senior Nabs Second First Place Essay Contest Win, CVHS Takes Overall Winning School Title Second Year in a Row

Citrus Valley High School (CVHS) took the top prize for the second year in a row as the overall winning school in the third annual Constitution Essay Contest. Daniel McFarland, of Highland, a senior at Citrus Valley High School, was named the first place winner for his second win in a row. Winners of the contest were announced at the Redlands City Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Mayor Pete Aguilar helped present awards to the students and also recognized their accomplishments with certificates from the City Council. Daniel McFarland had a double celebration on Tuesday with his second first place win and his 18th birthday. Citrus Valley High School Junior Melinda Maeda from Highland took second place, and Senior Loryssa Lake, from Redlands, took third place. CVHS teacher Paul Beaumont also took home the prize for being the teacher who submitted the highest scoring essay entries to the contest. The contest, presented by Redlands Sunrise Rotary and the 4400 Project, was open to all high school students from Redlands schools, public and private. Students were asked to write an 800 to 1,000 word essay on one of three provided prompts based on various aspects of the American Constitution and government. "The idea is to get students excited about history and support our schools and teachers at the same time." said Terri Wimer, director, 4400 Project. Awards were given to students individually and collectively. "We have very generous and supportive sponsors that allow us to offer some big awards." The top three overall individual students receive cash awards of $250 for third place, $500 for second place, sponsored by Graves & King a law firm from Riverside, and $1,000 for first place, sponsored by Apageon Group, a local aerospace engineering firm. The overall winning school is presented with a perpetual trophy and bragging rights until the contest next year. Bernie Cavanagh, CVHS principal, accepted the award for the second time. Wimer commended Mr. Cavanagh for the values and inspiration he promotes at his school. “I’ve had the opportunity and honor to spend some time at Citrus Valley giving presentations to launch the contest. I am continually impressed with the positive attitude and motivation for success exhibited by everyone,” Wimer said. The program is designed to support the curriculum already being taught in the class. "Many teachers make the contest a class assignment. We are happy that it fits so well into their curriculum," said Wimer. Several weeks are spent reading and evaluating the hundreds of submitted essays, and they are done completely void of any personal information. Wimer stated that no one knows the identity of students until after the evaluation is completed. The top three students are told they won, but it is kept a secret until announced at the City Council meeting. Wimer said the quality of essays is extremely high so reading and evaluating the essays is difficult and a joy at the same time. "The essays received are a direct reflection on the quality of schools, administrators and teachers in Redlands. We are very fortunate to send our kids to these schools, and live in a community like Redlands." Sponsors include Apageon Group, Graves & King, Clark's Nutrition, Beaver Medical Group, Arthur Commercial Press, Finishing Touch Engraving and A.J. Barille's Pizza.