Speak-Off Hosted for Local High School Students by Amy Bonczewski - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

◄ MAY ►
S M T W T F S
26 27 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
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Speak-Off Hosted for Local High School Students

By Amy Bonczewski, Community Writer
November 19, 2014 at 09:51am. Views: 90

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

Wood Pallet Shelf for Garage
Photo Courtesy of: Photonia

By Miles Thornton, Community Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 91

A reclaimed wood pallet shelf demonstrates how practical storage can be built affordably while adding rustic character to a garage space.

Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Anthony Romano, Community Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 81

Tender oven-baked salmon topped with fresh dill and bright lemon wedges delivers a light, flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Choosing Forgiveness

Photo Courtesy of: Bente Boe

By Jonah Whitman, Community Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 68

Forgiveness is not forgetting the hurt, but surrendering it to God and allowing His grace to heal what once felt broken.

Removing Wallpaper the Easy Way
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Patrick Boone, Community Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 78

Peel back the past and give your walls a fresh start without the frustration.

Protecting Your Car’s Battery in Extreme Heat and Cold
Photo Courtesy of: Emkanicepic

By Dana McAllister, Community Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 96

Temperature extremes can quietly shorten battery life, making seasonal car care more important than many drivers realize.

When Is the Best Time to Sell a Home in Southern California?
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Margie Miller, Your Realtor, Community Writer

May 20, 2026 at 08:34am. Views: 172

Timing matters, but the best time to sell ultimately depends on your local market conditions, personal goals, and how prepared your home.

Mask Making with Paper Plates
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Natalie Finch, Community Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 166

Have fun making masks out of household items!

CalKIDS and California Association of School Counselors Team Up to Help Students Claim Scholarships
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group Ai Generated Image

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 429

A school counselor meets with students to discuss scholarship opportunities and college planning resources aimed at helping California students prepare for their future.

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Mia Mezzanatto
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 351

Mia Mezzanatto continues to shine as one of Grand Terrace High School’s top student-athletes, balancing a 4.5 GPA while excelling on the softball field for the Lady Titans.

Jubilee Pantry Named A Nonprofit of the Year

Photo Courtesy of: Carl M. Dameron.

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 510

Joe Baca Jr., San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor, names Jubilee Pantry of Loveland Church one of the top five nonprofits of the Year for providing food to more than 2,000 families each month. In the photo, left to right, Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., Director Dr. Nita Alexander, and Senior Pastor Chuck Singleton.

Heroes on Greens Golf Tournament Support Families and Their Children
Photo Courtesy of: The Alexander Family Foundation

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

May 20, 2026 at 02:45pm. Views: 441

Felicia and Damon Alexander created the Heroes on Greens Golf Tournament to drive change for marginalized children and create brighter futures through our enrichment program. For more info, go to https://heroes-on-the-greens.perfectgolfevent.com

Remembering Guadalupe S. Aldama, also known as Lupe “The Barber,”
Photo Courtesy of: The Aldama Family

By The Aldama Family, Community Writer

May 13, 2026 at 01:38pm. Views: 1689

Guadalupe S. Aldama, also known as Lupe “The Barber,” in Colton for 71 years.

--> -->