Claremont High School's Competitive Cheerleading team clinched their first-ever USA National Championship, marking a historic milestone for the Claremont Unified School District. Team co-captains Kori Epling and Hilario Esqueda led the team with a visionary strategy, bringing a new perspective and goal that propelled them to victory. "To be the first set of captains to lead this team to its first National title is overwhelming," Kori shared, reflecting on the intense preparation and dedication that resulted in this triumph.

The journey to the national title was filled with rigorous training and unwavering team spirit, balanced with academic commitments. The team's resilience was particularly tested during a competition when a cheerleader faced a medical emergency, yet they adapted swiftly, showcasing their strength and unity. "We owe that win to her completely!" Kori exclaimed, highlighting the importance of teamwork and communication in overcoming challenges.

This victory is more than just a win; it's a beacon of inspiration for the school and future cheerleaders. Coach Nosa Odiase sees it as an opportunity to redefine competitive cheerleading within the school community and beyond. "We hope this victory opens the eyes of others on campus that competitive cheerleading is a sport," Odiase stated, emphasizing the sport's potential for growth and the team's aspirations for future successes. Claremont High School's cheerleading team has made history and set a new standard of excellence and unity for the generations to come.

The Claremont Unified School District's Elementary Music Program recently hosted its much-anticipated annual winter concert, showcasing the incredible talents of its young musicians. Held over two evenings, February 21st and 22nd, at the El Roble Intermediate School Gym, the event was a resounding success, drawing in a full house of family members, caregivers, and music enthusiasts, all eager to support the young performers.

The first night of the concert featured the string instrument students, who filled the room with the melodic sounds of violas, violins, and cellos. The playlist included various winter songs, demonstrating the students' hard work and dedication throughout the 2023-2024 school year. The following evening, the band took center stage, with flutes, clarinets, trumpets, saxophones, trombones and percussion echoing through the gym, continuing the festive spirit.

The mission of the Elementary Instrumental Music Program is at the heart of these performances, aiming to develop fundamental music skills, foster group learning, and cultivate relationships within the music community. This event showcased the students' musical growth and reinforced the district's commitment to providing all CUSD elementary 4-6 grade students with an opportunity to explore and develop their musical interests. The overwhelming turnout and support from the community highlight the value placed on arts education within the district, making this annual winter concert not just a showcase of talent but a celebration of the collective effort to keep music an integral part of our children's education.

For over 45 years, the Rotary Club has been pivotal in educating El Roble Intermediate School's 8th graders on essential lifesaving skills, showcasing a commitment to community safety and youth empowerment. This remarkable initiative focuses on critical procedures such as CPR for adults and infants, the Heimlich maneuver, and comprehensive emergency preparedness.

The program identified 8th graders as the ideal recipients of this invaluable training. The decision to concentrate on this age group has proven effective, as these young students demonstrate an ability to grasp and retain these potentially lifesaving techniques.

Throughout its history, the Rotary Club's engagement with the Claremont Unified School District through this program has not only enriched the curriculum but has also strengthened the bonds within the community. The initiative underscores the Rotary Club's broader mission to make a tangible difference in the lives of the young people it serves. Training is meticulously planned to ensure a comprehensive understanding of emergency response, starting with basic emergency scenarios and gradually introducing more complex skills like adult and infant CPR.

The program's three-day structure allows students to build their knowledge and confidence in handling emergencies, starting with general preparedness and moving toward specific lifesaving techniques. The consistent emphasis on calling 911 as a first response highlights the importance of integrating professional medical assistance in emergencies.

The Rotary Club's dedication to this program reflects a deep-seated belief in the power of education to foster safer communities. The Rotary Club is nurturing a generation of informed, prepared, and capable individuals by equipping students with the skills to act effectively in emergencies. This legacy of empowerment and safety is a testament to the Rotary Club's enduring impact on the Claremont community and its unwavering commitment to the well-being of its youngest members.

Claremont High School's choirs recently lit up the stage with a captivating performance at Garrison Theater. Senior Carlie Bronk shared her experiences and the excitement surrounding the event, underscoring the vibrant spirit of the school's music department.

The performance was a delightful medley from the music of Pasek & Paul, featuring hits from "The Greatest Showman," "La La Land," "Dear Evan Hansen," and even "Trolls." For Carlie, the concert was a harmonious blend of her favorite musical pieces. "All of my favorite things in one," she gushed, highlighting the joy and passion that infused the concert preparation.

This significant event marked the collaborative efforts of all CHS choirs, including the Chamber Singers, Chora Nova, and Concert Choirs, showcasing the diverse vocal talent within the school. Carlie, who has been a part of the choir for six years, reflected on her growth and the sense of community she's found in the choir from her time at El Roble Intermediate to her final year at CHS. The concert featured Carlie in a solo performance of "Ripple," a song that embodies the concert's themes of kindness and positivity.

Carlie hopes that the audience took away the positive messages from the songs of Pasek & Paul. The live performance offers a uniquely impactful experience infused with joy and the transformative power of music.

CHS's choirs demonstrated their exceptional talent and the spirit of the school's performing arts community through this musical showcase. Carlie's journey from choir novice to senior soloist exemplifies the personal growth and community connections fostered through the arts at CHS.

El Roble Intermediate School's German Club hosted its second annual German Fest, a vibrant celebration of German culture and traditions. This event, put together entirely by the German Club Officers and student volunteers, showcases the enthusiasm and leadership of El Roble's students in bringing international experiences to their school community.

The start of the German Club last year overlapped with the introduction of the German 1 Middle Years Program (MYP) course at El Roble, starting with a small group of dedicated officers. This year, the club expanded its leadership to include 7th-grade representatives, broadening its reach and the scale of activities offered at the German Fest. Inspired by a visit to the Oktoberfest celebration at Claremont High School, the students designed their mini-version of the famous festival. The German Fest had various engaging games like cup stacking, Stein hold, egg run, dribble, toss, temporary tattoos and German flag face painting. Participants enjoyed these cultural games and were rewarded with prizes such as German candy and pretzels, adding a sweet touch to the festive atmosphere.

Beyond the German Fest, the German Club is active throughout the year, organizing events such as a German Club breakfast meeting and soccer matches and representing Germany at various International Days at local elementary schools, including Sycamore World Cultures Day and Chaparral World Cultures Day. These activities enrich the students' understanding of German culture and foster a sense of global community within the Claremont Unified School District.

Madeleine Ho, the German Club President, and Jiseo Park, the Vice President, are at the forefront of this cultural exchange, leading by example and demonstrating the impact students can have in promoting cultural appreciation and diversity. Their efforts, along with those of their fellow club members, have made the German Fest and the club's other initiatives a resounding success, contributing to a broader understanding and celebration of world cultures within the CUSD community.

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