The San Bernardino High School students who were named to the 2024–2025 Cardinal City Court celebrate with pageant founder Jaime Rios (5th from left). With Rios in photo are (from left) Ambassador Luis Montiel Verduzco, second runner-up Charles Angelo Madrid, first runner-up Christofer Ramirez Zuniga, Mr. Cardinal City Robert Sanchez, Miss Cardinal City Jasmine Estrada, first runner-up Briana Arroliga, second runner-up Krystal Castellanos and Ambassador Emily Marquez.
Photo by Corina Borsuk and provided courtesy of SBCUSD
SAN BERNARDINO —San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD) San Bernardino High School (SBHS) crowned the 2024-2025 Mr. and Miss Cardinal City and Court on Sept. 21.
“As a proud alum of San Bernardino High School, I know firsthand the deep-rooted pride and tradition that our flagship school represents for our entire District and our community at large,” said Superintendent Mauricio Arellano. “The Mr. and Miss Cardinal City pageant embodies that spirit by instilling a strong sense of community, leadership and service in our students. It’s a powerful reminder of the incredible potential within our students when they embrace their school’s legacy and rise to become leaders in their community.”
More than just a pageant, the event provides invaluable life skills to participants, helping them hone public speaking, poise under pressure and leadership abilities. The experience also encourages teamwork, goal setting and self-discipline – qualities that will serve all participants well in future endeavors both academically and professionally.
The Mr. and Miss Cardinal City pageant was conceived and founded by Bilingual School Outreach Worker Jaime Rios, who hopes to foster confidence and inspire positive values in the young men and women of SBHS through the promotion of civic engagement and personal development.
Throughout the competition, contestants dedicate significant time to rehearsals and mock interviews. They volunteer their free time to read to young children and help those experiencing homelessness. Even before the young men and women take the stage for the on-stage portions of the competition, they have all proven their dedication to SBHS and the broader San Bernardino community.
It is with pride that SBCUSD announces the Cardinal City Court and recognitions:
- Mr. and Miss Cardinal City and Court
Mr. Cardinal City 2024-2025: Robert Sanchez
Mr. Cardinal City 2024-2025 First Runner Up: Christofer Ramirez-Zuniga
Mr. Cardinal City 2024-2025 Second Runner Up: Charles Angelo Madrid
Mr. Cardinal City 2024-2025 Ambassador: Luis Montiel Verduzco
Miss Cardinal City 2024-2025: Jasmine Estrada
Miss Cardinal City 2024-2025 First Runner Up: Briana Arroliga
Miss Cardinal City 2024-2025 Second Runner Up: Krystal Castellanos
Miss Cardinal City 2024-2025 Ambassador: Emily Marquez.
- Special pageant awards
Mr. Cardinal Director’s Award: Luis Montiel Verduzco
Miss Cardinal Director’s Award: Emily Marquez
Mr. Photogenic: David Gomez-De La Rosa
Miss Photogenic: Krystal Castellanos
Mr. Congeniality: Robert Sanchez
Miss Congeniality: Briana Arroliga
Mr. Cardinal People’s Choice: Robert Sanchez
Miss Cardinal People’s Choice: Krystal Castellanos
Mr. Cardinal Contestant with the Highest GPA: Christofer Ramirez-Zuniga (4.71 weighted G.P.A.)
Miss Cardinal Contestant with the Highest GPA: Jasmine Estrada (4.33 weighted G.P.A.)
Mr. Cardinal Contestant Best in Interview: Christofer Ramirez-Zuniga
Miss Cardinal Contestant Best in Interview: Krystal Castellanos.
Mr. and Miss Cardinal City are eligible for college scholarships when they graduate from SBHS. To donate to the Cardinal City Pageant scholarship fund, contact Student Services at (909) 384-1471 or visit https://www.mightycause.com/SBCSA and designate “Cardinal City Pageant” when you complete the donation form.
The San Bernardino City Unified School District is California’s eighth-largest school district and is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for college, career and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and empowerment, the District serves a diverse student population in the San Bernardino and Highland communities. For more information about SBCUSD, visit www.sbcusd.com and follow the District @SBCityUSD on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Meanwhile, San Bernardino High School (SBHS) is the oldest high school in the San Bernardino City Unified School District and currently educates students in grades 9–12. The school mascot is a cardinal and the colors are red, black and white. The school is also known as Cardinal City because it is an officially recognized charter city, which is why the student body elects a mayor every year instead of just a student council president. For more information about SBHS, visit https://sanbernardino.sbcusd.com.
(SBCUSD Release)
