CJUSD Students are Part of NASCAR Action

Several CJUSD schools took part in the excitement as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series came to Fontana last weekend. The 22 Crew, a special news team from Smith Elementary School’s Smith Stars News, had an opportunity to interview drivers and others at the Fontana Speedway last Friday and Sunday. This news team has partnered with the non-profit Fuel for Success organization and Driver #22 Joey Logano to share racing news and positive, anti-bullying messages. This collaboration was made possible with the help of Colton Police Officer Todd Smith. The student reporters received special media credentials, sat in on press conferences in the media room, and even were able to interview Logano, and others. Other activities included Colton Middle School’s participation in the 2016 Collision Safety Challenge in which students constructed cars that had to safely transport an egg. Cooley Ranch Elementary School student Felicia Na, meanwhile, participated in and won the Fuel for Success First Grade Art Contest. Felicia and her sister will get to participate in science camp at CalTech this summer. She also received a helmet emblazoned with her artwork and anti-bullying message. And, several CJUSD students participated in a STEM Day activity at the Fontana Speedway on Friday, March 18. On Friday night, a crowd of nearly 400 gathered at Joe Baca Middle School to enjoy a dinner hosted by Smithfield Foods and to hear a motivational talk by NASCAR Driver #43 Aric Almirola. Mr. Almirola shared his journey into professional racing and told students that it took a lot of hard work and determination. He also said that he focused on school as a youth and pursued a degree in mechanical engineering so that he could always be involved with racing – even if he didn’t end up making it to where he is now -- one of 40 top drivers in the world. Almirola told students to work hard, have a plan, and never give up, “Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something you want to do,” he said.