Bidwell High graduated 106 seniors Wednesday night, June 16, the largest graduating class in school history. Photos by Jesus Cano

By Jesus Cano

Graduate Xotchil Ramirez thanks Bidwell’s teachers and staff for helping the class of 2021 graduate.

One of first-year principal Raj Naicker’s goals was to get more students to graduate from Antioch’s Bidwell High School, especially since many students entered the school with low credits at the alternative high school. (See ceremony video)

Naicker and his administration were able to reach that goal, as Bidwell High had its largest graduating class in school history with 106 students receiving their diplomas as part of the class of 2021, during ceremonies, Wednesday night, June 16 at the Deer Valley High School stadium

Naicker admits his goal came with a little bit of assistance as he said the Antioch Unified School District lowered the amount of credits to graduate this year from 220 to 130. He credits his administration staff with being much more interactive with the students and motivating them to graduate.

“I entered this school with a very open heart, with a very open mind,” Naicker said. “And my goal was to make sure to provide them opportunities to take classes in multiple ways, so that they could end those credits and graduate on time.”

Among the 108 students that graduated, Xotchil Ramirez and Angelique Romero were chosen to speak. Both of them touched on coming into Bidwell in a credit deficit but were able to preserve through Bidwell.

“I was told I could graduate if I went to Bidwell and I was excited to see what I could truly accomplish,” Ramirez said in her speech. “I was able to develop such amazing relationships with my fellow classmates and teachers as they helped me and all of us to where we are today.”

Antioch School Board Vice President Dr. Clyde Lewis speaks to Bidwell’s graduating class.

Bidwell was truly a very welcoming place where students can get a warm feeling of accomplishment, and the confidence that drives them forward,” Romero said in her speech. “I got help every step of the way, and never once felt alone.”

Antioch Unified School District trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis spoke at the graduation ceremony and recounted his days of growing up in East Oakland – an area that has a similar demographic to the students at Bidwell.

“Once we have success. It’s easy to build. It’s not easy, but it’s possible to build on that success,” Lewis said. “So, it’s important that we sort of really highlight that these kids are graduating, and then we push them and provide them opportunities.”

In architecture and design

The City of Antioch is inviting young adults ages 18-24 to learn while you EARN this summer.

Join BUILD ANTIOCH, summer jobs program. BUILD ANTIOCH is a paid internship and unique, fun immersion in the world of architecture and design. Attend the program virtually for 15 hours a week for six weeks starting July 19 – August 27 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

2021 Summer Program Eligibility

• Resident of Antioch
• Ages 18-24 at the start of the program
• Able to commit to working 15 hours a week

The Internship Experience

• Learn how to sketch, model, build and more!
• Design process and presentations
• Collaborate with peers
• Meet with mentors, architects, and engineers
• Learn how to create designs to meet real-world challenges

Design your own FUTURE!

The application will remain open until Monday, June 28 at 4:00 PM. For more information, please click on the link below:

Build Antioch – City of Antioch, California (antiochca.gov)

Ella Nguyen. Photo courtesy of Antioch High School

By Luke Johnson & Jesus Cano

While many kids her age are excited about watching PG13 movies without their parents for the first time, Ella Nguyen is focused on graduating high school at the top of her class.

At just 13 years old, Ella is this year’s valedictorian at Antioch High School with a 4.43 GPA.

Principal Louie Rocha said he believes Ella is the youngest valedictorian in the school’s history, confirming that she is the youngest graduate during his time at the school. Rocha graduated from Antioch High in 1979 and has been an administrator on campus for over 20 years.

“Being at the top of my class was something that had never really crossed my mind,” Ella said. “I’m thankful to have gotten to where I am, but it’s more of a bonus than anything. It’s simply a part of my journey as a high schooler.”

Ella first skipped kindergarten, then third grade. By the time she finished fifth grade, she had an IQ of 147.

Ella’s parents and Mission Elementary administrators approached Rocha with the idea of Ella bypassing middle school and entering high school at nine years old.

He had concerns at first and immediately thought of worst-case scenarios.

“I asked her, ‘Are you willing to take the risk of being around older kids?’” he said.

Rocha was worried that Ella could possibly be on the receiving end of collateral damage from a scuffle in a hallway. She was around 4-foot-8 and 70 pounds at the time. He also wondered how the school would accommodate Ella in P.E. — who might risk injury by competing with bigger kids — and in health class — which covers sex education.

With Ella’s parents and Mission Elementary administrators insisting that she’s a genius and ready for a higher-level education, Rocha said he turned to Ella and asked why she wanted to attend Antioch High so badly.

“She looked me in the eye and said, ‘Mr. Rocha, I have never been challenged in school before. I hope by coming to high school that it will push and challenge me to be successful,’” Rocha said.

After enrolling at Antioch High, administration ultimately waived Ella’s health and P.E. classes. It was also agreed that then-Vice Principal Michael Flosi would walk her to class everyday.

However, by the third day of freshman year, Ella told Flosi that she was embarrassed of being escorted to class and she needed to find her own way.

Some classmates were “freaking out” when they initially discovered that a nine year old was a student on campus. However, Rocha said that quickly changed as several students wanted to befriend Ella, because they were inspired by her profound academic skills and wanted to learn from her.

Jason Ebner, a teacher at Antioch High, worked closely with Ella. Over the years, he’s seen her grow firsthand.

“The young lady speaks with such confidence and grace, Ebner said. “It’s scary to understand in four years to hear the level she was to the level where she is now — the conversations that we have had about what she thinks about education, where she thinks her life is going to go.”

Now Ella and her family are getting ready to move to Stockton while Ella gears up for college at the University of Pacific. She was accepted into the pre-dentistry program and — with some of her undergrad classes out the way from attending Los Medanos College — she could possibly become a licensed dentist at 18 years old.

Ebner and Rocha both compared Ella to Najee Harris — who graduated from Antioch High in 2017 and was recently drafted first round in the NFL — because their academic and athletic talents are in the “top one percent” of the world.

“As we honor Najee for putting Antioch on the map, we should do the same for Ella,” Rocha said.

Antioch High’s commencement ceremony for the Class of 2021 will take place Friday 8 p.m. at Eells Stadium with limited capacity. Ella will be one of the speakers.

Graduating senior Alexis Powell addresses her classmates during the Prospects High graduation, Tuesday, June 15, 2021. Photos: Jesus Cano

“Surround yourself with positive people.” – Alexis Powell’s advice to her classmates.

By Jesus Cano

Prospects High School principal Carol Lowart reminded the graduating class of 2021 about the obstacles they faced during the last year of their academic career. (See video of ceremony)

From getting sent home due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020 and beginning virtual learning in September of 2020.

Graduate Joe Olivas performs for his classmates. Olivas had previously provided musical entertainment during most of Prospects’ virtual events.

But then, on June 15, 2021 – the same day California’s economy reopened – the Prospects class of 2021 were able to celebrate their graduation in front of family and friends at Antioch High School’s Eells Stadium.

“Students were excited to be able to get out and be with their teachers who they’ve been just seeing virtually through a computer screen the whole year,” Lowart said. “I think just, just an awesome experience. I mean I think it was just really satisfying.”

Lowart said that 86 students participated in Tuesday afternoon’s graduation ceremony but estimates that the overall number of Prospects graduates is just over 100 students.

Antioch Unified School District Board of Education president Ellie Householder – also a Prospects graduate – spoke to the class of 2021 about her journey from being evicted from her house in 2008 to graduating from the University of California, Berkeley with a full-ride scholarship.

“Honestly, I believe in my heart that I would not be standing on this stage if I did not graduate from Prospects,” she said. “I look at you all day and I see a field full of extremely capable and intelligent and resilient young people who can accomplish whatever it is that they put their mind to.”

Student Alexis Powell was given the chance to address her peers and reminded them that their future could change with the effort they put in.

“We might work at McDonald’s now, but we can become the CEO,” Powell said in her speech. “Whatever you choose, I encourage you to keep going and never give up. Surround yourself with positive people. We have gone through a lot in a year and a half. And if we can get through this, we can get related.”

Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch present Mno Grant Elementary Principal Janeen Zuniga (left) and math and science teacher Frank with their check. (Right) Zrinski shows the size of a seven-week old aeroponic plant grown in one of the indoor towers.

Antioch Schools Education Foundation contribute, as well

By Allen Payton

Earlier this month, representatives of the Kiwanis Club of the Delta Antioch and Delta-Antioch Rotary Clubs presented checks to Mno Grant Elementary School Principal Janeen Zuniga and teacher Frank Zrinski for the purchase of tower gardens. They are being used to teach students about science growing plants aeroponically.

The Kiwanians provided a check for $1,000 and Rotarians provided a check for $1,500. In addition, $1,000 was donated by the Antioch Schools Education Foundation.

Members of the Rotary Club of the Delta-Antioch present their check to Mno Grant Principal Janeen Zuniga and teacher Frank Zrinksi.

“I want to thank you for your awesome communication and support,” said Zrinski during the presentation.

Zuniga thanked “Kiwanis, Rotary and the support from our school board and coordinator.”

“This is just fabulous having their support,” she said.

“The way is through science and agriculture is going to lead the way and take us to Mars!” said an enthusiastic Zrinski, who teaches math and science. “These tower gardens are going to be used in so many ways. Even in kindergarten. They’re going to work with the English and History teachers for cross curriculum.”

“This is the indoor version, and the outdoor version has lights,” he pointed out.
The tower gardens are being purchased through Gwen O’Neill, which is one of the products she offers as a Juice Plus representative in Antioch.

“We met on Facebook,” O’Neill said referring to Zrinski. “This has been my dream for five years.”

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time,” club president Dr. Clyde Lewis, who is also vice president of the Antioch School Board. “By providing support for community events that directly benefit the kiddos of our city, Kiwanis Club of the Delta, Antioch continues to strive toward improving not only our city, but the world…one child at a time.”

“As club president, it is my duty to ensure that our club builds on the traditions of those leaders who came before,” he continued. “This is one of the reasons that it was a no-brainer for our club to award Mno Grant $1,000 to support for their tower garden project. When our club is in the community volunteering, this is our why.”

Antioch’s first Black resident, Thomas Gaines. Photo: City of Antioch

Special Friday noon meeting on Thomas Gaines K-8 Virtual Learning Academy, if approved will open Monday, June 14

By Allen Payton

During a special meeting, today, Friday, June 11, 2021, at noon the Antioch School Board will consider approving a new virtual learning academy and name it for the city’s first Black resident, Thomas Gaines (1821-1896). (See presentation, here)

In 2016 the City Council declared Feb. 9th as Thomas Gaines Day for the emancipated slave and Antioch’s only Black resident between the 1860’s and 1940’s. (See related article)

According to the staff report on the item, “The District is seeking approval to form and establish the Thomas Gaines Virtual Learning Academy as an Alternative School of Choice (ASOC) to open in the fall of 2021. The Thomas Gains Virtual Learning Academy will provide a virtual learning option for students and families who would benefit from such an instructional model. The Thomas Gaines Virtual Learning Academy will serve students in grades K-8. Enrollment is entirely voluntary. The school will be virtual in instructional delivery but will include opportunities for in-person experiences as well. The Thomas Gaines Virtual Learning Academy will be housed in a currently existing school location. Enrollment will open on June 14, 2021, and staffing will be assigned based on enrollment numbers. All families who wish to enroll their student(s) in the Thomas Gains Virtual Learning Academy will be able to do so.

Alternative schools of choice (ASOC) were established under California Education Code (EC) sections 58500—58512. Each ASOC must meet all the requirements of the law, including:

• All students and teachers are selected entirely from volunteers (EC Section 58503).
• The school is maintained and funded by the school district at the same level of support as other educational programs for the same age level operated by the district (EC Section 58507).
• The district annually evaluates the school and forwards the evaluations to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (EC Section 58510).

From presentation. Source: AUSD

“I think it’s a phenomenal idea honoring the history of Antioch,” Board Vice President Dr. Clyde Lewis said when reached for comment. Asked if this is just for the summer, he replied, “It will be an ongoing academy.”

“It’s a perfect marriage between past and present, connecting Antioch’s history with the current state of student learning through a virtual learning space,” he continued. “Thomas Gaines was an upstanding African American who contributed to our city. I’m hoping our students will follow in his footsteps and contribute to the future of Antioch.”

An effort to reach Board President Ellie Householder, asking her what the focus of the academy will be, was unsuccessful before publication.

However, Trustee Mary Rocha was reached and said, “In the past three years, they’ve been working to change Black Diamond Middle School into an academy. At this time that distance learning has become a big issue, many students do well, but not everyone. We’re going to put a piece of that in there. The school will be both online and in person. They will work on the curriculum and part of it will be distance learning. Since it’s opening Monday, it’s just the distance learning that will be tied to it. We need to accommodate our students who want to learn that way.”

In addition, Superintendent Stephanie Anello said, “the focus isn’t going to be on a specific discipline, but because some of our students really thrived in distance learning and some of our parents want to continue their educational experience in that manner. We want to continue offering that choice. It’s completely by choice.”

The meeting begins at noon and will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QspiIc_NPME. Those wishing to make a public comment on the agenda item can submit their comments until 11:00 a.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments can be submitted via an online form at https://tinyurl.com/ausd-public-comment-card or by email tokelliecavallaro@antiochschools.net. Comments received by 11:00 a.m. will be read to the public during the meeting.

Kiwanis Club members including event chair Antwon Webster (left), past president Kay Power and Katie Young honor Deborah Hicks (with certificate) for most ticket sales for the annual BBQ fundraiser on Saturday, May 22, 2021.

Chuck’s Wagon, led by owner Charles Smith, Jr., with the help of Dallas Ranch Middle School principal Bridget Spires (left) and Velma Wilson (right) served the dinners.

By Allen Payton

Kiwanis Club of The Delta Antioch hosted their annual tri-tip BBQ fundraiser at the VFW hall on Saturday, May 22, 2021.  The event pre-sold 140 tickets and the event sold out on the day of, serving 175 meals. This year’s event offered a drive-thru pick up, with the barbecuing provided by Chuck’s Wagon Catering, and dessert provided by RiverTown Sweets.

Under the direction of Antwon Webster, the event’s committee chairman, the club modified the event to accommodate the COVID restrictions to ensure the three annual scholarships for Antioch High School, Dozier-Libbey Medical, and Deer Valley High School are funded and can be awarded in July. Kiwanis’ continued support of Key Club members is the driving force behind this event’s success.

Club members Martha Parsons, who helped at the event and George Stewart who barbecued the tri-tip.

Deborah Hicks, Key Club Ambassador for Deer Valley led the ticket sales with 40 tickets.

“I want to say thank you to Deborah Hicks for selling $600 of tickets for the fundraiser,” said Webster.

Thanks to the generosity of Antioch community leaders 15 meals were donated to the Antioch Police Department, and several meals were donated to local veterans.

The Kiwanis Club of The Delta-Antioch, in Antioch, CA, is a group of local men and women who believe in their motto, “Serving the Children of the World”! They are one of 9 clubs in Division 26 of the Cal-Nev-Ha District of Kiwanis International. Their vision is to make a difference in our community through our service especially to the children of our community and the world.

To learn more about visit their website or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KiwanisClubOfDeltaAntioch.