Mr. Cardinal Candidates Demonstrate School Pride

The largest number of young men in the event's history will compete for the title of Mr. Cardinal City 2015-2016 during the 12th annual Mr. Cardinal City pageant, coming in April. This year, a record 15 young men from San Bernardino High School, all juniors, will take to the Sturges Center for the Fine Arts to compete for the coveted title. Jamie Rios, a bilingual school outreach employee, founded the pageant 12 years ago. It was named to honor the high school's status as a chartered city; Rios remains its director. He said, "Mr. Cardinal represents the very best of San Bernardino High School. He must have pride in his school, be an example to his peers and be willing to give back to the community." The contestants demonstrate the virtues of justice, fortitude, school spirit and charity, Rios shared. "It's really a positive thing and it's opened a lot of doors, not only for the winners, but to anybody who is a part of the program, win or lose," Rios said. "The experience they gain from it helps them in the future. I've seen that progression." Important skills learned by each candidate include interview skills, community service outreach and resume building, Rios shared. The crowned Mr. Cardinal receives a senior photo portfolio that showcases their service and activities since their crowning, Rios said. Eligible contestants are actively involved in their school through extra-curricular activities, high grades and must already have 20 hours of community service logged before the pageant occurs. Leading up to the pageant, as a group the young men feed the homeless, visit nursing homes and read to elementary school children after school as part of this effort to give back to their community. "You see that it's making a difference," said Rios, and not only in the lives of those the young men help, but in their own lives. "It's not really all about the crown and sash - it's about what they gain from this experience." When crowned, the reigning Mr. Cardinal City represents San Bernardino High School at local events, alongside the crowned Miss Cardinal City. The winner is chosen by a panel of judges with credentials that include judging and involvement in Miss USA pageants, explained Rios. The event will kick off April 4 at the Sturges Center for Fine Arts, 780 North E. Street in San Bernardino, at 6 p.m. Doors will open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $7 presale and $10 at the door and are available from any Mr. Cardinal City contestant or Rios. Local businesses and community groups interested in supporting the event should contact Rios by phone at 909-881-8217 or via email at jamie.rios@sbcusd.com.