Big Bear High School’s Class of 2009 Celebrated in Thursday’s Commencement Ceremony, the 80th for BVUSD

Yesterday afternoon’s commencement ceremony at Big Bear High School was the Bear Valley Unified School District’s 80th high school graduation, and the 23rd from the current school site in Sugarloaf, home to 250 or so seniors from the Class of 2009, including Amelia Hofer and Wesley Neely, two classmates who passed away during their senior year. The 4pm graduation opened with an original song, “The Graduation Blues,” written and sung by senior Eric Carrillo, who was accompanied on guitar by English teacher Mike Harrison. The procession of the red, black and white was led by Principal Mike Ghelber and Senior Class Advisor Lisa Schour and, among the students, the Class of 2009’s three valedictorians Eric Nicolai, Scott Reynolds and Amanda Fisch. BVUSD’s outgoing Superintendent Carole Ferraud, mother of senior and recent prom queen Andi, addressed the hundreds on the BBHS field, saying, “Here’s some advice spoken from a mother: If at first you don’t succeed, go back and do it like your mother told you.” Prior to the commencement address by retiring teacher Claudia St. James, Ghelber asked graduates who’d been in Big Bear since kindergarten to stand—this BBHS tradition easily included 1/3 of the class and, following that, parents who’d graduated from BBHS took their turn to stand and be recognized. “On Your Own” teacher St. James who, with fellow retiree Nancy Acton-Caldwell was recognized for their combined 50 years with the district, addressed the students who’d nominated her to speak. “The only thing of value we can leave behind is love,” St. James expressed, “and the only thing stopping us from loving is ourselves.” The Class of 2009, whose individual parting words were read by class-selected teachers Mike Benson, Joe Bradley, Heidi Carrillo, Mike Harrison and Brad Rice, gifted BBHS with $1,000 toward beautification efforts in the quad—and some $800+ to the incoming freshmen of the Class of 2013. The exciting and emotional ceremony, and four years of learning and growing at Big Bear High School, was perhaps best summed up by valedictorian Scott Reynolds, who said, “We didn’t just finish, we succeeded.”

Big Bear Chamber of Commerce Casino Night

The Big Bear Chamber of Commerce hosts their Casino Night fundraising event at Nottinghams Restaurant. Tickets are $25 each, which includes appetizers and $500 in casino tokens. Proceeds go to benefit the Chamber. For tickets, contact Danielle Cole at 909/ 866-4607.

BBMS Presents “Seussical Jr.” Musical

Students of Big Bear Middle School present the “Seussical Jr.” musical comedy, which features elements of 15 of Dr. Seuss’s books, including many familiar characters. Tickets to the performance at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center are $10 for adults and $7 for students and senior citizens. Proceeds go to the Big Bear Middle School Performance Department and will support future productions. Contact Suzy Carpenter at 909/ 866-4634 for more info.

Man About Town Event for Ace Evers

Dr. Ace Evers hosts his main Man About Town event, Mardi Gras Casino Night, with a live band, food and a casino at the Vintage restaurant in Big Bear Lake. Tickets are $40 per person, and proceeds benefit the Soroptimists’ effort to eliminate teen violence in our community.

Man About Town Event for Paul Ortuno

The Soroptomists’ Man About Town candidate Paul Ortuno hosts shopping with wine and appetizers at Rejoyce boutique on Pine Knot in the Village. Thirty percent of proceeds go to Ortuno’s MAT campaign, which ultimately benefits the Soroptimists’ effort to eliminate teen violence in our community.

SGWA Hosts 2nd Annual Banff Mountain Film Festival

The San Gorgornio Wilderness Association hosts the 2nd annual Banff Mountain Film Festival presented by National Geographic and New Balance at the Redlands High Clock Theater in Redlands. Films include extreme urban bikes, rock/ice climbing, backcountry skiing and more. Tickets are $10 and available at Equada Outfitters in the Village or at the door at event, which will also feature exhibitor booths and door prizes.

BBMS Presents “Seussical Jr.” Musical at the PAC

Students of Big Bear Middle School present the “Seussical Jr.” musical comedy, which features elements of 15 of Dr. Seuss’s books, including many familiar characters. Tickets for the performance at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center are $10 for adults and $7 for students and senior citizens. Proceeds go to the Big Bear Middle School Performance Department and will support future productions. Contact Suzy Carpenter at 909/866-4634 for more info, or the PAC box office at 909/866-4970.

Big Bear Chamber of Commerce Mixer

The Big Bear Chamber of Commerce presents its first mixer of the year at the Northwoods Resort. Come and network among business colleagues of the Big Bear Valley while enjoying good food and raffle prizes. For more info contact the Chamber at 909/ 866-4607.

“Move Into the Light” Concert at UMC

The United Methodist Church (located on Holden Avenue at North Shore Drive in Big Bear City) hosts the “Move Into the Light” concert. The free concert will feature singer/songwriter Bob Wallace, also known as Hey Cowboy Bob.

Antique Wooden Boat Show

B’s Backyard BBQ on Big Bear Lake (off Alden Road) hosts the Antique Wooden Boat Show. For more info call B’s at 909/ 866-5400.

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