RIVERSIDE—Recently, World History and AP World History students at Notre Dame High School viewed the film Children Underground in an effort to analyze and explore how decisions made by governments affect their populations. Mr. Carlos Arce’s sophomore classes studied the fall of communist dictatorships throughout Europe focusing on several including the Soviet Union, and Nicolae Ceausescu’s dictatorship in Romania. 

SACRAMENTO—Seventh and eighth grade students from St. James Catholic School in Perris visited the California State Capitol April 28 to meet legislators, learn about state government and tour the historic building.

 “I was pleased to welcome them to the Capitol and honored they took a day from their schedule to visit the Assembly,” said State Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore). 

SOBOBA—St. Jude School, which serves a small number of children on the tribal lands of the Soboba Band of Mission Indians, has received official recognition as a diocesan Catholic school.

 “I will grant your request that St. Jude School be recognized as a Catholic school within the Diocese of San Bernardino. Your request asks that the school be officially titled St. Jude Mission School,” Bishop Barnes stated in a letter to Father Earl Henley, MSC, pastor of St. Joseph Mission on the Soboba lands.

RIVERSIDE—When Barabara Zapata immigrated to the United States 15 years ago, she came with hopes of a better life for her family, especially a good education for her children. By the time her son, Alex, entered high school, he was enrolled in AP (Advance Placement) courses and it seemed Barbara’s hopes were coming true. 

PALM DESERT—Xavier College Preparatory High School held its second Summit on Human Dignity in March. The focus for this summit was “Education in the Margins” and the goal was to bring forth educational resources that will result in change. Although most Xavier students are not of voting age, they can still be agents of change as leaders in formation.

Catholic school students travel to Germany for Irish Dance competition

By Natalie Romano

REDLANDS—Most of us will never perform on an international stage, much less do it at age seven.

 But that’s exactly what Irish dancer Ava Herries did.

 The Sacred Heart Academy student traveled all the way to Germany to compete in the European and World Championships last month.