Puttin' on a show at Rialto High School arts gala
Some of the Rialto Unified School District's brightest young stars strutted their stuff on stage Saturday night.
There was a red-haired girl reciting a monologue about growing up to be something other than a princess, a drumline performing an original piece, Ballet Folklorico dancers and much more at the fifth annual Puttin' on the Ritz for Rialto held at Wilmer Amina Carter High School.
On top of all that the high-profile emcee invited to showcase students' talents this time around was Ruth McCartney, stepsister of Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney, musician and CEO of McCartney Music and Multimedia Inc.
"I am actually filming a reality show right now, but I moved it to Sunday and Monday, so I could spend a few hours doing what comes naturally, giving back to the children of Rialto," she said.
There was a red-haired girl reciting a monologue about growing up to be something other than a princess, a drumline performing an original piece, Ballet Folklorico dancers and much more at the fifth annual Puttin' on the Ritz for Rialto held at Wilmer Amina Carter High School.
On top of all that the high-profile emcee invited to showcase students' talents this time around was Ruth McCartney, stepsister of Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney, musician and CEO of McCartney Music and Multimedia Inc.
"I am actually filming a reality show right now, but I moved it to Sunday and Monday, so I could spend a few hours doing what comes naturally, giving back to the children of Rialto," she said.
The gala event kicked off with introductions of dignitaries, including
Superintendent Harold Cebrun, who spoke of one
of his early experiences on stage, by district spokeswoman Syeda
Jafri.
Then it was time for McCartney and district students ranging from 8 to 18 to take over the stage.
In all, the event's marquee segment featured about 13 acts ranging from the monologue called "Tom Boy Fairytale" by fifth-grader Samantha Rios to a performance of "One Night Only" by three high school students in the district.
Prior to her performance with the Dream Angels singing "One Night Only," Shawnniesha Kearney, a senior at Eisenhower High School, said she was happiest when she was on stage.
"I have a passion for music and love to sing, so I am looking forward to this more than anything," she said.
Puttin' on the Ritz is a philanthropic event geared toward raising money to benefit the district's fine arts program through monetary grants.
Last year, thanks to contributions, the event cleared more than $36,000 for Rialto students.
In total, over the years, it has raised more than $150,000 for students and teachers.
Rios, who wowed the crowd with her monologue about wanting to be a doctor or lawyer when she grew up, was thrilled that her family, including her aunt who drove all the way from Sacramento, would get to see her perform.
She hoped the evening would make a difference for district staff who are facing layoffs due to the economic downturn.
"Because of the economy and so many teachers being laid off and losing their homes, it is important for us to raise money for the district," she said.
deborah.pfeiffer@inlandnewspapers.com
Then it was time for McCartney and district students ranging from 8 to 18 to take over the stage.
In all, the event's marquee segment featured about 13 acts ranging from the monologue called "Tom Boy Fairytale" by fifth-grader Samantha Rios to a performance of "One Night Only" by three high school students in the district.
Prior to her performance with the Dream Angels singing "One Night Only," Shawnniesha Kearney, a senior at Eisenhower High School, said she was happiest when she was on stage.
"I have a passion for music and love to sing, so I am looking forward to this more than anything," she said.
Puttin' on the Ritz is a philanthropic event geared toward raising money to benefit the district's fine arts program through monetary grants.
Last year, thanks to contributions, the event cleared more than $36,000 for Rialto students.
In total, over the years, it has raised more than $150,000 for students and teachers.
Rios, who wowed the crowd with her monologue about wanting to be a doctor or lawyer when she grew up, was thrilled that her family, including her aunt who drove all the way from Sacramento, would get to see her perform.
She hoped the evening would make a difference for district staff who are facing layoffs due to the economic downturn.
"Because of the economy and so many teachers being laid off and losing their homes, it is important for us to raise money for the district," she said.
deborah.pfeiffer@inlandnewspapers.com
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