08/07/2026
Some of the best moments from Kickoff 2026, as captured by Rena Ventimiglia:
1-3. The VVHS Drum Line rocked the house.
4. Silverado freshman Samantha Mamesah wowed the crowd with her rendition of the National Anthem.
5. Baseball and softball players from across the district hyped up the crowd and threw out T-shirts.
6-8. This year's Kickoff had a baseball theme, and Superintendent Carl Coles told more than 1,200 staff members "welcome to the Big Leagues." The district's test scores are the best in the High Desert, and VVUHSD's A-G college readiness is not only the best in the local community but among the highest in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Coles wore a Jackie Robinson jersey in honor of the player who broke baseball's color barrier, making an analogy between Robinson's legacy and the way our work reaches far beyond the classroom.
9. Coles honored VVUHSD's counselors for the important support they offer to students as they navigate high school and the quest for higher education.
10. Silverado High School Heritage Coordinator Oshale Hill inspired the crowd with a speech about the impact staff can have on the lives of students.
11. Adelanto High School senior Anna Herrera spoke about challenges she has faced and how staff have helped her persevere. She was joined by her parents onstage.
12-14. One of VVUHSD's newest employees has four legs and a keen nose. Astor, the VVUHSD Police Department's new K-9 officer, was ceremonially sworn in at the Kickoff.
15-18. Employees always show their school and department spirit!
19. We honored our 2026 Employees of the Year: Chaz Chao, Computer Information Systems Technician, VVUHSD TechEd Department; Jared Nichols, Math Teacher, Cobalt Institute of Math & Science; and Heather Conkle, Principal, Silverado High School. These three individuals were recognized for going above and beyond for students, families and fellow staff throughout the year!
20. There was a moment of silence for three staff members we lost this past school year: Anna Lee and Elvin Momon Jr. of Silverado, and Nancy Noble of Hook Jr. High. These three individuals are dearly missed, and we carry their memories with us as we go forth into the new school year.
Thank you to everyone who made this event a success!
