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WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Scholars Shine at 38th Annual Oratorical Contest

High School winners: Left to Rright: Dr. Marlon Ware (APhiA Chair) Dwayne Hester (APhiA President), Jaymee Barnett (3rd Place), Lauren Stewart (1st Place), Sophia Barrett (2nd Place), Wanda Jones (AKA President), Twillea Evans-Carthen (AKA Chair)

SAN BERNARDINO, CA--- Over 150 community members witnessed on Saturday, March 14, 2026, on the beautiful campus of San Bernardino Valley College, students in the Inland Empire grades elementary, middle school, high school, and for the first time un- dergraduate college students compete in Al- pha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Mu Xi ter.

Lambda Chapter 38th Annual Oratorical Con- test in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Nu Omega Chap-

The Oratorical Contest is a public speaking competition to enrich students public speaking skills outside of the classroom that enhances students' self-confidence, self-esteem, and opportunity for students to express themselves to unlock achievements in other areas of learn- ing.

Honorees received a certificate, a medallion, and a cash prize as their award. Congratula- tions to all participants!

Ramos honors 2026 Woman of the Year and Women of Distinction at Annual Event

San Bernardino Resident Marsha Olgin honored as Woman of the Year

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-As- semblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) today recog- nized San Bernardino Marsha Ol- guin as "Woman of the Year" for the 45th Assembly District which

Assembly he represents and 11 other women leaders from cities in his district.

"It's my privilege to host this tribute to the women of the 45th Assembly District. This is a small sampling of the many distinguished women in the district. They demonstrate what it means to live a life of service and con- tribute in a wide array of ways to ensure thriving communities. I thank them all. This year we se- lected Marsha Olguin as the Dis- trict 45 Woman of the Year for her "dedication and public service in the city of San Bernardino, includ- ing the most vulnerable. Marsha's compassion and commitment to the community is shared with- out question and is strengthened by the love from her family and faith."

The district honorees, in addition to Oguin, were recognized at a luncheon over the weekend. They are:

Marsha is the Director of Mary's Table and oversees all food distri- bution and outreach services to the Olguin is a native of the City of San Bernardino and has close community ties. Olguin also served as a payroll/personnel specialist for the County of San Bernardino for 18 years. She is a catechism teacher for Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church for 20 years. When asked about her love for Mary's Mercy Center, Marsha responded, "I have come across a lot of good people who have helped us build Mary's Ta- ble. We have been blessed to have volunteers from local schools, Ju- San Bernardino venile Probation, Superior Court Marsha Olguin, 2026 District 45 Community Service and colleges Woman of the Year that host clients for the homeless."

homeless. She began her tenure with Mary's Haven. After a few years, she was promoted to Assis- tant Director of Mary's Table and then Director.

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