Raider Report - Starting Strong in 2026!

Dear Raider Families:

At Sonora High School, we believe school spirit is about more than events or rallies; it’s about making sure every student feels seen, welcomed, and connected. This month, we recognize Allison Kim as our Rotary Student of the Month for the way she models that belief every day.

Whether she’s on the microphone at a rally, leading a lunch activity, or cheering from the front row at an athletic event, Allison’s focus is always the same: inviting others in and showcasing the strength of our student body. Her leadership reflects a commitment to building community, encouraging participation, and helping students find a place where they belong.

Allison’s story reminds us that when students are given opportunities to connect, lead, and serve, they don’t just join a school—they help shape its culture. She exemplifies the spirit of Sonora High School by bringing people together and celebrating what makes our community special.

As we move through this point in the school year—a time when routines are set, relationships are deepening, and the year ahead is full of opportunity—this is also a reminder to lean into connection. Whether it’s attending a game, joining a club, cheering at a rally, or simply reaching out to someone new, every student has a role in shaping our school community. The memories that last longest are built when we choose to show up for one another. Together, let’s continue creating a campus where involvement is encouraged, differences are celebrated, and every Raider knows they belong at Sonora.

Have a great week!

Steven A. Cazares

Principal, Sonora High School

Last week, ASB Leadership took time to recognize and thank our Link Crew leaders for their outstanding leadership and commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. The connection Link Crew leaders build with our newest Raiders is truly inspiring, as they thoughtfully plan and carry out strategies that encourage student engagement and support success both in and out of the classroom. We are grateful for the positive culture they help create every day.

Congratulations to the Sonora Theatre Department for their participation in the FJUHSD Theater Festival last week. This experience provided a wonderful opportunity for students to build new skills, make meaningful connections, and showcase their talents alongside outstanding performers from across the district. We are incredibly proud of these young actors for their courage, growth, and commitment as they continue to sharpen their craft and build their confidence on stage.

Last Friday at Azusa Pacific University, our Cheer Program took the floor at the CIF Finals and delivered a performance that truly reflected the heart of this team. Battling through adversity all season long, these athletes showed resilience, unity, and determination, earning an outstanding Top 5 finish in one of the toughest competitions of the year. This achievement is a testament to the countless hours of preparation, perseverance through challenges, and the unwavering commitment of every athlete. We are incredibly proud of our cheerleaders for putting their heart and soul into everything they do. Congratulations to Coach Jen Galvan and the entire coaching staff for their dedication, long hours, and tireless support in guiding this program to such a meaningful accomplishment.

Our Cheer and Song teams are headed to Florida next week to compete on the national stage, and we invite our community to help send them off in style. Join us on January 29th for a special showcase of their performances and an opportunity to celebrate their hard work, dedication, and pride before they represent us at Nationals. Let’s pack the house and show our support as they take this incredible next step.

Our Raiderettes delivered an outstanding performance in competition, earning first-place finishes in Kick, Pom/Drill, Large Dance/Drill, and Large Military. They also captured second place in Small Military and Medium Hip Hop, showcasing their versatility, precision, and hard work across multiple categories. Congratulations to our Raiderettes on an incredible showing as they continue their journey—next up, USA Regionals! ❤️💙

Inspired by Teachers like Mr. Patrick Takkinen, whose impact reaches far beyond the classroom. As a social science teacher at Sonora High School, Mr. Takkinen challenges students to think critically and engage deeply with the world around them. Beyond teaching, he invests wholeheartedly in school culture—coaching three sports, building meaningful relationships, and capturing countless moments behind the camera that showcase the positive spirit of Sonora. His dedication to students, learning, and community is a powerful example of what it means to inspire.

Inspired by Teachers like Mrs. Katrina Edmonds, whose work opens doors for students well beyond high school. As an educator in the Nursing and Medical Careers Pathway, Mrs. Edmonds equips students with real-world skills, hands-on experiences, and a clear vision of what’s possible in their future careers. Through her dedication, mentorship, and commitment to student success, she empowers learners to see themselves in healthcare professions and confidently take the next steps toward college, certification, and meaningful careers. Her impact is shaping futures—one student at a time.

Inspired by staff like Yeimy Guzman, whose care and dedication nourish both body and spirit. As a Food Service Lead, Yeimy plays a critical role in supporting student well-being by ensuring that every student has access to nutritious meals and a welcoming, supportive environment. Her work goes far beyond food preparation, she builds relationships with students, creates a sense of comfort and consistency, and helps make school a place where students feel cared for and valued. By providing daily nourishment and genuine kindness, Yeimy helps students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn, reminding us that well-being is at the heart of student success.

Inspired by staff like Rebecca Loeza, whose impact is felt every day on the sidelines and beyond. As our Athletic Trainer, Rebecca plays a vital role in keeping students safe, supported, and confident as they recover and return to competition. Her care goes beyond physical recovery, she builds strong connections with students, offering reassurance, trust, and mentorship when they need it most. By investing time in teaching and guiding students interested in sports medicine, she is helping develop the next generation of athletic trainers and healthcare professionals. Her dedication to student well-being and future careers truly embodies what it means to inspire.

Inspired by staff like Jonathan Stevens, whose presence helps create a safe and trusting school environment for all. As a Campus Supervisor Liaison, Mr. Stevens goes beyond ensuring campus safety—he builds meaningful relationships with students rooted in respect, consistency, and trust. Through his calm leadership and genuine care, students know they have an adult who listens, supports, and looks out for their well-being. His ability to connect with students while maintaining a secure and positive campus culture plays a vital role in helping students feel safe, valued, and ready to succeed each day.

Girls Water Polo:

Our Lady Raiders battled hard and played strong defense against Brea, but came up short in a 7–2 loss. They return home on Monday to host El Modena in a critical league matchup at 4:00 p.m. Congratulations to senior Katherine Czarnecka on reaching the 50-steal milestone this season, to go along with Senior Melissa Arias and Sophomore Aeribella Hernandez reaching the 50-goal mark.

Boys Basketball:

Our Boys battled through a tough week, fighting off the flu bug and a hard-fought road game at Villa Park, where they came up just short in an eight-point loss. After regrouping and getting healthier, the Raiders responded in a big way with a critical 22-point victory on the road at Yorba Linda. Jayden Barnes led the charge with 24 points, while Tyler Holmquist recorded a triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. The Raiders close out the regular season at home this week—Tuesday vs. El Dorado and Friday night vs. Sunny Hills for Senior Night.

Girls Basketball:

Our Lady Raiders were also on the road this week, battling hard in both contests but coming up short against Troy and Yorba Linda on Friday. Despite the results, Rajya Elisaldez led the team in both games with her strong play and leadership, earning her recognition as our Sonora Athlete of the Week.

Wrestling:

Both our Boys and Girls wrestling teams finished up league matches with victories over Sunny Hills. The wins were extra special on the night we celebrated our Seniors in the Sonora Wrestling program.

Girls Soccer:

Our Lady Raiders dropped a hard-fought match to Yorba Linda by a score of 1–0, but responded in a big way with an impressive 4–1 home victory over Esperanza. Olivia Madera led the charge with four goals in the win. The Lady Raiders wrap up league play next week with matches against Crean Lutheran and Pacifica.

Boys Soccer:

Our Boys Soccer team had a perfect week, going 2–0 with impressive victories over El Modena and La Habra. The Raiders once again claimed the coveted Boot and the City Championship with a dominant 5–0 win over the Highlanders. From the opening kickoff, the Raiders controlled the match and secured a shutout to cap off an outstanding performance.

ALL Sports Including Cheer, Dance, JROTC, & Band Must Register

1) Go to homecampus.com/login

Please use the following Handout to help guide you through the Athletic Clearance process.
Create an account and complete all sections: Watch the VIDEO for detailed instructions.
**Very Important** Choose “Sonora” (CIF-SS)” on the list and the School Year "2023/2024".

2) You must upload Page 4 of the PHYSICAL FORM

Downloadable Physical Form

Print & Fill Out the Physical Form for your visit to the doctor.
Page 4 MUST BE COMPLETED (MEDICAL CLEARANCE STATUS MARKED AND EMERGENCY CONTACTS FILLED OUT), SIGNED, STAMPED & DATED BY A PHYSICIAN.

Only the signature from an MD, DO, or PA will be accepted. Signatures from Chiropractors and Nurse Practitioners are NOT accepted.

Page 4 of the Physical Form must then be uploaded to Home Campus.
There is no form under the signed Confirmation Page. Please skip that and go back to upload the form at the end of the process.

3) Once you have completed the signatures and uploaded the physical form on Home Campus, Print out the Confirmation Page from homecampus.com/login

Print & Complete (Both parent & student signatures are required).
Please be advised that each sport/activity must be listed at the top of the page in order to be cleared for that sport during the 2023-24 school year.
Go back into Home Campus and upload the Confirmation Page into the Signed Confirmation Page Form

You are not cleared until you receive a clearance email from Home Campus. Our Admin team must review all submissions prior to your student-athlete receiving clearance. You may follow the status of your clearance on the Home Campus website.

If you have questions, please contact Mrs, Crail, Assistant Principal, at mcrail@fjuhsd.org

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