Dragons, ogres, magic…and a bit of teen angst, oh my! Nogales High School Drama is proud to present, "She Kills Monsters" TONIGHT October 9, as well as Friday, October 10 and Saturday, October 11 at 7 PM at the Rowland Unified Performing Arts Center.

Pictured: Nogales students Keyla Torres with sword and dragons played by Sean Seman, Ivette Sanchez, Karen Mateo, Bryant Sanchez and Mathea Oliveros.

Noble Drama Students Pictured Left to Right: Izzy Boyer, Destiny Ramos, Kelsey Antonio, Keyla Torres and Seth Traba.

Nogales Junior and Assistant Director Lyanna Perez shares, “This is my first time helping create a show. I love to support my director and helping the cast if they have questions with their character or need help with acting skills. The job has been fun and has really helped me hone my creative visions and express myself.” She also added, “If you like funny moments, weird creatures and 90's references – come out and support our show because you will have a blast watching it!”

It tells the tale of high schooler Agnes Evans as she deals with the death of her younger sister, Tilly. When Agnes stumbles upon Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure.

“This play has the most props tackled by our Drama group and it was a fun adventure learning how to build everything,” said Nataly Shomo, who is a freshman on the prop crew. “The play focuses on the sister connection, and we watch as two characters get closer and learn more about each other. It is also a fun dip into the world of D & D for those who are not familiar with it.”



Senior Althea Hilbay plays the role of Vera (pictured above with Caleb Vazquez), the best friend of the main character who helps her through her grief as she dives deeper into the fantasy world. “This is my fourth production, and it was an amazing FAST process with just six weeks to prepare everything, the props, costumes, scenery and the performance. We hope everyone gets to come out and enjoy our work,” said Althea. She also shared, “I want to tell our Nobles don’t be scared to perform -- Drama is so fun and our community is a family, we really count on each other.” Althea plans to continue her dream of musical theater and is about to start the college application process. She hopes to attend Cal State Fullerton or UC Irvine. 

*Follow news on upcoming performances at the RUSD Performing Arts Center on our new District Instagram: @RUSDPerformingArtsCenter

In the spirit of true sportsmanship and unwavering integrity, Haley Chow, a standout student-athlete at Rowland High School, has been honored as the recipient of the prestigious CIF Southern Section (CIF SS) Champions of Character Award.

This remarkable achievement marks only the second time in the storied history of Rowland High School that one of its own has received this distinguished recognition.

Raider Tennis Athlete Haley Chow with Tennis Coach Jake Magnant at the awards ceremony for receiving the CIF SS Champions of Character Award.

Haley embodies the award's core values: respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, trustworthiness, and citizenship -- the six pillars that define champions beyond the scoreboard.

As a dedicated member of the girls’ tennis team, Haley has not only excelled on the court but has also served as a role model for her peers, coaches, and the broader Rowland community. Her commitment to uplifting others, promoting inclusivity, and demonstrating grace in both victory and adversity exemplifies the essence of the CIF SS Champions of Character initiative, which celebrates those who elevate high school athletics through exemplary personal conduct and leadership.

“This accolade is a testament to Haley's tireless efforts in fostering a positive team environment, volunteering in school and community initiatives, and maintaining academic excellence—all while inspiring her fellow Raiders to strive for greatness in every aspect of life,” said Jake Magnant, RHS Tennis Coach. “Rowland High School, is a National Blue Ribbon institution with a rich tradition of athletic and academic pride and Haley's honor reinforces our legacy of nurturing well-rounded individuals who make a lasting impact.”

*Catch athletics news by following on Instagram @RowlandUSDAthletics and more tennis news at @rowland_tennis

(Above) Students from Rowland Elementary (and below Blandford Elementary) at the Mini Solar Challenge this week hosted by Rowland Water District.

The squeals of excitement echoed through the campus as RUSD elementary students from Blandford, Jellick, Northam, Rowland and Yorbita arrived at the Rowland High School pool clutching their boats for the big event: the Mini Solar Challenge!

Organized by the Rowland Water District, students learned about renewable energy and natural resources through a hands-on application of math, science and engineering.

“The Mini Solar Challenge is a fun and engaging way to bring students together and inspire a friendly competition. Since its inception in 2019, the program has continued to grow, and I personally love seeing the creativity and engineering skills that students demonstrate when building the mini solar-powered boats,” said Brittnie Gildea, Marketing & Social Media Coordinator for the Rowland Water District.

“Although the morning started with limited sunshine, the sun eventually worked in our favor, and nearly 500 fifth- and sixth-grade students had the chance to race their mini solar boats!” The awards will be announced in May 2026 after students also compete in the Rowland Water PSA and Writing challenges. For more information on the education programs offered, please visit: https://rwd.org/elementary-school-programs/

Don’t miss all the RUSD News by following on Instagram @RowlandUSDSchools Facebook: RowlandUSD and X: RowlandSchools

Alvarado Intermediate Band will be one of more than 40 groups that are part of this year's Buckboard Days Parade next Saturday, October 18.

Saddle Up for our community’s biggest event – the Buckboard Days Parade and Festival next Saturday, October 18!  The parade will spotlight community leaders and former RUSD Board Members, Grand Marshal David and Teri Malkin and Grand Marshal Lynne Ebenkamp.

Get to the parade early and enjoy the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast for $7 which will be held at the Rowland Unified School District Parking lot starting at 7 AM!

The Buckboard Days Parade kicks off at 9 AM at Nogales and Colima featuring community groups, businesses and our RUSD Schools including: Alvarado Intermediate Band & Color Guard, Giano Gladiator Band and Color Guard, Jellick Elementary, Nogales Noble Regiment, The Nogales Dance Crew, Northam Elementary School, Rollin’ Raiders, Rorimer Elementary School, Rowland Elementary School, Rowland High School Varsity Football Team, Rowland High School Cheer, Rowland Raider Regiment, Shelyn Elementary, Stanley T. Oswalt Academy, and the Telesis Academy Titan Band!

The parade ends at the Rowland Heights Park where the Buckboard Festival is held from 11 AM – 2 PM with booths, food and FUN!

For more information visit:

 info@BuckboardDaysParade.org

 BuckboardDaysParade.org

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October 9, 2025 Issue RUSD News Editor gward@rowlandschools.org

Proud to Serve Our Communities of City of Industry, La Puente, Rowland Heights,

Walnut & West Covina

www.RowlandSchools.org