Today on April 5th, 2022, four CHS students, Mercy Mgbermere, Lucy Lopez, Kim Ramirez, and Yvette Gonzalez were awarded a free ticket to Prom by the Colton Police Officers Association for their participation in the Civic Essay Contest.

The winning students were presented their tickets by Chief of Police, Henry Dominguez, Police Captain Tim Heuesterburg, and School Resource Officer Rich Randolph. The group enjoyed a photo op with their winning prom tickets. 

To win, the students had to write an essay about what they have done as a Colton Community member to make Colton High School and their surrounding area a better environment.

Lucy Lopez, a senior leadership leader on campus said that “if there’s a chance I can win it, why not try… you have nothing to lose—the worst that you can do is lose.” Her experience in leadership actually helped her with writing the essay.

Mercy Mgbemere, a junior leadership leader, shared that she wrote about how she felt like she didn’t fit in at first here at Colton High, but how “being in ASB helped me find a purpose.” That purpose is what she focused on with her essay.

The police officers were just as excited about the winners. “If I can help anyone in any way that’s enough for me,” said Chief Domoniguez.

The Police Officer’s Association understood how expensive it is to go to Prom and how important Prom is to students. They decided the best way to help was to pay for four students’ tickets out of pocket.

They also found importance in giving back to the community and keeping involved with Colton High School because of the impact they can have by giving back to students in any way they can.