A Henry Elementary School student performs “A Million Dreams” during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Students took center stage this weekend to celebrate the arts at Rialto Unified School District’s annual The RITZ gala.
Students danced, sang and read poetry as part of the RITZ (Rialto’s Incredible Talent Zone) on Saturday, April 27, to highlight the district’s commitment to the arts in education.
In addition to the student performers, the crowd of about 650 at Wilmer A. Carter High School Theatre Hall enjoyed a special performance by J.J. Fad, the female rap group from Rialto known for hits such as “Supersonic,” and welcomed 2024 Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award winner DJ Arabian Prince, one of the founding members of N.W.A.
The RITZ is the district’s annual fundraiser to support arts education.
Grammy-nominated J.J. Fad sing “Supersonic” during the 17th RITZ Gala, at Carter high school theatre on Saturday Apr. 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Grammy-nominated J.J. Fad perform “Supersonic” during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Member of J.J. Fad, MC JB (Juana Sperling) sings “Supersonic” during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Member of J.J. Fad, Baby D (Dania Birks) performs “Supersonic” during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Member of J.J. Fad, Sassy C (Michelle Franklin) sings “Supersonic” during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Henry Elementary School vocal group performs “A Million Dreams” during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Nathalie Alfonso, a fourth-grade student from Garcia Elementary School, sings a poem titled “Siempre Hace Frio” by Selena during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Isabella Silva, a fifth-grade Garcia Elementary School student, recites a poem titled “Mother Doesn’t Want a Dog” during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Carter High School’s Jordan Robinson performs his spiritual rap composition “Just a Prophet” during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Julia May Sanchez-Baca, a first-grade student at Curtis Elementary Literacy Academy, sings “Somewhere over the Rainbow” during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Werner Elementary School students Anne Mukofu, samantha Sanchez and Amalia Velasco perform “Tilingo Lingo” during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Zayla, Ziyah and mother Dakira Williams, Joe Baca Sr., and Neph Woods participate In a dancing contest with Emcee Marcelino “Mars” Serna as judge during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Eisenhower High School’s Show Choir performs “Once Upon A Dream” during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Eisenhower High School’s Show Choir performs “Once Upon A Dream” during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Audience members enjoy the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Eisenhower High School’s Show Choir performs “Once Upon A Dream” during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Simpson Elementary School fifth-grade student Angelin Lira performs during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Rialto High School senior Yahir Segoviano Silva recites a poem in Spanish, “Solo Tengo 17 Años,” during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Jehue Middle School eight-grade student Jizelle Barraza performs during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Dollahan Elementary School third-grade student Aliyah Faith Laranas performs a jazz dance during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Morris Elementary Environmental Literacy Academy fifth-grade student Adalia De Luna performs “Que Agonia” during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Eisenhower High School senior Jonae Espadas sings Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love” during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Eisenhower High School sophomore Mekhi Aubry performs “A World of Your Own” from the movie “Wonka” during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
A Henry Elementary School student performs “A Million Dreams” during the 17th RITZ Gala at Carter High School theater in Rialto on Saturday April 27, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
