Instagram-Worthy Beaches This Summer for College Students
Looking for the ultimate beach for the Insta? You don’t have to go too far
As summer heats up in California, college students are heading to the coast to cool off and capture unforgettable moments at some of the most Instagrammable beaches in the United States. Particularly for those living in the High Desert, the allure of the Pacific Ocean offers the perfect escape. Recent data reveals that several Southern California beaches rank among the top in the nation for their Instagram appeal.
According to a study by US swim retailer SwimOutlet, which analyzed Instagram hashtags for 246 beaches across America, Southern California boasts four of the top 10 most Instagrammable beaches. These picturesque spots are not only popular for their beauty but also for the vibrant social media presence they inspire.
Venice Beach: A Cultural and Visual Haven
Venice Beach, with 3.6 million hashtags, ranks seventh on the list. Famous for its eclectic boardwalk, street performers, and vibrant murals, Venice Beach is a cultural hotspot that offers endless photo opportunities. The beach’s unique atmosphere, combined with its stunning ocean views, makes it a magnet for those looking to add some artistic flair to their Instagram feeds.
Newport Beach, CA, ranks as the fourth most Instagrammable beach in the nation with a staggering 4.1 million hashtags. Known for its expansive, sandy beaches and clear blue waters, Newport Beach provides idyllic settings perfect for capturing coastal shots, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The beach’s scenic beauty, coupled with a bustling boardwalk and iconic pier, makes it a favorite among college students and influencers alike.
Just behind Venice Beach is Huntington Beach, ranking eighth with 3.6 million hashtags. Known as Surf City USA, Huntington Beach is a paradise for surfers and beachgoers. The iconic Huntington Beach Pier, along with its lively surf culture and pristine sands, creates a picturesque backdrop that is perfect for action shots and beach day memories.
Laguna Beach: Natural Beauty and Art Laguna Beach rounds out the Southern California representation in the top 10, ranking ninth with 3.3 million hashtags. This beach is renowned for its stunning coves, tide pools, and the unique blend of natural beauty and artistic community. Laguna Beach’s rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters provide breathtaking vistas that are perfect for capturing nature’s splendor.
These Instagrammable beaches are part of a broader trend where America’s beaches have accumulated a total of 91.6 million Instagram hashtags and counting. The study highlights that Miami Beach, Florida, tops the list with 16.5 million hashtags, followed by other popular destinations. However, Southern California’s beaches stand out for their unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and the vibrant social media activity they generate.
For college students looking to escape the desert heat, Southern California’s beaches offer more than just a cool respite—they provide a canvas for creating and sharing beautiful moments. Whether it’s the serene sunsets at Newport Beach, the eclectic vibe of Venice Beach, the surf culture of Huntington Beach, or the natural beauty of Laguna Beach, these topranked Instagrammable spots are perfect for a summer adventure.
So grab your sunscreen, charge your phone, and head to these iconic beaches to make the most of your summer and fill your Instagram feed with unforgettable memories.
Newport Beach: 4th Most Instagrammable Beach
Huntington Beach: Surf City USA
PRIDE MONTH
Pride Month, celebrated every June, honors the LGBTQ+ community and commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. While it is often associated with celebrating diverse sexual orientations, Pride Month goes beyond this to include a broader spectrum of identities, such as gender identity and expression. It serves as a powerful platform for advocating equality, acceptance, and human rights for all individuals.
A central tenet of Pride Month is recognizing and celebrating gender diversity, including transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, and genderfluid identities. These identities challenge traditional gender norms and emphasize the importance of respecting each person’s self-identified gender. Pride Month encourages society to embrace this diversity and support individuals’ rights to express their gender freely without fear of discrimination or violence.
Pride Month also highlights intersectionality within the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledging that people’s experiences intersect with aspects like race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and disability. For example, LGBTQ+ individuals of color often face unique challenges and compounded discrimination. By highlighting these intersections, Pride Month fosters a more inclusive understanding of the community’s diverse experiences.
Beyond celebration and visibility, Pride Month is about activism and advocacy, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for equal rights and the need to combat systemic oppression. Pride events provide opportunities for allies to learn, support, and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, driving societal change towards a world where everyone can live authentically and without fear.
In essence, Pride Month extends beyond sexual orientation to encompass gender diversity, intersectionality, and the continuous fight for equality and human rights. It celebrates the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and calls for a more inclusive and just society.
Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom and Unity Through History and Symbolism
A brief Look Into Juneteenth in America
Written by: Andrew Caravella
Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19th, is a significant day in American history, symbolizing the end of slavery in the United States. This day, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day, commemorates the moment in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
The Historical Roots of Juneteenth
The origins of Juneteenth trace back to June 19, 1865, when Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced General Order No. 3, which declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Texas.
This announcement came a full two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had
been issued on January 1, 1863, by President Lincoln. The delay in enforcement was due to the minimal presence of Union troops in Texas, making it difficult to implement the order until the end of the Civil War.
Juneteenth soon became a day of celebration among African Americans, particularly in Texas, where it originated. The day was marked with festivities that included music, food, prayer services, and educational events. Over the years, the celebration of Juneteenth spread beyond Texas, as African American communities across the nation embraced the day as a time to honor their ancestors’ resilience and the ongoing struggle for equality.
Juneteenth
Becomes
a National Holiday
For many years, Juneteenth remained a largely regional celebration, primarily observed in Texas. However, as awareness grew, so did its recognition.
The civil rights movements of the 1960s, as well as the more recent Black Lives Matter movement, brought renewed attention to Juneteenth as a symbol of African American freedom and the fight against systemic racism.
In 1980, Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth an official state holiday. This marked a significant step in the broader recognition of the day.
Over the following decades, more states followed suit, leading to a growing national awareness. In 2021, Juneteenth was officially
recognized as a federal holiday when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.
This recognition underscored the importance of Juneteenth in the national narrative and acknowledged the historical and cultural significance of the day.
The Juneteenth Flag: A Symbol of Freedom and Unity
Central to the celebration of Juneteenth is its official flag, a powerful symbol designed to encapsulate the essence and spirit of the holiday.
Created in 1997 by activist Ben Haith, the founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NJCF), the flag features a star, a burst, and the colors red, white, and blue.
The Star: At the center of the flag is a white star, representing Texas, the Lone Star State, where Juneteenth’s roots lie. The star also symbolizes the freedom of African Americans in all 50 states.
The Burst: The star is surrounded by a nova, or burst, which signifies a new beginning and the promise of a brighter future for African Americans following the end of slavery.
The Arc: The curved arc that extends across the width of the flag represents a new horizon, highlighting the opportunities and potential that freedom brings.
The Colors: The use of red, white, and blue echoes the American flag, emphasizing that the formerly enslaved and their descendants are true Americans and integral to the nation’s history and fabric.
The Juneteenth flag was first flown in 2000 at the Roxbury Heritage State Park in Boston, Massachusetts. Since then, it has become a unifying emblem for Juneteenth celebrations across the country, symbolizing the enduring journey toward freedom, justice, and equality for African Americans.
Conclusion
Juneteenth is more than just a day of commemoration; it is a call to action and a testament to the power of resilience and community. It provides an opportunity to educate others about the history and ongoing struggles faced by African Americans, as well as to celebrate their contributions to the fabric of American society.
Communities across the country observe Juneteenth with parades, cultural festivals, educational events, and public reflections, all aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the legacy of slavery and the importance of justice and equality.
As the nation continues to grapple with issues of racial inequality, Juneteenth serves as a crucial reminder that the fight for true freedom and civil rights is far from over. By embracing the lessons of Juneteenth, we can all work towards a more equitable future where the ideals of liberty and justice are accessible to everyone.
WHO IS BEN HAITH?
Ben Haith, an African American activist and founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NJCF), is widely recognized as the creator of the Juneteenth flag. Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Haith has devoted much of his life to advocating for the recognition and celebration of Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
In 1997, driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to create a lasting symbol of freedom and unity, Haith designed the Juneteenth flag. This flag was not just a marker of the historic day on June 19, 1865, when Union Major General Gordon Granger announced the end of slavery in Galveston, Texas, but also a representation of African Americans’ enduring struggle for equality and justice.
Haith’s creation was first publicly flown at the Roxbury Heritage State Park in Boston in 2000. The flag quickly gained recognition and became a unifying symbol for Juneteenth celebrations nationwide. It stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of African Americans and their central role in the American narrative.
Beyond his work with the Juneteenth flag, Ben Haith continues to be an influential figure in promoting the understanding and celebration of African American history and culture. His efforts have helped elevate Juneteenth from a regional observance to a national holiday, officially recognized by the federal government in 2021.
Ben Haith/Wikipedia
Scholarship Win Fuels VVC Student’s Automotive Dreams
Left to Right - Jared Little (Valley-Hi Toyota Service Manager), Fortino Alvarez (VVC student), Brian Ortega, (Valley-Hi Toyota Creative Director)
Congratulations to Fortino Alvarez, a dedicated student at Victor Valley College, for receiving a $1,000 scholarship to further his auto technician education at VVC. This scholarship was generously provided by Valley-Hi Toyota in partnership with the California New Car Dealers Association.
Alvarez shared that the application process for the scholarship was straightforward, thanks to
the support from his instructors, Lee Bennett and Steve Coultas. They sent out the email for the scholarship application, and Alvarez diligently followed all the steps to complete it. “It was fast and simple,” he said. “It only asked for an essay on why I chose automotive and what my goals are.”
Alvarez chose to pursue a career in the automotive field because of his passion for
working on cars and the satisfaction he derives from helping friends and family with their vehicle troubles. He expressed a keen interest in joining Valley Hi Toyota as a technician, with the ambition to eventually advance within the company.
“We’re happy to support Fortino’s journey towards becoming a tech,” said Jared Little, Service Manager at Valley-Hi Toyota. “Auto technicians will always be needed, and we’re happy to help students reach their goals, with the hope that they might join Valley Hi Toyota someday.”
This scholarship highlights the importance of partnerships between local businesses and educational institutions in nurturing future professionals. Fortino Alvarez’s dedication and enthusiasm for the automotive industry underscore the bright future ahead, supported by the invaluable guidance and opportunities provided by Valley-Hi Toyota and the California New Car Dealers Association.
“Auto technicians will always be needed, and we’re happy to help students reach their goals.”
Jared
Little, Service Manager at Valley-Hi Toyota
Victor Valley College Celebrates Nursing Graduates with Pinning and Candlelight Ceremony
Hesperia, CA - On the evening of Thursday, June 6, 2024, Victor Valley College’s School of Nursing held its annual Pinning and Candlelight Ceremony at Victor Valley Christian Church. The event was a heartwarming celebration of the dedication and hard work of the graduating nursing students, marked by emotional speeches, recognition of outstanding achievements, and a strong sense of camaraderie among the cohort.
The ceremony honored several nursing students who have excelled both clinically and academically. Among those recognized were Louisa Castillo, Hannah Alford, Gessaiah Vargas, Margaret Sandige, Jessica Gomez, Hari Helen Castro, Genesis Apostol, Sonia Martinez, Elias Huerta, and Diego Cortes-Orduno. These students were lauded for their exceptional commitment to the nursing profession and their contributions to the nursing program at Victor Valley College.
Louisa Castillo, the Class President of the VVC Department of Nursing, shared her heartfelt reflections on the journey they have all taken together. “My classmates, I’m in awe of your dedication and passion. You all have brought something valuable and unique to our cohort, and I’m proud to be standing alongside you all during this journey. During these two years, I’m delighted to say the experiences we have shared, the knowledge gained, and the bonds we made with one another give me an overwhelming sense of gratitude,” Castillo expressed with evident emotion.
Margaret Sandige, the President-Student of the California Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA) at VVC, delivered an inspiring speech that resonated deeply with her peers. “Nursing is not just a profession; it is a calling. It is a commitment to serve others, to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves, and to provide care with dignity and respect. We will encounter moments of joy and sorrow,
achievement and defeat, but through it all, we must remember the core of why we chose this path: to make a difference in the lives of others,” Sandige eloquently stated.
“Being a nurse, that’s a blessing. When you bless others, you are blessed,” said VVC
President/Superintendent Dr. Daniel Walden during his speech to the nursing students,
“Not only are you gonna live your life being a blessing everyday you go to work, but you are going to live your entire life and career as a blessing.”
The Pinning and Candlelight Ceremony is a time-honored tradition in the nursing community, symbolizing the transition from student to professional nurse. The event included the ceremonial lighting of candles, representing the light of knowledge and compassion that nurses bring to their practice. Each graduate was presented with a nursing pin, a symbol of their readiness to embark on their careers in healthcare.
The evening was filled with smiles, tears, and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment as the graduates looked back on their hard-earned achievements and forward to their promising futures. The support from family, friends, and faculty was visible, adding to the celebratory atmosphere of the night.
As these new nurses step into their roles in healthcare settings, they carry with them not only their education and skills but also the heartfelt encouragement and values instilled in them by Victor Valley College. The future of nursing looks bright with these compassionate and dedicated individuals ready to make a difference.
VVC Celebrates Record-Breaking Commencement: Nearly 900 Graduates and Over 10,000 Guests in Attendance
Victorville, CA - June 15, 2024 - Victor Valley College proudly announces its largestever commencement ceremony held on June 12, 2024, at the prestigious Glen Helen Amphitheater. The event witnessed a remarkable gathering of nearly 900 in-person graduates accompanied by an overwhelming turnout of over 10,000 enthusiastic guests. In total, nearly 2,000 VVC students were eligible to walk from the 2023-2024 school year.
The ceremony was a true testament to the hard work, dedication, and achievements of the graduating class of 2024. Students from various academic disciplines were honored for their academic excellence and commitment to their educational pursuits.
“We are immensely proud of our graduating class and delighted to see such strong support from our community,” said Dr. Daniel Walden, President of Victor Valley College. “This record-breaking ceremony is a reflection of
the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty, and staff. We congratulate all our graduates on their outstanding achievements and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.”
VVC Associated Student Body President Jennifer Weis delivered a thought-provoking speech to her fellow classmates stating, “If my mother could survive a war, immigrate to America with not a single penny to her name, raise three children as a single mother, and then build her success, there [is] no reason why I should be anything less than perfect. I forgot the little triumphs I made along the way were just as important as the major ones,” Weis continued “so often we bury the accomplishments telling ourselves we could have done better, yet here [we are] graduating and celebrating [our] own success.”
The atmosphere at the Glen Helen Amphitheater was electric as graduates,
faculty, families, and friends came together to celebrate this momentous occasion. The sheer magnitude of the event underscored the profound impact Victor Valley College has had on the lives of its students and the broader community. Keynote Speaker Dr. Bernard Gibson, a former captain in the United States Navy gave an inspirational message, telling graduates “I know some of you might be thinking okay I made it through college so what’s next? [This] is just your beginning, today is your commencement not your conclusion, it’s the launch pad that propels you into a journey filled with even more opportunities, challenges and triumphs.”
The Victor Valley College commencement ceremony at the Glen Helen Amphitheater will be remembered as a historic and unforgettable event that marks a new chapter in the lives of the graduates and the institution itself.
Student Spotlight: Xavier May Orozco
For Pride Month, we’re celebrating Xavier May Orozco, a 19-year-old student at Victor Valley College (VVC). Xavier is majoring in Fine Arts and Film Directing, with dreams of attending UCLA or Cal State Fullerton to pursue a career in the entertainment industry as a professional entertainer.
Xavier has always loved performing. He found confidence on stage, participating in many productions like “The Wizard of Oz,” “High School Musical,” and “Aladdin” at the George Visual Performing Arts School in Adelanto. In high school, Xavier shined in plays like “Alice in Wonderland” and “Radium Girls.” His love for drag performances started when his sisters took him to a drag show. He felt an immediate connection and created his drag persona, Miss Bow ‘N Arrow, inspired by his Sagittarius zodiac sign. Drag is now a big part of his life, and he hopes to do it professionally.
Xavier first came out as gay in seventh grade. He always felt more feminine and connected more with girls. His older brother is also gay, which helped him understand sexual orientation better. For Xavier, being gay is not just about who he likes; it’s also about how he sees himself. Growing up without a father figure made him feel uncomfortable around men, and finding role models was tough.
Thankfully, Xavier’s family accepted him when he came out, providing strong support.
However, some friends turned away because of his lifestyle, which was really upsetting. This rejection happened again during his senior year of high school. With help from his therapist and supportive friends and family, Xavier learned to cope.
Today, Xavier looks up to his godmother and older brother for support, with his brother acting like a father figure. Outside of school, Xavier enjoys watching TV shows and videos for drag ideas, traveling, and hanging out with friends. He loved visiting Disneyland with his mom, especially the Haunted Mansion ride during its “The Nightmare Before Christmas” makeover.
Being a young person in the LGBTQ+ community today comes with many challenges. Many still face discrimination, bullying, and rejection from friends and family. Xavier’s experiences reflect the struggles many LGBTQ+ youth encounter. Rejection by friends, especially those they’ve known for years, can be particularly painful. Feeling abandoned by people who once seemed supportive can lead to feelings of isolation and sadness.
and negativity. Xavier advises young people to find trustworthy and accepting individuals. “Find people who will accept you and never make you feel like an outcast,” he says.
Xavier’s story shows the importance of a strong support system. Despite facing rejection, his family, therapist, and true friends helped him navigate tough times. For many LGBTQ+ youth, having even one person who supports them can make a huge difference. Xavier’s advice to young people who have come out is to find trustworthy and accepting people. “Find people who will accept you and never make you feel like an outcast,” he says. Even though the LGBTQ+ community faces challenges, Xavier believes there are allies who support equal rights and will provide a safe, supportive environment.
Xavier’s journey is a testament to resilience and the importance of staying true to oneself. His passion for performing and his courage to embrace his identity inspire others to do the same. This Pride Month, we honor Xavier May Orozco and all LGBTQ+ individuals striving for acceptance and equality.
Social media and the internet can be doubleedged swords for LGBTQ+ youth. On one hand, they provide a platform to find supportive communities and role models. On the other hand, they can also be sources of cyberbullying
ABOVE: XAVIER POSING FOR A PICTURE DURING A DRAG PERFORMANCE.
Victor Valley College’s Commitment to Excellence Recognized with 7-Year Accreditation
Victor Valley College (VVC) is proud to announce the renewal of its accreditation for another seven years by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). This achievement reaffirms VVC’s commitment to providing high-quality education and continuous improvement in student learning and achievement.
Accreditation is a system of voluntary, nongovernmental self-regulation and peer review unique to American educational institutions. The ACCJC’s rigorous standards evaluate institutions based on their mission, goals, resources, processes, and student outcomes. Achieving accreditation assures students, the public, and other institutions of VVC’s educational quality and institutional integrity.
“The reaffirmation of full accreditation for the next 7 years by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) is another example of the continuous commitment for excellence demonstrated by the faculty and staff of Victor Valley College to ensure that our students receive the highest quality education,” said Todd Scott, Ph.D., Executive Vice President for Instruction, Innovation and Student Success.
The ACCJC’s accreditation standards emphasize continuous quality improvement in critical areas such as student learning, achievement, and the closure of institutional equity gaps. The peer review process, a cornerstone of accreditation, involves comprehensive evaluations by experts from other accredited institutions. This process ensures that institutions meet established standards of quality and effectiveness. An accredited status from ACCJC enables Victor Valley College to qualify for federal grants and contracts, distribute federal financial aid to students, and facilitate the transfer of students’ credits to other accredited institutions. These benefits are crucial for the college’s mission to provide accessible and affordable education to the community.
Victor Valley College’s accreditation renewal follows an extensive self-evaluation and peer review process. The Institutional SelfEvaluation Report (ISER) documented the quality and effectiveness of VVC’s programs, services, and practices, demonstrating alignment with ACCJC’s standards. A peer review team validated the ISER’s findings and provided feedback for further improvement.
“Accreditation is more than a status, it is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, and students and is an ongoing process that drives us to uphold high standards and strive for excellence,” said Daniel Walden, Ph.D., Superintendent/ President Victor Valley College. “We are committed to using the insights from the peer review to enhance our educational offerings and support our students’ success.”
The renewed accreditation highlights VVC’s achievements and sets the stage for future advancements. The college will continue to submit annual reports to monitor compliance with ACCJC standards and a midterm report in four years to update on continuous improvement efforts.
Victor Valley College invites the community to join in celebrating this significant milestone. The college remains dedicated to its mission of providing high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for all students.
2024 Adult Education Graduation Held At Victor Valley College
Victorville, CA – Victor Valley College proudly hosted its 2024 Adult Education Graduation Ceremony on Friday, May 31, 2024, celebrating the achievements of over 400 graduates from across the region. Representatives from five local school districts were in attendance to witness this significant milestone in the lives of the graduates.
The Victor Valley Adult Education Regional Consortium, established in the Spring of 2014, played a pivotal role in this event. The consortium brings together adult education providers in K-12 School Districts and Victor Valley Community College to develop a regional comprehensive plan to better serve the educational needs of adults in the Victor Valley high desert region.
Its membership includes Victor Valley Community College and the five school districts within the geographic boundaries of the college district:
-Apple Valley Unified School District
-Hesperia Unified School District
-Lucerne Valley Unified School District
-Snowline Joint Unified School District
-Victor Valley Union High School District
Additionally, the consortium includes partner organizations representing local community agencies and community-based organizations. The goal of the Consortium is to better provide adults with education in various program areas, including elementary and secondary basic skills, classes for immigrants eligible for citizenship and English as a second language, educational programs for adults with disabilities, short-term career technical educational programs with high employment potential, and programs for apprentices.
“[You’ve] worked hard, stayed focus, and reached your goal,” said Dr. Daniel Walden,
VVC President/Superintendent during the event.
The commencement ceremony was highlighted by an inspiring Commencement Address from Dr. Cherina Betters, Chief of Equity & Access for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS). Dr. Betters emphasized the importance of the occasion, stating, “This is more than just a graduation. This is [an] historic moment in the timeline in your life.” Hesperia Adult School graduate Mikio Venegas, a student leader, delivered a heartfelt speech that resonated deeply with the audience. Venegas shared, “With age comes wisdom, and with family comes perspective. As a parent of two teenagers, I now understand the profound impact of education on shaping not only our own lives, but also the lives we hold dear, our families. I wanted to show my children that education is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities.”
As the speeches concluded, the ceremony moved to the much-anticipated announcing of names. One by one, over 400 graduates walked across the stage, took a picture, and accepted their diplomas to the enthusiastic cheers and unwavering support of their loving friends and family. The atmosphere was electric with joy, pride, and hope for the future.
Victor Valley College continues to be a beacon of opportunity and empowerment in the region, providing educational pathways that help individuals achieve their dreams and positively impact their communities. The 2024 Adult Education Graduation Ceremony stands as a testament to the dedication, resilience, and hard work of the graduates and the unwavering support of their families, educators, and community leaders.
