Beth Gonzales, Entertainment Editor
As the end of year approaches, while we get excited for summer splashes and warm July nights, we sadly have to bid farewell to the heart and soul of the Rancho Cucamonga High School campus.
After many years in education, Mr. Carey Willborn will pass the torch at the end of the 2020 spring semester. When meeting with Willborn and asking him what led his journey to this field he said, “Education has been part of my family and really a joy for me. Wanting to help more and have an effect on a whole campus, led me to administration.”
We all know Carey Willborn for his goofy dances with Mr. Bishop, backflipping suspended in the air during the Renaissance Rally, and his love for each individual student and the everyday efforts he puts into maintaining that.
Willborn says, “Principals used to be all business, but I wanted to be a student principal. If you are looking forward to coming to school then I’m doing a good job.” Willborn says, “On campus, there is always something going on that’s massive. Renaissance Rally is always when they let me go a bit crazy, I always try to make a statement. A wow factor.”
Where did Willborn begin developing this positive attitude towards education?
Willborn says “I went to high school in Texas, I knew my principal because I was very good at athletics and I was also in performing arts”. Watch out drama, you have competition for the leading role!
Willborn knows, and we know with confidence, that his legacy will continue. Rancho Cucamonga High School will always be the #1 school filled with students who possess cougar pride with their whole hearts. Who are willing to work hard in sports, ASB, clubs, academics, newspaper, and more, to make this school the well rounded community it has proven to be.
Willborn says, “I’m a support principal and I hope that whoever is sitting in this chair realizes that if everyone, staff, and students, look forward to coming here every day, magic happens.”
The loving culture that Willborn has created on our campus within his time as principal is undeniably unique and uncommon amongst other high schools. He says, “What happens on this campus is not normal. The students here love each other. Diversity is important to them. Hate is wrong and not accepted here. What started here as pure love, if we continue that outside of our walls, will change our country and the world.”
Willborn has one last message to everyone. “I take it as a complete honor to have been the principal of Rancho, it has changed me and made me a better human being. I just want to say thank you for that.”
WE LOVE YOU MR WILLBORN!
“I love Mr. Willborn for many reasons, but the main reason would be the fact he cherishes every one of us.”- Syed Zaidi, 12
“I’ll always remember how much he loved the band program and the amount of support he gave us. Seeing him at all our band competitions always made me feel loved.” – Ethan Mandel, 12
“He showed unconditional support and traveled to our soccer games. When he started to run with the bus while chanting when we were leaving because we won that night.” – Rhazielle Briceno, 12
“Thank you for always being hype for Rancho. We are forever grateful to be your last graduating class!” – Iris Trujillo, 12
“Willborn was always so supportive of our mock trial team, seeing him cheer us on at every competition meant a lot. He really cared about everyone on campus.” – Zane Gonzalez, 12
“When I used to do musicals he would find a way to come to all of them. He would even post videos on Twitter with little comments which were really nice!” – Shelby McIntyre, 12
“One of my favorite memories of Mr. Willborn would be when we celebrated his achievements at a special banquet. He asked the choir to sing some of his favorite songs. I remember watching his face and you could see how proud he was of us. But he didn’t know how proud we were of him.” – Elise Burt, 11
“He brought so much spirit to this school and has set the tone for what it means to be a cougar. I will never forget his unforgettable rally performances. His amazing leadership made RCHS feel like home.” – Maia Black, 12
“I don’t think there will ever be a principal as amazing as him. Thank you Mr.Willborn for making my high school experience better than I could have ever imagined.” – Saleen Mendoza, 12
“Willborn is truly a remarkable and spirited principal. His smile and attitude light up Rancho Cucamonga High School.” – Lina Yazouri, 12
“I remember Willborn would always tell ASB that we were doing such a great job. Willborn is the heart of Rancho and we will remember him for a very long time as the kind of man who loved Rancho with all of his heart.” – Alejandro Torres, 10
“With his genuine love and support for each department of the school, it is evident how much he cares for his students. Willborn is the glue that ties the community of Rancho together.” – Adaora Ojukwo, 12
“Mr. Willborn never ceases to amaze us. He genuinely cares about all of his students and truly empathizes with the class of 2020. I would like to thank him for making campus feel like a safe and encouraging place to learn!” – Savera Ahmed, 12
“My favorite memory is working with him to create Kingsball and seeing how dedicated he was to making the experience the BEST it could possibly be for all the students at Rancho!”- Ruthie Bolton, 12
“I remember when Mr. Willborn signed his signature on the Ren Rally shirt I designed and told me “this is going to be a collector’s item one day”. He is not wrong, but not because of the shirt itself, but because of the lasting impact he’s made on all of us.” – Sarah Tolentino, 12
“Willborn has made an impact on everyone he meets and he never fails to put a smile on people’s faces. He is always up for a challenge and he has encouraged us to be our best at our school.” – Gavin Haberle, 11
“What I love about him is his energy and school spirit. He treats his students with love and care and he inspires me to be like him.” – Diego Tinoco, 12
“I remember when Mr.Willborn came all the way to Thousand Oaks to support our soccer game, at the end when we won we celebrated with him. It was the best feeling ever. “ – Jennalyn Nguyen, 12
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