Welcome to the next edition of Extraordinary Educators! This month, the focus is on Serrano High School—from its popular Career Technical Education (CTE) courses to the brand-new Diamondback Den Wellness Center.
The original design for Serrano High School was made in the 1970s by CTE Architects of Ontario. The school officially opened in July 1980, but its first graduating class was actually in 1979, with 63 seniors. Over the years, additions have been made to the campus. In 1998, a new gymnasium was built, attached to the original one. In the 2000s, portable classrooms were added to the campus as well. While some changes are inevitable, other things have remained the same. From the beginning, Serrano’s colors have been blue and gold, and the mascot has remained the Diamondback. The school’s name is derived from the Serrano people, who were the first to populate this region.
Serrano High School offers numerous programs through the CTE pathways that provide a foundation and the knowledge necessary to pursue specific career fields after graduation. Several classes taken in the CTE pathways align with courses offered through Victor Valley and Barstow College, allowing students to earn college credits by being dual-enrolled. There are eight pathways available to choose from: Agriculture, Arts, Media, and Entertainment; Child Development; Computers; Fire; Medical; Restaurant; and Woodshop.
While taking CTE classes, students receive firsthand experience in the areas they are learning. The Fire Academy and Medical Pathway hold a school blood drive. The Multimedia Academy senior class produces D-TV segments to deliver local and global news to the Serrano community. They also host an Oscars ceremony every year. The Culinary Academy has the opportunity to cater events throughout the year. The Agriculture Pathway and Serrano FFA (Future Farmers of America) offer hands-on learning with raising and caring for animals, an understanding of and care for plants, as well as ag mechanics and leadership.
“Well over 60% of students are in a CTE class,” shared Lisa Hansen, Serrano principal.
There are also numerous extracurricular options available for students to be involved in. “I want the students to be connected to school,” Hansen said. “It is important to create and focus on programs for students to have those connections.”
For those who enjoy reading novels or anime, playing chess, or debating topics across all areas of interest, a club exists to match those passions. Students interested in the performing arts may find opportunities through the Honor Society for Actors or the Majestics. Those planning to enter the armed forces after graduation can explore the Military Prep Club and the Cadet Corps program. The National Honor Society Club has a few prerequisites, including teacher recommendation, a strong GPA, and a demonstrated commitment to community service. This year, the National Honor Society inducted five 10th graders, two 11th graders, and four 12th graders.
The performing arts department at Serrano encompasses theater, band, choir, and dance. The Theater Department presents two major shows annually, with one being a musical and several smaller acts and performances throughout the year. The Serrano Choir treats singing as an art form. The choir not only performs at school events but also competes with other high school choirs. In past years, members have traveled to New York City and performed at the world-famous Carnegie Hall. Serrano Band and Color Guard perform year-round, appearing at games and hosting concerts and showcases.
Dance at Serrano takes many forms. Serrano Cheer develops new routines and performs at games. STUNT is a newer dance competition sport that emphasizes technical skills and the execution of stunts. This year, the STUNT team made school history by competing in the new High Desert League, earning first place and taking the league title. The Steppas dance team creates rhythm and sound through footsteps, claps, and spoken word. They perform throughout the year at school events and games. Serrano also has a competitive dance team. This year, the team took first place in four out of five school-based competitions. At an industry-level competitive dance competition, one standout routine earned the coveted Judges’ Ovation Award.
For students interested in athletics, Serrano offers a wide variety of sports. With football, flag football, basketball, volleyball, cross country, baseball, softball, field hockey, wrestling, tennis, golf, track and field, and lacrosse, there is always something happening in the athletic arena.
Along with all the extracurricular activities available during high school, daily academic classes over the four-year journey continue to prepare students to earn their diplomas and move on to the next phase of life—pursuing future goals and launching careers. High school can be a stressful time, but support programs are in place to help ease the experience. For incoming freshmen who may feel nervous about starting at a new school, the Link Crew connects them with juniors and seniors. For those seeking extra help with AP math, the Math Mentor Program provides tutoring from junior and senior peers in AP precalculus and AP calculus. When college preparation becomes a focus, the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, which is also peer-led, offers guidance and academic support to help students prepare for college.
Extraordinary Educators are those who continually go above and beyond for their students and staff, not only during working hours but long after the school day ends. Serrano alum Carrie Walczynski exemplifies that spirit. Now in her 26th year of teaching at Serrano, Walczynski currently teaches sociology, psychology, AP psychology, and the Peer Leader (peer counseling) program. She was named one of San Bernardino County’s Teachers of the Year in 2024. When asked what she loves most about her job, her passion for teaching and her students was clear.
“Over the years, I have advised various clubs and groups, but being the Peer Leaders teacher continually provides me with renewed purpose and passion in helping students on our campus maximize their strengths and potential. I feel very fortunate to have a job that I love to go to each day, feel completely supported by my administration, and know that my purpose is meaningful. These kiddos mean so very much to me, and I’m grateful to be a small part of their journey,” beamed Walczynski.
On Nov. 12 of this school year, the Diamondback Den Wellness Center opened on campus. Walczynski played a significant role in bringing that project to life and shared, “I am so proud that last summer we received one of eight peer-to-peer grants awarded in the state and are using our $1 million-plus from The Children’s Partnership to increase access to staffing and peer programming that will help our students with health and mental wellness. We were able to open the Diamondback Den Wellness Center this past fall as a result of tremendous support from our administration, as well as the grant funding. Having a wellness center on campus has been a goal of mine since before the pandemic, and now it is a reality, and I have to keep pinching myself that we made it happen. This is a big year for us, and it’s a lot of work, but it’s extremely rewarding to see more kids able to get the emotional support that they need to handle today’s stressors. Training the Peer Leaders and then seeing them do one-on-one active listening sessions, restorative peer mediations, lead community-building circles, and provide wellness workshops for the Serrano community is so fun!”
When asked how it felt to win Teacher of the Year and what it meant to her, Walczynski said, “Being awarded San Bernardino County Teacher of the Year was icing on the cake of a very intentional year for me at Serrano. Winning the grant was so wonderful, and then being recognized for the time, energy, and passion that I put into my career was very special. In the end, it’s the connections and relationships that I have with my students and colleagues that make every day a gift, but I was happy to bring recognition to our little school district that is working so hard to make a positive, lasting influence in the lives of our students and community. Snowline is still able to offer the type of small-town education that feels like a family that many in other areas can only dream about, and I’m grateful to be a small piece of it.”
It is no surprise that Walczynski was voted Teacher of the Year. She is a dedicated educator who continues to work hard not only for her students but also for her school. Her joy in teaching and connecting with the Serrano student body is unmistakable.
With the end of the school year approaching fast, seniors are wrapping up their final high school activities and preparing to graduate on June 5. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2025, and best of luck on all future endeavors as they say goodbye to Serrano High School.
