Dinuba High School students showed strong skill and preparation at this year’s Tiger ROmP, a hands-on competition focused on academics, technical skills, and teamwork. Held on March 26 at Reedley College, the event brought together students from across the area to compete in career-based challenges. Categories included 2D/3D animation, child development, firefighting, medical terminology, culinary arts, criminal justice, nursing, and video game design, giving students the chance to apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios.
Dinuba students earned top placements across multiple categories, reflecting their preparation and dedication.
Winners from Dinuba High School
2D–3D Animation
- 1st Place: Amy Cardenas-Pamplona
- 3rd Place: Josué Jaurrieta
Child Development
- 1st Place: Jacqueline Arreola
Firefighting Women
- 1st Place: Ebonie Betancourt
Nursing & Patient Care
- 3rd Place: Kiley Ramos
On-Site Photography
- 1st Place: Omar Jacobo
Video Game Design
- 1st Place: Isaac Gonzalez
- 2nd Place: Emmanuel Guzman & Jeremiah Ortega
- 3rd Place: Robert Ramos
Other Dinuba students also placed highly in categories like construction, medical terminology, and culinary arts, earning recognition for their hard work and skill.
Student Experiences
Omar Jacobo, competing in photography, said, “I feel pretty good and confident. I looked at the competition, and they took good photos, but I think my partner, Saba, and I are significantly better overall. I just used the basics my teacher, Ms. Stephens, taught me, and I have a pretty good eye for taking photos.”
Alyssa Vasquez and Isabella Giordinez, who competed in the CNA portion, shared their experiences. “I felt really nervous because I wasn’t sure what we were going to do. Schuster gave us an outline, but I just hoped I came prepared enough,” Alyssa said. Isabella added, “I felt unprepared for the theory portion since I focused on the skills part, but overall it was a good experience that helps us prepare for the state test.”
Firefighting students also impressed judges with their performance. Melinda LaDez said, “The event went really well, although they stopped me because my helmet was a little too tight. My overall time was 4:05 because of the delay, but I was excited and a little nervous. By the end, I was a little frustrated, but overall, I had a lot of fun.” Nathan Peregrino added, “We practiced all week for this. I’m confident with putting on my gear fast, which I think will help me during the challenge. I’m a little nervous, but excited to show what I’ve learned.”
Culinary student Stella Esteban Orosco, competing for the first time, said, “I’m feeling pretty good and just trying to come out and have fun. I’m a little new at this, and I know some people are more experienced than me. I think I’ve got everything down. I’m most nervous about running the timer, but I’m excited to present my dish.”
Criminal justice and CSI students also highlighted teamwork and skill. Vanessa Rodriguez said, “I’m most excited to complete the police agility course. This is our chance to practice real-world skills we’ve learned in class.” Nicholas Lopez added, “Today feels like the Super Bowl for us. I’m a little nervous, but I know my teammates will perform well. I’m most excited for the ladder event, which is my strongest skill.”
The Tiger ROmP competition continues to provide students with hands-on experiences, teaching practical skills while showcasing talent. Dinuba High students proved themselves not only capable but prepared to excel across multiple fields, earning top honors and valuable experience for the future.
Staff Perspective
Teachers and staff emphasized that Tiger ROmP is designed to give students real-world, hands-on experience connected to their career pathways. Mark Bray, a Criminal Justice and CSI instructor, explained that students were able to apply classroom learning in a competitive environment.
“The criminal justice portion is unique in that they’re going to go through an obstacle course. CSIs are doing what could be one of four different scenarios,” Bray said. “It’s always an opportunity for them to meet new students who are like-minded because they’re in the same types of programs, and mingle and network and meet new instructors.”
Bray added that students were able to demonstrate skills they have practiced in class, including evidence gathering, interviewing, and crime scene procedures.
Transition director Myles Bacon of Reedley Middle School also highlighted the value of the event, explaining that it gives students exposure to different career pathways and hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom.
The Tiger ROmP competition continues to provide students with hands-on experiences, teaching practical skills while showcasing talent. Dinuba High students proved themselves not only capable but also prepared to do well across multiple fields, earning valuable experience for the future.
![The new leadership at Dinuba Intermediate School (from left to right): Jessica Juarez (soon to be Jessica Chavez) - Learning Director, Rosa Carreon - Counselor, Hilda Osorio - Counselor, Gloria Valencia - Principal, and Micah Hiett - Learning Director. [Photo courtesy of Gloria Valencia]](https://emperorgrapevine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/682710295_18557787079066828_5882969838312812831_n-900x1200.jpg)
