New LOGO

designed by Racquel Mangindaan

Last spring, the Upland Sister City Association began an exciting project to create a new logo that would better represent the organization's mission of promoting friendship, cultural understanding, and international partnerships. To involve the community in this important milestone, the Association sponsored a logo design contest open to students in the art classes of Ms. Spears and Mr. Rosette at Upland High School.

The contest attracted a number of outstanding entries, making the selection process a difficult one for the Association's board of directors. After careful consideration, the winning design was created by then-Upland High School senior Racquel Mangindaan, whose artwork demonstrated not only exceptional artistic ability but also thoughtful research into Upland's three sister cities.

Racquel's design beautifully captures the unique identity of each sister city through three iconic landmarks: the Madonna of the Trail representing Upland, California; the Murray River paddleboats symbolizing Mildura, Australia; and Mission La Purísima Concepción de Nuestra Señora de Caborca representing Caborca, Mexico. Together, these images reflect the lasting friendships, cultural exchange, and international cooperation that have defined the Upland Sister City Association for many years.

In recognition of her outstanding work, Racquel received a $250 cash prize during the Upland Sister City Association's Annual Meeting in March. Later in the school year, members of the Association's Board were honored to recognize her once again during the Fusion Fest Art Show at Upland High School. At the event, they presented Racquel with a commemorative medal to wear at graduation, along with a certificate celebrating her selection as Upland High School's Artist of the Year—an honor recognizing her exceptional talent and dedication to the arts.

"We are thrilled to introduce our new logo and congratulate Racquel on her outstanding achievement," said representatives of the Upland Sister City Association. "Her design captures the spirit of friendship, cultural exchange, and community that our organization has promoted for many years. We are honored to have played a small part in recognizing her remarkable talent."

The Upland Sister City Association is especially proud that the logo contest provided local students with an opportunity to showcase their creativity while learning about Upland's international partnerships. Racquel's winning submission will serve as the Association's official logo and will appear on publications, promotional materials, community events, and digital communications for years to come.

The Association extends its appreciation to the students who participated, as well as to Ms. Spears and Mr. Rosette for encouraging their students to take part in the contest. The success of the project reflects the Association's commitment to engaging local youth while celebrating the enduring relationships between Upland and its sister cities of Mildura, Australia, and Caborca, Mexico.

As the Upland Sister City Association looks toward the future, its new logo stands as a lasting symbol of international friendship, community pride, and the remarkable talent found within Upland's own schools. It is a fitting representation of the organization's mission to build bridges across cultures while inspiring future generations to appreciate the value of global connections.