“The dedication of King Husein School on Friday revealed what it looks like to believe in something bigger than yourself and then take action to make it happen. It was an incredibly meaningful day for me. It was much more than just a ribbon cutting.
“Because I live so close to the school, I had the privilege of watching it come to life. I would run or drive by the site as it was being built, watching the building slowly take shape. At the time, I don’t think I fully realized what it would feel like to eventually stand there and see our students walking through those doors. To see the dream become a reality was truly special.
“As a product of Madera Unified, it is truly an honor and privilege to have been chosen to lead this school. When I was a student, it was evident that Madera Unified believed in me, my siblings, and my cousins. That belief made a difference in our lives. Standing at the Ribbon Cutting, it is evident to me that Madera Unified still believes!
“We are building more than a school. We are creating a place where future doctors, lawyers, educators, and leaders will learn and grow. Madera Unified still believes in our students and what they are capable of becoming.
“And then there is Mr. King Husein! What is even more impressive to me is that his belief in education is not simply something he talks about. As he has shared, education changed the trajectory of his life, and he wants to provide that same opportunity for our students. His donation of the land is proof that his belief is not just words — it is action.
“Listening to him speak to our students, it was so evident that he is a man of vision and inspiration. The words of wisdom he shared with our students were powerful. He leads by example and is showing our students what it looks like; to believe in something bigger than yourself, and then take action to make it happen.
“How often do students get the opportunity to sit in their own school and hear directly from the person whose name is on the building? Our students got to hear his story. They got to hear his message. And they got to see, firsthand, what it looks like when someone believes in you enough to invest in your future.
“That is something I hope they carry with them. Mr. Husein is leading by example.
“The Ribbon Cutting wasn’t just about opening a new school building. It was about celebrating belief — belief in education, belief in our community, and most importantly, belief in our students and their future.”
“I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of it and even more blessed to have the opportunity to lead the King Husein Royals.”
— Christina Riche; Madera
The Superintendent reflects
“Christina Riche is a very intentional and focused leader who sets the bar high for her school but even higher for herself. The competitive endurance athlete in her DNA gives her extremely strong focus to match her communication and leadership skills. She is the right person to match the virtues of King Husein and has the skills needed to build a culture that honors him and Madera.”
— Todd Lile,
MUSD Superintendent
Christina Riche moved to Madera with her family when she was in the 4th grade. She attended John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and then graduated from Madera High School. From there she attended Fresno State where she graduated with a degree in Liberal Studies. She also earned her credential at Fresno State as well as her Master’s degree in Administration.
Christina taught for 17 years before becoming an administrator. She first taught at McCabe Elementary in Mendota before coming to Madera Unified. She then taught at Eastin Arcola, Nishimoto, Madison and John Adams.
She was a vice principal at Sierra Vista and Pershing before becoming the principal at Pershing. She then went on to be the principal at La Vina and now is at the helm of King Husein School.