BALDWIN PARK – Baldwin Park High School will celebrate the graduation of 400 students – including 110 who were accepted to one or more four-year universities – during a commencement ceremony set for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 31.

Students will matriculate to such world-class institutions as USC, Pomona College, UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, Pepperdine and Loyola Marymount. Students will also attend area community colleges, trade colleges and technical schools, and enlist in all branches of the U.S. armed forces.

“It is a pleasure and an honor to have helped guide these talented young men and women on this stage of their educational journeys,” Principal Anthony M. Ippolito said. “They are truly remarkable individuals who will leave their stamp on the world.”

Valedictorian for the class of 2018 is Camelle Tieu, who earned a 4.57 GPA. Tieu will attend UC Irvine to study computer engineering. Salutatorian is Melissa Lepe, who earned a 4.52 GPA. She will attend UCI as well, to study aerospace engineering.

Other standouts include:

  • Luisa Valle: Received a Baldwin Park Woman’s Club Scholarship and will be attending Loyola Marymount University on a $40,000/year scholarship from LMU.
  • Kimberly Hernandez: Received a $25,000 Dream U.S. Scholarship and will be attending the University of La Verne.
  • Alejandro Lomeli: Received a 1420 on the SAT (with a perfect math score of 800) and will be attending UC Berkeley.

Jennifer Orona: Received a full scholarship to the Institute of Culinary Education.

Thirty-two students will receive the state Seal of Biliteracy.

In all, students will receive more than $1 million in financial aid, including scholarships and state and federal grants.
The list of graduates includes 63 students who earned their diplomas through the innovative Independent Learning Center at Baldwin Park High School, a rigorous, blended online learning program with flexible hours. Students progress at their own pace, with teachers available for support.

In addition, six students earned certificates of completion.

The ceremony will be held at the school’s Ted K. Gorrell Stadium, 3900 N. Puente Ave., Baldwin Park.