Paramount Unified students reached a new high in college enrollment numbers this past year as 69% of 2019 graduates enrolled in colleges this fall – a nearly 10% jump from 2018. The District has achieved the boost through annual college fairs, college prep curriculum and by waiving the cost of PSAT/SAT tests to make them accessible for all students.
Paramount High School West Campus welcomed eighth-graders from Leona Jackson and Alondra middle schools on Nov. 12 when they hosted the young students for an orientation event. The PHS band and dancers performed for the middle school students, who also visited classrooms and connected with high school students.
Paramount High School senior Jerardo “JJ” Valle’s passion for combining ingredients to create the perfect dish propelled him to a third-place finish in the sixth annual Marukan Cup of Culinary Excellence competition. Valle earned a prize of $250 for exceptional taste, presentation and creativity. His entrée featured gourmet chicken tacos topped with juicy peppers and pineapple, paired with roasted potatoes and a citrus cabbage slaw. Valle was inspired to incorporate a salsa from Yucatán, Mexico, after he tasted it during a trip there four years ago.
Alondra Middle School students received free eyeglasses on Oct. 25 through the District’s partnership with Vision To Learn, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating vision issues as a barrier to education. Students went through free screenings in the fall before receiving the glasses. VTL specialists joined staff members to distribute the glasses.
Paramount High School senior Rebecca Mejia has been recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholar and seniors Edward Quezada and Jocelyn Ureña have received certificates from the National Hispanic Recognition Program for outstanding scholastic achievement. Mejia was recognized for finishing near the top 34,000 in the U.S. in the 2018 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. A four-year varsity cross country athlete, she maintains a 4.41 GPA and hopes to pursue environmental studies at UC Davis. She also created a green club among her cross country team members that picks up trash at Paramount High School’s West Campus.
Students at Paramount Unified’s Odyssey STEM Academy are learning from successful professionals in a variety of careers through the school’s eight-week Living to Learn internship programs. Students spend two days per week in their fields of study with mentors who immerse them in real-world careers.
Patricia Lopez wanted her seventh-grade daughter to get an early start on learning about potential colleges. Paramount High School freshman Alexia Jimenez knows exactly what she’s looking for in higher education, she just wants to find the right school. Both found more than enough valuable information to help them plan for success during the third annual K-12 College Fair on Oct. 2 at Paramount High School.
Paramount Unified students and families will be inspired to pursue a path to college success when the District hosts its third annual College Fair. Attendees will be greeted by representatives from more than 20 colleges as they receive valuable information to help them plan for higher education. Parents will also take part in a number of workshops that offer expert advice. Topics will include information on academic opportunities, financial aid, scholarships and the college transfer process.
Paramount Park Middle School teacher Felicia Akuamoah was named one of 16 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year by Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo during an awards banquet on Sept. 20. Akuamoah is a language arts teacher known for her ability to connect with students. The honored teachers are eligible for the California Teachers of the Year competition this fall.
Approximately 1,000 Paramount Unified K-12 students and their parents will learn how to plan for higher education at the District’s third annual College Fair from 3:30 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 at Paramount High School’s Senior Campus, 14429 Downey Ave., Paramount. More than 30 colleges will provide information on academic opportunities, financial aid, scholarships and the admission process.