The Whittier High School Cardinal Brigade music program earned a series of group and individual accolades in April, marking one of its most successful stretches in recent years during the 2025-26 season. Led by second-year music instructor and band director Edward Mijares and his staff, Cardinal musicians are learning, growing, and becoming leaders on the field.
When La Serna High School junior Gianna Sarmiento began looking for post-secondary scholarship opportunities, she searched for a program that could not only pave the way for success in college and career, but one that was also competitive and allowed her to showcase her academic prowess and creative abilities. Sarmiento was one of just 22 Southern California students selected as a finalist for the Distinguished Young Women (DYW) of Los Angeles County’s Class of 2027 Showcase, held April 18, where she competed for an opportunity to represent L.A. County at the Distinguished Young Women of California showcase in July. Though Sarmiento was not among the four young women chosen to represent the state, as part of the DYW Los Angeles County Class of 2027 she is eligible for college scholarships at a select list of universities and colleges across the United States, with potential scholarships worth anywhere from $1,000 to $31,000 a year.
Santa Fe High School seniors Benjamin Zamora and Itzel Iniguez have both been named 2026 CIF Southern Section-Ford (CIF-SS-Ford) Student-Athletes of the Year, reflecting their commitment to excellence on the playing field and the classroom, and upholding the school’s mission to become effective communicators, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens. Zamora and Iniguez are captains of the cross country and cheer teams, respectively, and both have maintained a 4.0 GPA during their time at Santa Fe High.
Whittier Union High School District welcomed top female student leaders from across its campuses to the Young Women’s Leadership Breakfast, held April 10 at the Azar Event Center, for a morning of connection, mentorship, and meaningful dialogue. The event brought together students and professional women from a variety of career fields — including law enforcement, public affairs, business ownership and entrepreneurship, therapy, higher education and more — creating an interactive space where students led conversations and explored future pathways. Seated at tables with industry professionals, students asked thoughtful questions about career journeys, personal growth and overcoming challenges, gaining insight into the experiences that have shaped each speaker’s path.
When Whittier High School senior Maggy Guerrero was a young girl, she watched do-it-yourself videos and created handmade projects while dreaming of someday becoming a civil engineer. Joining Whittier High’s Cardinal Academy of Technology (CAT) as a freshman, Guerrero quickly established herself as a top student, with a goal of attending an elite university. Guerrero received the surprise of a lifetime when representatives from Edison International came to her Cardinal Academy of Technology (CAT) classroom on March 31 and, in front of her family and friends, announced her as a 2026 Edison Scholar. Guerrero received a $50,000 scholarship, making her one of just 30 Southern California students chosen for the prestigious award this year.
Santa Fe High School juniors and seniors took part in the nationally recognized “Every 15 Minutes” program on April 1-2, participating in a two-day presentation designed to demonstrate the consequences of driving under the influence and promote responsible decision-making among students The program opened with a staged car crash simulation on campus, where students gathered to witness a realistic emergency response to a mock collision involving their peers. The dramatized scene included a simulated 911 call, first responders securing the area, and emergency personnel working to rescue injured students and transport them for medical care, providing a visual representation of the real-life impact of impaired driving.
Santa Fe High School students will experience a powerful reminder of the real-life consequences of impaired driving through the “Every 15 Minutes” program, a two-day event featuring a simulated crash, coordinated emergency response and student-led dramatizations. The program will culminate in a mock funeral, underscoring the lasting impact of driving under the influence.
Prior to entering school as a freshman, Santa Fe High School senior Itzel Iniguez, looking for better educational opportunities, made the decision to commute from her home in South Gate to Santa Fe Springs. Iniguez took advantage of everything Santa Fe had to offer, rapidly developing into a scholar-athlete, campus leader, and role model. Iniguez, who boasts a 4.38 GPA, has won numerous awards at Santa Fe, including the Principal’s Honor Roll for seven consecutive semesters, Student of the Year as a junior, the Coaches Award and Chieftain Cheer Award for her leadership and spirit, and the Service Learning Award for completing more than 50 hours of community service.
Two longtime Whittier Union administrators have been recognized by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) as Region 15 Spring Award winners, highlighting their unwavering commitment to student success, innovative leadership, and empowerment of education communities. Pioneer High School Principal Mary Chapman was recognized as ACSA Region 15 Secondary Principal of the Year, while Whittier Union Adult School (WUAS) Assistant Principal Juan Anzaldo received the ACSA Region 15 Adult Education Administrator of the Year award. Region 15 covers all of Los Angeles County except for L.A. city schools.
Whittier High School has successfully renewed its six-year accreditation status from the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ASC-WASC), demonstrating that the school has the capacity, commitment, and competence to support high-quality student learning and ongoing school improvement. The ASC-WASC accreditation status received by Whittier High School is for six years, running through June 2032, with a mid-cycle progress report due during the 2028-29 school year. This is the highest level of ASC-WASC accreditation, and the third consecutive six-year/mid-cycle report accreditation status the high school has received.
