fbpx

Whittier Union High School District

  • Whittier Union Dedicates Whittier High School Art Building to Former Art Teacher, WWII Hero

    Longtime Whittier resident Yoshio Nakamura, whose engaging personality and gentle encouragement transformed the highly-decorated World War II combat veteran into a much beloved and influential art teacher for multiple generations of Whittier students, returned to Whittier High School on Sept. 7, when the District officially dedicated the school’s art building in his honor. The Whittier community, which included the Whittier Union Board of Trustees, Congressional representatives, City Council members, former students, and veterans from the U.S Armed Forces, gathered to honor the 98-year-old Nakamura, known to everyone as “Yosh,” for his longtime career in education, which included 10 years as an art teacher at Whittier High School and nearly 30 years as an art teacher, dean, and vice president at Río Hondo College.

    Read More

  • Whittier Union Unveils New Swimming Pool, Aquatics Center at La Serna High School

    La Serna High School made a big splash with the Whittier Union community during a ribbon-cutting for its new Aquatics Center, which is anchored by a newly constructed, regulation-size 35-meter swimming pool, a state-of-the-art timing system and scoreboard, and an expanded bleacher section, on Aug. 24. Rousing cheers sounded as the La Serna High aquatics teams and coaches, Whittier Union Board of Trustees, Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo, and La Serna Principal Griselda Castro gathered to cut the ribbon and kick off a celebratory afternoon highlighted by a ceremonial “jump-in” to christen the pool, and a luau complete with food, games, and Polynesian dancers.

    Read More

  • Whittier Union to Dedicate Art Building to Former Teacher, Decorated WWII Veteran

    Whitter High School will recognize longtime Whittier resident, former art teacher, and decorated World War II veteran Yoshio Nakamura by dedicating its South Campus art building in his honor and unveiling a commemorative plaque. On March 12, the Whittier Union Board of Trustees unanimously voted to dedicate Whittier High’s Q Building to honor the 98-year-old Nakamura, known to his friends as “Yosh.” The highly decorated Nakamura was hired as an art teacher at Whittier High in 1950 and spent 13 years there before leaving to become the first teacher hired at Río Hondo College in 1963.

    Read More

Whittier Union Announces Reopening of Campuses for Hybrid Instruction

Whittier Union High School District has received the green light by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to begin its phased approach in bringing students back for in-person instruction. The District will launch its Hybrid Instructional Schedule on Tuesday, April 6, bringing students back in cohorts, one day a week. Distance learning remains an option for students and families. Each high school will hold a townhall for families, detailing the hybrid model and how it will be implemented, as well as provide instructional videos showing students what to expect on their return to campus. Media

Whittier Union Scholars Take Top Honors at 2021 LACOE Academic Decathlon

Whittier Union scholars made impressive showings at the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) 2021 Academic Decathlon. Whittier High School and Santa Fe High School took first and second place, respectively, in Division III during the virtual event held in February. Whittier High was awarded 27 medals, while Santa Fe scored 21 medals and was named LACOE’s Most Improved Team. Santa Fe also took third place in Super Quiz, earning bronze medals for each team member.

Whittier Union Alternative Schools Host Virtual Awards Ceremony

Whittier Union alternative schools – including Sierra Vista High School, Frontier High School and the WUHSD Transition Program – celebrated its top students for their high academic achievements during a virtual awards ceremony on Feb. 25. More than 120 students were recognized in the categories “Student of the Term,” recommended by teachers, and “Top Producers,” given to students who exceeded the minimum number of credits during the second quarter.

Whittier Union High School Celebrates Top Students with Drive-thru Event

La Serna High School held its 15th annual Be Your Best awards ceremony on Feb. 19 with a drive-thru celebration that honored more than 100 students for their excellence during remote learning. Traditionally celebrated through grade level assemblies, this year’s ceremony allowed students the opportunity to see one another from a distance as they received a Be Your Best certificate and T-shirt. P

Whittier Union Junior Honored as Boys & Girls Club 2021 Youth of the Year

La Serna High School junior Keyaira Bascus was honored as the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier’s 2021 Youth of the Year for her outstanding bravery, resilience, and courage. Bascus was one of three Whittier Union finalists, including La Serna High junior Norberto Reyes and Whittier High School senior Isaac Guerrero, with each finalist receiving a $3,333 scholarship to support their post-secondary academic goals. Pioneer High School senior Jeremiah Parra received the Whittier Union Outstanding Member Award for his character and citizenship.

Pioneer High School Seniors Receive Award of Merit for Academics, Communication Skills

Pioneer High School 2020-21 Stand Out seniors Michael and Sofia Lagos are two of the driving forces behind the school’s weekly Titan News Flash video report, bringing a sense of normalcy and relevance to distance learning-weary classmates. The fraternal twins are also academic standouts with matching 4.53 GPAs, having completed 13 AP courses apiece. For their academic achievements and communication skills, Michael and Sofia were recognized by the Whittier Union Board of Trustees for their academics and communication skills during a Feb. 9 board meeting.

Whittier Union Schools Recognized by College Board for Diversity in Advanced Placement Program

The College Board has honored two Whittier Union high schools for expanding young women’s access to Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science classes, recognizing Santa Fe and Whittier high schools with its 2020 AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award. The schools received the award for fostering equal gender representation in AP Computer Science Principles during the 2019-20 school year.

Whittier Union High School Creates E-Sports Team

Pioneer High School has launched an E-Sports team that will meet virtually as it prepares for competitions organized by Play Versus, Inc., a national platform for high school, youth and college E-Sports leagues. Students will compete with schools from across the country in games such as FIFA, Madden, League of Legends, Smite, Smash Ultimate and Rocket League. Initially participating from home, Pioneer hopes to provide an E-Sports room for students when health guidelines allow.

Whittier Union Senior Receives QuestBridge National Match Scholarship

Santa Fe High School senior Lyn Guinto has received a QuestBridge National Match Scholarship to Grinnell College in Iowa. Guinto is one of nearly 1,500 students across the United States to receive the full-ride four-year scholarship, which connects underrepresented students to the nation’s top universities. Though currently undecided on a major, Guinto has expressed a strong interest in social science.

Whittier Union School Inspires Community with 2021 Wish Wall

Inspired by the Descanso Garden “Wish Tree,” La Serna High School recently debuted its 2021 Lancer Wish Wall. Created by La Serna teachers Katie George and Jenna George, the Wish Wall, located at the front of the La Serna campus, allows students, faculty and staff to leave messages of encouragement as a symbol of hope for the La Serna and Whittier communities. Photos are available.