Oak Mesa Elementary School students saw their creativity take center stage during a campus visit by The Imagination Machine, which transformed student-written stories into lively performances that blended humor and the fundamentals of storytelling. Students gathered with anticipation in March as their classmates’ stories were introduced across three assembly sessions. This year, actors clad in paint splattered overalls brought seven stories written by Oak Mesa students to life through colorful costumes, music, and playful stagecraft. Over the school day, stories such as the mysterious “Ghost of Oak Mesa” and the heroic “Super Friends” were transformed into lively theatrical scenes.
Fairvalley High School has been redesignated as a Model Continuation High School by the California Department of Education (CDE), recognizing the school’s standout academic and guidance services that empower students to succeed. Having maintained Model Continuation status for more than two decades, Fairvalley High is one of only 59 schools in California to receive the designation for 2026.
In their first-ever appearance on the USA Dance Nationals stage, students in Lynwood High School’s Dance Career Technical Education pathway earned a second-place finish on March 15, beating out some of the top dance teams in the country. Their lyrical routine, “Medicine,” and jazz routine, “Working Girl,” both of which qualified them for nationals, took seven months to choreograph and perfect by 17 dance ensemble students, program lead and Lynwood High alumna Brittany Washington and instructors. Ultimately, their lyrical routine secured their podium finish.
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.
Covina-Valley Unified School District empowers students to challenge themselves academically through advanced programs and college-level courses that allow them to earn college credit and begin building their futures while still in high school. At Covina High School, students can participate in both the longstanding dual enrollment program and the newly launched Early College Pathway (ECP), two opportunities that allow them to earn college credit while completing their high school education. These programs give students a head start on their college journeys while helping families save time and money on future coursework.
At age five, Agustin Ramon and his family left Mexico and arrived in the United States, leaving all they knew for a chance at a better life while navigating a language barrier that proved to be a daily struggle. Ramon, now a Lynwood High School senior, overcame those early challenges with the support of his family and the Lynwood Unified community, building confidence in the classroom and setting his sights on a future in the tech industry. His resilience and academic achievements were recognized on March 20, when he was named an Edison Scholar and awarded a $50,000 scholarship.
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.
State Sen. Eloise Reyes recognized Fontana Adult School citizenship teacher Lynnette Browning as a Woman of Distinction during the 10th annual Woman of the Year event on April 10 for her passion in helping immigrants prepare for their naturalization interview and becoming United States citizens. As Fontana Adult School’s citizenship teacher since 2018, Browning has seen extraordinary results. During the 2023-24 school year, 53 students passed their U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) exam to become citizens. The number rose to 57 during the 2024-25 school year. Thus far in the 2025-26 school year, 19 students have become citizens, with three students waiting to take their oaths and more than 65 students waiting for a USCIS appointment date.
Las Palmas Middle School students are developing bilingual, biliteracy, and bicultural skills in the school’s Spanish Dual Immersion program, opening doors to expanded opportunities in higher education and future careers. The dual immersion journey begins early at Manzanita Elementary School, where students enter the program in transitional kindergarten. By the time they arrive at Las Palmas, students are already multilingual and ready for a more rigorous, in-depth curriculum taught in Spanish. The program continues into Northview High School, where students further refine their skills and ultimately graduate with the Seal of Biliteracy.
Bonita Unified School District’s two middle schools – Lone Hill and Ramona – have been designated as 2026 California Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education (CDE) for their efforts to narrow the achievement gap and provide equity in education for every student.
Both Ramona and Lone Hill middle schools, which are among 408 middle and high schools recognized by the CDE this year, have previously earned the Distinguished School designation. The program recognizes schools that are among the highest in the state for academic achievement; successful in closing the achievement gap; or serving rural and Title I communities and demonstrating exceptional outcomes. Eligibility for the honor was determined using metrics from the 2025 California School Dashboard data.
