More than 2,600 graduates crossed the stage and turned their tassels as Whittier Union High School District celebrated the Class of 2026 during spirited commencement ceremonies held June 1 through June 3. Families, friends, educators, and community members gathered across the District to honor graduates from Whittier Union’s five comprehensive high schools, alternative education programs, and adult school, recognizing years of hard work, perseverance, and achievement as students reached one of the most significant milestones of their academic journeys.
Covina-Valley Unified School District celebrated nearly 1,200 graduates during commencement ceremonies held June 1-4, honoring the many achievements, perseverance, and future aspirations of the Class of 2026. Families and friends gathered at the District Field to cheer on graduates from Covina, Northview, South Hills, and Fairvalley high schools, as well as the Covina-Valley Learning Options Academy (C-VLOA) and Tri-Community Adult Education. Many Class of 2026 graduates will be continuing their academic journeys at prestigious universities, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, the University of Southern California, the University of Oregon, Cornell University, and more. Others will enter the workforce, pursue career training, or serve in the Armed Forces.
Nearly 800 graduates from Chaparral-Vista, San Dimas, and Bonita high schools crossed the commencement stage on June 2 and 4, turning their tassels and tossing their caps as family, friends, and educators honored the Class of 2026 for its achievements during ceremonies that celebrated the character and traditions of each school community. Each high school recognized students’ achievements in academics, arts, and athletics, in addition to celebrating graduates who overcame personal challenges in their pursuit of a diploma. Among the graduates’ many accomplishments, all of Bonita Unified’s valedictorians and salutatorians will continue their academic journeys at UCLA.
Whittier Union recognized years of excellence in education with its 2026 Teacher of the Year selections, honoring a theater and choir director with nearly four decades of experience, and a beloved science teacher who fought a courageous battle with cancer before passing away in the summer of 2025. La Serna High School visual and performing arts teacher David Carter was named Whittier Union Teacher of the Year while former Pioneer High School science teacher Martin Mathews received a posthumous recognition. Carter was also recognized by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon as a 2026 Educator of Distinction for the 56th Assembly District for his unwavering commitment to providing excellence in education.
The El Monte Union High School District's (EMUHSD) Class of 2026 celebrated commencement season during ceremonies held May 27 and June 4, showcasing academic achievement, cultural pride, and the communities that supported students throughout their educational journeys. The Class of 2026 is set to attend prestigious institutions including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, Claremont McKenna College, Princeton University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, USC, UCLA, UC San Diego, and UC Irvine. Others plan to go to community colleges, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce.
Three Bonita Unified School District employees were recognized as the District’s 2026 Employees of the Year for their service to the BUSD community, highlighting the range of roles that support student success across the District. Ramona Middle School Physical Education (PE) and Adaptive Physical Education (APE) teacher Peri Berkler was honored as the Certificated Employee of the Year; San Dimas High School Cafeteria Manager Christie Reilly was named Classified Employee of the Year; and Bonita High School Assistant Principal Joy Lindsay received the Management Employee of the Year award.
