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.
A.B. Miller High School has been recognized as a 2026 California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education (CDE), highlighting its commitment to academic achievement and closing achievement gaps. The CDE selects California Distinguished Schools based on data reported on the California Dashboard, recognizing schools that show significant progress in academic performance, student engagement, and school culture and climate, using state indicators such as English language arts and math performance, graduation rates, and suspension rates.
Lynwood Unified School District has been named one of 12 school districts in the nation to receive the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) K–12 Student Agency Award, a national recognition honoring districts leading thoughtful, ethical and student-centered approaches to AI in education. The award was presented at the Student and Community Voice AI Summit, held in March in Anaheim, where educators, students and school leaders from across the country gathered to discuss the future of AI in schools.
McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas is strengthening student belonging through Caring Campus, creating an environment where every student feels welcomed and empowered to succeed from the moment they step onto campus.Through a dedication to the Caring Campus behavioral commitments, intentionality during the first week of school, and small but meaningful strategies which show students that employees care, McLennan is creating a culture where every student can thrive. Known at the college as McLennan Always Cares, this work reflects a campuswide commitment to fostering connection and belonging for every student.
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.
South Hills High School junior Denise Lee has spent the last two years volunteering in her community, developing innovative technology, launching a small business, and strengthening her athletic skills, efforts that have earned her the highest honor the U.S. Congress bestows upon young Americans, the Congressional Award Gold Medal. To earn the Gold Medal, Lee completed 400 hours of Voluntary Public Service, 200 hours of Personal Development, and 200 hours of Physical Fitness, along with a five-day, four-night exploration of a new environment or culture.
Under a sunny sky and with cheers of families echoing from the stands, Bonita Unified School District brought together students with special needs from across the District for its fourth annual Sports Festival on March 27, a day celebrating ability and inclusion. The event welcomed students to Saints Stadium at San Dimas High School for a day of track-and-field-style activities, including relays, long jump, ball toss and pool noodle javelin. The day began with an opening ceremony parade for each school participating. Students smiled and waved to families filling the stands, setting the tone for a day of spirited and friendly competition.
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.
Upland Unified School District will honor the dedication and impact of its employees this spring through appreciation and Board recognition, highlighting the vital role staff play in supporting student success. At its April 14 meeting, the Board of Trustees unanimously adopted resolutions recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week from May 4–8 and Classified Employee Appreciation Week from May 18–22. These observances recognize the collective contributions of certificated, classified, confidential, and management staff across the District. District personnel will be providing staff with thoughtful gestures of appreciation in recognition of their daily commitment to students and families.
South El Monte High School’s (SEMHS) SeaPerch robotics team earned a first-place finish at the Los Angeles Regional SeaPerch Competition in March, securing a spot in the International SeaPerch Competition in Maryland and marking the program’s return to global competition for the third time in 15 years. The student-led team competed against top programs from across the region, demonstrating technical skill, teamwork, and adaptability to emerge as overall champions. Representing Los Angeles County, the group is advancing to an international field that includes teams from across the United States and countries such as China and New Zealand.
Students at Upland High School (UHS) are earning widespread recognition for outstanding achievement across academics, arts, and athletics, demonstrating a strong tradition of excellence and a commitment to well-rounded success. Academically, UHS students excelled in multiple regional competitions. Forty students participated in the San Bernardino County History Day competition on March 7 at California State University, San Bernardino, with 26 advancing to the state-level competition. Students developed original projects aligned with this year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction and Reform in History,” choosing formats such as documentaries, performances, websites, and exhibits. Eleven students also represented UHS at the San Bernardino County Science Fair on Feb. 26 at the University of Redlands, with all participants earning silver awards.
