EL MONTE – El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) celebrated alumna and renowned singer Vikki Carr with a lively July 31 dedication ceremony at Rosemead High School (RHS), renaming the school’s historic auditorium the Vikki Carr Performing Arts Center to honor her illustrious career and inspire future generations of artists.

The event, bedecked with a red carpet and floral displays, praised Carr’s achievements while students had the opportunity to showcase their talents. Guests enjoyed a light reception, heartfelt speeches, energetic performances by Rosemead High School’s cheer team and choir soloists, and a touching tribute Carr sang for her late father.

“Rosemead High means so much to me and my siblings. My father, an incredible singer, encouraged me from a young age to immerse myself in music, so I took every class Rosemead offered, and I loved it,” said Carr, whose career includes three Grammy Awards and more than 60 best-selling records in English and Spanish. “To the students, my message is to never give up. Follow your heart, be yourself, and go for what you want in life. The sky is the limit, so don’t be deterred.”

Florencia Vicenta de Casillas-Martínez Cardona De Leon, known by her stage name Vikki Carr, was joined by her family, longtime friends, community members, District officials, and local leaders. The renaming, approved unanimously by the El Monte Union Board of Trustees earlier this year, followed a comprehensive process involving community input and a naming committee.

“The Vikki Carr Performing Arts Center will be a hub for artistic expression, collaboration, and innovation for our students and community,” EMUHSD Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “Bearing Vikki Carr’s name, this building will forever be a tangible reminder of the power of dreams and the incredible impact one individual can have on a community. Vikki Carr’s legacy is an inspiration for our students, showing them that with talent, determination, and hard work, they can reach great heights.”

Carr graduated from Rosemead High School in 1958 and later established the Vikki Carr Scholarship Foundation in 1971 to support Hispanic students. The foundation has awarded more than 280 scholarships to high school seniors since its inception.

“To me and all the students in our performing arts program, this auditorium is more than just a building, it is our second home filled with memories, friendships, tears, and laughter,” said RHS Associated Student Body President Alice Sar. “We are deeply grateful for this performing arts center and excited for the many talented artists it will inspire. Thank you to our District and Vikki Carr for your continuous support of the arts.”

The Vikki Carr Performing Arts Center will undergo facility upgrades as part of the District’s extensive Modernization Program, which aims to enhance every El Monte Union campus, supported by approved funding from Measure HS and ESSER funds. The center will include a new exterior plaza, auditorium access, doors, landscaping, exterior paint, a remodeled lobby, restroom upgrades, interior finishes, and improved audio and lighting.

“As we look forward to the transformation of the Vikki Carr Performing Arts Center, we celebrate not just a new building, but a renewed commitment to fostering creativity, excellence, and opportunity for all students,” EMUHSD Board President Ricardo Padilla said during his closing remarks. “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone involved in making this vision a reality. Let us continue to support and uplift one another as we pave the way for future generations of leaders, artists, and changemakers.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

EMUHSD_DEDICATION CEREMONY_1: Rosemead High School (RHS) alumna and Grammy-winning singer Vikki Carr receives gifts and flowers from RHS Principal Janine Salanitro (right) and Associate Student Body President Alice Sar (second from right) during a dedication ceremony on July 31. The event marked the official renaming of the school’s auditorium to the Vikki Carr Performing Arts Center.

EMUHSD_DEDICATION CEREMONY_2: From left to right: Rosemead High School choir students Alex Kha, Maggie Lim, and Navan Do perform “A Lovely Night” during a dedication ceremony on July 31 that marked the official renaming of the school’s auditorium to the Vikki Carr Performing Arts Center.

EMUHSD_DEDICATION CEREMONY_3: Rosemead High School alumna and Grammy-winning singer Vikki Carr celebrates with family as she is honored during a dedication ceremony by the El Monte Union High School District on July 31. The event officially renamed the school’s auditorium the Vikki Carr Performing Arts Center.

EMUHSD_DEDICATION CEREMONY_4: The El Monte Union High School District Board of Trustees, Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga, Rosemead High School (RHS) Principal Janine Salanitro, Associated Student Body President Alice Sar, and California State Senator Susan Rubio’s Field Representative Giovanni Ruiz honor renowned singer Vikki Carr with a certificate of recognition during a dedication ceremony on July 31. The event officially renamed the RHS auditorium the Vikki Carr Performing Arts Center.