COVINA, CA – Covina-Valley Unified School District celebrated its commitment to student success with the groundbreaking of a new South Hills High School library on Aug. 23 and the completion of renovated Covina High School tennis courts on Aug. 26, providing state-of-the-art facilities that help students thrive.

The new South Hills High Library will serve as a new learning hub for students, featuring both individual and collaborative workspaces as well as updated technology. The project is estimated to be completed at the end of the year, just in time for the return of students from winter break.

“This library will be more than just a space filled with books – it will be a hub of knowledge, creativity, and opportunity for our Huskies,” Principal Terry Abernathy said. “This is where ideas will ignite, dreams will be fueled, and our community will grow stronger together.”

The Covina High School tennis courts renovation, which began in Feb. 2024, includes a court resurfacing, new fence fabric installation, freshly painted poles, and updated signage.

“I’m really grateful to be able to play on newly renovated courts and am excited to guide the team as captain this year,” Covina High senior Gianna Herrera said. “I’m glad that these courts will give me the space to play efficiently, and I can’t wait to see how the season will turn out!”

The newly renovated courts are dedicated to Coach Kazumasa Kikunaga, affectionately known as “Coach K,” who made a lasting impact as both an educator and the head coach of the boys and girls tennis teams for many years. The courts stand as a tribute to his dedication, reflecting his deep love for his student-athletes and the entire Covina High community.

Sue Maulucci, Board of Education Vice President, Maria Caceres, Board of Education Clerk, and Danielle Aparicio, Covina teacher, tennis coach, and former player under Coach K, delivered speeches about Coach K’s enduring legacy and the vital role the tennis courts play in the Covina-Valley Unified community. The ceremony culminated with Coach K’s wife, Dr. Cora Kikunaga, cutting the ribbon to officially reopen the courts.

“These two great projects are a testament to our District’s unwavering dedication to providing our students with the best possible environment to learn, grow, and succeed,” Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Eminhizer said. “We are not just building facilities; we are ensuring that every student has the resources needed to discover their unlimited potential.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

CVUSD_EVENTS1: Covina High School hosted a ribbon cutting event for its newly renovated tennis courts on Aug. 26, featuring a court resurfacing, new fence fabric installation, freshly painted poles, and updated signage.

CVUSD_EVENTS2: South Hills High School hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its new library on Aug. 23, which will feature both individual and collaborative workspaces as well as updated technology.