WHITTIER – Whittier Union High School District spotlighted its success in preparing students for bright futures during its inaugural State of the District event on Oct. 1, engaging nearly 200 community members, elected officials, students, families, and staff with a catered dinner reception, live student performances, and a program that emphasized strong community partnerships and a deep commitment to academic excellence.

The event, held at California High School and generously sponsored by Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, was attended by state leaders such as Senator Bob Archuleta and Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco. Local leaders in attendance included Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri, Whittier City Councilmembers Cathy Warner and Mary Ann Pacheco, Whittier City Manager Conal McNamara, Santa Fe Springs Mayor Bill Rounds, Norwalk Councilmember Ana Valencia, and La Mirada City Councilmember Michelle Velasquez Bean.

The talents of Whittier Union students were on display throughout the event; the California High School combined choir delighted the audience with a powerful performance, while the Whittier High School Jazz Band entertained guests during dinner.

Student leaders from across the District and members of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council were also present, underscoring the District’s commitment to student voice and leadership.

To open the State of the District, Whittier Union Board President Dr. Russell Castañeda Calleros thanked the community for their attendance and steadfast support.

“Whittier Union continues to thrive because our community always puts students first,” Castañeda Calleros said. “Tonight is an opportunity to celebrate our shared successes and reaffirm our commitment to preparing every student for the future. In closing, I proclaim that this Board and this District are united in affirming that every student, regardless of background, has the right to learn in a safe learning environment and the right to receive a public education to fully develop their God-given gifts, pursue their academic and professional goals, and make a positive contribution to our democratic republic.”

Following opening remarks, the District’s Executive Cabinet presented an overview of Whittier Union’s progress and vision for the years ahead. The presentation emphasized the District’s investment in personnel and educational services, as well as updates on facility improvements underway across campuses.

District leaders highlighted recent efforts to further enhance the educational experience for students, which included newly sanctioned CIF sports such as girls flag football, cheer, and stunt, along with robust academic programs like honors, Advanced Placement, Puente, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), and a dual enrollment partnership with Río Hondo College.

The District shared its ongoing efforts to modernize classrooms with upgrades such as audio/video projection systems, wireless internet access points, LED interior lighting, standardized instructional technology, and more.

“When I think of Whittier Union, I think of the journey we’ve shared over the past 20 years, committed to working together and doing Whatever It Takes to ensure student success,” Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo said. “Community members and prospective high school parents often ask me where they should send their students, and I tell them that every one of our schools is demonstrating success and offers unique programs to support students. We hope our State of the District helped highlight those successes. Thank you to everyone who contributed—because, as my theme for the 2025-26 school year reminds us, ‘Connected We Shine Brighter.’”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

WUHSD_SOD1: Whittier High School’s Jazz Band impresses guests with a lively performance during the State of the District dinner reception on Oct. 1, earning applause from community members.

WUHSD_SOD2: From left to right: Ivan Sulic, Field Deputy for Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, and Whittier Union Board President Dr. Russell Castañeda Calleros celebrate the success of the District’s inaugural State of the District on Oct. 1. The event was sponsored by Supervisor Hahn.

WUHSD_SOD3: From left to right: Whittier Union Board Clerk Josefina E. Canchola, Board President Dr. Russell Castañeda Calleros, Vice President Irma Rodríguez Moisa, and Board Member Jaime López gather with student leaders from across the District during the State of the District event on Oct. 1.

WUHSD_SOD4: California High School’s combined choir opens Whittier Union’s inaugural State of the District on Oct. 1 with a powerful performance, setting the tone for an evening of community, collaboration, and celebration of student success.

WUHSD_SOD5: Whittier Union Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo is joined by student leaders representing WUHSD campuses during the Oct. 1 State of the District event.