Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) is embracing Caring Campus to strengthen student success – trailblazing as the first Caring Campus university, earning bronze Caring Campus Certification, and preparing to present at the Caring Campus Conference: Building a National Culture of Care, happening Nov. 12-14 in San Diego. TAMUK’s commitment reflects the core tenet of Caring Campus: establishing a welcoming environment where students feel connected leads to greater student retention, persistence, and success.
In a festive atmosphere that embraced the coming of autumn, favoring tranquil shades of orange that reflected throughout the Bonita Center for the Arts, Bonita Unified celebrated its newest group of English learners (EL) eligible to be reclassified after passing their English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) exams during a Districtwide ceremony on Oct. 1. All BUSD schools with reclassified ELs were recognized at the same time, with 81 K-12 students eligible to participate in the ceremony, where they received a medal, certificate, and goody bag, while their families cheered them on.
Bonita Unified School District’s comprehensive high schools, Bonita High and San Dimas High, have been named among the top 16 percent of public high schools nationwide in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report “Best High Schools” rankings, recognizing the schools’ commitment to academic excellence and college readiness. Bonita High School placed in the top 11% of public high schools nationwide and in the top nine percent of schools statewide. San Dimas High School ranked in the top 16% nationwide and in the top 15% of California schools. Both schools achieved graduation rates of 94% or higher.
The Whittier Union Adult School’s (WUAS) Plumbing 1 class has served as a pipeline of employment since its inception in 2022, with the career technical education (CTE) course providing students with expert guidance that emphasizes employability, efficiency, accuracy, and relationship-building. Preparing the next generation of plumbers, the class currently has an 80% employment rate. The rapid success of the program has been recognized by the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB), who awarded WUAS with its 2025 Outstanding Program Performance Award. The school will receive its award at SBWIB’s 30th Annual Awards Ceremony, held Oct. 30 at the Torrance Marriott South Bay.
Being Deaf has shaped the life of South Hills High School senior Francisco Morales, presenting challenges many students never face, yet he has never allowed those challenges to define him. With resilience, determination, and the support of his teammates and coaches, Morales has immersed himself in academics, athletics, and leadership opportunities, proving that no obstacle can limit his ambition. Morales, who has been Deaf since birth, communicates through a combination of speech, American Sign Language (ASL), and the use of a cochlear implant. He also has the support of an interpreter in his classes, practices, and games, and credits his mother for encouraging him to learn ASL at age three.
Arroyo High School (AHS) teacher Tony Wong was honored by Assemblymember Mike Fong as one of 14 educators recognized during Fong’s third annual Outstanding Educators Awards ceremony on Sept. 13 at the Garvey Community Center in Rosemead. Selected from hundreds of nominees across the 49th Assembly District, Wong was praised for his dedication to student success and his leadership in transforming the school’s advanced mathematics programs. The awards highlight educators who go above and beyond to support their students at all grade levels.
The Fontana High School Marching Steelers band will pump up the volume, hoping to inspire runners and music fans to put forth their best effort when they join Blink-182 drummer and FOHI alum Travis Barker for his “Run Travis Run” 5K race in Palm Desert. FOHI’s marching band will entertain participants in the runup to the race, and greet the racers as they finish. In June, the FOHI band joined in a civic celebration for Barker, a former Marching Steeler who was born in Fontana and graduated from FOHI in 1993, when he received a key to the city in a dedication ceremony for the newly renamed “Travis Barker Way.” Barker briefly joined the band, strapping on a snare drum and playing a solo, then giving the Marching Steelers a shout out during his dedication speech.
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.
Rosemead High School (RHS) English teacher Stacy Lim returned as a first-time mom from maternity leave late in the 2024-25 school year, feeling tired, overwhelmed, and stressed about providing for her son while she was working. She was quickly comforted, however, by the knowledge that she had resources and privacy at school to help make her transition easier with the District’s newly installed Mamava Lactation Pods, a secure, sanitary, and safe space for breastfeeding parents.
Senator Rubio will engage with approximately 30 Covina High students in an interactive lesson on the legislature and the civic process. She will also share her inspiring personal story as an immigrant and proud Latina leader, highlighting the importance of representation, civic responsibility, and community leadership. This unique opportunity allows students to connect classroom learning with real-world public service and gain insight into how their voices can shape the future.
