More than 2,600 graduates crossed the stage and turned their tassels as Whittier Union High School District celebrated the Class of 2026 during spirited commencement ceremonies held June 1 through June 3. Families, friends, educators, and community members gathered across the District to honor graduates from Whittier Union’s five comprehensive high schools, alternative education programs, and adult school, recognizing years of hard work, perseverance, and achievement as students reached one of the most significant milestones of their academic journeys.
O’Day Short Elementary School and Fontana Unified student Cyrus Moss were honored by the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) on May 28 with its Community Remembrance Award, marking a milestone in the school community’s effort to preserve and share the legacy of the O’Day Short family. EJI Senior Attorney Jennifer Taylor presented the award during a recognition assembly, where she addressed students and staff, recognized Moss for his role in leading the school renaming effort, and donated books to the school library. The Community Remembrance Award recognizes efforts to memorialize a community’s history in support of developing a more just future.
Lynwood High School senior Giovanni Morales and Zion Cannon capped an undefeated Fortnite season with a PlayVS Pacific Region championship, adding a third consecutive Fortnite Duos esports championship to a program that is helping students make meaningful connections on campus. Morales and Cannon competed weekly against high school teams across the region in remote Fortnite matches, finishing the season unbeaten in the PlayVS Pacific Region league. Competitions pit two-student teams, referred to as “Duos,” against opposing schools in a best-of-three format.
Covina-Valley Unified School District is home to exemplary athletics programs, with all three comprehensive high schools offering CIF-level teams that help students develop their athletic skills, build camaraderie with teammates, and compete at high levels. From baseball and tennis to flag football, cheer, track and field, and more, student-athletes across the District are strengthening their athletic abilities and developing leadership, responsibility, discipline, and perseverance that support success both on and off the field.
Lynwood Unified School District’s music programs are reaching new heights, with both Lynwood and Marco Antonio Firebaugh high school bands earning “Superior” ratings at music festival events during the spring semester, a first-time achievement for both programs. The recent accolades shine a spotlight on the District’s Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) programs and the excitement created by two young and talented music directors who have arrived in Lynwood Unified with a goal of establishing elite programs.
Upland High School’s Class of 2026 is preparing to take the next step toward higher education, with hundreds of Highlanders earning college acceptances, scholarships, and opportunities at universities across the nation. Among the school’s 685 graduating seniors, 203 students completed at least one college course while attending Upland High School, demonstrating a commitment to academic achievement and college readiness.This year’s graduating class has collectively been offered more than $1,165,753.75 in scholarships, reflecting students’ hard work both inside and outside the classroom.
Bonita Unified students and families looked on with anticipation as Lone Hill Middle School science teacher Kevin Amegin turned a handful of household items into a bright blue blast of “elephant toothpaste” foam that shot nearly 15 feet into the air. Displays like this lined the Lone Hill Middle school quad as students led the inaugural Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Night in early May, inviting families and local Bonita Unified elementary school students to explore interactive demonstrations designed to make STEAM subjects feel fun and accessible.
From future engineers and airline pilots to aspiring lawyers and healthcare professionals, seniors at Lynwood and Marco Antonio Firebaugh high schools stepped into the spotlight during annual Decision Day celebrations, recognizing their plans for life after graduation. At Firebaugh High, more than 100 college, military and career-bound seniors gathered for a campuswide celebration featuring Wingstop, tote decorating, caricature drawings and photo opportunities with friends. Lynwood Unified alumnus and TikTok creator Jesus Zapien visited the event to encourage students and celebrate alongside seniors as they prepared for their next steps.
In April, the Upland Unified School District refinanced $22.6 million in General Obligation bonds which will save District property owners more than $2.8 million in property taxes. The District took advantage of low interest rates due to economic uncertainty to refinance bonds approved by voters in 2008. This follows five prior refinancings completed between 2015 and 2017, which combined with this refunding will save District taxpayers a total of $37.4 million. In 2008, 60% of Upland Unified School District voters approved Measure K. The bonds were authorized to improve schools by upgrading classrooms and libraries, installing energy efficiency improvements, and providing up-to-date technology to students throughout the District. Interest rates on the original bonds ranged between 3.00% and 5.00%. Rates on the new refunding bonds range from 2.16% to 3.18%, a difference that will save property taxpayers $2,801,804.
Whittier Union’s La Serna High School celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month on May 19 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the reopening of its on-campus Wellness Center, which helped to kick off La Serna’s annual Mental Health Fair, a lunchtime event for Lancer students designed to help them stay calm during the hectic final weeks of school. The ribbon-cutting was led by La Serna social worker Alex Harris and the Ethan Carlos Foundation, a nonprofit that supports student achievement and channels the spirit of former La Serna student Ethan Carlos, who died in January 2025.
