Whittier Union recognized years of excellence in education with its 2026 Teacher of the Year selections, honoring a theater and choir director with nearly four decades of experience, and a beloved science teacher who fought a courageous battle with cancer before passing away in the summer of 2025. La Serna High School visual and performing arts teacher David Carter was named Whittier Union Teacher of the Year while former Pioneer High School science teacher Martin Mathews received a posthumous recognition. Carter was also recognized by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon as a 2026 Educator of Distinction for the 56th Assembly District for his unwavering commitment to providing excellence in education.
Nearly 800 graduates from Chaparral-Vista, San Dimas, and Bonita high schools crossed the commencement stage on June 2 and 4, turning their tassels and tossing their caps as family, friends, and educators honored the Class of 2026 for its achievements during ceremonies that celebrated the character and traditions of each school community. Each high school recognized students’ achievements in academics, arts, and athletics, in addition to celebrating graduates who overcame personal challenges in their pursuit of a diploma. Among the graduates’ many accomplishments, all of Bonita Unified’s valedictorians and salutatorians will continue their academic journeys at UCLA.
Covina-Valley Unified School District celebrated nearly 1,200 graduates during commencement ceremonies held June 1-4, honoring the many achievements, perseverance, and future aspirations of the Class of 2026. Families and friends gathered at the District Field to cheer on graduates from Covina, Northview, South Hills, and Fairvalley high schools, as well as the Covina-Valley Learning Options Academy (C-VLOA) and Tri-Community Adult Education. Many Class of 2026 graduates will be continuing their academic journeys at prestigious universities, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, the University of Southern California, the University of Oregon, Cornell University, and more. Others will enter the workforce, pursue career training, or serve in the Armed Forces.
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.
