Arroyo High School senior Gary Chen has been named a 2026 Edison Scholar, earning a $50,000 scholarship to support his pursuit of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in higher education. He plans to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where he will study electrical and computer engineering. The recognition came as a surprise during Chen’s Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature class, as students finished the first act of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” The classroom door opened and a group entered, including Chen’s father and representatives from Edison International, delivering the announcement.
Roynon Elementary students stepped into the world of invention and entrepreneurship during their fourth annual Shark Tank event on March 23, pitching creations designed to solve real-world challenges and improve the lives of others.
Students at Upland High School (UHS) are earning widespread recognition for outstanding achievement across academics, arts, and athletics, demonstrating a strong tradition of excellence and a commitment to well-rounded success. Academically, UHS students excelled in multiple regional competitions. Forty students participated in the San Bernardino County History Day competition on March 7 at California State University, San Bernardino, with 26 advancing to the state-level competition. Students developed original projects aligned with this year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction and Reform in History,” choosing formats such as documentaries, performances, websites, and exhibits. Eleven students also represented UHS at the San Bernardino County Science Fair on Feb. 26 at the University of Redlands, with all participants earning silver awards.
South El Monte High School’s (SEMHS) SeaPerch robotics team earned a first-place finish at the Los Angeles Regional SeaPerch Competition in March, securing a spot in the International SeaPerch Competition in Maryland and marking the program’s return to global competition for the third time in 15 years. The student-led team competed against top programs from across the region, demonstrating technical skill, teamwork, and adaptability to emerge as overall champions. Representing Los Angeles County, the group is advancing to an international field that includes teams from across the United States and countries such as China and New Zealand.
Upland Unified School District will honor the dedication and impact of its employees this spring through appreciation and Board recognition, highlighting the vital role staff play in supporting student success. At its April 14 meeting, the Board of Trustees unanimously adopted resolutions recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week from May 4–8 and Classified Employee Appreciation Week from May 18–22. These observances recognize the collective contributions of certificated, classified, confidential, and management staff across the District. District personnel will be providing staff with thoughtful gestures of appreciation in recognition of their daily commitment to students and families.
Santa Fe High School seniors Benjamin Zamora and Itzel Iniguez have both been named 2026 CIF Southern Section-Ford (CIF-SS-Ford) Student-Athletes of the Year, reflecting their commitment to excellence on the playing field and the classroom, and upholding the school’s mission to become effective communicators, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens. Zamora and Iniguez are captains of the cross country and cheer teams, respectively, and both have maintained a 4.0 GPA during their time at Santa Fe High.
Fontana Unified School District students will compete in a high-energy SoCal Design-Build competition, where teams race against the clock to construct a fully functional structure while demonstrating real-world construction, engineering, and teamwork skills. A collaborative team made up of 10 Fontana High School students and five Eric Birch High School students will compete against other groups across Southern California to design and complete construction of an 80-square-foot shed, which includes its framing, a window, door, and electrical components.
Under a sunny sky and with cheers of families echoing from the stands, Bonita Unified School District brought together students with special needs from across the District for its fourth annual Sports Festival on March 27, a day celebrating ability and inclusion. The event welcomed students to Saints Stadium at San Dimas High School for a day of track-and-field-style activities, including relays, long jump, ball toss and pool noodle javelin. The day began with an opening ceremony parade for each school participating. Students smiled and waved to families filling the stands, setting the tone for a day of spirited and friendly competition.
South Hills High School junior Denise Lee has spent the last two years volunteering in her community, developing innovative technology, launching a small business, and strengthening her athletic skills, efforts that have earned her the highest honor the U.S. Congress bestows upon young Americans, the Congressional Award Gold Medal. To earn the Gold Medal, Lee completed 400 hours of Voluntary Public Service, 200 hours of Personal Development, and 200 hours of Physical Fitness, along with a five-day, four-night exploration of a new environment or culture.
Whittier Union High School District welcomed top female student leaders from across its campuses to the Young Women’s Leadership Breakfast, held April 10 at the Azar Event Center, for a morning of connection, mentorship, and meaningful dialogue. The event brought together students and professional women from a variety of career fields — including law enforcement, public affairs, business ownership and entrepreneurship, therapy, higher education and more — creating an interactive space where students led conversations and explored future pathways. Seated at tables with industry professionals, students asked thoughtful questions about career journeys, personal growth and overcoming challenges, gaining insight into the experiences that have shaped each speaker’s path.
