SAN DIMAS/ LA VERNE– Bonita Unified School District shared student success stories, celebrated achievements in academics, athletics, arts and activities, and presented awards to students and community partners at the 2020 State of the District luncheon on Feb. 25 at the Hillcrest Meeting House.

Superintendent Carl J. Coles shared stories of students who have discovered their purpose at Bonita Unified – like Chaparral Vista High School senior and student board representative Justine Plowman, who is working to become a sheriff’s deputy, and Ekstrand Elementary second-grader Jordan Mulgado, who is looking at colleges that will teach him to design race cars.

“At Bonita Unified, there are 10,000 of these stories, all of them unique and important,” Coles said. “We are committed to making their stories a reality by staying true to our core values of equity, mastery and a focus on results.”

Coles also announced that, after achieving proficiency levels in excess of 70 percent in English Language Arts (ELA) and 60 percent in math, Bonita Unified is continuing to close achievement gaps in pursuit of the district’s 80/70 goal. He thanked students and teachers for their commitment to excellence.

“I am grateful to work in a place that values the whole child and a place that is in the center of two great communities. We are all in, and I know that everyone in this room shares that same sentiment,” Coles said.

The event featured performances from the Lone Hill Middle School Jazz Band and the Bonita High School Chamber Singers. Students from San Dimas High School’s video production class drew on their skills in video and sound recording to film the event for the District’s website.

Senior Nick Triance said he was excited to be a part of the celebration.

“I have phenomenal teachers who have taught me everything I need to know, and it is just really great to have the opportunity to put my skills to the test, and give something back to the District and our community,” Triance said.

Bonita Unified School District recognized the importance of its community partnerships with local mental health service providers, presenting representatives from McKinley Children’s Center with the Bonita Purpose Award. Bonita Unified also recognized 16 high school students who committed to enlist in the military after graduation.

The State of the District was sponsored by the Chambers of Commerce and Rotary Clubs of La Verne and San Dimas.

“Bonita Unified School District is dedicated to preparing students to live their purpose, and it is thanks to our parents, families, teachers, staff, administrators and community partners, that we are able to put students first,” Board of Education President Glenn Creiman said.

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Bonita_ State_1_02_25_2020: Bonita Unified School District recognizes nine Bonita High School students during the 2020 State of the District for showing exemplary kindness to restore a teacher’s classic car as a part of their technical career education course.

Bonita_ State_2_02_25_2020: Bonita High School Chamber Singers perform at the 2020 State of the District Feb. 25 at the Hillcrest Meeting House.