CITY OF INDUSTRY – Four Hacienda La Puente Unified schools were named 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education on Sept. 19, recognizing public and private elementary, middle and high schools’ academic excellence and success in closing achievement and opportunity gaps.

Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez and Board of Education President Christine H. Salazar rejoiced with the community at Glen A. Wilson High School during a video announcement viewing party and FaceTimed administrators at Los Molinos and Wedgeworth elementary schools and Mesa Robles School to congratulate them on their accomplishment as their school’s names also flashed across the screen.

The Hacienda La Puente Unified schools were four of only 33 schools in California and 353 schools nationally to be recognized as 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

“On behalf of the entire Board of Education, I want to congratulate all four school communities on this well-deserved recognition and extend my gratitude to not only the administrators, educators and students, but also to our incredible parents and community members who help ensure the success of our District communities,” Salazar said. “I am overfilled with emotion today and honored to stand before you all in honor of this remarkable achievement. I am a proud product of HLPUSD and a Wilson High School alumna. This recognition represents all the hard work and dedication happening here and across all our schools for years and years to come. Congratulations to all our winners; what a special day to rejoice in your accomplishments.”

Each school chosen for this prestigious award offers students a range of innovative and unique academic programs and extracurriculars to engage students’ minds and prepare them for life after graduation.

This is the second time both Wedgeworth and Los Molinos elementary schools have received this prestigious honor.

Wedgeworth is well-known for its Mandarin Dual Language Immersion program that enhances students’ knowledge of other world regions, cultures and global issues, shaping them into the next generation of global citizens. Los Molinos Elementary School recently received the 2023 Civic Learning Award in recognition of the school’s commitment to integrating civics education throughout campus and fostering positive citizenship.

Mesa Robles School boasts several top-performing clubs, including the Science Olympiad and robotics programs, that encourage students from kindergarten through eighth grade to develop an interest in science, technology, engineering and math.

Glen A. Wilson High School was recently recognized as being in the top four percent of high schools in the nation, according to the 2023-24 Best High School rankings by U.S. News and World Report. The school offers students six unique career technical education pathways and more than 50 engaging clubs.

“I’m incredibly proud to see not only Wilson but our local elementary and middle schools receiving this award,” senior Hannah Esguerra said. “It’s cool to be a part of something bigger and I have so much pride knowing that I am a Wildcat and member of the HLPUSD family now and forever.”

All Hacienda La Puente Unified School District schools focus on the development of the whole child, providing New Pedagogies for Deep Learning framework, strong community and family engagement, rigorous curriculum, and a wide variety of college and career pathways to help prepare students for future success.

“Every day, I am honored to be the Superintendent of this remarkable District, but today is an exceptional day for us all as we celebrate four of our schools on receiving this distinguished award,” Jiménez said. “Thank you to our entire District community for creating safe and welcoming learning environments where our students master challenging and engaging content.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

HLPUSD_BLUERIBBON1: Wedgeworth Elementary School students and staff celebrate being named a National Blue Ribbon School during a nationwide video announcement released on Sept. 19.

HLPUSD_BLUERIBBON2: Glen A. Wilson administrators, educators, students and families celebrate community during a National Blue Ribbon School viewing party hosted by the District.

HLPUSD_BLUERIBBON3: (From left to right): Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez, Glen A. Wilson High School Principal Dr. Danielle Kenfield and Board President Christine H. Salazar congratulate other award-winning schools via Facetime during a viewing party on Sept. 19.