EL MONTE –The El Monte Promise Foundation (EMPF) and El Monte Union High School are honoring 1,800 Class of 2020 graduates with 400 individualized banners that are on display along major corridors and streets across the three cities that the District’s six high schools call home.

The banners – which recognize graduates from Arroyo, El Monte, Fernando R. Ledesma, Mountain View, Rosemead and South El Monte high schools – are personalized with up to four student photos, names and plans for college, trade school or military.

The celebration was made possible through a special partnership with the cities of El Monte, Rosemead and South El Monte and with generous support from Longo Lexus and Longo Toyota, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, as well as dozens of educators, parents and community donors.

“We are proud to promote this region-wide collaboration to support our students and encourage all of our current and future graduates,” said EMPF Executive Director Jennifer Cobian, who spearheaded the initiative. “We could not have done it without the help of our city and community partners.”

The Class of 2020 donation campaign was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that halted many graduation ceremonies across the nation.Community members can view the graduation banners that are placed on streetlights within District boundaries and near each high school.

“On behalf of our students and families, I want to thank our city partners for their generous support and recognize our community for rallying behind this wonderful endeavor to recognize a class of resilient students,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “Although the Class of 2020 could not participate in a traditional graduation ceremony, these banners recognize their great accomplishments and the impact they have had on our school communities.”

PHOTO CAPTION:

101320_EMUHSD_BANNERS: El Monte, Rosemead and South El Monte High School banners honor the Class of 2020 graduates at locations throughout each school’s local communities.