EL MONTE – Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Larry Cecil has retired from the El Monte Union High School District, concluding a career of more than 36 years dedicated to fostering educational excellence and student success.

Surrounded by family and long-time colleagues in the District, Cecil was celebrated and adorned with memorabilia representing his extraordinary career, kind words that highlighted his character and work ethic, and gifts to enjoy throughout his retirement during a reception on June 15.

“Thank you to the El Monte Union community for allowing me the privilege of serving you and the opportunity to make a transformative impact in the lives of our students,” Cecil said. “I am looking forward to retirement, but saying goodbye is never easy and I am going to miss everyone. I am incredibly humbled and grateful for the journey and memories I have shared with all our staff, students and families that will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

During his early years in the District, Cecil taught mathematics at El Monte High School and coached varsity baseball, leading the team to the CIF semifinals in 1996 and 1997. He also served as digital high school coordinator and worked on the grant application/installation process; as a club advisor for 16 years, a business education teacher and department chairperson; yearbook advisor; and a member of the curriculum committee and school site council.

Cecil then stepped into administrative roles within the District, including assistant principal at Arroyo High School and Rosemead High School and principal at Rosemead High School and Mountain View High School (MVHS).

“Larry, you have been a beacon of inspiration, a trusted mentor, coach and a remarkable role model to me,” MVHS Student Affairs Director Aaron Sepulveda said. “Since my very first memory of you as the head varsity baseball coach, you have helped me center my identity based on a higher standard of class and integrity. Your success as an educator has always been attributed to your motto of doing what is best for the students, and because of you I have carried that with me throughout my career at MVHS and I will continue to do so in your honor.”

As Assistant Superintendent, he played a pivotal role in shaping the District’s educational programs – making significant advancements in curriculum development, instructional strategies and student support services and spearheaded several initiatives aimed at narrowing the achievement gap and fostering a culture of inclusivity.

Some of these initiatives include the Early College Academy dual enrollment program, offered in partnership with Río Hondo College; the new cafetorium at MVHS; career technical education pathways such as culinary arts and manufacturing; the District’s Virtual Learning Instructional Plan during the COVID-19 pandemic; social-emotional learning offered through the Multi-Tier Systems of Support program; and the Wellness Center program at all high schools.

“Larry Cecil has been an invaluable asset to our educational community; his tireless efforts and legacy have laid a strong foundation that we will continue to build on, ensuring the success of future generations of students,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “On behalf of the entire District, we thank him for his endless dedication and service to the El Monte Union High School District, and we wish him a fulfilling and joyous retirement.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

EMUHSD_CECIL_1: El Monte Union High School District Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Larry Cecil (left) celebrates his retirement and receives praise for his outstanding career with the District from his colleague and friend Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga (right) during a reception on June 15.

EMUHSD_CECIL_2: El Monte Union’s Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Larry Cecil is joined by his family as he celebrates his retirement during a reception on June 15.

EMUHSD_CECIL_3: El Monte Union’s Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Larry Cecil (center) reminisces on his time spent as principal of Mountain View High School with former student and colleague MVHS Student Affairs Director Aaron Sepulveda (left) and MVHS retiree Warren Ortloff (right) during a retirement reception on June 15.