EL MONTE – The El Monte Union High School District celebrated more than 2,000 members of the Class of 2019 during commencement ceremonies that brought together teachers, staff, families and community members, who cheered on graduates as they received their diplomas and leaped into the next chapter of their lives.

“Our seniors have worked incredibly hard over the last four years to reach this unforgettable milestone,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “Their time here has not been without its challenges, but each has worked to overcome personal and academic obstacles to celebrate this day with their families, friends and the El Monte Union family. I want to congratulate our students and wish them success in their futures. Our teachers and staff have prepared them well, and we can’t wait to see what more they accomplish.”

The District celebrated 530 graduating seniors from Arroyo High School, 384 students from El Monte High School, 340 students from Mountain View High, 402 seniors from Rosemead High, 281 students from South El Monte High on June 7. Fernando R. Ledesma High School, which successfully transfers students back to their comprehensive high schools throughout the year, celebrated approximately 70 students during its ceremony on June 7. The El Monte-Rosemead Adult School celebrated 180 students at its high school diploma ceremony on May 29, along with 80 students who completed the ESL program on May 30.

Together, the five comprehensive high schools produced 59 valedictorians with GPAs of 4.2 or higher; many plan to pursue majors in science, technology, engineering and math at four-year universities, including UC Berkeley, UC Davis, Georgetown University, UCLA and UC Irvine. Students also plan on attending Cal States, community colleges and vocational schools; others will enter military service or join the workforce.

South El Monte High’s ceremony was particularly special – all 30 of its Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) students have committed to pursuing post-secondary education, with 90% accepted to four-year universities.

“Thank you to all the students out there who represent South El Monte High School and make all of us proud in so many ways,” said South El Monte valedictorian Tiffany Lo, who is bound for UCLA. “Thank you to the teachers and staff who not only taught us what we need to know to pass the class, but also listened to our worries, guided us through challenges and provided opportunities for all of us to succeed. And most importantly, thank you to all the families and parents who consistently support us.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

061019_EMUHSD_GRAD1: Arroyo High School graduated 530 seniors on June 6.

061019_EMUHSD_GRAD2: El Monte High School graduated 384 students on June 6.

061019_EMUHSD_GRAD3: Mountain View High School celebrated 340 seniors on June 6.

061019_EMUHSD_GRAD4: Rosemead High School graduated 402 seniors on June 6.

061019_EMUHSD_GRAD5: South El Monte High School graduated 281 seniors on June 6.

061019_EMUHSD_GRAD6: Fernando R. Ledesma High School celebrated approximately 70 seniors on June 7.

061019_EMUHSD_GRAD7: The El Monte-Rosemead Adult School celebrated 180 students at its high school diploma ceremony on May 29.