EL MONTE – The El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) community celebrated the groundbreaking of Arroyo High School’s (AHS) Athletic Field and Stadium Project during a ceremony on Jan. 31, signaling the start of construction on a project that includes a high-performance rubberized track and field, new scoreboard, renewed visitor bleachers and concession stands and a grand stadium entrance.

The AHS Athletic Field and Stadium Project will provide students with a space that promotes healthy living and school spirit, and will serve as a gathering place for physical fitness activities, athletic events, health and wellness instruction, student performances and school community functions.

“I remember when I first came to Arroyo as an assistant principal in 2019, talking to students and families about our stadium and how it would soon be renovated, now the time has come and we are all so excited,” Arroyo High School Principal Gabriel Flores said. “Our school community will now have a first-class state-of-the-art facility. Thank you to our community and District for supporting Measure HS, to the construction groups for building our new stadium and to all of you for being here today to celebrate with us. As always, go Knights!”

The ceremony included a performance by Arroyo High’s award-winning Marching Band, the pledge of allegiance led by Associated Student Body president Starr Ruelas, and honorary speeches from Principal Flores, EMUHSD Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga and EMUHSD Board of Trustees President Ricardo Padilla.

AHS students, families, staff and community members were in attendance to show their support for the project, as well as representatives of local elected officials, who presented the District with certificates of recognition.

The AHS Athletic Field and Stadium Project is the latest in a series of facilities improvements across EMUHSD, supported by a round of funding totaling $190 million – which primarily comes from the voter-approved Measure HS – that was approved by the Board of Trustees in October 2018. The sweeping modernization program aims to ensure every EMUHSD campus receives facilities upgrades to support and enhance student performance.

“As someone who grew up in this community and once called Arroyo High School home, there are many memories I hold because of this stadium and campus.” Zuniga said. “I would like to thank our Board of Trustees and community members for their generous support of Measure HS and believing in our students and campuses. After this project is completed, we hope it provides a revival of our school community’s spirit and becomes a place for all of our students and families to enjoy.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

EMUHSD_AHS_GROUNDBREAKING_1: Arroyo High School (AHS) student athletes and administrators, as well as El Monte Union Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga celebrate the start of upgrades to the AHS Athletic Field and Stadium at a groundbreaking ceremony on Jan. 31. The project will feature a high-performance rubberized track and field, new scoreboard, renewed visitor bleachers and concession stands and a grand stadium entrance.

EMUHSD_AHS_GROUNDBREAKING_2: Arroyo High School’s (AHS) award-winning Marching Band gives a memorable performance to welcome guests and community members during a Jan. 31 groundbreaking ceremony for the AHS Athletic Field and Stadium.