EL MONTE – South El Monte High School (SEMHS) students, staff, dignitaries and community members gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony on March 16, which celebrated the launch of construction for the school’s quad renovation project.

The celebration included a welcome performance by the South El Monte Mighty Eagles Marching Band, Drill Team, Color Guard and Cheerleading Team, along with speeches given by the Associated Student Body (ASB) President Camila Ortega, South El Monte High School Principal Dr. Jorge Morales, EMUHSD Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga and EMUHSD Board of Trustees Vice President David Diaz. Also in attendance were City Council members and representatives of local elected officials who presented certificates of recognition.

“With this new and improved quad, students will be able to come together and contribute to building a closer community here on campus, opening up opportunities to relax, have pep rallies, games and overall amazing activities that will redefine and take school spirit to the next level,” Ortega said. “The students of SEMHS truly appreciate what the District, Board of Trustees, administration and staff are doing to enhance our second home, making this a more comfortable place and impacting the lives of generations to come.”

In Oct. 2021, the Board of Trustees approved funding from Deferred Maintenance Fund 14 and the Measure HS Bond to support a number of facilities improvements on every EMUHSD campus. The project at SEMHS will include the addition of a concrete stage, seat walls, walkways and pavers, trees and landscaping, electric and audio connections, and outdoor furnishing including benches, tables and trash receptacles.

“Today, we focus on the groundbreaking celebration of our beautiful quad and the investment made by our District and community into our high school helping to promote our students’ success,” Morales said. “This project will help connect our rich school tradition with today’s improved amenities for a safe outdoor learning environment that will enhance and support our students’ social-emotional well-being and mental health.”

Along with the quad renovation project, the District and SEMHS are planning for future projects such as classroom modernizations, installation of HVAC at the gymnasium, enhancements to the administration and library buildings, new roofing and painting throughout the school, and the installation of a new track and field.

“Our goal at El Monte Union is to ensure our high school campuses are in good repair and updated with the latest infrastructure and technology, providing our students with a safe environment that promotes motivation and academic success,” Zuniga said. “Thank you to our Board of Trustees and community members for their generous support. Through these bond measures, we can invest in providing students a space where they can thrive academically and feel proud.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

EMUHSD_SEMHS_GROUNDBREAKING_1: El Monte Union High School District’s Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga, South El Monte High School’s ASB President Camila Ortega and South El Monte High School Principal Dr. Jorge Morales join in celebration of the quad renovation groundbreaking ceremony held on March 16.

EMUHSD_SEMHS_GROUNDBREAKING_2: South El Monte’s Mighty Eagles Marching Band, Drill Team, Color Guard and Cheerleading Team welcome guests with a special performance as they arrive for the quad renovation groundbreaking ceremony held on March 16.

EMUHSD_SEMHS_GROUNDBREAKING_3: South El Monte High School’s students, staff, dignitaries and community members gather in celebration of the launch of construction for the school’s quad renovation project and groundbreaking ceremony held on March 16.