EL MONTE – After 35 years of dedicated service, Rosemead High School (RHS) Principal Secretary Christine Inocencio has been named El Monte Union High School District’s (EMUHSD) 2025-26 Classified Employee of the Year. Inocencio was honored during the May 6 Board of Trustees meeting for her longstanding commitment to students, staff, and families.

Inocencio was celebrated with flowers, an award, and the unveiling of her name and photo on the Classified Employee of the Year honoree plaque as family members, colleagues, and EMUHSD leaders gathered to congratulate her and share stories highlighting her lasting impact on the District and Rosemead High School community.

“I’m incredibly honored and humbled to receive this award. I’m also very grateful to my Rosemead colleagues for nominating me and to my family for their constant support,” Inocencio said. “It means so much to reach this milestone after 35 years with the District and to know my dedication has made a difference. As a mom, I’ve always encouraged my daughters to work hard and do their best, so it’s especially meaningful for me to have them see me live those words.”

Originally from Baldwin Park, Inocencio’s connection to El Monte Union was inspired by her father, an Arroyo High School alumnus who grew up in the community. Both of her parents worked for the Mountain View School District, where her mother retired, while her father later worked for and retired from the City of El Monte Public Works.

Inocencio began her career with EMUHSD in 1991 as an adult education assistant at the Ramona Center, supporting daily office operations and answering phones. She went on to become a paraeducator at Fernando R. Ledesma High School, formerly Valle Lindo, before joining Rosemead High School as a receptionist in 2005.

In 2006, Inocencio joined the District’s Professional Development Center as an office clerk before returning to RHS in 2007 as a guidance clerk. She was promoted to principal secretary in 2008.

“Christine and I were destined to cross paths, from attending the same middle school and high school in Baldwin Park, to now working together in El Monte Union,” RHS Principal Janine Salanitro said. “She brings a calm, steady presence to everything she does and has been an invaluable source of support as I’ve become part of this community. Much of her work happens behind the scenes, making this recognition incredibly well deserved, and I was so happy to see her selected by her peers.”

As principal secretary, Inocencio helps oversee front office operations, coordinates communication among staff, students, and families, manages scheduling and confidential records, and serves as a key support system for school leadership, helping ensure the campus operates smoothly each day.

Outside of work, Inocencio enjoys camping with her family and aims to take at least two trips each year. She also spends much of her time supporting her youngest daughter’s baseball activities. Her eldest daughter now works for the District at El Monte High School, while her son-in-law serves the community through the City of El Monte.

“Christine Inocencio exemplifies the dedication and heart that help make El Monte Union a place where students and staff thrive,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “For 35 years, she has been someone schools can rely on every day, working behind the scenes while playing an essential role in keeping campuses running smoothly. We are proud to celebrate her and the lasting impact she continues to make.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

EMUHSD_CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE_1: Rosemead High School Principal Secretary Christine Inocencio is showered with flowers and honored with the addition of her name and photo to the honoree plaque after being named El Monte Union High School District’s 2025-26 Classified Employee of the Year during the May 6 Board of Trustees meeting.

EMUHSD_CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE_2: Rosemead High School Principal Secretary Christine Inocencio was recognized as El Monte Union High School District’s 2025-26 Classified Employee of the Year during the May 6 Board of Trustees meeting. She was celebrated alongside members of the Rosemead and Fernando R. Ledesma communities, as well as her family, including her daughters, husband, mother, and son-in-law.