EL MONTE – El Monte Union celebrated the journeys and achievements of its distinguished Class of 2024 graduates with stirring and emotional commencements, including ceremonies at Mountain View and Arroyo high schools’ newly renovated, state-of-the-art stadiums on June 5.

The District’s festivities began with an early morning commencement for the Granada Adult Transition Center and an afternoon ceremony at Fernando R. Ledesma High School, followed by evening ceremonies for South El Monte, Rosemead, El Monte, Mountain View, and Arroyo high schools. During the ceremonies, the El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) honored more than 1,000 graduates with choir performances, heartfelt farewell speeches, video recaps, and a series of grand finale fireworks.

“To the Class of 2024, you have overcome challenges, embraced opportunities, and demonstrated resilience,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “Your achievements fill us with immense pride and as you embark on this next chapter of your lives know the entire El Monte Union community stands behind you, cheering you on every step of the way.”

Many El Monte Union graduates will embark on journeys into higher education, exploring fields like business, science, technology, performing arts, and engineering at esteemed universities such as Georgetown, Notre Dame, USC, Stanford, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, and UCLA, while others will pursue paths to community colleges, vocational schools, the armed forces, or the workforce.

Numerous EMUHSD graduates earned a range of accolades and scholarships during the 2023-24 school year, including the State Seal of Biliteracy, Gold Seal from the California Scholarship Federation, QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship, Posse Foundation Scholarship, Dell Scholarship, and a variety of community and alumni scholarships.

“During my time at El Monte High School, I found unwavering support from my teachers, administrators, fellow peers, and coaches,” said Tia Patel – who is one of El Monte High School’s valedictorians – during her commencement address. “Their encouragement gave me the confidence to stand strong, trust myself, step out of my comfort zone, pursue my passions, and explore new opportunities. I am deeply grateful for this community that helped shape my journey and prepared me for the future.”

Each school showcased its pride by singing and signing its alma mater before dazzling fireworks shows that led to tearful embraces, group photos, and raucous celebrations.

Students adorned themselves with a variety of stoles, honor cords, and creatively designed graduation caps – each a canvas of gratitude, wit, and inspiration. Each school campus buzzed with excitement and anticipation as proud families, friends, educators, staff, and community leaders filled the air with cheers as they awaited to see the graduates make their triumphant walk across the stage.

“Today is a historic day for all of us. After years of dedication, our students have achieved an incredible milestone,” EMUHSD Board President Ricardo Padilla said. “I want to thank our parents and families for their endless support and sacrifice, which has been instrumental in our students’ academic and personal growth. I would also like to thank our teachers, counselors, and administrators who have worked tirelessly to ensure our students have the tools they need to succeed.”

To view the commencement ceremonies of each El Monte Union comprehensive high school, visit the EMUHSD website.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

EMUHSD_ GRADUATION_1: South El Monte High School graduates celebrate as they prepare for their commencement ceremony on June 5.

EMUHSD_GRADUATION_2: A Fernando R. Ledesma High School graduate shows off his smile in excitement as he walks into his commencement ceremony on June 5.

EMUHSD_GRADUATION_3: Mountain View High School graduates walk across the field at the start of their commencement ceremony on June 5.

EMUHSD_GRADUATION_4: A Rosemead High School graduate shows off his diploma during a commencement ceremony on June 5.

EMUHSD_GRADUATION_5: A Arroyo High School graduate joins hands with a fellow educator in celebration of receiving her diploma during a commencement ceremony on June 5.

EMUHSD_GRADUATION_6: El Monte High School graduates move their tassels from right to left signifying the completion of high school during a commencement ceremony on June 5.