EL MONTE – Across El Monte Union High School District’s (EMUHSD) six schools, large assemblies of staff, student leaders, cheerleaders, marching bands, and school mascots welcomed more than 7,300 students back for the first day of the 2024-25 school year on Aug. 19.

Students were greeted with red carpets, lively musical performances, cheers, shaking pom-poms, fist bumps, and high-fives as they walked onto campus. At the same time, parents said their goodbyes and captured the festivities and excitement on camera.

El Monte Union kicked off the academic year with historic upgrades across its five comprehensive high schools, thanks to the District’s Modernization Program. Mountain View and South El Monte high schools now feature refreshed landscapes and quads, providing enhanced spaces for student activities and events.

Associated Student Body (ASB) members began arriving before 6 a.m. to decorate their campuses with hand-crafted posters and colorful balloons, showcasing school pride and enthusiasm for the new school year.

“I am a little bit nervous for the first day because it’s new teachers and a new schedule, but I am really excited,” said Juan Manuel Palestina, a South El Monte High ASB member and senior class officer, who created a Winnie the Pooh-themed poster celebrating the Class of 2025. “It’s my last year of high school and I want to make it special and enjoy it with all my classmates.”

Both Palestina and Mountain View High School ASB president and senior Lucy Santos, expressed their excitement for the memories senior year will bring, including homecoming, prom, senior sunrise and sunset, and grad night at Disneyland.

“I am thrilled for the year ahead and all the incredible moments we have in store,” said Santos, who surprised her cabinet with homemade cookies and goodie bags. “I am eager to help create fun, lasting experiences for everyone. I want my peers to know they can always come to me with their ideas and opinions and I’ll do my best to make them happen.”

El Monte and Arroyo high schools also hosted Freshmen Orientations on Aug. 14, while Rosemead High School held its event on Aug. 16. Campus leaders organized activities during Freshmen Orientation to help students connect and explore available clubs, athletics, and extracurriculars.

“For me, joining Link Crew is about giving back to the program that helped me as a freshman,” El Monte High junior and Link Crew leader Grisel Gonzalez said. “Link Crew helped me connect with classmates and find my place at school. I want to support shy students by introducing them to clubs and activities, and helping them feel more comfortable in their new environment.”

On Aug. 15, the District welcomed back staff with a “Back to the Future”-themed celebration, which included a breakfast, student performances, and the recognition of the District’s Teacher of the Year and employees with career-milestone anniversaries.

“We’re thrilled to start the 2024-25 school year with a renewed sense of excitement and possibility for our students and staff,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “Let’s embrace this year with enthusiasm, collaborate on new initiatives, and continue to support each other as we strive for excellence together.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

EMUHSD_FIRST DAY_1: Mountain View High School students celebrate the first day of school as they prepare to walk through a Viking tunnel on Aug. 19.

EMUHSD_FIRST DAY_2: South El Monte High School ASB members decorate their campus with hand-crafted posters and colorful balloons to show school pride and excitement for the first day of school on Aug. 19.

EMUHSD_FIRST DAY_3: Mountain View High School students greet and catch up with friends as they arrive on campus for the first day of school on Aug. 19.

EMUHSD_FIRST DAY_4: From left: South El Monte High School students Riley Morales, Juan Manuel Palestina, Haley Munguia, and Jarin Lopez celebrate the first day of the 2024-25 school year on Aug. 19.