EL MONTE – Hundreds of graduating seniors from El Monte Union’s comprehensive high schools celebrated their commitments to colleges and universities during College Signing Day ceremonies in May.

Arroyo, El Monte, Mountain View, Rosemead and South El Monte high schools hosted individual events to celebrate seniors pursuing their academic endeavors and to showcase the college-going culture each campus has cultivated to inspire and prepare students to follow their educational and professional goals.

El Monte High School kicked off its annual event on April 30, when 150 seniors signed letters of intent to the colleges of their choice and heard an inspirational message from AVID teacher Sonia Lamas.

“Remember that you come from a community of resilience and perseverance,” Lamas said. “I want you to know that wherever you end up, you are meant to be there. You are rich in character since you are a lion and you have been raised on our strong campus. You have taken the tests and you have been admitted by these colleges for a reason and your worth is great.”

Arroyo held its “Knights Charging Forward” celebration on May 1, during which students completed intent cards shaped like a knight’s helmet and took photos. That same day, Mountain View held an Acceptance Day event for students who signed a Class of 2019 banner with their name and the university they will attend. They also wrote thank you cards to their favorite teachers.

On May 2, South El Monte held its four-year commitment celebration for students who are excited for the next step in their academic and professional careers. Rosemead held its Acceptance day the following day, during which students participated in activity stations, including games and a photo booth.

“It’s an exciting time for our college-bound seniors, who are gearing up to graduate from high school and leap into the next chapter of their lives,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “This is a great opportunity to not only recognize our first-generation college students, but also inspire our youngest students to strive toward postsecondary education.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

052119_EMUHSD_COLLEGE1: El Monte High School AVID teacher Sonia Lamas, center, celebrates her college-bound students during a College Signing Day ceremony on April 30.

052119_EMUHSD_COLLEGE2: Arroyo High School College Signing Day

052119_EMUHSD_COLLEGE3: Mountain View High School College Signing Day

052119_EMUHSD_COLLEGE4: South El Monte High School College Signing Day

052119_EMUHSD_COLLEGE5: Rosemead High School College Signing Day