MONTEBELLO – Heartwarming speeches and academic achievement were celebrated with cheers and some tears as more than 2,100 Montebello Unified Class of 2015 graduates received diplomas in commencement ceremonies held throughout the District during the third week of June.

The MUSD graduates will be headed to an impressive number of leading universities, among them Yale, St. John’s, Reed, Carnegie Mellon, Marquette, USC, Pepperdine, Pomona, Azusa Pacific, Cal Arts, as well as 9 UC and all 23 CSU campuses.

“It is with great pleasure that we honor our graduating class who, with great diligence and earnestness, have reached the pinnacle of their young lives and are now prepared to become esteemed citizens and world leaders,” Montebello Unified Board President Edgar Cisneros said. “This is a very touching moment for us, as it is for every graduate and family member who have made it through this wonderful journey. Congratulations to our Class of 2015.”

Each school featured student speakers who spoke of their inspired scholastic odysseys and the friends and instructors who helped guide them through it all. One speaker, Elena Regina Rodarte, valedictorian for the Applied Technology Center’s inaugural graduating class, expressed appreciation to those who kept her focused on her studies.

“I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has helped me get to where I am today, like my parents who have taught me to work hard and to never give up and all of the teachers who have always believed in us,” Rodarte said. “We made it. This is the finish line of our high school career and the beginning of our race in life.”

Bell Gardens High led the way with 642 grads during their June 18 ceremony at East Los Angeles College’s Weingart Stadium; Schurr High with 620 grads on June 17, also at ELAC Weingart Stadium; Montebello High with 584 grads on June 18 at MHS Heaman Field; Applied Technology Center with 147 grads on June 16 at the ATC Amphitheater; and Vail High with 130 grads on June 17 at the VHS Amphitheater.

The MUSD Valedictorians and Salutatorians are:

Bell Gardens High: Co-valedictorians – Gabino Gonzalez, Eric Mendoza.
Schurr High: Valedictorian – Melissa Vazquez; Salutatorian – Justin Lee.
Montebello High: Valedictorian – Eli N. Canseco; Salutatorian – Mariana C. Rivas.
Applied Technology Center – Valedictorian – Elena Regina Rodarte; Salutatorian – Madeline Jasmine Curiel.

“We have seen so many tremendous accomplishments this year and it is a testament to not only the diversity of our student body but also our energetic and dynamic instructors and District staff,” Montebello Unified Superintendent of Schools Cleve Pell said. “This is a moment we all can cherish. We wish all of our graduates much happiness as they continue on the path of life.”

Photo Captions:

MHS: More than 2,100 Montebello Unified Class of 2015 graduates received diplomas in commencement ceremonies held throughout the District during the third week of June. Montebello High School students pictured here.

SHS: More than 2,100 Montebello Unified Class of 2015 graduates received diplomas in commencement ceremonies held throughout the District during the third week of June. Schurr High School students pictured here.

VHS: More than 2,100 Montebello Unified Class of 2015 graduates received diplomas in commencement ceremonies held throughout the District during the third week of June. Vail High School students pictured here.

BGHS: More than 2,100 Montebello Unified Class of 2015 graduates received diplomas in commencement ceremonies held throughout the District during the third week of June. Bell Gardens High School students pictured here.