MONTEBELLO – Montebello Unified proudly bestowed diplomas upon 147 graduates from the Applied Technology Center (ATC) on Tuesday, June 16. The students, who completed coursework from one of the school’s four project-based learning pathways, represent the ATC’s first-ever graduating class.

The ATC, which opened its doors in 2011, is unique in the District as all of its students participate in one of four cutting-edge, career-related pathways upon entrance. It also differs in that it does not offer some of the traditional high school experiences, like athletics or band.

Instead, students immerse themselves in Culinary Hospitality Educational Foundations (CHEF), Architecture Construction Engineering (ACE), Public and Legal Services (PALS), or Health Sciences – garnering academic instruction that satisfies high school graduation requirements while gaining real-world experience.

“Each graduate fully embodies courage and tenacity for not only making it across the finish line to receive diplomas, but for making such an incomparable investment into their academic, professional and personal futures by choosing the Applied Technology Center,” Montebello Unified President Edgar Cisneros said during the ceremony. “I am honored and humbled to be here today celebrating each of them as they make history and make their mark in the world. Congratulations to the Class of 2015.”

ATC Principal Sterling Schubert proudly honored the students for their commitment and passion for the “Home of the Iron Horse” and for understanding the legacy they are leaving behind. He also served as emcee for the ceremony, which featured comments from Montebello Unified Board President Edgar Cisneros and Superintendent of Education Susanna Contreras Smith.

Valedictorian Elena Rodarte, Salutatorian Madeline Curiel, ASB President Victoria Nazario and student speaker Anthony Ramirez also addressed the graduating class. Jim May, a Pathways mentor and coach, offered the keynote address.

“I made it a personal goal in middle school to work hard and be valedictorian one day,” Rodarte said, whose father was part of the team who helped build the ATC. “I am so proud and honored to be the first-ever valedictorian of the Applied Technology Center.”

The students were joined by family members, MUSD Board Members and administrators, ATC teachers and facilitators, as well as special guest Edward James Olmos. Also in attendance were the student-selected conductors – teachers and mentors who inspired and guided the graduates through their academic and personal journeys.

“It has long been our commitment within Montebello Unified to ensure student success, offering appropriate and diverse instructional programs to all students,” Superintendent of Education Susanna Contreras Smith said. “The ATC seeks to provide high school students with a significant competitive edge and we are so proud of the graduates here today – congratulations to them, their families and the entire ATC community.”

This year, the school teamed up with local colleges and educational partners – East Los Angeles and Rio Hondo College – to offer nine college courses for college credit on the ATC campus. The courses were taught by college professors and are expected to be offered again next year.

In April, the ATC CHEF Pathway opened Bistro XV – a student-led eatery and capstone project, dedicated to the Class of 2015. In addition, ATC’s sleek, modern design has made it ideal to host District functions, such as the inaugural Montebello Unified Science Fair in May.

Photo Captions:

ATC1: Montebello Unified proudly bestowed diplomas upon 147 graduates from the Applied Technology Center (ATC) on Tuesday, June 16. The students, who completed coursework from one of the school’s four project-based learning pathways, represent the ATC’s first-ever graduating class.

ATC2: Montebello Unified proudly bestowed diplomas upon 147 graduates from the Applied Technology Center (ATC) on Tuesday, June 16. The students, who completed coursework from one of the school’s four project-based learning pathways, represent the ATC’s first-ever graduating class.