NLMUSD Top Students, Valedictorians Honored at Board Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 13, 2014
Contact: Valerie Martinez, Christina L. Cárdenas (909) 445-1001

Top students recognized for GPA, school involvement

NLMUSD Students Head to Commencement

Graduations day is the culmination of years of studying, growth and hard work, yet it also serves as a starting point for many students at the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District as they take the opportunity to reflect on the years past, but focus on the future.

On Monday, June 9, the District recognized the top students attending John Glenn, Norwalk, La Mirada and El Camino high schools, as well as Southeast Academy and the NLMUSD Adult School, and announced the valedictorians and salutatorians for each school.

“These outstanding students are perfect examples of what the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District can produce,” said NLMUSD Superintendent Dr. Ruth Pérez. “Our students, their hard work and their achievements never cease to amaze me.”

Those honored include:

John Glenn High School graduates Valedictorian Youstina Salama with a 4.69 GPA; Salutatorian Marina Salama with a 4.59 GPA; Anthony Uribe with a 4.47 GPA; and Exikia Sanchez with a 4.36 GPA. Gema Rodriguez, who served as the student member of the Board of Education for the 2013-14 year, was also recognized.
Norwalk High School graduates Valedictorian Jacob Hollman with a 4.5 GPA; Salutatorian Sina Djoo with a 4.47 GPA; Jazminnlee Llamido with a 4.4 GPA; Stephanie Avila with a 4.36 GPA; Gabriela Gamez with a 4.36 GPA; and Beverly Hernandez Navarro with a 4.36 GPA.
La Mirada High School graduates Valedictorian Nathan Decker with a 4.7 GPA; Salutatorian Decker Domingo with a 4.69 GPA; Nicholas Pattison with a 4.68 GPA; and Mason MacDougall with a 4.59 GPA.
Southeast Academy graduatesValedictorianKimberly Moreno with a 4.06 GPA , Mahli Mendoza with a 3.75 GPA; Viviana Pantoja with a 3.52 GPA; and Robert Davalos with a 3.52 GPA.
El Camino High School graduates Adrianne Gonzales, who is currently enrolled at ITT Technical Institute to pursue a career in network technology; Branden Gutridge, who plans to attend a community college to eventually transfer to a UC to pursue a degree in science; David Lopez, who plans to attend Fullerton College and eventually transfer to a four-year university; and Sheila Ornelas, who plans to attend Cerritos College and transfer to a UC or California State University to earn a degree in liberal arts.
NLMUSD Adult School graduates Mindy Collazo, who plans to become an oncology nurse practitioner; Amparo Gallardo, who completed 24 classes and passed the CAHSEE after taking ESL Level 4; Petra Bahena, who plans to continue her education with a career goal to work in a medical office; and Andy Vasquez, who plans to enroll at a community college and eventually transfer to a four-year institution.

El Camino High School will kick off graduation ceremonies on Monday, June 16 at 4 p.m. at El Camino High School, followed by La Mirada High School at 6:30 p.m. at the La Mirada High School Stadium.

On Tuesday, June 17, the District Adult School will host its commencement ceremony at Excelsior Stadium at 4 p.m., while Norwalk High School will celebrate its graduates at 6:30 p.m. at Excelsior Stadium.

Lastly, Southeast Academy’s graduation ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18 at Excelsior Auditorium, followed by John Glenn High School at 6:30 p.m. at Excelsior Stadium.

“Graduation is a very special time for our students and their families,” said Board of Education President Margarita Rios. “However, it’s also a special time for the entire NLMUSD family. Many of us watched these students grow up right before our eyes. Each goodbye is bittersweet, but knowing they are well-prepared for what’s ahead makes me look forward to the future.”

Photo Captions

JGHS Group: John Glenn High School graduates Exikia Sanchez, left, Salutatorian Marina Salama, Valedictorian Youstina Salama, Anthony Uribe and Gema Rodriguez were honored Monday, June 9 by the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District Board of Education for being the top students at their school for the 2013-14 year.

NHS Group: Norwalk High School graduates Valedictorian Jacob Hollman, left, Stephanie Avila, Salutatorian Sina Djoo, Beverly Hernandez Navarro, Gabriela Gamez and Jazminlee Llamido were honored Monday, June 9 by the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District Board of Education for being the top students at their school for the 2013-14 year.

LMHS Group: La Mirada High School graduates Nicholas Pattison, left, Valedictorian Nathan Decker, Mason MacDougall and Salutatorian Decker Domingo were honored Monday, June 9 by the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District Board of Education for being the top students at their school for the 2013-14 year.

ECHS Group: El Camino High School graduates Branden Gutridge, left, David Lopez, Sheila Ornelas and Adrianne Gonzalez were honored Monday, June 9 by the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District Board of Education for being the top students at their school for the 2013-14 year.

Adult Group: Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District Adult School graduates Andy Vasquez, left, Amparo Gallardo and Petra Bahena were honored Monday, June 9 by the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District Board of Education for being the top students at their school for the 2013-14 year. Not pictured: Mindy Collazo.

Southeast Group: Southeast Academy graduates Viviana Pantoja, left, Salutatorian Malhi Mendoza, and Valedictorian Kimberly Moreno were honored Monday, June 9 by the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District Board of Education for being the top students at their school for the 2013-14 year. Not pictured: Robert Davalos.