El Monte Union High School District will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the grand opening of El Monte High School’s newly renovated track and field facility. The upgraded space features a new synthetic track and field, a new scoreboard, and additional site improvements.
Five colleges and universities have become the first in the nation to earn Caring Campus Certification, a recognition that highlights their efforts to foster a campus culture centered on connection, compassion, and support for all students. Caring Campus Certification honors institutions that go beyond simple implementation, taking intentional steps to embed Caring Campus practices into the fabric of their campus operations and culture. Data shows that when students feel cared for and connected, they persevere and succeed at higher rates. Hartnell College in Salinas, Calif., Ranger College in Ranger, Texas, and Mission College in Santa Clara, Calif., each earned silver certification, while Texas A&M University - Kingsville in Kingsville, Texas, and Los Angeles Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., were awarded bronze certification.
The San Dimas High School Color Guard took its program to new levels when it earned a gold medal at the Winter Guard Association of Southern California (WGASC) Color Guard championships in April, a stunning turnaround for a program that took a yearlong hiatus from competition only to come back stronger than ever. Performing a show inspired by the System of a Down song “Toxicity,” the San Dimas team – which featured three Lone Hill Middle School students – gave a stirring performance that earned first place in the Scholastic AAA division and gave the Color Guard its first gold medal since 2010.
Northview High School senior John Rincon will bring his people-centered mindset and passion for engineering to the University of Southern California this fall, continuing a proud family tradition of academic excellence at Northview High. As a four-year basketball player and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) student, Rincon has made his mark at Northview both on and off the court. He has played varsity basketball since his sophomore year, building lifelong friendships and leadership skills that he plans to carry with him to college.
Bonita Unified School District students showcased their passion and skill for math at the Los Angeles County Office of Education’s 2025 Math Field Day, earning top honors in a rigorous academic competition that challenged students to think critically, collaborate, and problem-solve. Teams of students from grades four through eight represented the District at the competition on April 26, after placing first at Bonita Unified’s own Math Field Day in March. The District’s top-performing teams advanced to the county level, where they continued weeks of training and preparation under the guidance of their coaches.
Known for her outstanding dedication, professionalism, and unwavering support for students and staff, Mountain View High School (MVHS) Office Clerk III Belinda Mora has been named El Monte Union High School District’s 2025 Classified Employee of the Year. Mora, who has served the District for nearly 18 years, was recognized during a special presentation at the May 7 Board of Trustees meeting. Joined by her family, friends, and colleagues, Mora was celebrated with a certificate of recognition, a commemorative award, and the addition of her name to the District’s permanent honoree plaque. Widely regarded by her peers as the heart of the Mountain View campus, Mora’s calm, thoughtful presence and quiet leadership have made her an indispensable part of the school community.
Fontana Unified’s Class of 2025 will embark on a range of post-graduation paths, including continuing their education at top universities such as UCLA, Barnard College, Boston University, UC Berkeley, and UC San Diego; joining the armed forces; or launching directly into the workforce. Many graduates are equipped to pursue high-wage, high-demand careers through Fontana Unified’s 39 career technical education pathways.
For more than 20 years, the Whittier High School Chess Club has provided students with opportunities to match wits with classmates, develop their math, logic, and problem-solving skills, and engage with fellow chess enthusiasts from other schools throughout the state and nation. From a team perspective, the WHS Chess Club has dominated the Del Rio League, capturing the league title 12 times since 2008, being crowned Southern California Chess Federation (SCCF) State champions twice, while its junior varsity (JV) team has secured first place in the SCCF seven times. In the early 2020s, WHS female correspondence players dominated the United States Chess women’s correspondence rankings.
Manzanita Elementary School has been named one of America’s Best Schools by the National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST) in 2025, a prestigious honor that highlights the school’s unwavering commitment to educational excellence, equity, and strong academic and extracurricular programs that prepare the District’s young learners for lifelong success. With this award, NCUST recognizes Manzanita as one of the top 10 elementary schools in the nation, celebrating its ability to achieve high levels of academic proficiency for all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, or income level.
In the aftermath of the Eaton Fire in January, Glendale Community College (GCC) responded swiftly and compassionately, providing critical relief funds and essential resources to students and employees in need – highlighting the college’s deep-rooted commitment to care, connection, and community. Among those affected was Shirley Chavez, a dedicated part-time student working toward an associate degree in science with aspirations of becoming a counselor at a rehabilitation facility. A mother of four, Chavez was forced to evacuate and ultimately lost her home in the fire.
