After nearly four decades dedicated to Lynwood Unified students, Washington Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Kathleen Graham has been named the District’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, recognized for her longstanding commitment to student growth, instructional innovation and campus leadership. Graham began her journey with Lynwood Unified in 1988 after moving to California following her graduation from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Drawn to the District’s close-knit atmosphere and strong sense of community, she built a career centered on meaningful relationships with students, families and colleagues.
Las Palmas Middle School students are creating a culture of inclusion and friendship through the school’s Best Buddies program, creating meaningful connections that have earned the campus the distinction of Best Buddies California Outstanding Middle School Chapter of the Year. The Best Buddies program pairs students with disabilities with peers, creating opportunities to build friendships, a sense of belonging, and inclusion across campus. What began nearly a decade ago as a small club has grown into a campuswide effort involving leadership students, physical education (PE) classes, and a dedicated Best Buddies Club, with 71 students currently participating.
By the time San Dimas High School Class of 2003 graduate Lisa Carson received her diploma, she was already planning her return to the campus she loved so much. As an Associated Student Body (ASB) student leader, Carson realized that school spirit and guiding future Saints toward a path to success was her future. Carson fulfilled her destiny when she became San Dimas’ activities director and ASB advisor in 2011. Following in the footsteps of her mentor, former San Dimas High activities director and current Ramona Middle School principal James Ellis, Carson has balanced academic rigor with powerful school spirit, a commitment that has earned her the 2026 Bob Burton Spirit Award from the California Association of Directors of Activities (CADA).
Stark State College President Dr. Para Jones is modeling what it means to lead with care, demonstrating the importance of leadership buy-in to Caring Campus by connecting with students, empowering staff and faculty, and embodying the college’s mission of student success. By embracing and modeling Caring Campus principles, Jones has helped reinforce a culture where meaningful connections and student-centered support are woven into the Stark State experience.
Whitter Union Adult School (WUAS) will receive nearly $1 million of a Round 3 English Language Learner (ELL) Healthcare Pathways grant, which will go toward the continued expansion of WUAS healthcare pathways curriculum, reduced fees for bilingual students, automatic enrollment to Río Hondo College (RHC), and provide the opportunity for students to earn stackable credentials, which can lead to better pay. The ELL Healthcare Pathways grant is part of a $4.1 million grant awarded to the Río Hondo Region Adult Education Consortium (RHRAEC) – which includes WUAS, RHC, El Monte-Rosemead Adult School (EMRAS), and El Rancho Adult School (ERAS) – to create more opportunities for bilingual speakers in the healthcare industry, where they are in great demand.
More than 2,600 graduates crossed commencement stages during Fontana Unified School District's (FUSD) Class of 2026 graduation ceremonies, celebrating years of academic achievement and personal growth as they prepare to pursue futures in higher education, military service, careers, and skilled trades. Fontana Unified honored graduates from its five comprehensive high schools, continuation high school, and adult school from May 26-28 through ceremonies filled with reflections on family sacrifice, cultural pride, celebrations of first-generation achievement, and heartfelt farewells from fellow students.
Three Bonita Unified School District employees were recognized as the District’s 2026 Employees of the Year for their service to the BUSD community, highlighting the range of roles that support student success across the District. Ramona Middle School Physical Education (PE) and Adaptive Physical Education (APE) teacher Peri Berkler was honored as the Certificated Employee of the Year; San Dimas High School Cafeteria Manager Christie Reilly was named Classified Employee of the Year; and Bonita High School Assistant Principal Joy Lindsay received the Management Employee of the Year award.
The El Monte Union High School District's (EMUHSD) Class of 2026 celebrated commencement season during ceremonies held May 27 and June 4, showcasing academic achievement, cultural pride, and the communities that supported students throughout their educational journeys. The Class of 2026 is set to attend prestigious institutions including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, Claremont McKenna College, Princeton University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, USC, UCLA, UC San Diego, and UC Irvine. Others plan to go to community colleges, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce.
Whittier Union recognized years of excellence in education with its 2026 Teacher of the Year selections, honoring a theater and choir director with nearly four decades of experience, and a beloved science teacher who fought a courageous battle with cancer before passing away in the summer of 2025. La Serna High School visual and performing arts teacher David Carter was named Whittier Union Teacher of the Year while former Pioneer High School science teacher Martin Mathews received a posthumous recognition. Carter was also recognized by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon as a 2026 Educator of Distinction for the 56th Assembly District for his unwavering commitment to providing excellence in education.
Nearly 800 graduates from Chaparral-Vista, San Dimas, and Bonita high schools crossed the commencement stage on June 2 and 4, turning their tassels and tossing their caps as family, friends, and educators honored the Class of 2026 for its achievements during ceremonies that celebrated the character and traditions of each school community. Each high school recognized students’ achievements in academics, arts, and athletics, in addition to celebrating graduates who overcame personal challenges in their pursuit of a diploma. Among the graduates’ many accomplishments, all of Bonita Unified’s valedictorians and salutatorians will continue their academic journeys at UCLA.
