Fontana Unified Graduates Cross the Finish Line with Speedway Ceremony
Principals from Fontana Unified’s five comprehensive high schools waved the checkered flag as Class of 2020 graduates and their families drove by, honking their horns and signaling the end of their high school journey during drive-thru commencement ceremonies at the Auto Club Speedway. The socially distanced ceremonies, held June 2-4, featured graduates disembarking from their cars in school-branded masks to accept their diplomas in front of classic cars. The ceremonies were accompanied by a virtual presentation of speeches from students and staff, built into a livestream of the diploma conferral. The ceremonies concluded the District’s commencement festivities, which included drive-thru ceremonies for the adult school and continuation schools at Ontario International Airport on May 28.
El Monte Union Confers Diplomas to 1,800 Graduates During Car Parades
On June 4, El Monte Union recognized more than 1,800 members of the Class of 2020 during Car Parade celebrations, during which seniors – clad in caps and gowns and other graduation regalia – received their diplomas with family members cheering from their vehicles. Each school also live-streamed virtual celebrations as a tribute to the six graduating classes.
Río Hondo College Police Academy is a leader in progressive police training, following a teaching philosophy known as Principled Policing that encourages strong community relationships, respect for diversity and an understanding of constitutional rights. College leaders are providing insight into the police training program in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers and subsequent demonstrations over treatment of African Americans by law enforcement.
El Monte City School District to Provide Summer Meals Starting on June 8
El Monte City School District will continue to provide four daily grab-and-go meals every weekday throughout the summer to community children ages 18 and younger. Meals include breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack. They will be distributed from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, June 8 to Monday, Aug. 17 at Durfee, Gidley, Potrero and Shirpser schools.
Over 300 Monrovia High School seniors stepped out of vehicles, walked a green and white decorated stage, received their diplomas and turned their tassels during a drive-thru commencement ceremony at Monrovia High School on June 3. The very first graduate of the day was Vivian Fisher, who received an honorary diploma as she was unable to receive her diploma from the Class of 1938. Afterward, students lined up 6 feet apart and walked the stage as their names were announced through the speakers. Families drove next to the stage, taking photos and cheering for their graduate before making their way to a pick-up zone.
Emotional and heartfelt responses to the recent events of injustice poured out of Lynwood Unified students during a student forum on June 1. The District organized the virtual forum to give students the opportunity to discuss their feelings and suggest a plan of action for combatting racial injustice. The group of nearly 70 participants included the board president, superintendent, principals, and members of the District’s Equity, Access, and Instructional Services.
Emery School was alive with cheers, dancing and applause during its drive-thru promotion ceremonies, which congratulated fifth- and sixth-grade students on completing a milestone in their educational journeys. The school held a morning ceremony for 92 fifth-graders and an evening ceremony for 86 sixth-graders on May 28, giving students one more chance to see their friends and thank their teachers. Sixth-grader Noelani Canotal gave her teachers a friendly “hang 10” hand sign during the ceremony and thanked them for preparing her classmates and her for middle school. Canotal said she is looking forward to attending Beatty Middle School in 2020-21.
Mountain View High School senior Cindy Lee, this year’s top valedictorian for the Class of 2020, has been named a 2020 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Scholar, one of only 300 students across the nation to receive the full-tuition scholarship. Lee will attend her dream university, UC Irvine, where she will major in data science and pursue a graduate degree.
Four schools in the El Monte City School District are being touted as 2020 Top Los Angeles County Public Schools for ensuring high rates of success in math and English language arts for low-income Latino students. LeGore School was honored for achieving high rates of success for elementary students in both areas and Cleminson for success in English for elementary students. Gidley and Durfee schools were praised for their success for middle school English.
Highlighting the achievements and successes of each student, Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park Independent Study School will celebrate the graduating Class of 2020 with a drive-thru commencement ceremony at Monrovia High School on June 2. The ceremony will follow all social distancing requirements and public health guidelines established for Los Angeles County.
