The Bonita Unified ProStart Culinary program made history once again when the San Dimas High School culinary team was crowned the California ProStart Cup champion for the second consecutive year, giving the student chefs an opportunity to defend their title at the National ProStart Invitational, to be held in Baltimore in April. San Dimas High School is the first back-to-back California ProStart Cup champion since 2010-11. Following closely behind in second place was 2024 California ProStart Cup champion Bonita High School, giving the District its first-ever one-two placement at the Cup, adding another successful chapter in the District’s storied history in the competition. For the third consecutive year, Bonita Unified will represent California in one of the country’s most popular and challenging amateur culinary competitions.
The Edison Scholars program annually awards 30 high school seniors with scholarships supporting studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Students selected for this prestigious scholarship demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to using STEM to create meaningful impact in their communities.
Prior to entering school as a freshman, Santa Fe High School senior Itzel Iniguez, looking for better educational opportunities, made the decision to commute from her home in South Gate to Santa Fe Springs. Iniguez took advantage of everything Santa Fe had to offer, rapidly developing into a scholar-athlete, campus leader, and role model. Iniguez, who boasts a 4.38 GPA, has won numerous awards at Santa Fe, including the Principal’s Honor Roll for seven consecutive semesters, Student of the Year as a junior, the Coaches Award and Chieftain Cheer Award for her leadership and spirit, and the Service Learning Award for completing more than 50 hours of community service.
Fontana High School students are preparing to become the next generation of health care professionals through the school’s Nursing Assistant Program, with students in the 2025-26 school year earning a notable 99 percent pass rate on the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) state exam. This pass rate positions Fontana High graduates for success beyond high school, preparing them to pursue their education in prestigious nursing programs or enter the workforce immediately as certified nursing assistants.
Covina-Valley Unified is helping transform wrestling into a more mainstream sport, with strong programs at every middle and high school. This commitment is exemplified by longtime powerhouse Northview High School, an up-and-coming program at Covina High School, and South Hills High School, where the wrestling program has undergone significant growth in recent years. Starting with just one female wrestler during the 2024-25 season, the South Hills program has grown to include 35 girls on the roster. This year, the South Hills boys wrestling team placed second in the CIF Southern Section Coastal Division, and the girls team placed third, both achieving the teams’ goals of finishing in the top five.
Cesar Chavez Middle School students celebrated the 150th anniversary of the first telephone call by receiving 150 free refurbished laptops through a partnership between Lynwood Unified, LevelUp, Think Together and AT&T on March 3. The laptops were provided to students participating in the LevelUp expanded learning program in partnership with Think Together, helping ensure they have the technology needed to continue learning at home. Cesar Chavez eighth-grader Joseph Rodriguez said participating in Think Together has helped him improve academically while building important social and communication skills.
Tracy Hofmann, a third-grade teacher at Virginia Primrose Elementary School, has been named Fontana Unified School District’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year, marking the second time in her career she has earned this distinction. The recognition highlights her nearly three decades of commitment to helping students grow in confidence, character, and academic skills. Hofmann has taught at Virginia Primrose for 29 years, creating a classroom environment where students feel safe, valued, and intellectually curious. By establishing positive connections, Hofmann ensures each student is comfortable taking risks, sharing ideas, learning from mistakes, and supporting one another.
The Kaiser High School Music Department will hold a fundraiser for the music program’s upcoming trip to New York to perform at the legendary Carnegie Hall as part of the National Band and Orchestra Festival from April 3-4. The Kaiser High Concert Band, String Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble will perform their entire Carnegie Hall set under the direction of band director Roberto Ronquillo, along with a performance from Southridge Tech Middle School’s advanced band and orchestra, led by music teacher Sara Dvorak.
Fontana Unified students from Henry J. Kaiser and Summit high schools showcased their culinary expertise and musical talents during the City of Fontana’s State of the City: Taste of Fontana event on Feb. 19, demonstrating the strength of the District’s Career Technical Education (CTE) and performing arts programs. CTE culinary students from both high schools prepared dishes from scratch, serving a variety of savory and sweet selections for city officials and community members to enjoy throughout the evening. Guests sampled jalapeño poppers, and caramelized onion and apple tarts, along with desserts such as churro cheesecake and chocolate mousse, all crafted and presented by students.
The Summit High School Advanced Orchestra and its boosters will hold a fundraiser for the music program’s upcoming trip to New York to perform at the legendary Carnegie Hall as part of the National Band and Orchestra Festival from April 3-4. Members of Summit’s Forte Piano Advanced Orchestra and Wind Ensemble will perform their entire Carnegie Hall set, conducted by band director James Sharp.
