After dedicating more than two years to community service and personal growth, Covina High School rising junior Jolin Zeng has earned the 2026 Congressional Gold Medal Award, joining just 877 young Americans ages 14 to 24 to receive the prestigious honor this year. To earn the Gold Medal Award, Zeng completed more than 1,300 hours across four areas, including nearly 570 hours of voluntary public service, 290 hours of personal development, 479 hours of physical fitness, and an eight-day cultural expedition. Her accomplishments far exceeded the required total of 800 hours.
Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) is achieving record student persistence and retention rates by building a campuswide culture where every employee plays a role in helping students succeed. Fall-to-spring retention reached an all-time high of 92.6% in the university’s most recently reported cohort, up from 78% just two years earlier. Fall-to-fall persistence has also climbed from 62% in 2022 to 76.3%. TAMUK President Dr. Robert Vela attributes those gains to a culture of care they have intentionally built through participation in Caring Campus, which helps community colleges and universities create environments centered on meaningful relationships rather than transactional interactions.
Whittier Union High School District commenced its 2026-27 school year with spirited back-to-school events held over three days, holding rallies and celebrations for more than 9,200 students, welcoming the incoming Class of 2030, and ushering in a renewed commitment to excellence, achievement, and growth.
Bonita Unified students looking to learn more about careers as auto and diesel technicians received an opportunity to explore the world of auto mechanics and vehicle inspection during Citrus College’s Automotive and Medium/Heavy-Duty Truck Technology Summer Academy, one of several career technical education (CTE) programs attended by BUSD students this summer.
More than 30,000 students returned to classrooms across Fontana Unified on Aug. 6, kicking off a landmark year celebrating 70 years as a unified school district and a legacy of excellence in education dating back to the opening of its first elementary school in 1888. Across Fontana Unified’s 46 schools, students were greeted with music and balloons, while staff and student leaders cheered them on as they began the new academic year. Students returned to expanded opportunities in career technical education and visual and performing arts (VAPA), further integrating their career aspirations and interests with classroom learning.
Fontana Unified School District ushered in a new era of education with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Oak Grove Preparatory Academy on Aug. 4, officially opening the first-of-its-kind institution and adding to an award-winning lineup of high schools built around expanded career exploration and academic opportunities. Incoming ninth-graders welcomed attendees along a walkway leading into the brand-new gymnasium, where an arch of school-colored balloons and Oak Grove banners framed the presentation stage. The Academy's staff, teachers, students, Fontana Unified leaders, community members, and elected officials were the first to fill the gymnasium bleachers, commemorating the official opening of the school to the community.
Northview High School rising senior Nabhat (JinJin) Sanglimsuwan first became interested in advocating for her peers and elevating student voice after stopping by her school’s library for a free slice of pizza during her freshman year. While there, she stumbled into a meeting of the School Site Council, which inspired her to get involved. At a subsequent meeting, she proposed reducing Advanced Placement exam fees to support economically disadvantaged students, helping make a meaningful change for her peers.
More than 7,000 students will kick off a historic 2026-27 school year as the El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) celebrates 125 years of educational excellence, alongside El Monte High School, the first high school established in the community. Campuses will come alive with freshman orientations, spirited rallies, music, and warm welcomes from teachers, administrators, Associated Student Body leaders, and Link Crew members. The first day also marks a milestone for the District, with new leadership at several schools greeting students and families for the first time.
Covina-Valley Unified School District is strengthening its leadership team with the addition of 10 administrators for the start of the 2026-27 school year, bringing experienced leaders and educators to schools and departments across the District. Each new administrator brings a strong commitment to student success and will play an instrumental role in enhancing student support and school operations, strengthening programs, and advancing the priorities of Covina-Valley Unified.
Fontana Unified will welcome back more than 30,000 students for the first day of school, kicking off a landmark year that celebrates 70 years as a unified school district while honoring a legacy of education that began with the opening of its first elementary school in 1888.
