Lynwood High Link Crew Hosts Annual Link Student Conference

Lynwood High School Link Crew students welcomed local schools on Nov. 8 for the annual Boomerang Project Link Student Conference. More than 10 schools joined to discuss practices that will help them become better role models. Link Crew Leaders are mentors and student leaders who guide freshmen to discover what it takes to be successful in high school.

Paramount Unified School District Student Wins Third Place in Culinary Excellence Competition

Paramount High School senior Jerardo “JJ” Valle’s passion for combining ingredients to create the perfect dish propelled him to a third-place finish in the sixth annual Marukan Cup of Culinary Excellence competition. Valle earned a prize of $250 for exceptional taste, presentation and creativity. His entrée featured gourmet chicken tacos topped with juicy peppers and pineapple, paired with roasted potatoes and a citrus cabbage slaw. Valle was inspired to incorporate a salsa from Yucatán, Mexico, after he tasted it during a trip there four years ago.

West Covina Unified Opens ‘District of Choice’ Enrollment

West Covina Unified is accepting enrollment applications for the 2020-21 year through the state-certified District of Choice program. As a District of Choice, West Covina Unified is eligible to accept families from throughout Southern California in its engaging, highly competitive academic programs. The District’s signature programs include Mandarin and Spanish dual language immersion, California’s only TK-12 International Baccalaureate Continuum and dual enrollment through the Mt. SAC Early College Academy. Visit the WCUSD website for enrollment information.

Whittier Union Golfer Wins National Essay Contest, Meets Elite Female Athletes at NYC Gala

California High School freshman and girls golf team member Sophia Martinez was honored by the Women’s Sports Foundation for her essay, “What Inspires Me to Keep Playing,” during the foundation’s 40th Annual Salute to Women in Sports gala, held Oct. 16 in New York City. Martinez, a member of the Southern California Golf Association junior program, was one of three winners of the WSF national essay contest, allowing her the chance to meet some of America’s elite female athletes, including Women’s World Cup star Megan Rapinoe and WSF founder and tennis star Billie Jean King.

El Monte Union to Host Final Cash for College Workshop

Fernando Ledesma High School will host a Cash for College workshop to help families access financial aid and other college resources. Attendees will get help with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act application. The workshop will run from 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 at 12347 Ramona Blvd., El Monte.

West Covina Unified to Brief Students, Families on College Financial Aid

West Covina Unified’s Edgewood High School will hold a financial aid information night for students and families, providing presentations on the process and assistance with financial aid applications from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 in the Pride Café, 1625 W. Durness St., West Covina.

Fontana Unified Elementary to Host Thanksgiving Meal for Families

Redwood Elementary School will host its eighth annual Thanksgiving Extravaganza from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, providing a hearty meal and celebration for local families. Children’s plates are free; adult plates are $4, or $5 with a to-go container. The meal will consist of turkey and gravy with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, vegetables and more. Tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, Nov. 13. Redwood Elementary is at 8570 Redwood Ave., Fontana.

Monrovia’s Monroe Elementary to Hold Cross-cultural Celebration

Monroe Elementary School will host a Convivio de Familia from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at Monroe Elementary School, 402 W. Colorado Blvd., Monrovia. The Convivio de Familia serves as a cross-cultural event, where students and families participate in a potluck, salsa contest and learn a traditional dance.

La Serna Students Learn Challenges of Living on a Budget during Bite of Reality Simulation

Close to 300 La Serna High School students were given the freedom to make their own financial decisions – and learn the unpleasant consequences of spending beyond their means – during Bite of Reality, an interactive simulation that tests students on real-world financial challenges. Sponsored by the Credit Union of Southern California, the financial literacy event, held Nov. 14, assigned students in the school’s Guided Studies, OASIS, HAVEN and Read 180 academic intervention programs, their mentors and consumer math students a fictional occupation, salary, spouse and family, student loan debt, credit card debt and medical insurance payments.