More than 2,700 graduates from Whittier Union High School District’s Class of 2024 celebrated the culmination of their high school journeys and their milestone achievements during energetic commencement ceremonies held June 3 to 5. Graduating students from Whittier Union's five comprehensive schools, two alternative high schools, and adult school celebrated with family and friends as they took the stage to receive their diplomas, marking the end of an era. During this year’s ceremonies, the District's Board of Trustees honored outstanding students from each comprehensive high school with the esteemed 2024 Trustee Award. Whittier Union’s Class of 2024 graduates have been awarded prestigious state and national scholarships, including the 2024 full-ride Gates Scholarship, $50,000 Edison Scholarship, $20,000 Dell Scholarship, and full-ride Posse Foundation Scholarship.
Some of Lynwood Unified’s most gifted, talented and high-achieving elementary school students explored arts, dissected brains and engaged in hands-on science experiments as part of the District’s inaugural GATE Field Day on May 30. Over 200 third- through sixth-grade students in the District’s Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program engaged in diverse learning opportunities, from neuro-graphic art projects designed to ease stress and boost mindfulness to science, technology, engineering and math experiments and games.
The Whittier Union Board of Trustees will move to rename its Board Room to honor one of its most cherished and longstanding members, the late Dr. Ralph S. Pacheco, during its Tuesday, June 11 Board meeting. Board President Gary Mendez brought a letter of intent to the Board asking it to consider honoring the legacy of Pacheco’s 32 years as a Trustee. The Board requests community attendance at the June 11 meeting to weigh in on the action item and share their memories of Pacheco during the public comment period. Pacheco died in October 2023 after a long illness.
The El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) celebrated a momentous occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 30, marking the grand opening of Mountain View High School’s (MVHS) new state-of-the-art stadium, which includes a new rubberized track and field, modern bleachers, concession stands, restrooms, upgraded parking facilities, and an impressive grand entrance. Local dignitaries, school officials, students, alumni, and community members gathered to witness this milestone. The celebration featured student performances, honorary speeches, stadium tours, student-athlete drill demonstrations, and complimentary food and refreshments. Key speakers included MVHS Principal Jose Bañas, Associated Student Body (ASB) President and senior Jacqueline Medina, Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga, and Board President Ricardo Padilla, who highlighted the stadium's role in promoting healthy living, enhancing school spirit, and serving as a community hub.
Nathalie Trigo Lopez has overcome numerous obstacles during her four years at El Monte High School (EMHS), but she will soon embark on a new, academic journey in pursuit of her career goals after her hard work and determination earned her a full-ride scholarship to the prestigious Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Trigo Lopez came to the United States from Guadalajara, Mexico as a freshman in 2020 – at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic – without speaking any English. Since leaving her childhood home four years ago, she has not only mastered a new language but excelled academically, demonstrating a level of dedication and perseverance that has earned her a coveted spot at Georgetown.
Lynwood Unified Band Achieves Highest Honor at SCSBOA Festival
During its first-ever appearance at the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) Festival, Hosler Middle School’s Advanced Band received a Unanimous Superior rating – the highest rating a band can achieve. Hosler’s Advanced Band, comprised of 42 eighth-graders, played two pieces of music during the festival on March 27 at Montebello High School. The Unanimous Superior rating signifies excellence in various aspects of performance, including musicality, technical proficiency, and overall presentation.
Bonita High School seniors received a taste of what their financial responsibilities will be once they leave high school during Bite of Reality, a money management app-based simulation that guides students through real-life scenarios where they must decide how much money they can spend and balance their budget without incurring significant debt. Sponsored by Chaffey Federal Credit Union, Bite of Reality, held May 23, randomly assigns students new identities, and provides them with fictional occupations, a fixed monthly income, a spouse, and a child. From there, students must decide how to spend their money and prioritize essentials such as transportation, housing, child care, and groceries.
Lynwood Unified Students Advance to SkillsUSA National Competition
Lynwood and Firebaugh high school students showcased remarkable skill and expertise acquired through Lynwood Unified’s Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, and Culinary Arts programs during the SkillsUSA State Leadership & Skills Conference in April. Ten students earned gold medals in their respective categories and will face off against more than 6,000 state champions competing for national gold medals at the SkillsUSA National Competition, to be held June 24 to 28 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lynwood Unified Celebrates Graduates with Commencement Ceremonies
Lynwood Unified will recognize the accomplishments of its Class of 2024 graduates with stirring speeches, tassel flips and the cheers of families and friends during commencement ceremonies for its two comprehensive high schools, continuation school, and adult school. The festivities kick off at 2 p.m., Monday, June 10, with Vista High School and follows with Lynwood Community Adult School at 6 p.m., with both graduations to be held in the Lynwood High School gymnasium. Lynwood High School will stage its ceremonies at 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 11, and Firebaugh High School concludes the ceremonies at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, with both graduations to be held at Lynwood High Stadium. Lynwood High School is located at 4050 E. Imperial Hwy, Lynwood.
El Monte Union to Celebrate Graduates with Commencement Ceremonies
El Monte Union High School District will host commencement ceremonies to honor its students from the District’s five comprehensive high schools, alternative high school, and transition center, with each graduation to be held on Wednesday, June 5. Granada Adult Transition Center will hold its graduation at 10 a.m. on its campus, 3513 Granada Ave., El Monte; Fernando R. Ledesma High School will hold an on-campus ceremony at 5 p.m., at 12347 Ramona Blvd., El Monte. The remaining schools will all host 7 p.m. ceremonies in their respective stadiums: South El Monte High School at 1001 Durfee Ave., South El Monte; El Monte High School at 3048 Tyler Ave., El Monte; Rosemead High School at 9063 Mission Dr., Rosemead; Arroyo High School at 4921 Cedar Ave., El Monte; and Mountain View High School at 2900 Parkway Dr., El Monte.
