Dolores Huerta International Academy, Sierra Lakes Elementary and Dorothy Grant Elementary were named to the 2017-18 California Honor Roll for narrowing the achievement gap and producing strong results on state standardized tests. All three Fontana Unified schools were honored as Star Schools, a designation for high-performing schools with substantial populations of socioeconomically disadvantaged students.
Two Jurupa Hills High School juniors have been invited to participate in the 2018-19 National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP) for their performance on the PSAT, placing them among the top 2.5 percent of Hispanic and Latino students in their 12-state region. If selected, Angel Guerrero and Kaitlyn Dodgen would be among 5,000 Hispanic/Latino students to be named NHRP Scholars, chosen from a pool of 250,000 high school juniors.
More than 130 graduating seniors received diplomas during a memorable commencement ceremony at North Park Continuation High School on May 30, which featured an interlude with students bestowing orchid leis on parents, teachers and mentors who helped them on their educational journey. Associated Student Body treasurer Mariana Rojo Hernandez and classmate Wilmer Antonio Sanchez encouraged their fellow graduates to never give up and to recognize their resiliency and strength. Hernandez received a scholarship from Schools First Credit Union. Sanchez earned scholarships from the Baldwin Park Education Association and the California School Employee Association.
Karina Cortes Garcia walked through a crowded Paramount High School gymnasium on May 24, proudly holding a certificate that displayed her college destination of the University of California, Berkeley. Garcia was one of nearly 370 college-bound seniors who gathered for University Celebration Day, which honored students for their acceptance to four-year universities. The group shared lunch and memories as PHS staff recognized each by name and awarded them with congratulatory certificates.
Southern California Edison and El Monte Union High School District held a “1,000 Station Celebration” at South El Monte High School on May 30 to mark the installation of the 1,000th EV charging station under SCE’s Charge Ready program. Charge Ready is SCE’s pilot program to get more electric vehicle charging stations installed in locations where drivers park their cars for extended periods of time. El Monte Union, the first public school district in the program, has installed 44 stations at six District sites.
Gabrielino High School senior Hugo M. So will pursue his passion for engineering at Harvey Mudd College after being named a 2018 National Merit Scholar, a distinction earned by just 7,500 of 1.6 million students who apply by taking the PSAT. So, a varsity pole vaulter with a 4.84 GPA, will receive a $2,500 scholarship for scoring 1500 out of 1520 on the PSAT, achieving academically and participating in a variety of community service opportunities.
Rio Hondo College will hold its third annual Camp Rio summer program for up to 45 students from the Whittier Boys and Girls Club from Monday, July 16 through Thursday, July 19. The program features hands-on activities designed to inspire interest in college attendance. This year’s program includes a coding track, a design/printmaking track and an electronic music track.
Rio Hondo College will hold three, two-week Summer Bridge sessions to support incoming first-year students: July 2 to 12, July 16 to 26 and July 30 to Aug. 9. The programs include a math academy, English preparation and guided registration for fall classes. Students will also tour the campus, learn about programs and resources and engage in enrichment activities. The free program is limited to 450 students.
Wilson Elementary Principal Jeannine McGuigan will retire in June after leading the San Gabriel Unified school for 21 years. Under her guidance, Wilson Elementary has built a strong community of volunteers, embraced design-based learning instruction and launched a robotics team.
Lynwood Unified held graduation ceremonies in for its comprehensive high schools and alternative high school; all ceremonies were held at Lynwood High School. Vista High School held its ceremony on June 13 in the gym; Firebaugh High School held its ceremony on June 14 on the field; Lynwood High School celebrated on June 15 on the field.
