Seven graduates from El Monte Union High School District’s Adult Transition Program were celebrated with joy and applause for their academic accomplishments and successes during a winter commencement ceremony held on Dec. 21. In the presence of families, friends, the Board of Trustees, and District administrators and staff, the ceremony showcased heartfelt moments as graduates Jolin Duong, Gabriel Escobar, Edgar Valdez, Edwin Huaracha-Campos, Andrea Montano, Dominiak Morrow, and Fatima Santellan walked across the stage to receive their certificates of completion.
A.B. Miller High School Class of 2023 graduate Nathan Aguilar was named one of 50th District Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes’ 2023 “30 Under 30” recipients, honoring the initiative he displayed in becoming A.B. Miller’s first aviation student to earn his private pilot’s license. The recognition honors 30 residents under the age of 30 from California’s 50th District – which includes Fontana – for their dedication, innovation and service. Aguilar was recognized along with his peers at the seventh annual “30 Under 30” ceremony, which was hosted by Reyes at the Esri campus in Redlands.
When Bonita High School senior Randy Gershman received an email inviting him to perform in the London New Year’s Day Parade, he doubted its legitimacy. His skepticism turned to surprise, then joy, upon learning this rare opportunity was real, earned after his success at the California State Drum Major Championships earlier this year. Gershman will march in the parade through the West End of London on Jan. 1, 2024, performing a routine with four other drum majors.
Members from across the Fontana Unified community, including staff, students and elected dignitaries, gathered at Randall Pepper Elementary on Dec. 15 for the dedication of the O’Day Short Family Unity Garden that will serve as a living symbol of the District’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The O’Day Short Family Unity Garden commemorates the lives of O’Day, Helen, Carol Ann and Barry Short. The family is remembered for breaking Fontana’s color barrier in 1945. All four members of the African American family died after their house burst into flames on Dec. 16, 1945, and Randall Pepper Elementary was later built on the site in 1950.
Fontana Unified students, staff and community members loaded up cars with gifts of toys, food and information on community resources during the District’s annual Fontana Santas event on Dec. 16. Fontana Santas began in 1997 when the Fontana School Police Department learned a Fontana boy ran away from home after Christmas because he did not receive any presents. Since then, the Fontana School Police Department and Fontana Unified employees have collected toys and donations from local organizations and delivered them to families in need during the holidays, creating a treasured tradition that has provided toys to thousands of Fontana Unified students over the last 26 years.
Río Hondo College Board of Trustees members held its annual organization and election of board officers on Dec. 13, as the Board continues to uphold the vision, mission and values of Río Hondo College. The Board elected Anais Medina Diaz as the new president. Oscar Valladares was selected to serve as vice president and Rosaelva Lomeli will step into the clerk position. Kristal Orozco was presented with a gift of appreciation for her leadership and service as Board president in 2023 and will continue to serve as a Board member alongside Vicky Santana.
Bonita Unified Board of Education Reorganizes Officers for 2024
Bonita Unified School District’s Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting on Dec. 13, voting members into new leadership roles. The Board selected Greg Palatto as president, Chris Ann Horsley as vice president and Derek Bahmanou as clerk. Members Glenn Creiman and Jim Elliot round out the Board.
Lynwood Unified Welcomes Facilities Project Manager for LHS Demolition
Lynwood High School’s Imperial Campus interior buildings are undergoing a comprehensive demolition estimated to be complete in February 2024, with new construction beginning in Summer 2024. On Nov. 27, Lynwood Unified appointed Jorge Ramirez as the new Facilities Project Manager who will oversee the reconstruction project and support the District’s long-term facilities plan. With over 20 years of experience in public education, Ramirez looks forward to making an impact in the Lynwood community.
Hacienda La Puente Unified Robotics Teams Advance to Championships
Robotics teams across Hacienda La Puente Unified are celebrating a successful season that has enhanced their confidence, expanded their knowledge and led to excellence in various FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge and Explorer events. The Challenge division, which started with nearly 1,000 Southern California teams at the FLL Qualifying Tournament, will hold its 2024 Championships on Sunday, Jan. 14, welcoming 50 teams from across the region, including three HLPUSD teams. Additionally, The Robolts is the only District Explore team to advance to the Championships.
More than 60 Fontana High School students across a variety of campus clubs and organizations made the less than one-mile walk across Citrus Avenue, with many carrying gifts or dressed ready to perform for the residents at Citrus Nursing Center (CNC) on Dec. 13. Students in FOHI’s Steelers for Christ, a religious club on campus, ballet folklórico, choir and nursing programs paused their busy schedules during Fontana Unified School District’s finals week to visit with the CNC residents, with the school’s Madrigals choir and ballet folklórico programs putting on vibrant song and dance performances, while other students delivered gifts throughout the 99-bed skilled nursing facility.
