At a crossroads with her education, California High School Class of 2018 graduate Abigail Villanueva had completed her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and public health at the University of Southern California, with a goal of enrolling in medical school. But before she could apply to a college, Villanueva needed to gain clinical experience in a medical setting. Taking the advice of a friend and former Whittier Union Adult School (WUAS) student, Villanueva enrolled in the WUAS medical assistant program, a comprehensive two-quarter course where students gain essential clinical and administrative skills through hands-on training that prepares them for real-world scenarios, clinical training, and internships.
l Monte Union High School District broke ground on a transformative modernization of its Rosemead Center Adult Education Complex on April 16, marking a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to expand educational opportunities. The $18 million project—funded by voter-approved Measure HS—will feature a two-story expansion, modern classrooms, upgraded infrastructure, and extensive site improvements to the campus, which houses both the Adult Transition Program (ATP) and El Monte-Rosemead Adult School (EMRAS). Designed to foster independence, skill-building, and academic achievement, the revitalized complex will serve thousands of adult learners annually in the western San Gabriel Valley, including young adults continuing on alternate pathways to a high school diploma.
Henry J. Kaiser High School’s award-winning Kaiser Artistic and Theatrical Society (KATS) program is wrapping up its 2024-25 season with a production of “Chicago.” KATS offers Kaiser High students advanced theatre instruction, preparing them for success in performance and technical roles. Tickets for the performances can be purchased at the door.
Mountain View High School (MVHS) empowered students to take control of their financial futures during its inaugural Financial Literacy Fair on April 10, an interactive event led by the school’s U.S. Bank student interns, which offered hands-on activities and peer-to-peer lessons in recognition of Financial Literacy Month. Organized by MVHS’ 12 student interns at U.S. Bank, the fair guided students through key financial topics such as budgeting, SMART goals, the 50/30/20 rule, credit cards, and FICO scores. Ten interns presented tri-fold posters with short scripts, engaging students in real-world scenarios and personal finance strategies. Each intern was paired with a U.S. Bank mentor at their station, offering guidance and answering questions throughout the day. The remaining two interns served as emcees, directing attendees to stations and helping the event flow smoothly.
Three Bonita Unified employees, known for guiding students in the classroom, supporting athletes on the field, and cultivating creative environments, were celebrated as the District’s 2025 Employees of the Year for their lasting impact across the District and their school communities during the Board of Education’s April 9 meeting. Bonita High School teacher, athletic director, and coach Darren Baumunk was honored as the District’s 2025 Certificated Employee of the Year; Mary Udria, a certified occupational therapy assistant in Specialized Services, was named as the Classified Employee of the Year; and Bonita Center for the Arts theater manager Melissa Stone received the Management Employee of the Year award.
Fontana Unified School District Board of Education Vice President Danielle Holley and Board Member Mary Sandoval have been named 2025 Women of Distinction by Assemblymember James Ramos in recognition of their leadership in education and service to the Fontana community. Each year, Assemblymember Ramos presents Women of Distinction awards to celebrate those women in Assembly District 45 whose dedication to service, excellence, and leadership have had a profound impact on their communities. Thirteen women earned recognition this year, including Holley and Sandoval.
Surrounded by steel-framed structures on a dirt lot, Fontana Unified School District (FUSD) staff, community members, and dignitaries took turns signing their names or well wishes onto the final steel beam of the District’s new secondary academy before it was hoisted into place during a traditional “topping off” ceremony on April 11. Located in the growing north end of Fontana at Citrus Avenue and Casa Grande Avenue, the academy will serve seventh- through 12th-grade students once it opens in August 2026. The 150,000 square-foot school will accommodate up to 1,200 students and is designed as a student-centered campus, emphasizing collaboration, creativity, and hands-on learning.
California High School Class of 2016 graduate Alondra Saldivar has a passion for helping others. From her days leading Cal High Condors into community service projects as Interact Club president to her current role as a law graduate working for the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project in Arizona, Saldivar has worked tirelessly to champion human rights while inspiring others to become community volunteers. Saldivar’s post-secondary journey has been a whirlwind of education and advocacy, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and a Juris Doctor degree at the University of San Francisco (USF), all while continuing to mentor young students and encourage them to pursue participation in community service clubs.
Three Fontana Unified School District elementary schools have been recognized for their excellence in closing the achievement gap with their selection for the prestigious 2025 California Distinguished Schools (CDS) Program. Beech Avenue, Date, and Shadow Hills elementary schools were named California Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education (CDE) on March 25 in recognition of their academic growth and commitment to fostering positive school climates. Twenty-two Fontana Unified schools have earned the California Distinguished Schools award since its inception in 1985, with Shadow Hills receiving the distinction three times in its history. The schools earned the distinction under the program’s Closing the Achievement Gap category, based on data from the 2024 California School Dashboard. They will be honored at the California School Recognition Programs Awards Ceremony in Anaheim on Friday, May 30.
Pioneer High School senior Olivia Jimenez envisions a day when socially assistive robotics will provide equitable and affordable support for children with special needs, helping them with their cognitive development and social skills. Jimenez’s goal is to use the field of mechanical engineering as a template for doing good work. Jimenez became inspired to work in the field of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) after watching her sister, who is autistic, struggle to find the support she needed in under-resourced schools. Jimenez became fascinated with STEM, immersing herself in projects, exploring all possibilities, and searching for answers, a pursuit that led to her becoming Pioneer High’s Science Club president.
