UPLAND – Upland High School’s Class of 2026 is preparing to take the next step toward higher education, with hundreds of Highlanders earning college acceptances, scholarships, and opportunities at universities across the nation.

Among the school’s 685 graduating seniors, 203 students completed at least one college course while attending Upland High School, demonstrating a commitment to academic achievement and college readiness.

This year’s graduating class has collectively been offered more than $1,165,753.75 in scholarships, reflecting students’ hard work both inside and outside the classroom.

Several students earned especially notable recognitions, including senior Nora Maung, who was accepted to 11 universities before committing to attend Stanford University with a $92,925 Stanford Fund Scholarship.

Senior Aliyah Ortiz, who received a $100,000 scholarship to attend the University of Alabama, plans to pursue a career as a certified registered nurse anesthetist and work alongside surgeons. She remembers her senior year at UHS fondly.

“During my time at UHS, I really valued connecting with people and my own community of friends and peers,” Ortiz said.

Another standout senior, Colton Montgomery, earned $152,000 in merit scholarships and plans to attend the University of Redlands. He has participated in cross country and track since his freshman year.

“I plan to continue a high level of educational excellence and graduate with at least a bachelor’s degree,” Montgomery said. “I do not know exactly what I want to do yet, but I would like to make an impact on people’s lives for the better.”

Upland Unified Superintendent Dr. Lynn Carmen Day praised the graduating class for its dedication and perseverance.

“The accomplishments of Upland High School’s graduating seniors reflect years of hard work, determination, and support from families, teachers, and staff,” Day said. “We are incredibly proud of our students for pursuing ambitious goals and creating bright futures for themselves while taking their impact on others and the community into consideration. Their success is a testament to the strength of our schools and the opportunities available throughout Upland Unified.”

Upland High School celebrated seniors’ academic achievements, scholarships, and postsecondary plans during the school’s Senior Awards Banquet on May 28, and will continue its celebration during a Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, June 4.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

UUSD_CollegeBound1: UHS senior Nora Maung was accepted to 11 universities before committing to attend Stanford University with a $92,925 Stanford Fund Scholarship.

UUSD_CollegeBound2: Aliyah Ortiz plans to attend the University of Alabama and pursue a career as a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

UUSD_CollegeBound3: Colton Montgomery will be attending the University of Redlands this fall. He earned over $152,000 in merit scholarships.