As Covina-Valley Unified students commemorated their academic achievements in five graduation ceremonies at the beginning of June, Board of Education President Dr. Maria Cruz celebrated a significant milestone of her own – earning her Doctorate of Social Work from Loma Linda University. Dr. Cruz used her accomplishments and story to highlight the need for a more equitable educational landscape and an increased representation of Latinas pursuing doctoral degrees.
Covina-Valley Unified School District celebrated the culmination of a year filled with accomplishments from its diverse and talented Class of 2024 with five vibrant commencement ceremonies, held June 3 to 6, that honored the achievements of more than 1,000 graduates. Among the many standout graduating seniors, the District recognized 49 valedictorians who achieved 4.0 GPAs from South Hills, Covina, and Northview high schools. Fairvalley High School, the Covina Learning Options Academy, and Tri-Community Adult Education added to the District's diverse success stories.
Covina-Valley to Honor Graduates with Commencement Ceremonies
Covina-Valley Unified School District will celebrate the Class of 2024 with lively commencement ceremonies filled with inspirational speeches, streamers, and excitement. The District will host five ceremonies at the Covina-Valley Unified District Field over four days, beginning with South Hills High School at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 3. Covina High’s ceremony will follow at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4. Fairvalley High School will celebrate its graduates at 9 a.m. and Northview High School will round off the comprehensive high school graduations at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5. Tri-Community Adult Education will conclude the festivities on Thursday, June 6 at 5 p.m. Covina-Valley Unified District Field is located at 252 W Puente St. Covina, CA 91723.
Seven Covina-Valley Unified elementary schools have been named to the Educational Results Partnership’s (ERP) 2023 Honor Roll Schools list, highlighting the schools’ exceptional performance, commitment to closing achievement gaps, and dedication to accelerating student learning. The ERP is the only school recognition program presented in partnership with state and local business leaders, recognizing successful schools and districts that are preparing students with the skills needed to be successful in the workforce. This year, only 17% of all eligible schools in California made the ERP’s Honor Roll list. Honorees were chosen based on student outcome data on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress from 2019 through 2023.
As a child, Marcus Tolentino kept his parents on their toes with his boundless energy. They introduced him to wrestling in seventh grade to help channel his energy, igniting an instant passion for the sport in the process. Now a senior at Northview High School, Tolentino’s passion and hard work have earned him a full-ride wrestling scholarship to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). USMMA is one of the five United States service academies and trains future officers for the Merchant Marine, branches of the military, and the transportation industry. Out of 2,000 qualified applicants, only 200 were granted an appointment to the school.Now a senior at Northview High School, Tolentino’s passion and hard work have earned him a full-ride wrestling scholarship to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). USMMA is one of the five United States service academies and trains future officers for the Merchant Marine, branches of the military, and the transportation industry. Out of 2,000 qualified applicants, only 200 were granted an appointment to the school.
Covina High School and Las Palmas Middle School have been named 2024 California Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education, showcasing Covina-Valley Unified School District’s dedication to providing students with the best possible education that helps them realize their unlimited potential. Recognizing only 293 schools this year, the California Distinguished School Award is a prestigious honor for high-achieving schools that have demonstrated exceptional student performance and dedication to closing achievement gaps.
Covina-Valley Unified School District students, families, and community members received complimentary health screenings, wellness tips, and valuable demonstrations during the District’s third annual Health and Wellness Fair on April 18, spotlighting the District’s commitment to nurturing the holistic well-being of every individual within their community. The Health and Wellness Fair has seen significant growth over its three-year history, expanding from 40 community partners to nearly 100 this year.
Covina-Valley Unified to Host Community Health and Wellness Fair
Covina-Valley Unified School District is hosting a Health and Wellness Fair for students, parents, and staff at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 18 at the Covina District Field. The fair will include a variety of health and wellness activities and resources including educational sessions and consultations with wellness experts designed to enhance physical fitness and overall wellness and nutrition. Covina District Field is located at 220 W. Puente St., Covina.
Covina High School senior Terran Li will bring her unique skills, passions, and goals to Columbia University in the fall after receiving a full-ride scholarship to the prestigious institution. Columbia University granted the income-based scholarship to Li after she applied using the university’s Early Decision option. Li’s experience in the Alexander Hamilton Scholars program, which provides high-achieving and underserved students with a comprehensive network of support and guidance as they transition from high school to college, provided her with resources to apply to prestigious universities like Columbia.
C-VUSD Senior Receives Full-Ride Scholarship to Northwestern
South Hills High School senior Aiden Cordova will bring his people-centered mindset and passion for helping others to a new city in the fall after matching with Northwestern University through QuestBridge’s Match Scholarship. Match Scholarship recipients are granted admission to one of QuestBridge’s college partners with a full four-year scholarship.
