South Hills High School has been nationally recognized for its commitment to closing the gender gap in computer science, earning the AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award by the College Board’s AP Program, underscoring Covina-Valley Unified’s commitment to providing equitable opportunities that empower all students to excel in high-demand fields. South Hills secured the award for its efforts in expanding young women’s access to both the AP Computer Science A (CSA) and AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) classes. It was one of only 237 schools nationwide to receive this recognition for AP CSA, reflecting the school’s success in increasing female representation in computer science during the 2023-24 school year.
When South Hills High School senior Sally Ortega came across an unconscious man in a parking lot, she did not hesitate to put her training into action. Joining a group of individuals taking turns giving the man chest compressions, Ortega helped keep the man stable until Emergency Medical Services arrived. As a student in South Hills High’s Patient Care career technical education (CTE) pathway, Ortega has gained various medical assisting skills, including learning how to take vital signs, recognizing signs of infection, assisting physicians with exams and minor surgical procedures, performing laboratory tests, and earning CPR certification.
Manzanita Elementary School kindergartener Noah P. showcased his creativity and talent by earning a finalist spot in the SC Johnson Happy Hands contest, a national competition that emphasizes the importance of handwashing in schools. The contest encourages students in grades K-12 to use their imagination by designing a custom soap dispenser to promote better handwashing. A committee of judges evaluated each submission based on visual appeal, overall design, creativity, and unique design elements and chose finalists from both K-5 and 6-12. The Grand Prize winner will be chosen through public voting, open from Saturday, Feb. 1 – Friday, Feb. 28.
South Hills High School students, employees, families, and community members celebrated the grand unveiling of the school’s innovative new library, designed to inspire and support student success, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 23. The cutting-edge learning hub features updated technology, dynamic workspaces for both individual and collaborative use, and an imaginative atmosphere to fulfill the needs of South Hills students. The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured addresses by Covina-Valley Unified Superintendent and event MC Dr. Elizabeth Eminhizer, Board of Education Vice President Maria Caceres, and Board Member Maria Cruz, emphasizing the importance of providing students with modern resources to enhance their educational journey.
Covina-Valley Unified School District will hold a vibrant ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the new South Hills High School library. Designed as a cutting-edge learning hub, the new library features state-of-the-art technology, along with versatile individual and collaborative workspaces to inspire and support student success.
Covina-Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Eminhizer has been honored as a 2024-25 Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), recognizing her as an innovative and visionary leader who is dedicated to fostering student success and excellence. Each year, NSPRA recognizes up to 25 superintendents from across the country, honoring dynamic district leaders with fewer than five years of experience as a superintendent who uses strong communication and technology to expand outreach efforts.
Covina-Valley Unified School District celebrated the re-election of its Board of Education members during an Oath of Office ceremony on Dec. 16., reaffirming the Board’s unwavering commitment to student success. The event, held at the Dr. Mary Hanes Professional Development Center and Board Room, brought together District leaders, staff, and community members to honor the dedication and continued leadership of the Board.
Covina-Valley Unified School District has earned exceptional recognition in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings, reaffirming the District’s reputation as a standout educational leader across the San Gabriel Valley. Barranca, Grovecenter, Manzanita, Mesa, Merwin, Rowland Avenue, and Workman Avenue elementary schools, and Las Palmas and Traweek middle schools were all ranked highly in California, gaining eligibility to display a U.S. News & World Report badge to highlight this achievement. This recognition reflects the District’s dedication to providing a high-quality education that prepares young learners to thrive in high school and beyond.
Covina High School’s student-run thrift shop, Colt Outfitters, which offers students affordable access to clothing, school supplies, backpacks, books, and toiletries, has won a Golden Bell award from the California School Boards Association, recognizing the shop’s innovation and impact on supporting students. Established in the 2021-22 school year by the school’s Interact club, Colt Outfitters offers students essentials, with most items priced at $2 or less. Colt Outfitters serves not only as a resource for students but also as a learning environment for those in the Life-Skills Education Advancement Program (LEAP), which helps special education students develop real-world skills. LEAP students assist with running the store, learning social skills that will help them succeed in future jobs and life beyond high school.
Dr. Michele Doll, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services at Covina-Valley Unified School District, has been named the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Human Resources Cabinet Member of the Year, underscoring her dedication to building a supportive and dynamic work culture that positively impacts both students and staff. With a distinguished career in public education spanning three decades, Dr. Doll has established a compassionate and strategic approach to human resources, helping the District to attract, retain, and nurture employees since 2015. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment has been instrumental in shaping the District’s culture and enhancing the experiences of educators and staff.
