Rosemead High School senior Carmen Ung was in second grade when her father came home with a family gift, a Dell tabletop computer. Ung was immediately fascinated – the way the screen lit up her face, the ability to explore new worlds with a touch of the keypad – she knew right away that technology would change her life. As her computer skills grew rapidly over the next several years, Ung set a goal for herself to become a driving force in the world of tech and use tech to help change lives for underrepresented students in low-income communities – whether through artificial intelligence, software engineering, or computer science. The Ivy League-bound senior is now well on her way to achieving these goals.
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.
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.
Laughter and excitement filled the air as families, community members, and local dignitaries celebrated the grand opening of El Monte Union High School District’s (EMUHSD) Family and Community Engagement Center on March 26, an event that featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and marked the debut of a hub dedicated to empowering families and strengthening school-community partnerships.
El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of its new Family and Community Engagement Center. Designed to serve as a central hub for Districtwide workshops and events—including the annual Posada in December—the facility will provide valuable resources and support services for families and the community. The center features a state-of-the-art meeting room with advanced technology, modern finishes, and an inviting exterior. Additional amenities include a conference space, kitchenette, and nursing room, offering a welcoming environment for collaboration and engagement.
Arroyo and Rosemead high schools’ boys’ basketball teams battled through a competitive, 32-team bracket to set up an all-El Monte Union High School District championship game in the CIF Southern Section (CIF-SS) Division 5A finale. It marked the third meeting of the season between the Mission Valley League (MVL) opponents, with both teams splitting the regular season series. In the end, Arroyo High won the hard-fought CIF-SS championship game by a final score of 50-38 in front of a packed crowd at Azusa Pacific University on Feb. 28. Students, families, and alumni from both schools filled the stands, creating an electric atmosphere as fans rallied behind the players throughout the night.
El Monte Union High School District students explored a variety of career opportunities during “A Day With The Trades,” an informational seminar held on Feb. 20, which connected juniors and seniors with industry professionals who shared insights into high-demand careers that offer financial stability and job security without requiring a traditional four-year degree. Students engaged with industry experts at informational tables during the event at Fernando R. Ledesma High School, collecting materials and learning about apprenticeships, certifications, and specialized training in fields such as construction, electrical work, and automotive technology. By engaging directly with professionals, students were able to explore various career pathways and gain insights into the skills and training required for success.
El Monte Union senior Alexander Gonzalez made El Monte High School (EMHS) history with his selection to the prestigious California Choral Directors Association’s (CCDA) All-State Honor Choir, making him the first Lion to ever earn a spot among the top 300 vocal talents in the state. Gonzalez, who began his choir journey as a freshman at EMHS, reached a major milestone in October 2024 by qualifying for the regional choir. At his audition, he distinguished himself as one of the top scorers, earning a spot in the California All-State Choir. During the audition process, the senior impressed judges with a memorized Italian song "Sebben Crudele" and demonstrated his abilities in music reading, scales, aural skills, and sight-reading.
Five El Monte Union High School District seniors will see their dreams of attending top-tier universities come true after being named QuestBridge 2025 National College Match scholars, an honor that comes with early admission to their new schools and full-ride, four-year scholarships worth more than $325,000. Arroyo High School seniors Daniel Vu, Audrey Tang, and Noe Magana will join Rosemead High School seniors Aura Gallardo Muñoz and Carmen Ung as 2025 QuestBridge scholars, with their tickets stamped to attend premier universities across the country, including Pomona College, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Princeton, and Yale.
Vanessa Salazar has become a cornerstone of Rosemead High School’s (RHS) community, known for her steadfast commitment to ensuring every student has access to essential resources and support while leveraging her skills as a mentor to foster a supportive environment where students are encouraged to be their true selves. In recognition of her dedication and impact on student success, Salazar was honored with the prestigious Bobby Salcedo Esperanza Award by the El Monte Promise Foundation. She received the award during the organization’s annual Tamalada Gala on Dec. 12, highlighting her exceptional contributions to the school community and the well-being of her students. Each year, the award is given to a staff member from neighboring districts who best exemplifies Salcedo’s commitment to education.
