Under sunny skies that accentuated the blue and white spirit of the day, the El Monte community came together on Sept. 19 to celebrate 125 years of Lion pride, tradition, and excellence at El Monte High School (EMHS), as well as the El Monte Union High School District’s quasquicentennial. Community members, alumni, local representatives, District staff, and Lion student groups gathered to honor the school’s cherished and illustrious history, while looking ahead to its future. More than just a celebration of the school and District, the gala honored the unique culture of El Monte and its many contributions to Southern California.
El Monte High School (EMHS) and El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) will commemorate 125 years of history and achievement with a special anniversary celebration featuring student performances, alumni and community highlights, a showcase video, campus tours and exhibits, lunch, a time capsule ceremony, and the presentation of a resolution honoring the milestone from Senator Susan Rubio. Former EMHS Principal Doug Halvorson, who served from 1999 to 2005, will also offer remarks.
Fernando R. Ledesma High School (FRLHS) and Mountain View High School (MVHS) have been named among the 2026 America’s Healthiest Schools by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, earning national recognition for their efforts to create healthier, more supportive environments that promote the well-being of students, staff, and families.The annual program recognized 1,376 schools across 35 states and the District of Columbia for implementing best practices that advance whole-child health. Schools are evaluated across up to nine areas, including physical activity, nutrition and food access, school health services, social-emotional health and learning, staff well-being, and family and community engagement.
More than 7,000 students returned to El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) campuses on Aug. 19, kicking off a historic 2026-27 school year as the District and El Monte High School commemorate 125 years of serving students and the community. From music and spirited welcomes to colorful displays and student-led traditions, schools across the District brought their own personality to the first day of school. Associated Student Body (ASB) leaders, Link Crew members, band, cheer, and staff greeted students as they arrived. Several schools also welcomed new administrators who are beginning their first year leading their respective communities.
More than 7,000 students will kick off a historic 2026-27 school year as the El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) celebrates 125 years of educational excellence, alongside El Monte High School, the first high school established in the community. Campuses will come alive with freshman orientations, spirited rallies, music, and warm welcomes from teachers, administrators, Associated Student Body leaders, and Link Crew members. The first day also marks a milestone for the District, with new leadership at several schools greeting students and families for the first time.
Twenty-four El Monte Union students celebrated the successful completion of their high school journey during the District's inaugural summer graduation ceremony on July 17, crossing the stage to receive diplomas they earned through determination and the completion of summer school. Held in Mountain View High School's newly renovated cafetorium on the final day of summer school, the ceremony recognized graduates from Arroyo, El Monte, Fernando R. Ledesma, Mountain View, Rosemead, and South El Monte high schools. Balloon arches in each school's colors framed the stage as families, friends, and educators applauded graduates, captured photos, and celebrated a moment many had waited weeks to experience.
South El Monte High School senior Roy Tong made District history by becoming the first El Monte Union High School District student to earn the title of national champion in Computer Applications at the 2026 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas held June 29 through July 2. The conference brought together nearly 16,000 middle and high school students, advisers, and guests from across North America to take part in 76 competitive business events and professional development activities. With financial support from the District, Tong competed in a two-hour Computer Applications competition that assessed his ability to use advanced formulas in spreadsheets, document formatting in word processing, and dynamic presentation development.
When El Monte High School Class of 2026 graduate Emmy Betancourth and Rosemead High School graduate Linda May learned their schools would field girls flag football teams for the first time during the 2025-26 school year, the scholar-athletes eagerly embraced the opportunity. Already known for challenging themselves in the classroom and in athletics, Betancourth and May quickly stepped into leadership roles as members of their schools' inaugural teams. Betancourth and May were two of just 28 students from the San Gabriel Valley to be recognized with the National Football Foundation (NFF) Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley Chapter’s inaugural Scholar-Athlete Award for Girls Flag Football, representing El Monte Union’s athletic program.
The El Monte Union High School District's (EMUHSD) Class of 2026 celebrated commencement season during ceremonies held May 27 and June 4, showcasing academic achievement, cultural pride, and the communities that supported students throughout their educational journeys. The Class of 2026 is set to attend prestigious institutions including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, Claremont McKenna College, Princeton University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, USC, UCLA, UC San Diego, and UC Irvine. Others plan to go to community colleges, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce.
Whether pioneering student-led aerospace research or conducting scientific lab work as first-generation scholars, six El Monte Union High School District standout seniors are charting bold futures as they prepare for graduation. Through Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities, career technical education pathways, and leadership programs, El Monte Union students have the opportunity to participate in academic and career-focused experiences in fields including public health, business, engineering, and public service.
