El Monte Union High School District welcomed more than 7,000 students to campuses for the first day of school on Aug. 17, where they were greeted by peers, cheer teams, marching bands, campus leaders, mascots and school staff who helped create an inviting atmosphere and excite students for the 2023-24 school year. Each El Monte Union campus held its own special celebration, with brightly decorated balloons and posters, as new and returning students connected over summer happenings and compared schedules for their classes.
El Monte Union has selected Dr. Laura Rivas as its new Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, bringing an esteemed administrator and strong communicator dedicated to student success to the District. Rivas replaces Larry Cecil, who retired in June after 36 years with El Monte Union. Rivas, who has more than 25 years of experience in education, has served as a teacher, categorical programs advisor, assistant principal, principal and director of secondary education. An accomplished bilingual educator and relationship-builder, Rivas said she is committed to equity and meeting the academic and social-emotional needs of students and families in the District community.
EMUHSD Alumna Represents Philippines at 2023 Women’s World Cup
Quinley Quezada, a talented soccer star and alumna of Rosemead High School (RHS), achieved a monumental milestone as she proudly represented the Philippines in their first-ever Women's World Cup game on July 20. Quezada's soccer journey began at RHS, where her skills and unwavering dedication earned her a reputation as a standout player. She was named part of the First Team All-League for the 2011 to 2015 seasons. She was also recognized as the All-Mission Valley League Offensive Player of the Year in 2011 and 2015 and earned Female Athlete of the Year as a senior student.
El Monte Union Students Compete in Business Leadership Conference
South El Monte High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students represented the El Monte Union community while competing in the National Leadership Conference in Georgia, held in June. Class of 2023 graduate Anthony Trieu brought home South El Monte’s first National FBLA Award as he took seventh place in the Word Processing event. With over 13,000 competitors from all over the country, South El Monte was recognized as a Gold Seal Chapter and a Gold Champion Chapter for 2022-2023. Throughout the conference, all four student representatives had the opportunity to connect with others and attend workshops focusing on topics such as leadership, college readiness, job interview skills and career exploration.
El Monte Union Celebrates Construction Pathway, DesignBuild Success
El Monte Union students are benefiting from a robust career technical education program that features pathways within 15 industry sectors, including South El Monte High School’s Residential and Commercial Construction Pathway, which is offered in partnership with Los Angeles Trade Tech College. Earlier this year, South El Monte students participated in the Construction Industry Education Foundation 2023 DesignBuild Competition, where they put their tools and building skills to the test. South El Monte student Wendy Arias was recognized with an award as the team’s Safety Coordinator, and the school received a top eight recognition with an Award of Merit for safety.
Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Larry Cecil has retired from the El Monte Union High School District, concluding a career of more than 36 years dedicated to fostering educational excellence and student success. Surrounded by family and long-time colleagues in the District, Cecil was celebrated and adorned with memorabilia representing his extraordinary career, kind words that highlighted his character and work ethic, and gifts to enjoy throughout his retirement during a reception on June 15.
World Champion Wrestler Inspires El Monte Union Community
Freestyle wrestler Adeline Gray, a six-time World Champion and Olympic Games silver medalist, paid a special visit to Mountain View High School on July 11, leaving an incredible mark on students and the entire school community. Gray came to the school as part of her rigorous training regimen in preparation for the 2024 Olympic Games, to be held in Paris. During her time on campus, Gray immersed herself in the wrestling program, working out and practicing with fellow athlete and world champion Amit Elor. Additionally, Gray took the time to connect with students on a personal level, answering questions and inspiring them with stories of her own struggles, triumphs and resilience that propelled her toward greatness.
El Monte Union High School District and Rosemead High School have been recognized among the top three favorite school districts and public high schools in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune (SGVT) Readers' Choice Awards, an achievement that reflects the District’s unwavering commitment to success and dedication of all students, teachers, staff and parents. The SGVT Readers' Choice Awards celebrate excellence in education across the San Gabriel Valley region, and acknowledge institutions that have demonstrated extraordinary academic programs, innovative teaching practices and a profound impact on the lives of students.
El Monte Union Retiring Employees Recognized for Years of Service
El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) recognized ten certificated employees and 16 classified employees who retired at the end of the 2022-23 school year after many outstanding years of service with the District. The District held a retirement celebration at El Sombrero Restaurant in May, where those in attendance were recognized for their dedication to students and the District. The event featured food, speeches and the presentation of special honoree clock awards, symbolizing their impactful service to the District. The EMUHSD Board of Trustees also recognized all retiring employees and thanked them for their contributions during a Board meeting on June 14.
The El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) celebrated more than 1,685 seniors from the Class of 2023 during commencement ceremonies as parents, families, teachers, staff, community members and local officials applauded graduates who proudly walked across the stage to receive their high school diplomas on June 7 and 8. The ceremonies featured a special rendition of “Remember Me” from the Pixar Film “Coco” by El Monte High School’s band; heartfelt speeches from South El Monte High School’s 12 valedictorians; videos of Mountain View High School seniors sharing a message to families, their accomplishments throughout their high school careers and favorite memories; singing of the alma mater by Rosemead High School’s choirs; and a series of grand finale fireworks.
