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.
El Monte Union High School District’s Class of 2023 boasts a number of high-achieving graduates, who have attained significant accomplishments in academics, leadership and community involvement, exemplifying the District’s commitment to empowering students to be resilient, life-long learners. The El Monte Union graduates selected for this special recognition are: David Granados, Rosemead High School; Yen Amber Duong Le Phan, Mountain View High School; Raven Ma, Arroyo High School; Patrick Lee, El Monte High School; Daisy Garcia, South El Monte High School; and Jose Velazquez-Macias, Fernando R. Ledesma High School.
El Monte Union to Celebrate Graduates with Commencement Ceremonies
El Monte Union High School District will host commencement ceremonies to honor students from the District’s five comprehensive high schools, alternative high school, adult school and transition center. Ceremonies begin on Wednesday, June 7 with the Granada Adult Transition Center, 10 a.m., 3513 Granada Ave., El Monte; followed by Fernando R. Ledesma High School, 5 p.m., 12347 Ramona Blvd., El Monte; El Monte High School, 7 p.m., 3048 Tyler Rd., El Monte; Rosemead High School, 7 p.m., 9063 Mission Dr., Rosemead; and South El Monte High School, 7 p.m., 1001 Durfee Ave., South El Monte. The remaining ceremonies will be held on Thursday, June 8, beginning with Arroyo High School, 7 p.m., at the Rosemead High School Stadium, 9063 Mission Dr., Rosemead; and concluding with Mountain View High School, 7 p.m., at South El Monte High School Stadium, 1001 Durfee Ave., South El Monte.
Ninety-six deserving seniors from El Monte Union High School District were awarded scholarships by the EKG Foundation, in partnership with C.B.M. Towing Inc., for their academic achievement and community involvement at a senior scholarship banquet on May 11. The EKG Foundation, a non-profit organization created in honor of the late Arroyo High School alumnus Edward-Kenneth F. Guerrero, collaborated with C.B.M. Towing Inc., a local towing and recovery company committed to giving back to the community, to recognize and reward the achievements of El Monte Union seniors.
El Monte Union High School District students and community members explored the latest in clean air initiatives and cutting-edge clean energy transportation options during the District's Clean Mobility Info Fair, held in partnership with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), on April 20, 2023. During the event, attendees were treated to information booths on environmental sustainability and tours of the District's new electric school buses and ride-share vehicles. Longo Toyota-Lexus also wowed the crowd with a display of electric and hydrogen-powered cars.
