Arroyo High School has been recognized as a 2024 California Distinguished School, one of just four schools in the San Gabriel Valley to receive the honor from the California Department of Education (CDE), for its outstanding efforts in closing the achievement gap for students and producing exceptional scholars. Arroyo was one of 293 schools across California recognized by the CDE. Arroyo High's achievement follows its recent six-year accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in 2023. The school provides rigorous programs and high-quality services catering to the needs of its students.
El Monte Union High School District celebrated a milestone in its commitment to clean mobility awareness with a dynamic ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 23, which marked the completion of an eye-catching 80-foot-long mural, visible to tens of thousands of commuters on the 60 freeway, and electric vehicle car wraps that encourage the use of clean transportation. The projects marked the culmination of the District’s Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project. Students, administrators, project partners, parents, and representatives of local elected officials were also treated to a screening of the District’s new “Clean Energy Careers” animation created by renowned artist Lalo Alcaraz. The new animation aims to inspire the next generation of students to explore career opportunities that can positively impact air quality.
The El Monte community sits at the nexus of several major freeways, negatively impacting the air quality for the people who live, work, and go to school there. Join artists Lalo Alcaraz and Levi Ponce and Media Personality Alysha Del Valle to celebrate the completion of a new 80’ mural, visible to tens of thousands of commuters on the 60 freeway, and EV car wraps to encourage the use of clean transportation. The project marks the culmination of El Monte Union High School District’s Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project. Guests will also be treated to a screening of the District’s new Clean Energy Careers animation.
EMUHSD Celebrates Clean Mobility Initiatives with Ribbon-Cutting
El Monte Union High School District will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of a new 80-foot mural, marking the culmination of the District’s Clean Mobility in School Pilot Project, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Friday Feb. 23. Artists Lalo Alcaraz and Levi Ponce will join with media personality Alysha Del Valle to host the event. The mural, which displays the message, “The Future Will Be Emission Free,” will be visible to tens of thousands of commuters on the 60 freeway. Guests will also be treated to a screening of the District’s new Clean Energy Careers animation. The ceremony will be held at the EMUHSD Bus Depot, 1003 Durfee Ave. South El Monte.
The El Monte community sits at the nexus of several major freeways, negatively impacting the air quality for the people who live, work, and go to school there. Join artists Lalo Alcaraz and Levi Ponce and Media Personality Alysha Del Valle to celebrate the completion of a new 80’ mural, visible to tens of thousands of commuters on the 60 freeway, and EV car wraps to encourage the use of clean transportation. The project marks the culmination of El Monte Union High School District’s Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project. Guests will also be treated to a screening of the District’s new Clean Energy Careers animation.
El Monte Union Annual Open House Showcases Programs, Facilities
Mountain View High School (MVHS) students and families gathered for the school’s annual Open House on Jan. 18, which featured food and refreshments, classroom tours, department showcases, informational workshops and a raffle for MVHS merch, including a brand-new letterman jacket. Showcases included highlights of the school’s Visual and Performing Arts program, ASB and Link Crew, CTE pathways, AVID, Zoo Crew and Engineering and Robotics. Families learned about Advanced Placement options, college preparation, facilities changes and updates, campus clubs and athletics, and a Cash for College workshop. Visitors also took a tour of the school’s wellness center.
El Monte Union Senior Garners Acclaim for Debut Novel
South El Monte High School senior and student author Aaron Morales unveiled his debut book titled, "Legacy: After Effects, A Red America Novel" to the El Monte Union community and was acknowledged for this outstanding achievement by the District’s Board of Trustees during a meeting in December. Set against a backdrop of societal upheaval, the book delves into the complexities of a post-apocalyptic world and explores the aftermath of a world-changing event in the heart of a divided America. "Legacy: After Effects, A Red America Novel" is now available for purchase on Amazon.
Arroyo High School alumnus and girls basketball coach Mike Gorball is celebrating multiple achievements during his 34th season at Arroyo High, after becoming the first girls basketball coach in San Gabriel Valley history and only the 12th coach in CIF Southern Section history to earn 500 victories. Gorball completed the milestone when Arroyo defeated Schurr High School 40-22 in December 2023. The El Monte Union Board of Trustees will honor Gorball during a meeting in February.
Arroyo High School sophomore Richard Cobian will showcase his talents in saber fencing – and seek to inspire others in his community to develop a love for the sport – when he competes against elite fencers from across the country at the 2024 USA Fencing Junior Olympics in February. Cobian earned his spot at the Junior Olympics after winning a gold medal during the qualifier in December. Cobian started fencing when he was a fifth-grader at Río Hondo Elementary School, which was close to his studio, the West Coast Fencing Academy. Cobian specializes in the saber category – one of three disciplines in modern fencing, which are saber, foil and épée, with each specialty using a different kind of blade and set of rules.
Seven graduates from El Monte Union High School District’s Adult Transition Program were celebrated with joy and applause for their academic accomplishments and successes during a winter commencement ceremony held on Dec. 21. In the presence of families, friends, the Board of Trustees, and District administrators and staff, the ceremony showcased heartfelt moments as graduates Jolin Duong, Gabriel Escobar, Edgar Valdez, Edwin Huaracha-Campos, Andrea Montano, Dominiak Morrow, and Fatima Santellan walked across the stage to receive their certificates of completion.
