Whittier High School senior Yolanda Mares will never forget the day in chemistry class when she created a large, fiery burst of smoke as part of an experiment. Seeing the colorful plume – a chemical reaction known as “purple haze” – immediately inspired Mares to dedicate her studies to science and technology, culminating in Mares serving as president of the school’s prestigious Cardinal Academy of Technology (CAT) in her senior year. Working in collaboration with her CAT classmates, Mares spent the 2023-24 school year designing a fully programmable prosthetic arm, a project that has pushed Mares closer to her post-secondary education goals – to major in biomedical engineering at an elite university, on her way to a career working with artificial organs and prosthetics. Mares is one step closer to her dream after being named a 2024 Gates Foundation Scholar, which comes with a full-ride scholarship that will cover the cost of her tuition and other expenses. Mares plans to attend the University of California at Irvine.
Pioneer High School’s extracurricular science program has grown by leaps and bounds over the past seven years, providing students with a broad base of experiences to build their confidence and skills through the rigorous study of science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) subjects, preparing them for post-secondary opportunities. Pioneer STEM students are coding and constructing projects of their own design, with many of the projects falling outside traditional high school coursework, as they work to develop and execute their own scientific research, work that culminated in Pioneer’s second annual Science Fair, where more than 160 student engineers competed to earn top prizes in several STEM categories.
California High School Health Academy students are engaging in hands-on learning and gaining real-world experience in a variety of health fields, granting them advanced knowledge and certifications that prepare them for college and careers. The Health Academy begins in sophomore year, where students are introduced to medical terminology and explore the potential career options open to them. During their junior year, students shift to emergency medicine, where they learn life-saving procedures and how to respond to medical emergencies. By senior year, students choose to specialize in sports medicine, dental assisting, or nurse assisting, allowing them to dive deeper into their chosen field and gain practical skills that set them up for future success.
Whittier Union Adult School CTE Tours Boost Student Career Options
The Whittier Union Adult School hosted tours and information sessions for Whittier Union high school students on April 23 and 24, giving students the opportunity to explore the possibilities within the Adult School’s career technical education (CTE) programs and experience firsthand the hands-on, dynamic learning environments that fast-track their journeys to high-demand careers. During the CTE tours, students explored construction, medical assistant, and electrician classrooms, witnessing current Adult School students in action and hearing from them and their dedicated instructors. The Whittier Union Adult School offers a diverse range of CTE options, including medical assistant, cybersecurity, and plumbing pathways, all of which empower students to find their passions and unlock their potential in the workforce.
Whittier Union Educator Honored with Prestigious Award
Whittier Union High School District Education Specialist Adonis Chacon has been recognized by the California Teachers Association with its We Honor Ours (WHO) award, which goes to outstanding educators who demonstrate excellence, dedication, innovation, and leadership in their roles within the education community. As an education specialist, Adonis works as an Independent Study teacher at Sierra Vista High School in addition to providing special education support to Frontier High School students. In his 17 years at Whittier Union, Chacon has supported and empowered students to succeed in class despite personal struggles.
Whittier Union’s Prom Pop-Up Empowers Students Across Counties
High school students from across Los Angeles and Orange counties gathered at La Serna High School on April 13 for an innovative prom pop-up event, taking away luxurious dresses, breathtaking accessories, and fashionable suits to ensure they were impeccably outfitted for their upcoming proms. For the past two years, La Serna counselor Michelle Ortiz has hosted a “Swag Store,” allowing all La Serna students access to prom clothes and accessories at no cost. This year, Whittier Union alumna and charitable community member Marissa Gayton contacted Ortiz to partner with and host a similar event on a larger scale, opening the event to neighboring counties and districts. Community members and local businesses donated countless dresses, shoes, suits, and jewelry pieces, empowering Ortiz and Gayton to give out more than 70 outfits to student shoppers.
ACSA Bestows Whittier Union Administrators with Top Honors
Three longtime Whittier Union administrators have been honored for their roles in providing equitable public education and promoting a positive message of inclusivity and diversity throughout the District, receiving top honors at the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) 2024 Region 15 Spring Awards Banquet, held April 19 in Burbank. Dr. Monica Oviedo was named ACSA Superintendent of the Year, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services Ann Fitzgerald was named ACSA Personnel Administrator of the Year, and United Sierra Education Center (USEC) Principal Dr. Margie Moriarty was named ACSA Adult School Administrator of the Year.
Isabella "Izzy" Nunez, a California High School senior, overcame incredible odds to excel in sports despite being diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis during her freshman year. Her journey began with severe joint pain, but with the support of coach Brian Bordier, she fought back, ultimately playing four years of varsity soccer, three years of varsity lacrosse, and serving as kicker for the Cal High football team, all while maintaining a 4.6 GPA – becoming one of Cal High’s top scholar-athletes, as well as a health and wellness advocate. Nunez was recognized for her resiliency and inspirational story by the Whittier Union Board of Trustees, who honored her with an Award of Merit during an April 9 Board meeting.
Whittier Union Student Advisory Council Tours California State Capitol
Whittier Union High School District’s Student Advisory Council members toured California’s State Capitol on April 3 and met with local lawmakers to learn about the legislative process. Students had the opportunity to step onto the Senate floor and meet with Senator Bob Archuleta and took part in meet and greet sessions with Assemblypersons Blanca Pacheco and Lisa Calderon. The Student Advisory Council consists of students from each of the District’s high schools and is tasked with discussing school events and activities, attending Board meetings, and meeting with the Superintendent to discuss school issues.
Santa Fe High School's Student Leadership Class has earned the school its 24th Outstanding Leadership Program Award (OLPA) from the California Association of Student Leaders (CASL), which recognized the class for continuing to spearhead engaging activities and events, and fostering inclusivity and school spirit among students. OLPA is a distinguished award that is presented to schools in California that display strong student leadership programs that allow students to grow as ethical, responsible, and servant-minded individuals. Through Santa Fe’s Student Leadership Class, students are empowered to explore leadership roles and gain invaluable hands-on experience.
