La Serna High School senior Diana Gonzalez received an Award of Merit for her determination and leadership from the Whittier Union Board of Trustees during a board meeting on March 9. Gonzalez, who immigrated to California from Mexico with her mother and brother as a fifth grader, spoke no English when she arrived. Determined, positive and resourceful, Gonzalez sought to learn a new language and new culture. Her skills developed so rapidly that she now serves as a peer mentor and role model for English Language Development students.
Whittier Union Announces Reopening of Campuses for Hybrid Instruction
Whittier Union High School District has received the green light by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to begin its phased approach in bringing students back for in-person instruction. The District will launch its Hybrid Instructional Schedule on Tuesday, April 6, bringing students back in cohorts, one day a week. Distance learning remains an option for students and families. Each high school will hold a townhall for families, detailing the hybrid model and how it will be implemented, as well as provide instructional videos showing students what to expect on their return to campus. Media
Whittier Union scholars made impressive showings at the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) 2021 Academic Decathlon. Whittier High School and Santa Fe High School took first and second place, respectively, in Division III during the virtual event held in February. Whittier High was awarded 27 medals, while Santa Fe scored 21 medals and was named LACOE’s Most Improved Team. Santa Fe also took third place in Super Quiz, earning bronze medals for each team member.
Whittier Union Alternative Schools Host Virtual Awards Ceremony
Whittier Union alternative schools – including Sierra Vista High School, Frontier High School and the WUHSD Transition Program – celebrated its top students for their high academic achievements during a virtual awards ceremony on Feb. 25. More than 120 students were recognized in the categories “Student of the Term,” recommended by teachers, and “Top Producers,” given to students who exceeded the minimum number of credits during the second quarter.
Whittier Union High School Celebrates Top Students with Drive-thru Event
La Serna High School held its 15th annual Be Your Best awards ceremony on Feb. 19 with a drive-thru celebration that honored more than 100 students for their excellence during remote learning. Traditionally celebrated through grade level assemblies, this year’s ceremony allowed students the opportunity to see one another from a distance as they received a Be Your Best certificate and T-shirt. P
Whittier Union Junior Honored as Boys & Girls Club 2021 Youth of the Year
La Serna High School junior Keyaira Bascus was honored as the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier’s 2021 Youth of the Year for her outstanding bravery, resilience, and courage. Bascus was one of three Whittier Union finalists, including La Serna High junior Norberto Reyes and Whittier High School senior Isaac Guerrero, with each finalist receiving a $3,333 scholarship to support their post-secondary academic goals. Pioneer High School senior Jeremiah Parra received the Whittier Union Outstanding Member Award for his character and citizenship.
Pioneer High School 2020-21 Stand Out seniors Michael and Sofia Lagos are two of the driving forces behind the school’s weekly Titan News Flash video report, bringing a sense of normalcy and relevance to distance learning-weary classmates. The fraternal twins are also academic standouts with matching 4.53 GPAs, having completed 13 AP courses apiece. For their academic achievements and communication skills, Michael and Sofia were recognized by the Whittier Union Board of Trustees for their academics and communication skills during a Feb. 9 board meeting.
The College Board has honored two Whittier Union high schools for expanding young women’s access to Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science classes, recognizing Santa Fe and Whittier high schools with its 2020 AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award. The schools received the award for fostering equal gender representation in AP Computer Science Principles during the 2019-20 school year.
Whittier Union High School Creates E-Sports Team
Pioneer High School has launched an E-Sports team that will meet virtually as it prepares for competitions organized by Play Versus, Inc., a national platform for high school, youth and college E-Sports leagues. Students will compete with schools from across the country in games such as FIFA, Madden, League of Legends, Smite, Smash Ultimate and Rocket League. Initially participating from home, Pioneer hopes to provide an E-Sports room for students when health guidelines allow.
Whittier Union Senior Receives QuestBridge National Match Scholarship
Santa Fe High School senior Lyn Guinto has received a QuestBridge National Match Scholarship to Grinnell College in Iowa. Guinto is one of nearly 1,500 students across the United States to receive the full-ride four-year scholarship, which connects underrepresented students to the nation’s top universities. Though currently undecided on a major, Guinto has expressed a strong interest in social science.
