Nearly 2,800 Whittier Union High School District students made their way across the graduation stage during in-person graduation ceremonies held June 1-3, marking their milestone achievement through an unprecedented school year with emotional speeches, musical performances and tears of joy. The socially distanced ceremonies looked vastly different than years past, but provided a sense of normalcy to students, families and staff. Students maintained their distance from each other as they were escorted onto the field and seated six feet apart. Families remained socially distanced in the stands through fixed seating, implemented to ensure compliance with county and state regulations.
When Whittier High School senior Isabel Luna joined the school’s Chess Club, she was looking to challenge herself and connect with her peers in a way that went beyond Zoom conferencing. At first intimidated by what she perceived was a male-dominated sport, Luna learned that chess can be mastered with patience and dedication. Quarantining at home, Luna discovered correspondence chess, which is typically played through the postal system or email. Through correspondence chess, Luna has sharpened her skills in the comfort of her home, gained new friends and exercised her brain. In the process, Luna has emerged as one of the top-ranked female correspondence chess players in the United States.
Santa Fe High School senior Madison Kelly will pursue her dream of studying aquatic mammals and ecosystems at UC San Diego – on her way to a career as a marine biologist – with the help of a $20,000 Destiny Scholarship, awarded annually by the City of Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce. Kelly – recognized as an exceptional graduating senior by the chamber – has completed six Advanced Placement classes, five Honors classes, is listed as one of Santa Fe’s Top 100 students and has competed on Santa Fe’s swim and water polo teams. Kelly is also a public programs docent for the Ocean Institute of Dana Point.
Whittier Union Students Receive COVID-19 Vaccine
In partnership with PIH Health Whittier Hospital, Whittier Union High School District held a vaccination clinic on May 18, providing the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine to students. Some students were taken to the clinic by their parents, while others received transportation from the District, which sent buses to pick them up at their school site. Whittier Union is looking to expand the partnership with PIH Health and continue to offer the vaccine for students who are interested in receiving it. Photos are available.
Whittier Union Celebrates Students, Classified and Certificated Employees
Whittier Union exemplary and retired employees, along with the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, were celebrated for their hard work and commitment to the District on May 11. Six students and 35 employees were honored during the socially distanced event. Superintendent Martin Plourde and Board President Ralph Pacheco gave congratulatory speeches, recognizing the success of each individual.
Whittier Union Hosts Vaccination Clinic at Pioneer High School
In partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Community Advisory Council, Whittier Union High School District and Los Nietos School District will host a vaccination clinic from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 23 at Pioneer High School, 10800 Benavon St., Whittier. The second dose will be administered on Sunday, June 13. The clinic will offer the Pfizer vaccine and is open to anyone ages 12 and up.
Whittier Union’s five comprehensive high schools have been listed among the top performing public schools in the state and nation – ranking in the top 25% – according to the 2021 Best High Schools rankings by U.S. News and World Report. California, La Serna, Pioneer, Santa Fe and Whittier high schools have earned high rankings among approximately 1,675 high schools in California. Additionally, Santa Fe placed among the top 12% in the country.
Whittier Union to Provide Free Rapid COVID-19 Testing to Students
To ensure the continued health and safety of students, Whittier Union High School District is now offering free rapid COVID-19 testing to students. Tests are voluntary and administered on each Whittier Union campus once a week through a partnership with the California Department of Public Health.
Whittier Union’s Pioneer High School and La Serna High School have been recognized as 2021 California Distinguished Schools, earning the designation from the California Department of Education (CDE). Pioneer received the honor for the first time in school history, while La Serna received the designation for the fifth time. Pioneer and La Serna boast graduation rates of 94.6% and 93.2%, respectively, and serve their students through rigorous college and career readiness programs and robust intervention policies. The award is the state’s top honor for high-achieving schools, celebrating successes in boosting student achievement, attaining strong graduation rates, and fostering college and career resources.
Whittier Union Students Receive Scholarships from Community Organizations
Eight students from La Serna High School’s Organized Academic Support in School (OASIS) and HAVEN program received $500 scholarships from Lions Club of Whittier and Credit Union of Southern California for their academic achievements. The scholarship winners were announced during a Celebration of Learning virtual event on April 23, which acknowledged the students’ efforts in overcoming obstacles in their education and achieving the necessary credits to graduate from high school.
