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Whittier Union High School District

  • Whittier Union Senior Triumphs Over Challenges, Receives District Award of Merit

    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.

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  • Santa Fe High School Honored with 24th Student Leadership Award

    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.

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  • Whittier Union Senior with Gift for Designing Receives $50,000 Edison Scholarship

    Whittier High School senior Erik Villa rarely stops to catch his breath. Between his schoolwork, mentoring classmates in the school’s Cardinal Academy of Technology (CAT), volunteer work for the Whittier Chamber of Commerce, and managing a Whittier juice bar, Villa goes nonstop from sunup to sundown with a goal of helping anybody who needs his assistance. An unsuspecting Villa was sitting with his CAT classmates when a representative from Edison International came into the class with a surprise announcement – Villa had been named a 2024 Edison Scholarship winner, an honor that comes with $50,000 in tuition support for students pursuing a major in a STEM field. Following the announcement, Villa’s classmates erupted in applause. Villa is one of just 30 Southern California high school students to receive the award.

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Whittier Union Approves 2019-20 Spending Plan

Whittier Union will continue to offer an after-school credit recovery program and provide additional support classes during the school day as part of its 2019-20 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and budget. The LCAP aims to ensure students master the standards and content the first time they take a course to successfully meet college entrance requirements. For 2019-20, Whittier Union will invest $24 million to develop programs specifically targeting its high-needs groups: economically disadvantaged students, foster youth and English learners.

Whittier High School to Honor Alumnus with Memorial Service

Whittier High School will host a Celebration of Life at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29 for Class of 1955 graduate William C. Gordon, who died in March at age 82. A renowned author and attorney, Gordon donated more than $230,000 to the school. The event will be in the William C. Gordon Library at Whittier High, 12417 Philadelphia St., Whittier.

Whittier Union to Name New Softball Field after 30-year Athletic Coach

Whittier Union High School District’s Board of Trustees recognized the lifetime contributions of La Serna High School physical education teacher and former varsity softball coach Ginger Larsin, approving the dedication of the school’s new softball field in her honor. Larsin – who retired in June after serving in the District almost four decades – developed into one of the most acclaimed high school athletic coaches in the nation during her tenure at La Serna. Her legacy includes more than 500 victories, 14 league titles and three CIF championships. Larsin was also a three-time CIF Coach of the Year and nurtured the talents of more than 400 scholar athletes. A dedication is planned for next year.

Whittier Union Celebrates Achievements of Class of 2019

Whittier Union High School District celebrated the Class of 2019 during commencement ceremonies that featured poignant speeches, tears of joy and cheers of excitement from families and staff, and close to 2,800 seniors ready to pursue the next step of their academic and professional careers. Frontier and Sierra Vista high schools, the Whittier Adult School and the District’s Transition program held ceremonies on June 3. California and Santa Fe high schools held celebrations on June 4. La Serna, Pioneer and Whittier high schools held commencements on June 5.

Whittier Union Student Receives $20,000 Destiny Scholarship from Santa Fe Springs Chamber

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.