The 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.
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 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.
Close to 2,800 students from Whittier Union High School District’s five comprehensive high schools, two alternative high schools, adult school and transition program will celebrate the conclusion of their high school careers at commencement ceremonies taking place June 3-5.
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.
Pioneer High School Horizons Director Victoria Cuevas has received a Positive Image Award from the Hispanic Outreach Taskforce (HOT) for providing Whittier Union students with academic and social-emotional support to succeed in their classes, graduate from high school and compete in college and careers. Cuevas was one of eight community leaders to be honored at the Positive Image Awards fundraiser on April 28. The annual event recognizes the exceptional contributions of individuals who enhance the quality of life within the Hispanic community.
Santa Fe High School senior Miranda Diaz-Infante will pursue her dream of finding cures for cancer and other diseases at UCLA with the help of a $20,000 Destiny Scholarship awarded annually by the City of Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce. Diaz-Infante – recognized as an exceptional graduating senior by the chamber – has a 4.5 GPA and is co-captain of the color guard team. She advocates for civic engagement and raises awareness of the costs of human trafficking.
Close to 2,800 students from Whittier Union High School District’s five comprehensive high schools, two alternative high schools, adult school and transition program will conclude their high school careers with commencement ceremonies June 3-5. The Whittier Adult School, Frontier and Sierra Vista high school will hold a joint ceremony at 6 p.m. Monday, June 3 in the Vic Lopez Auditorium, and the Transition program will hold its ceremony at 7 p.m. at the Harmony Center. On Tuesday, June 4, California High School will hold its ceremony at 5:30 p.m. at Thorstenson Stadium and Santa Fe High School will hold its ceremony at 6 p.m. at Torres Stadium. On Wednesday, June 5, Whittier High School will hold its ceremony at 4 p.m. at Torres Stadium; La Serna High School will hold its event at 5 p.m. at Thorstenson Stadium; and Pioneer High School will celebrate students at 7 p.m. at Torres Stadium.
With graduation day fast approaching, Whittier Union’s college-bound seniors celebrated the end of their K-12 education journeys with festive ceremonies observing College Signing Day, held during the first week of May at each comprehensive high school. Seniors celebrated their commitment to continuing their education at four-year universities, community colleges, the military or vocational schools, inspiring crowds of underclassmen to work toward similar goals. More than 100 students from Whittier, California and La Serna high schools also attended UCLA’s National College Signing Day on May 1, hosted by former first lady Michelle Obama.
Six Whittier Union High School District seniors have been named 2019 Dell Scholars by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, an honor that provides each with a $20,000 scholarship toward their college education. Chosen for the coveted award were Santa Fe High School students Jazmyn Gonzales, Armando Elias and Nicole Lopez-Urrutia and Pioneer High School students Litzy Martinez, Ana Cortez and Angel Landeros.