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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 Selected as a ‘Bright Spot’ District for Advancing Equity, Closing Achievement Gap

Whittier Union High School District has been selected as one of three “Bright Spot” honorees – along with Pasadena City College and Chula Vista Elementary School – by Education Trust-West for advancing equity and strengthening the pipeline to college. Bright Spot districts and college campuses demonstrate a commitment to excellence and implement strategies and practices that have led to positive outcomes for students of color, low-income students and English learners.

La Serna English Teacher Named a Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year

La Serna High School English teacher Shelly DeSimone was named a top 16 Los Angeles County public school teacher for 2018-19 by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) during the organization’s annual banquet on Sept. 21. DeSimone was selected to represent the profession’s “best of the best” from among 72,000 L.A. County teachers. DeSimone will advance, along with other county teachers of the year from around the state, to the California Teachers of the Year competition.

Whittier Union English Learner Overcomes Adversity to Become Straight-A Student

California High School senior Avigahy Garcia’s childhood included moving from California to Mexico and back, challenging her to learn and re-learn the different languages and cultures. Garcia returned to California in her sophomore year and enrolled at Cal High, leaving her parents behind in Mexico, but working arduously to excel in her studies with the help of the school’s support program, Expanded Horizons. She was honored with an Award of Merit by the Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees on Sept. 11.

Whittier Union Schools Hosts Back to School Nights

Whittier Union High School District’s five comprehensive high schools are inviting parents and students to their Back to School Night events, which will provide attendees the opportunity to learn about the school’s academic and extra-curricular programs and how to ensure student success.

Whittier Union Kicks Off 2018-19 with Freshman First Day, Welcomes Thousands to Campuses

Whittier Union schools welcomed approximately 2,778 freshmen on Aug. 14 for its Freshman First Day orientation program, which allows students to meet new classmates and take part in fun team-building activities. Students previewed classes and met teachers and administrators, as well as Link Crew members, who will serve as mentors during their first year of high school. The program takes place annually at each Whittier Union High School District campus to help smooth students' transition to high school.

Whittier Union to Welcome 2,778 Freshmen to High School on Aug. 14

Whittier Union schools will welcome approximately 2,778 freshmen on Tuesday, Aug. 14 for its Freshman First Day orientation program, which allows students to meet new classmates and take part in fun team-building activities. Students will get a preview tour of their classes and meet their teachers and administrators, as well as Link Crew members, who will serve as mentors during their first year of high school. The program takes place annually at each Whittier Union High School District campus to help smooth students' transition to high school. The first official day is Wednesday, Aug. 15.

Santa Fe High School Summer Bridge Program Inspires Incoming Freshmen

Santa Fe High School welcomed 36 incoming freshmen who completed a six-week Summer Bridge program designed to build their confidence and encourage them to get involved in campus activities. Parents and family members attended a completion ceremony on July 19. A part of the Santa Fe curriculum since 1995, the Summer Bridge class consists primarily of students from Lake Center and Lakeside middle schools who score below a 2.0 GPA. Bridge students listened to guest speakers, brushed up on study skills and time management, and immersed themselves in the six pillars of character.

Pioneer High Teacher Continues Legacy of Success with Escalante Summer Math Academy

More than 500 local middle and high school students will celebrate the completion of an accelerated six-week summer math academy, inspired by famous math educator Jaime Escalante, with an end-of-summer ceremony at noon Thursday, July 19. The 28th annual Jaime Escalante Math Academy, held in June and July, offered students the opportunity to take Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Math Analysis, Pre-Calculus or Calculus. Pioneer High School is at 10800 Benavon St., Whittier.