Pioneer High School ed tech lead and math teacher Lisa Ceja has earned a spot in Google for Education’s Certified Innovator program, a year-long professional development experience that includes mentorship opportunities, online learning activities and an in-person, three-day Innovation Academy that helps participants launch a project related to a challenge in education. The academy will be held Monday, July 9 to Wednesday, July 11 at the Google office in Venice, California.
Twenty five-year transportation veteran Rafael Delgado has been selected to lead the Whittier Union High School District’s new transportation department, which is set to launch service to area students on July 1. Delgado recently served as the director of transportation for the Fullerton Joint Union High School District. He previously worked at the Los Angeles County Office of Education coordinating special education routing in the San Gabriel Valley and South Bay/Lennox areas. The District will host meetings from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, Thursday, July 12, Tuesday, July 17 and Wednesday, July 18 so parents meet can Delgado, learn about the improved services and receive information on transportation. Meetings will be held in the District office, 9401 S. Painter Ave., Whittier. Juliette Funes, 909-447-2404 (office)
La Serna High School English and Puente Program teacher Shelly DeSimone dreamed of a career in education as early as second grade, when a teacher asked her to help a struggling English learner. For DeSimone’s efforts in preparing La Serna English learners for college, she was named Whittier Union High School District’s 2017-18 Teacher of the Year. Over her 34-year career, DeSimone has helped hundreds of students to speak, read and write English, guided La Serna’s Puente Program since its inception and established herself as an author of teen fiction written for English learners.
Rosemead High School will add an unusual component to its student-run organic herb and vegetable gardens – a garden of weeds to examine how common intruders such as dandelions, clover and nettles can benefit the ecosystem. The “Wisdom of Weeds” program will be developed with a $3,000 Budding Botanist Grant, awarded to the school for its commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity. The grant – consisting of a $2,500 check and books/materials valued at $500 – was provided through a joint partnership between Klorane Botanical Foundation and KidsGardening.org. It was presented during a ceremony and garden tour on May 17.
Two Santa Fe High School graduating seniors, who have developed a passion to give back to their community and inspire those around them, have collectively earned $30,000 in scholarships from the Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce to pursue their dreams as first-generation college students. Students Sarah Garcia and Jennisa Casillas are among seven recipients of a Destiny Scholarship, awarded by the Chamber/League Youth Enrichment Fund. Casillas won $10,000 while Garcia was named the winner of the $20,000 Destiny Scholarship, aimed at providing students the opportunity to change their direction in life, or their “destiny.”
El Monte Union High School District honored more than 2,000 members of the Class of 2018 in commencement ceremonies. The District celebrated 530 graduating seniors from Arroyo High School, 427 students from El Monte High School, 322 students from Mountain View High, 394 seniors from Rosemead High and 305 students from South El Monte High. Fernando R. Ledesma graduated 75 students and the El Monte-Rosemead Adult School celebrated 90 students. Together, the five comprehensive high schools produced 58 valedictorians with GPAs of 4.2 or higher.
Whittier Union Students Celebrate College, Career Choices
Whittier Union High School District students took their first steps toward the next chapter of their academic futures during College Signing Day Ceremonies and Decision Day celebrations hosted by each comprehensive high school. Students signed “I’m Going to College” posters, decorated emblems and took celebratory group photos.
Pioneer High School senior Nylah Garcia was born under unusual circumstances, with her mother diagnosed with cancer while pregnant. Throughout a difficult childhood, Garcia was determined to be the first member of her family to attend college, finding support as an Achievement Via Individual Determination (AVID) student. On April 10, Garcia was named a 2018 Dell Scholar by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation and will receive a $20,000 scholarship to help pay for her education at Cal State Long Beach.
Santa Fe High School senior Analyse Garcia has developed an unparalleled drive and profound focus for success. A quiet leader, Garcia’s concentration on academics, community service, athletics and extracurricular activities have earned her respect, recognition and admiration from her peers, school and District. Garcia, who carries a 4.12 GPA and places in the top 5 percent of Santa Fe’s senior class, was recognized by the Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees with a Certificate of Merit on April 10.
Hundreds of Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) students from Whittier Union High School District will take their first steps toward the next chapter of their academic futures during College Signing Day ceremonies. Pioneer High School will hold its celebration at 12:20 p.m. Wednesday, April 25. Whittier High School will hold its rally at 12:25 p.m. Wednesday, April 25. Santa Fe High School will hold its event at noon Wednesday, May 2.
