Whittier Union High School District

  • Whittier Union Junior Selected as Distinguished Women of L.A. County Finalist

    When La Serna High School junior Gianna Sarmiento began looking for post-secondary scholarship opportunities, she searched for a program that could not only pave the way for success in college and career, but one that was also competitive and allowed her to showcase her academic prowess and creative abilities. Sarmiento was one of just 22 Southern California students selected as a finalist for the Distinguished Young Women (DYW) of Los Angeles County’s Class of 2027 Showcase, held April 18, where she competed for an opportunity to represent L.A. County at the Distinguished Young Women of California showcase in July. Though Sarmiento was not among the four young women chosen to represent the state, as part of the DYW Los Angeles County Class of 2027 she is eligible for college scholarships at a select list of universities and colleges across the United States, with potential scholarships worth anywhere from $1,000 to $31,000 a year.

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  • Santa Fe High School Campus Leaders Named CIF Student-Athletes of the Year

    Santa Fe High School seniors Benjamin Zamora and Itzel Iniguez have both been named 2026 CIF Southern Section-Ford (CIF-SS-Ford) Student-Athletes of the Year, reflecting their commitment to excellence on the playing field and the classroom, and upholding the school’s mission to become effective communicators, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens. Zamora and Iniguez are captains of the cross country and cheer teams, respectively, and both have maintained a 4.0 GPA during their time at Santa Fe High.

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  • Whittier Union Senior Looks Towards College After Receiving $50,000 Edison Scholarship

    When Whittier High School senior Maggy Guerrero was a young girl, she watched do-it-yourself videos and created handmade projects while dreaming of someday becoming a civil engineer. Joining Whittier High’s Cardinal Academy of Technology (CAT) as a freshman, Guerrero quickly established herself as a top student, with a goal of attending an elite university. Guerrero received the surprise of a lifetime when representatives from Edison International came to her Cardinal Academy of Technology (CAT) classroom on March 31 and, in front of her family and friends, announced her as a 2026 Edison Scholar. Guerrero received a $50,000 scholarship, making her one of just 30 Southern California students chosen for the prestigious award this year.

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Whittier Union Schools to Hold 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, taking place as follows: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11 at Whittier High School, 12417 E. Philadelphia St.; 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11 at Pioneer High School, 10800 E. Benavon St.; 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 at Santa Fe High School, 10400 S. Orr & Day Road; and 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 at California High School, 9800 S. Mills Ave. La Serna High School has held its event.

Whittier Union to Welcome Student, Families with 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, during which they will have the opportunity to learn about the school’s academic and extra-curricular programs and how to ensure student success. Parents can meet teachers and administrators, learn about the curriculum for their students’ courses, discover volunteer and engagement opportunities on campus, and learn more about upcoming events that will contribute to their children’s academic progress.

Whittier Union Schools to Welcome Freshmen for Preview Day on Aug. 13

Nearly 750 incoming ninth-graders at California High School will preview classes, meet teachers, make new friends and learn more about the Condor campus – their home for the next four years – on Tuesday, Aug. 13 as part of Whittier Union High School District’s Freshman First Day program. This year, Whittier Union will welcome over 2,700 freshmen and over 11,000 overall. The first day of school for all students is Wednesday, Aug. 14.

Whittier Union Math Teacher Recognized as 2019-20 Teacher of the Year

Pioneer High School math teacher Carolina DeHart has been selected Whittier Union's 2019-20 Teacher of the Year. DeHart has spent nearly 30 years making a positive impact on Pioneer students as a teacher and tutor, instilling high expectations while pushing students to attend college and pursue their dream careers. She was hired as a calculus teacher at Pioneer in 1989. Over the years, she has taught every math class at Pioneer, from algebra and geometry to trigonometry and math analysis. In addition, she tutors three afternoons a week as part of Pioneer’s Prep Program.

Whittier Union Welcomes 3 New Administrators for 2019-20 School Year

Three longtime Whittier Union High School District educators will transition into new administrative roles for the 2019-20 school year, bringing years of veteran leadership and knowledge to essential managerial positions. The three administrators – all hired by the District in 2004 – are Kristin Kooiman, Director of Personnel Services; Lilia Vasquez, Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction at Santa Fe High School; and Diana Salazar Baez, Assistant Principal of Business Activities at Whittier High School.

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.