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 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.

Whittier Union Director Honored with HOT Positive Image Award

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.

Whittier Union Student Wins $20,000 Scholarship from Local Chamber

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.