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.
Broken glass and car parts littered the street in front of Pioneer High School as the motionless body of a student lay on the hood of the vehicle, her feet caught where the windshield once was – a stark and unforgettable start to the “Every 15 Minutes” two-day program. Presented to Pioneer High School juniors and seniors on April 4-5, “Every 15 Minutes” shows the lethal and unforgiving consequences of operating a vehicle while distracted or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs by displaying a trio of scenarios, beginning with a simulated car crash.
Pioneer High School is accepting applications for its 28th annual Jaime Escalante Summer Math Academy, giving Whittier middle and high school students a jumpstart on their math classes and preparing them to take on advanced college-level courses. Named after famous Garfield High School calculus teacher Jaime Escalante, the six-week summer program offers students the opportunity to take classes in Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Math Analysis or Calculus. Pre-Algebra is new this year for sixth- and seventh-graders, who can take Algebra in eighth grade and continue advancing while in high school.
