Graduate of Whittier Union’s Frontier High Perseveres, Enrolls at USC
Continuation high school students often face significant challenges in their quest to graduate. But former Frontier High School student Kathy Orozco has been able to weather many unlikely twists and turns in her life to successfully take on the challenge, and is now attending an elite four-year university. Orozco – who graduated from the Whittier Union continuation school in 2013 – began her first year at USC Marshall School of Business this January after making a tough decision to switch her career trajectory, a choice she made after guidance she received at Frontier: “Something that you love is easier to learn.” Orozco credits Frontier High for helping her develop leadership skills and providing her the motivation to continue her education. Photos are available.
The Whittier Union High School District is one of four California school districts selected to participate in a three-year case study administered by one of the world’s leading education researchers and reform advocates, who will observe the District’s successful use of collaboration to boost student achievement. Michael Fullan, former dean of the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, chose Whittier Union for the project, which builds on his studies into how collaborative cultures support teachers and student achievement. Fullan and his team will collect data via interviews with teachers, focus groups and observation of classroom and teacher professional learning activities on Monday, Feb. 23 and Tuesday, Feb. 24.
Follow-up Story: In conjunction with Edison International and the Great Minds in STEM organization, Whittier High School hosted a Viva Technology assembly for students interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) on Feb. 23. The assembly included interactive activities such as STEM Jeopardy and special guests who spoke to students about the importance of science education. Viva Technology is a national K-12 education program designed to engage students, teachers and parents with STEM challenges that stimulate their interest in the application of technology and provide STEM-focused career pathways. The program creates awareness, supplies STEM resources and provides access to STEM career pathways. Photos are available.
Whittier Union’s California High School is set to celebrate the opening of its new Culinary Academy classroom facility during an open House at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20. The first-rate industrial culinary facility includes new appliances, cabinetry, tile floor and more. The program trains students to enter the hospitality industry directly after graduation or to continue culinary studies with a complete knowledge of the latest high-tech culinary equipment. The open house will include a tour, light dinner with dessert and a silent auction. The last day to buy the $25 tickets is Tuesday, Feb. 16. Proceeds will go toward scholarships for seniors. For ticket information, contact Susan Sones at susan.sones@wuhsd.org. California High is at 9800 S. Mills Ave., Whittier.
Stephan Kudlacek, who graduated from Whittier Union’s La Serna High School in 2008, is part of a UC Irvine biochemistry research team that recently made the groundbreaking discovery of how to “unboil” a hard-boiled egg. The technique could have positive implications for cancer research, as well as for food manufacturers. The team published its results in the publication “ChemBioChem” last month. Kudlacek has plans to study chemical biology in graduate school. The now-Internet sensation said he was inspired to pursue chemistry while at La Serna, where his younger brother, Clark, is a student and aspires to be a user interface designer.
Since the expansion of Whittier’s La Serna High School College and Career Center hours and the arrival of a full-time college advisement specialist, a constant stream of students has been filing in to find support. The school also increased the number of college information sessions and financial aid workshops it offers and will host its first-ever Kaplan SAT/ACT combination test from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 21. Photos are available.
Whittier Union’s Santa Fe High School campus is filled with spirit, tradition and Chieftain Pride – evident in the elaborate events, props and costuming that come to life year-round. Much of that stems from the countless hours of planning by those behind the scenes: the Associated Student Body. For 14 consecutive years, Santa Fe’s ASB has won the Outstanding Student Activities Program Award given by the California Association of Student Leaders (CASL). CASL is the largest state association for high school and middle school ASB cabinets and leadership groups. Santa Fe’s cabinet has been working on its application for the 2015 award – one that stands out over its previous award-winning entries. Winners will be announced in March. Photos are available.
Follow-up Story: University of California, Berkeley Chancellor Nicholas Dirks visited California High School on Feb. 5 to observe its acclaimed Puente Program, recognized as one of the highest-performing Puente sites in the state based on the number of students who apply to and are accepted at four-year colleges. Puente’s mission is to boost the number of community college and high school students who enroll in four-year colleges and universities, earn degrees and return to the community as leaders and mentors. The program is sponsored by the Center for Education Partnerships, UC Berkeley and the Chancellor’s Office of the California Community Colleges. California, Whittier and La Serna high schools each offer the program. The chancellor encouraged Cal High Puente junior students to prepare for their senior year and apply to colleges and universities, including UC Berkeley. Photos are available.
La Serna High School senior Tim Nguyen was recently recognized by the Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees for being an innovator on campus and a model student to his peers. Described as inquisitive, thoughtful, intelligent and hard-working, Tim is founder of the Math Club; a three-year varsity tennis team member; one of the original members of the Academic Decathlon Team; and president of the California Scholarship Federation. Tim is also president of the La Serna Entourage Club, which assists with backstage work and school assemblies, and is founder of the Computer Science Club. He enjoys writing and has been working on a novel during the past five years in his free time. The aspiring software engineer has a 4.5 GPA and hopes to attend Caltech after graduating from La Serna High School. Photos are available.
The Whittier Union High School District is seeking input from community stakeholders to help with the ongoing development of its Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), a three-year spending plan required by the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and which provides districts with flexibility on how to address the needs of students. This process will lead to more support for effective programs and services for Whittier Union students, particularly for English Learners, socio-economically disadvantaged students and foster youth. An LCAP Advisory Committee meeting will be held Wednesday, April 1 in the District board room, 9401 S. Painter Ave., Whittier.
