Isabella "Izzy" Nunez, a California High School senior, overcame incredible odds to excel in sports despite being diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis during her freshman year. Her journey began with severe joint pain, but with the support of coach Brian Bordier, she fought back, ultimately playing four years of varsity soccer, three years of varsity lacrosse, and serving as kicker for the Cal High football team, all while maintaining a 4.6 GPA – becoming one of Cal High’s top scholar-athletes, as well as a health and wellness advocate. Nunez was recognized for her resiliency and inspirational story by the Whittier Union Board of Trustees, who honored her with an Award of Merit during an April 9 Board meeting.
Santa Fe High School's Student Leadership Class has earned the school its 24th Outstanding Leadership Program Award (OLPA) from the California Association of Student Leaders (CASL), which recognized the class for continuing to spearhead engaging activities and events, and fostering inclusivity and school spirit among students. OLPA is a distinguished award that is presented to schools in California that display strong student leadership programs that allow students to grow as ethical, responsible, and servant-minded individuals. Through Santa Fe’s Student Leadership Class, students are empowered to explore leadership roles and gain invaluable hands-on experience.
Whittier High School senior Erik Villa rarely stops to catch his breath. Between his schoolwork, mentoring classmates in the school’s Cardinal Academy of Technology (CAT), volunteer work for the Whittier Chamber of Commerce, and managing a Whittier juice bar, Villa goes nonstop from sunup to sundown with a goal of helping anybody who needs his assistance. An unsuspecting Villa was sitting with his CAT classmates when a representative from Edison International came into the class with a surprise announcement – Villa had been named a 2024 Edison Scholarship winner, an honor that comes with $50,000 in tuition support for students pursuing a major in a STEM field. Following the announcement, Villa’s classmates erupted in applause. Villa is one of just 30 Southern California high school students to receive the award.
Stanford graduate and NFL veteran Julian Jenkins will speak to students and parents on "College Recruiting Simplified" at the Whittier Union High School District College Fair hosted by Pioneer High School at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3. The event will also feature workshops and the chance to talk to representatives from 65 national colleges and universities. Contact Laura Flores, 562-668-7833 (office)
The relative of toppled Chilean President Salvador Allende, Isabel Allende, and Whittier High School alumnus William C. Gordon will discuss their latest book as a fundraiser for Whittier College and Whittier High at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 26. Contact Laura Flores, 562-668-7833 (office)
Designed to help parents become more involved in their children’s education and the school community, Cal High is opening a new Parent Center with a grand opening celebration from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Contact Laura Flores, 562-668-7833 (office)
Whittier High School will hold its 2013 Homecoming football game, which will include a pre-game street parade and performance. The game starts at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at the Whittier College stadium, 13847 Earlham Drive. Photo opportunity of parade, pre-game show and game. Contact: Laura Flores, (562) 668-7833 (office)
Pioneer High School (Whittier) will welcome its incoming ninth graders with fun activities, bonding games, food, a preview tour of their classes and a chance to meet their new teachers and administrators from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13. Upperclassmen Link Crew members will be at each campus to help smooth ninth graders’ transition into high school. (Photo opportunity available) Contact: Laura Flores, (562) 668-7833 (cell)