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Whittier Union Honors Class of 2025 Graduates During Spirited Commencement Ceremonies

Cheers and celebration filled the air across Whittier Union High School District as more than 2,100 graduates from the Class of 2025 turned their tassels and stepped boldly into the future during spirited commencement ceremonies held June 2 through 4.

Seniors from the District’s five comprehensive high schools, two alternative campuses, and adult school were joined by proud families, friends, and dedicated school staff, all united in honoring the resilience, growth, and accomplishments of Whittier Union’s newest alumni.

Santa Fe, Sierra Vista, and Frontier high schools, along with Whittier Union Adult School, kicked off the three days of celebration during commencement ceremonies on June 2, followed by La Serna High School and Whittier High School on June 3. California and Pioneer high schools concluded the festivities with ceremonies on June 4.

“We will face storms, disappointment, loss, and fear,” Santa Fe High graduate Serena Tarango said during her commencement speech. “Many of us already know what storms feel like, and despite our struggles to get here, we are all accomplishing something today. Some of us are the first in our families to graduate high school, and others are upholding legacies of education…so when you face your storms, I ask you to remember how you feel right now. Because today, we have reason to hope. Today we are accomplishing something that we can truly be proud of.”

Whittier Union’s Board of Trustees also recognized exceptional students from each comprehensive high school with the prestigious Trustee Award, a distinction reserved for those who earned Summa Cum Laude honors and demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership, and perseverance. Recipients were nominated by their schools for exemplifying excellence throughout their high school journey. The 2025 Trustee Award Recipients are:

  • California High School’s Evren Dogrul, who has earned a Seal of Biliteracy in German and plans to attend UC Berkeley to pursue environmental engineering.
  • La Serna High School’s Jalen Enomoto, who completed 18 Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses during his time at LSHS. He plans to pursue a major in cognitive behavioral science, working toward a career as a behavioral psychologist.
  • Pioneer High School’s Jorge Gutierrez, who has taken 18 AP and honors courses during his time at PHS. In the fall, Gutierrez will study biochemistry at UCLA.
  • Santa Fe High School’s Venus Perez, who graduated with a 4.39 GPA and will attend UCLA to study either psychology or film and media studies.
  • Whittier High School’s Abbie Maldonado, who earned straight As throughout all four years at Whittier High and graduated with a 4.33 GPA. She plans to attend Whittier College and major in marketing with a minor in nutrition.

“Thank you, Class of 2025, for the friendships, the memories, the laughter, and the lessons learned together,” Pioneer High graduate Christian Rios said during his speech. “With gratitude for those who stood beside us, we now take the power we’ve created here and step confidently into the future. With steady hearts and open arms, let us carry love and strength as we shape the future only we can create. Our journey begins now.”

Members of Whittier Union’s Class of 2025 have earned prestigious recognition on the state and national stage, securing competitive scholarships including the Edison Scholarship, Posse Foundation Scholarship, QuestBridge National College Match, Dell Scholars Program, and more. Graduates will continue their academic journeys at some of the nation’s top colleges and universities including Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, and the United States Military Academy at West Point, reflecting the District’s unwavering commitment to preparing students for success.

“We are proud of the Class of 2025 and all they have accomplished,” Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo said. “Our graduates have truly done Whatever It Takes to reach this milestone, and we celebrate not only their academic achievements but the determination and heart they’ve shown along the way. As they take their next steps toward new academic and career goals, we are confident that they leave Whittier Union prepared for success and ready to continue living out our District’s mission, ‘To Achieve and Maintain Excellence.’”

PHOTO CAPTIONS 

WUHSD_GRAD1: Frontier High School, Sierra Vista High School, and the Whittier Union Adult School held a joint commencement ceremony on June 2, during which 415 students were recognized.

WUHSD_GRAD2: Santa Fe High School graduated more than 500 seniors during its commencement ceremony on June 2.

WUHSD_GRAD3: La Serna High School honored 545 seniors during its graduation ceremony on June 3.

WUHSD_GRAD4: Whittier High School held its commencement ceremony on June 3, during which more than 380 seniors were celebrated.

WUHSD_GRAD5: Pioneer High School graduated 250 seniors during its June 4 ceremony.

WUHSD_GRAD6: California High School celebrated the graduation of 490 seniors during its commencement ceremony on June 4.