Whittier Union High School District’s Class of 2022 boasted their academic successes as they made their way across the graduation stage during commencement ceremonies held May 31 to June 2, marking their milestone achievement with heartfelt speeches that recounted their time at Whittier Union.
Whittier Union celebrated graduates from the District’s five comprehensive high schools, two alternative high schools and adult school. During the stadium ceremonies, graduates, educators, administrators and families shared tears of joy and enjoyed celebratory performances from the District’s band and choir groups.
Santa Fe High School, Sierra Vista High School and Frontier High School seniors, along with Whittier Union Adult School graduates, were cheered on by their families and friends during ceremonies on May 31, followed by California High School and Pioneer High School graduations on June 1. La Serna and Whittier high schools concluded the festivities with ceremonies on June 2.
The District also honored graduates who met the criteria for Summa Cum Laude (GPA of at least 4.3), Magna Cum Laude (GPA of at least 4.1 and less than 4.3) and Cum Laude (GPA of at least 3.9 and less than 4.1).
“I am extremely proud to be a part of the graduating Class of 2022,” Pioneer High School Summa Cum Laude honoree Fernanda Reyes said during the ceremony. “The fact that we made it here in the midst of a pandemic is a testament to our perseverance and commitment to excellence. I always despised the question of what do you want to be when you grow up, I felt pressured to be so sure in my answer. Instead, let’s ask who we want to be and chase our dreams and never give up.”
During this year’s commencement ceremonies, the Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees honored students from each comprehensive high school with the 2022 Trustee Award. Honorees were recommended by principals, counselors and teachers for outstanding academic achievement and demonstrating exemplary citizenship during their four years of high school.
“Just four years ago we were starting one of the most important phases of our lives and we have already looked back. Now it is time to look forward and be excited about all the things we have ahead of us,” California High School Trustee Award winner Justin Toyoshiba said. “My advice [to you] is not to waste the next period of your life chasing the acceptance of others. Start making decisions that make you happy and do the things that will catapult you into even greater success in the future. Congratulations Class of 2022.”
Many Whittier Union Class of 2022 graduates are matriculating to four-year universities, prestigious higher education institutes and the armed forces in the fall. These include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of California, Los Angeles, the University of Southern California and the University of California, Berkeley.
Several graduates have also been awarded thousands of dollars in local and national scholarships, including the 2022 Dell Scholarship by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation.
“Congratulations to our outstanding Class of 2022 graduates for reaching this achievement that I know means so much to them and their families,” Superintendent Martin Plourde said. “Each and every single graduate has done Whatever It Takes to be where they are today and we know that the future looks bright for them all. The high-quality education they have received here at Whittier Union has truly set them up for lifelong success and we know these students will go on and continue to live up to our motto, ‘To Achieve and Maintain Excellence.’ Congratulations graduates.”
PHOTO CAPTIONS
WUHSD_GRAD1: Frontier High School, Sierra Vista High School and the Whittier Adult School held a joint commencement ceremony on May 31, during which 470 students were recognized.
WUHSD_GRAD2: Santa Fe High School graduated 463 seniors during its commencement ceremony on May 31.
WUHSD_GRAD3: California High School honored 600 seniors during its graduation ceremony on June 1.
WUHSD_GRAD4: Pioneer High School held its commencement ceremony on June 1, during which 257 seniors were celebrated.
WUHSD_GRAD5: Whittier High School graduated 399 seniors during its June 2 graduation ceremony.
WUHSD_GRAD6: La Serna High School celebrated the graduation of 572 seniors during its commencement ceremony on June 2.