Seniors, staff, administration, district personnel, board members and families gathered in the school gym from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday to spotlight students receiving various awards and accolades they earned during their time in high school. This year, 162 seniors were invited to celebrate.
This night was a chance for seniors to reflect on their hard work and be celebrated by their peers.
Principal Charles Park opened the ceremony with a welcome message, followed by Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps’ (AFJROTC) presentation of the colors, then the Pledge of Allegiance led by Class of 2024 Class President Ava Palacio. The following scholarships were then awarded:
- West Covina Fire Department Scholarship: Izaiah Hernandez.
- Women’s Club Scholarship: Karissa Victoria and Madilyn Yee
- PTSA Scholarships: Michael Gutierrez, Nimal Esaiselvan, Izaiah Hernandez, Christopher Velarde, Mya Salama, Genevieve Tran, Gavin Betancourt and Graciela Jimenez.
- 1st District PTA Scholarship: Adam Elhusseiny
- Kiwanis Club of West Covina Robert Ebiner Scholarship: Madilyn Yee
- West Covina Leadership Association Scholarships: Kylie Chao, Adam Elhusseiny, Grace Lorenger and Madilyn Yee
- Teachers’ Association Scholarship: Grace Lorenger
- Michael Okura Memorial Scholarship: Izaiah Hernandez
Scholarship awards were followed by awards starting with Athletic Awards, CIF Scholar Athletes, Athletes of the year, Scholar athletes of the year Valle Vista 5 awards, State Seal of Biliteracy, Performing Arts Academy Graduates and AP Capstone Diploma candidates.
Students with the magna cum laude stoles that represent students with great high honors (3.8-3.9 GPA). Along this award, the cum laude (3.5-3.79 GPA) and summa cum laude (4.0+ GPA) stole were given out to remaining recipients.
Athletic Leadership Council (ALC) advisor and directed studies teacher Jason Heilman, gave a speech to recognize Class of 2025.
“Out of all my years of teaching, this is the best crop of students,” Heilman said.
Students spoke on their experiences with senior year and how they felt being commemorated at awards night. While most are sad to be leaving, they’re also glad to finish the journey of high school strong.
“It’s really bittersweet, I mean, I really had fun with my friends and I’m really happy with how it turned out. Getting my summa cum laude because over the past four years, I’ve been working towards that,” Guiterrez said.
(Maddux Marquez )
The event ended with applause as students returned to their seats, holding certificates and awards. Senior Awards Night recognized the hard work and accomplishments of the 162 seniors invited to the event. Families and teachers looked on as students were celebrated for their achievements in academics, sports, and service.
Graduation will take place Thursday, June 5 at 7 p.m. on Thyberg Field.
