Whittier Union High School District seniors graduated this week, ushering in a new chapter in the lives of more than 2,100 young people.

Seniors from the district’s five comprehensive high schools, two alternative campuses, and adult school were joined by adoring loved ones and proud school staffers, in celebrating the accomplishments of the class of 2025.

Resilience, growth, pride, courage and hope all emerged as themes in the celebration that took place over three days.

Santa Fe, Sierra Vista, and Frontier high schools, along with Whittier Union Adult School, kicked off that celebration during commencement ceremonies on June 2. Then came La Serna High School and Whittier High School on Tuesday. California and Pioneer high schools concluded the festivities on Wednesday.

“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 several students from each comprehensive high school with the prestigious Trustee Award. The award goes to those who earned Summa Cum Laude honors and demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership and perseverance.

Recipients were nominated by their schools. 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; and

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.

Several graduates will continue their academic journeys at some of the nation’s top colleges and universities, ranging from Harvard to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

“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.’”