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There is something truly special about pausing to celebrate the people who make Claremont Unified School District shine. On the afternoon of May 19, 2026, that is exactly what the entire CUSD family gathered to do as the Claremont High School gym, beautifully transformed for the occasion, welcomed honorees, colleagues, and loved ones for the 2026 Honor Our Own Celebration. The room was filled with pride and warmth as Mr. Melanson and the CHS Jazz Combo opened the program in true Wolfpack style. Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Rick Lopez set the tone for the afternoon, sharing that this beloved tradition "symbolizes the positive culture we enjoy, that has been shaped and created by our amazing employees, including today's honorees." Association Presidents Brian D'Ambrosia-Donner of the Claremont Faculty Association, Gina Burciaga of CSEA Chapter 200, and Amy Stanger of the Claremont Management Association each offered heartfelt tributes to their members, with Ms. Burciaga capturing the spirit of the day as she called CUSD's classified staff "the steady force behind our schools" and "without a doubt, the heartbeat of this district." Superintendent Dr. Jim Elsasser, joined by members of the Board of Education including Vice President Kathy Archer, Clerk Cheryl Fiello, and Board Members Kathryn Dunn and Richard O'Neill, reflected on how each honoree brings CUSD's Core Values of Excellence, Equity, Integrity, and Innovation to life in classrooms, on campuses, and across every department.

Warm applause filled the gym as colleague after colleague was honored for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and an extraordinary 40 Years of Service to Claremont Unified. Mr. Donald Sevilla of Oakmont Elementary stood as a true testament to a lifetime of service to our students, marking four full decades in CUSD. Quoting historian Henry Adams, Dr. Elsasser captured the depth of what every honoree represents to our district: "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." That truth, he shared, "lives in the confidence of a student who found her voice, in the gratitude of a family who felt welcomed, and in a community made stronger because you chose to serve here."

The celebration culminated with the presentation of CUSD's most distinguished annual honors. Mrs. Cyndi Leier, the beloved School Office Manager at Vista del Valle, was named the 2025 Classified Employee of the Year, with one of her nominators sharing that "her unwavering dedication and selfless service to her school exemplifies CUSD's commitment of excellence in every aspect of her work." Mrs. Denise Klinovsky of Sumner Danbury was named the 2025 Teacher of the Year, an educator described by a nominator as "the heart and soul of Sumner Danbury, always enthusiastically leading us on to bigger and better things." CUSD also paid heartfelt tribute to its certificated and classified retirees, whose careers have touched generations of Claremont families. In a truly historic moment, the celebration concluded as Devon Freitas, retired Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, presented the 40th annual Richard S. Kirkendall Award to Tri-City Mental Health, the first organization ever to receive this honor. Their work, she shared, reflects the very spirit of the award itself: "a spirit of commitment to service, to partnership, and to the well-being of Claremont's children." It was an afternoon filled with gratitude, pride, and the unmistakable feeling that CUSD is, and always will be, a family.

Mountain View Elementary School and Claremont High School have both been recognized by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) as California Democracy Schools, a distinction that honors campuses committed to a comprehensive, schoolwide approach to civic learning. The California Democracy School Project, originally funded by the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation and administered through LACOE, is designed to institutionalize high-quality civic education in elementary, middle, and high schools, preparing students for college, career, and engaged citizenship. The initiative aligns with the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies, the Common Core State Standards, and the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, and it also helps prepare students to earn the State Seal of Civic Engagement.

At the heart of the program are five essential elements of civic learning that schools weave into instruction: inquiry, investigation, civil dialogue, communicating conclusions, and taking informed action. Through this approach, students explore compelling questions about their communities and the world, research multiple perspectives, engage in respectful dialogue about complex issues, share their findings, and apply what they have learned through meaningful action. Mountain View Elementary and Claremont High School will be formally recognized at an awards ceremony on May 16, 2026, at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, joining a select group of schools across Los Angeles and Orange counties earning this designation.

Students at Sumner Danbury School participated in a meaningful weeklong celebration focused on Autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion. Throughout the week, students engaged in activities and lessons designed to promote understanding, empathy, and support for individuals with autism. The week culminated with an Autism Sensory Picnic, where all students had the opportunity to explore a variety of sensory activities and calming strategies that help students self-regulate and feel supported in their learning environments. From hands-on sensory stations to interactive group activities, students had a wonderful time learning, connecting, and engaging with one another in an inclusive and supportive setting. The picnic served as the perfect conclusion to a week dedicated to celebrating differences and building a stronger sense of community within the school. This special event was made possible through the generous donations of the school community, as well as the dedication and support of our incredible parent volunteers and staff members.

Claremont High School is proud to celebrate two students who placed in the top 10 of Congresswoman Judy Chu's annual Artistic Discovery Art Competition. Senior Xin Lu earned 5th place for her piece "Behind SoCal's Donuts," and senior Andrea Dorantes received an Honorable Mention for her work "Separation." Congresswoman Chu hosted a luncheon yesterday to honor this year's entrants and recognize the exceptional talent of young artists from across the district.

The recognition is especially meaningful for Andrea, who becomes Claremont High's first two-time winner in the competition after placing 2nd last year. "This is an incredibly difficult competition to place in, and we had some amazing entries from several students. I am exceptionally proud of the students and the work they have accomplished this year," said CHS art teacher Tamara Kirkpatrick. Both Xin and Andrea are phenomenal artists, and their honors reflect the creativity, discipline, and artistic vision flourishing within Claremont High's visual arts program. Congratulations to these talented seniors on a richly deserved achievement.

Thanks to the generosity of Claremont Sunrise Rotary and the dedicated work of students from San Antonio High School, Sumner Danbury Elementary has officially opened the doors to its newest student support resource, the Kindness Den. Stocked with free school supplies, food, personal hygiene products, clothing, and other essentials, the Kindness Den is a warm and welcoming space where students can get what they need, when they need it, without questions asked. Claremont Sunrise Rotary, the same service club that proudly sponsors SAHS's Lion's Den, has graciously committed to funding the Kindness Den for three years at $500 per month, ensuring this resource will support Sumner Danbury students and families for years to come. The project was led by Sumner Danbury sixth grade teacher Jennifer Ballesteros in partnership with SAHS students and their teacher Melissa Gaw, and was designed with one simple goal in mind: making sure every student has access to the things they need to feel supported, confident, and ready to learn.

The Kindness Den came to life in the fall of 2025, when SAHS students who connect with Sumner Danbury kids through the schools' beloved buddy program began researching ways they could make a difference in their community. Inspired by SAHS's own Lion's Den, the students surveyed Sumner Danbury kids about what would be most helpful, held meetings with stakeholders, and pitched their plan to Claremont Sunrise Rotary, who enthusiastically said yes. Through their dedicated work, 18 SAHS students also completed their California State Seal of Civic Engagement requirement, and they will become the first SAHS seniors to receive the seal on their diplomas at graduation in just a few weeks. The grand opening last week was made even more memorable by a special visit from Congresswoman Norma Torres, who warmly greeted and took photos with each of the students who brought the Kindness Den to life. Congresswoman Torres celebrated this remarkable group of young people for seeing a need, listening to their community, and turning empathy into real, lasting impact for the students of Sumner Danbury.

On Friday, April 24, Vista del Valle Elementary School welcomed back one of its most accomplished alumni for a day students will not soon forget. U.S. Olympic sprinter Brittany Brown, who earned a bronze medal in the women's 200 meters at the 2024 Paris Olympics, returned to her former elementary school for the unveiling of a stunning new mural painted in her honor. The day began with the school's 50th annual district track meet, a beloved tradition that brings together all seven CUSD elementary schools. Brown spent the morning cheering on student athletes, handing out ribbons, and sharing high-fives with the next generation of Claremont runners. It was a full-circle moment for the Olympian, who first discovered her love of running at this same meet as a fourth grader in 2007.

Brown's path to the Olympic podium was not an easy one. As a child, she struggled with asthma and other respiratory illnesses, and her family experienced housing instability that included a stretch of time living in a hotel near the elementary school. Speaking to students at the ceremony, Brown reflected on her journey from a child told to stay indoors to a world-class athlete representing Team USA. She shared that beautiful things can be created even in the middle of hard times, and that her own story is proof. She told the student body she never imagined the little girl from the hotel would one day have a mural painted in her honor. Brown still holds the Claremont High School records in the girls 100-meter and 200-meter races, and she is now training in Los Angeles with her sights set on the 2028 Summer Olympics.

The mural was painted by local artist Xiucoatl Mejia, a proud product of Claremont Unified schools who attended Sumner Elementary and graduated from Claremont High. The piece features Brown in a Vista track uniform, carrying a torch as she runs, with a group of children following in her footsteps. Several of those young runners were modeled after current Vista del Valle students who helped paint the mural through a new after-school art club led by Mejia and first-year Principal Charles Boulden. What began as a piece about victory grew into something larger, a story about carrying the torch and paving the way for the next generation. Congratulations to Brittany Brown, Xiucoatl Mejia, Principal Boulden, the Vista del Valle art club, and the entire CUSD community for a day that captured the very best of what we celebrate together.

At last week's Board of Education meeting, Claremont Unified School District proudly recognized Andres Zamora of San Antonio High School and Samantha Gutierrez of Claremont High School for their outstanding service as Student Board Members during the 2025–2026 school year. Throughout their term, Andres and Samantha brought thoughtful insight, fresh perspective, and the authentic voices of their peers to the Board table, contributing meaningfully to district discussions and initiatives that shape the student experience across CUSD. Their leadership reflects The CUSD Commitment to Academic Achievement and Instruction, and their willingness to step up, speak up, and represent their classmates has made our district stronger. Thank you, Andres and Samantha, for a remarkable year of service. We are so proud of you both and cannot wait to see all that lies ahead.

At last week's Board of Education meeting, Claremont Unified School District proudly honored Michael Maust, a beloved Claremont Adult School teacher, with the "You Are The Commitment" award. This is the highest recognition our district gives, reserved for someone who truly lives out The CUSD Commitment and its core values of Excellence, Equity, Innovation, and Integrity. Michael has spent an extraordinary 42 years opening doors for adult learners in our community, and every chapter of his story reflects what it means to commit fully and faithfully to our students.

Michael's journey with CUSD began in March of 1984 as an instructional aide, and it was inside a Beginning ESL classroom at Mountain View Elementary, where the Adult School operated out of just four rooms including a custodial closet, that he met someone who would become his wife of 40 years. In 1985, Principal Claire Eckhardt saw something special in him and offered him a preliminary credential and a teaching position. He has been with us ever since. Over the decades, Michael taught every level the Adult School offered, served as the I-20 foreign student counselor, photographed the course brochures, and stepped up as ESL coordinator. Through every change, he kept finding his way back to the same Beginning ESL classroom that has been his home for more than 20 years. The very same level where he first started. The very same level where he met his wife.

In presenting the award, Senior Coordinator of Adult School and Project Management Felipe Delvasto reflected on what Michael's tenure represents. "That is what commitment looks like." For nearly half a century, Michael has been the first warm welcome for some of our newest English learners, showing up with patience, care, and a deep belief in every student who walks through his door. On behalf of the Claremont Unified School District and our Board of Education, thank you, Michael, for 42 remarkable years of devotion to our students and community. You embody The CUSD Commitment in every sense, and we are deeply grateful.