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On June 12, 2025, the Claremont High School stadium was filled with pride, joy, and heartfelt reflection as Claremont Unified School District honored the graduating classes of Claremont High School, San Antonio High School, and Claremont Adult School in its annual commencement ceremony. This longstanding tradition of celebrating all graduates in one unified event reflects the district’s deep commitment to community and belonging. Families, friends, and educators gathered under the evening sky to recognize the achievements, resilience, and growth of the Class of 2025.

The ceremony featured powerful speeches that highlighted the journey of this year’s graduates, many of whom began high school during the pandemic and concluded their senior year while navigating challenges that tested their strength. Claremont High School Principal Dr. James Mitchell encouraged students to lead with compassion and integrity. San Antonio High School Principal Andrea Deligio spoke about resilience as a superpower. CHS student leaders Riley Wang, Mollie Chou, Tobin Anders, and Peter Phan shared messages of gratitude, humor, and hope. At the same time, SAHS graduate Eli George offered a moving personal story of transformation made possible through the support of his family and teachers.

From quiet moments of growth to milestone achievements, the evening honored more than academic success. It celebrated the strength of character, perseverance and community that carried these students forward. The graduates of 2025 leave Claremont Unified prepared to meet the future with purpose and courage. Congratulations to the Class of 2025. Your journey is just beginning.

On Tuesday, June 10, graduating seniors from Claremont High School and San Antonio High School took part in one of Claremont Unified's most heartfelt traditions—the annual Senior Walks. Dressed in caps and gowns, seniors returned to their former elementary schools to walk the hallways that marked the beginning of their educational journey. They were met with cheers, high fives, and homemade signs from younger students, some of whom were their siblings, who held messages of pride and celebration.

At each school, students and staff lined up to welcome the graduates, who smiled and waved as they passed classrooms filled with wide-eyed children eager to wear their own cap and gown one day. Many seniors had the opportunity to visit their former teachers and share favorite memories from their elementary school days. At several sites, seniors gathered to offer advice to the younger students, reflect on their lessons, and recall the friendships that helped shape who they are today. The energy was joyful and reflective, turning each campus into a place of celebration and inspiration.

Senior Walks offer more than a chance to relive fond memories—they are a powerful reminder of how far students have come and the deep connections that continue to unite the CUSD community. From the first day of kindergarten to their final walk as seniors, these students exemplify the district's commitment to supporting learners every step of the way. Congratulations to the Class of 2025 for coming full circle and for inspiring the next generation to dream big.

On a gray Friday morning, Claremont High School's central quad came to life as the Class of 2025 gathered for the annual Senior Sit Out. By 5 a.m., seniors were lined up outside the gates, eager to claim the best spots for their pop-up tents, lawn chairs, gaming setups, and basketball hoops. Once inside, students transformed the space into a cozy hangout zone, complete with speakers, snacks, and yearbooks ready for signatures. Two students brought full DJ setups and played music for their friends throughout the morning, while others jammed on guitars and other instruments, filling the quad with energy and sound. Despite the overcast skies, the mood was upbeat as seniors laughed, played games, and soaked in the final days of high school together. The Senior Sit Out continued its tradition as a laid-back, joyful celebration of friendship, creativity, and the shared excitement for what lies ahead.

Claremont Unified School District is proud to share that El Roble Intermediate School and Claremont High School have officially been authorized as International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools. Both sites will now offer the Middle Years Program (MYP) for students in grades 7 through 10, marking a major milestone in the district’s commitment to academic excellence, inquiry-driven learning and global citizenship.

The IB Middle Years Program is a globally respected educational framework designed for students ages 11 to 16. It emphasizes intellectual challenge, intercultural understanding and real-world application of learning. Through the MYP, students explore eight subject groups: language and literature, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, design, the arts, physical and health education, and language acquisition. Along the way, they build essential skills in research, communication, collaboration and reflection.

Becoming an IB World School is a rigorous process that includes staff training, curriculum development and a formal verification visit by the International Baccalaureate Organization. Over the past three years, teachers and staff at both schools have worked with focus and determination to design inclusive, inquiry-based instruction and foster a learning environment that reflects the IB mission. “Authorization is more than a title. It is a recognition of our teachers’ hard work, our students’ growth and our district’s vision to prepare students to be globally minded thinkers,” said Andrea Gosnell, MYP coordinator for Claremont Unified. “The MYP helps young people ask thoughtful questions, explore different perspectives and take meaningful action in their communities.”

Students may now opt into the MYP beginning in seventh grade and continue through 10th grade. The program helps students make connections between content and larger themes, engage in service learning and complete culminating projects in eighth and 10th grade that reflect their interests, research and real-world engagement. As the program continues to grow, it will serve as a strong foundation for students pursuing advanced coursework such as AP, the IB Diploma Program or college-level academics. The skills nurtured through the MYP—critical thinking, organization, inquiry and empathy—equip students for success in whatever path they choose.

To learn more about the Middle Years Program at El Roble or Claremont High, families are encouraged to visit the school websites or contact Andrea Gosnell, MYP coordinator for Claremont Unified.

El Roble Intermediate School closed out the 2024-2025 school year with its annual Celebration of Excellence assemblies, recognizing seventh and eighth-grade students' academic accomplishments, character, and leadership. Held in the campus gymnasium on June 10, the ceremonies brought together students, families, and staff to reflect on a year filled with hard work, creativity, and personal growth.

Throughout the day, students were honored for academic achievement, athletic excellence, artistic expression, and service to the community. Nearly 300 students were awarded medallions in recognition of earning Honor Roll and Principal's Honor Roll distinctions for maintaining an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher. In contrast, others were recognized with the Panther Excellence Award for consistently demonstrating the school's core values of Positivity, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Empathy. Students also earned prestigious awards such as the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and the MYP Community Project recognition, celebrating service-driven learning and civic engagement. Notably, the eighth-grade class included 263 students who completed community service projects, exemplifying El Roble's commitment to developing principled, globally minded learners.

This year's event also marked the debut of two meaningful honors. The McGourty-Riggs Excellence in English Language Arts Award was introduced in tribute to retiring teacher Mrs. McGourty-Riggs, who served El Roble students for 37 years with passion, creativity, and heart. Similarly, the Joan Felsch Award continued to spotlight students with an exceptional love for science and inquiry. Performances by the El Roble Orchestra, Band, and Dance Team brought energy and joy to the assemblies, helping set a celebratory tone. The event concluded with heartfelt tributes to retiring staff and words of encouragement for all students as they head into summer. Congratulations to all of our Panthers for a year of excellence, and thank you to the dedicated educators and families who helped support their success.

El Roble Intermediate School closed out the school year with its beloved Spring Games, an annual tradition that celebrates students for their academic achievement, positive behavior and active engagement throughout the semester. The event took place on the school field during the final week of classes and offered students a well-earned opportunity to unwind, connect and enjoy the rewards of their hard work.

Students who earned grades of C or higher and demonstrated strong citizenship were invited to participate in the festive celebration. The afternoon was filled with high-energy activities, including volleyball, kickball, inflatable sumo wrestling, cornhole and a crowd-favorite dunk tank featuring El Roble staff. The field echoed with laughter as students cheered on their classmates and watched teachers take the plunge. Each student also received a cool treat such as ice cream or a popsicle as a sweet way to recognize their efforts.

More than just a fun sendoff, the Spring Games reflect the values El Roble promotes all year long: academic excellence, respect and a strong sense of community. “As we close out the year, we’re proud to celebrate the dedication, growth and success of our intermediate students,” said Principal McAlindin. “The Spring Games give us a moment to recognize their efforts in a way that builds school spirit and connection.” Congratulations to all our Panthers on a fantastic year!

Claremont Unified School District is pleased to announce the approval of Diana Taylor as the new co-principal of Sumner Danbury Elementary School, beginning with the 2025-26 school year. Her appointment was approved at the June 19 Board of Education meeting.

Taylor brings nearly 30 years of experience in education, including roles as an elementary and middle school education specialist, resource specialist program teacher, assistant principal, and principal. For the past six years, she has served as principal of Orrenmaa Elementary School in the Alvord Unified School District, where her collaborative, innovative and student-centered leadership has made a lasting impact.

Taylor earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and an educational specialist mild/moderate teaching credential from California State University, San Bernardino. She later completed a Master of Arts in educational administration and an administrative services credential from National University. She is excited to join the Claremont Unified community and support the district’s commitment to excellence in education. We warmly welcome Taylor to Sumner Danbury and look forward to the leadership she will bring to students, staff and families.

Claremont Unified School District is proud to announce the approval of Heather Lyn as the new assistant principal of El Roble Intermediate School, beginning with the 2025-26 school year. Her appointment was approved at the June 19 Board of Education meeting.

Lyn is a lifelong Claremont community member and a proud Claremont Unified graduate. A second-generation El Roble graduate, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a multiple-subject teaching credentials from the University of La Verne. She later completed a Master of Arts in organizational leadership and technology integration, along with an English credential from the University of La Verne. Most recently, she earned her administrative services credential from Cal Poly Pomona and graduated from CUSD’s two-year Aspiring Leader program.

Lyn brings more than 20 years of experience in public education, including roles as an elementary and intermediate teacher, aquatics coach, and teacher on special assignment. For the past two decades, she has served as an English teacher at El Roble, where she has led her department, supported student clubs, served on the School Site Council, and mentored future educators. Her deep ties to CUSD and long-standing service to the El Roble community reflect her dedication to supporting students, staff and families. We are excited to welcome Lyn into this leadership role and look forward to all she will contribute in the years ahead.

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