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Claremont High School senior Isabelle Shie captured first place in Informative Speaking at the California High School Speech Association State Championship, held May 2-4 at Culver City High School. Representing the Citrus Belt Speech Region, Shie triumphed over California’s top qualifiers with guidance from head coach Dave Chamberlain and assistant coach Aaron Nichols, earning the school’s first individual state crown in recent memory.

Shie’s ten-minute address explored the history, science, and cultural misconceptions surrounding monosodium glutamate, better known as MSG. Judges praised the talk for its clear structure, accessible research, and handmade visual boards, which the art-loving senior illustrated herself. Rather than relying on the booming oratory often heard in competition, Shie chose a conversational tone that invited listeners to question long-held food myths. Many told her afterward they would now view MSG through a more informed lens.

Back in Culver City’s awards hall, Shie described the moment she realized she had won as “surreal,” crediting her teammates for the support that fueled her final push. The title caps a season of late-night rehearsals and topic rewrites, and it underscores the vitality of CHS’s speech and debate program, which grows confident student voices through curiosity, craft, and community.

During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Claremont Unified celebrates the CUSD Mental Health team, whose daily expertise and compassion help students feel seen, heard, and resilient. Whether guiding a child through a moment of anxiety, leading campuswide wellness initiatives, or simply offering a calm space for conversation, these trusted adults foster a culture where mental wellness comes first and every student has the confidence to seek help. Their quiet strength and steadfast commitment enrich our school communities, safeguard families’ well-being, and prove that in every story, there is strength.

Claremont Unified is proud to honor our team of speech-language pathologists, celebrated nationally on May 18, for the extraordinary skill and heart they bring to each campus. From guiding kindergarteners through their first clear consonants to helping seniors refine pragmatic language for life beyond high school, these specialists deliver rigorous, evidence-based therapy that embodies CUSD’s core values of excellence, equity, innovation, and integrity. Their work opens pathways to communication and confidence, ensuring every learner, regardless of challenge, can engage fully in the classroom, build meaningful relationships, and share their unique voice with our community. Thank you to our SLPs for transforming challenges into triumphs and enriching the fabric of CUSD every day.

Claremont High School hosted its first evening Best Buddies Prom, transforming the gym into an “Under the Sea” wonderland thanks to Orthopedically Impaired Education Specialist Kaylee Wallingford and a circle of volunteers. Wallingford secured more than $700 in donated decorations, organized a Chipotle fundraiser to cover a professional DJ, and rallied family, friends, and colleagues to create balloon arches and sensory-friendly lighting. Parents, students, and alumni arrived to find a fully realized dance venue where the mood was festive and judgment-free. “Those kids deserve everything in this world,” Wallingford said, recalling how parents joined their children on the dance floor and discovered a safe space to celebrate.

The prom also bridged the gap between special education and general education communities. Wallingford’s entire junior varsity softball team attended, and many said they were surprised by how much fun they had while supporting their Buddies. Families who had never attended a school dance before pledged to return, and staff members praised the event for its warmth and authenticity. Wallingford plans to make the nighttime prom an annual tradition and hopes even more students will volunteer next year, noting that when the wider community shows up, “our kids see that they are valued members of this campus.”

Congresswoman Judy Chu honored Claremont High School students at her Artistic Discovery Awards ceremony on May 10 at the Pasadena Elks Lodge, where more than 220 works from the 28th Congressional District were judged. Sophomore Jolean Feng earned the event’s Elk’s Choice Award, a $750 scholarship, and a yearlong display of her watercolor “Hope for a Greener Future” in the congresswoman’s Claremont office. Junior Andrea Dorantes received a $500 scholarship for “Baking Bliss,” an acrylic triptych that will be exhibited alongside Feng’s piece.

Feng’s painting was inspired by balcony gardens in Taiwan, where she saw high-rise living softened by cascades of greenery. “Small actions like growing plants can help the planet and our mental health,” she said, describing how her composition fuses dense cityscapes with flourishing foliage to symbolize individual climate action.

Dorantes traces her love of baking across three stages of life, from childhood box mixes to the elaborate cakes she crafts today. “Baking lets me see progress step by step and brings people together,” she noted after the ceremony. Both students credited CHS art teacher Tamara Kirkpatrick for encouraging them to share their work beyond the classroom and cultivating Claremont Unified’s reputation for outstanding student artistry.

A team of Claremont High School seniors, Mia Poovakad, Julianna Cuellar, Vivian Perez, Angelique Wiesner, and Brooke Barraza, has advanced to the state round of the Directing Change Program and Film Contest with a poignant 60-second public-service announcement that explores how mental-health challenges can hide behind the brightest smiles. “Tying something as simple as cheerleading to mental health lets us show what it feels like to perform happiness every day,” Julianna said, noting that two team members are CHS cheerleaders and drew on personal experience for the script.

The film follows a cheer captain who quietly wrestles with anxiety until words of encouragement around her, chants of “Don’t hold back, take your shot” and a friend’s sign reading “You got this,” give her courage to seek help. “Even though these athletes represent the school and seem joyful, they could be struggling just like anyone else,” Mia explained. Angelique added that the group wanted viewers to remember that “being a support system for others doesn’t mean you don’t deserve support yourself.

The project grew from brainstorming sessions in CHS’s Advanced Video Production class, where the five students discovered a shared goal of normalizing conversations about mental well-being. “Everybody has struggles,” Vivian said. “We made this film to show you’re not alone and that Claremont will cheer you on, too.” Brooke echoed that message of community, thanking classmates and staff who “feel like family” for championing the project. Results of the state judging will be announced later this spring.

Seven Sports Medicine 2 students at Claremont High School have earned college credit in kinesiology after achieving a 100 percent pass rate on Mt. San Antonio College’s three-part articulation exam, which included a 70-question multiple-choice test, a written HOPS injury assessment, and an on-campus practical in ankle taping and special tests. “It made me ignite my passion in the health care field,” junior Madison Merry said, adding that weeks of study prepared them for “one of the most difficult tests I’ve ever taken.” Instructor and athletic trainer Jonathan Snapp noted that Claremont sent one of the largest groups in the Inland Empire and was the only school with every participant earning credit, a testament to the program’s rigor and the student’s hard work.

Claremont High School’s choral students filled “Little” Bridges Hall of Music with warmth and harmony May 19–20 during their spring concert, “Radiance: Finding the Light in Music.” Under the direction of choir director Kyle Ward, the program traced light in its many forms, from Pink Zebra’s “Shine Like Stars” to the rhythmic energy of “Twa Tanbou” and the reverent glow of “O Nata Lux.” Ward described the evening as a celebration of “growth, artistry and resilience,” dedicating the performances to supportive teachers, families and friends who help students’ talents shine.

Senior night on May 20 added a heartfelt flourish as graduating singers stepped forward for a final bow. “Choir gave me the confidence to connect with others,” said Anastacia Valadez, who joined as a shy freshman. Concert choir president Nalia Pinuelas called the ensemble’s atmosphere “uplifting,” noting, “We try to support each other in everything we do.” Singer Chloe Madrid urged underclassmen to seize the opportunity: “You’re only in high school once, so put yourself out there.” The concert closed with Jacob Narverud’s “Radiance,” an anthem that echoed the seniors’ bright legacy and the community’s shared commitment to finding light through music.

Students across Claremont Unified School District gathered at Sumner Danbury Elementary School for the District’s annual STEAM Night, an evening filled with hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire a love for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

Held once a year, the event invites students of all ages to explore engaging stations that promote creative problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation. This year’s STEAM Night featured crowd favorites like tie-dyeing and giant bubbles, alongside new stations such as LEGO robotics and podcasting. Rockets soared, catapults launched, and laughter echoed throughout the campus as students dove into each activity with enthusiasm.

Family members were also invited to participate alongside their students, and many joined in the fun, tie-dyeing shirts, building towers, and experimenting with bubbles, creating a joyful, shared learning experience for all ages.

“Giant bubbles and tie-dyeing are always popular, but this year we introduced new stations like LEGO robotics and podcasting that really sparked students’ interest,” said Natalie Byrne, Education Technology Teacher on Special Assignment and one of the event organizers. “It was incredible to see our older students guiding the younger ones; they weren’t just leading activities, they were learning through teaching.”

Activities were thoughtfully designed for a range of age groups. Younger students explored simple materials like balloons and confetti at the static electricity station, or honed fine motor skills through Minute to Win It games. Upper elementary students tackled more complex challenges like rocket launches, tower building, and LEGO programming, engaging their critical thinking and design skills.

Claremont High School, San Antonio High School, and El Roble Intermediate student volunteers played a key role, serving as station leaders and mentors. Their participation helped guide younger students and reinforced their understanding of the science and engineering principles at play.

“By giving our student leaders the opportunity to teach, we encouraged metacognition, empathy, and communication,” Byrne said. “They experienced the joy of watching others learn—and that’s a lesson.”

The night was filled with moments of discovery. “I watched the wonder in a kindergartener’s face when they made a giant bubble, and I saw the excitement on students’ faces as their LEGO hoppers came to life,” Byrne recalled. “One of my favorite moments was seeing the look of unbridled joy from the tie-dye station volunteers as they watched participants make art. The volunteering aspect of this event is as impactful as the activities themselves.”

Feedback from families and community members was overwhelmingly positive. Many asked whether the event could be brought to additional school sites in the future, while others expressed gratitude for including wheelchair-accessible activities, something the planning team hopes to expand even further next year.

The annual STEAM Night at Sumner Danbury continues to be a vibrant celebration of student learning, creativity, and community, offering something for every learner and their families to explore and enjoy.

Claremont Unified is celebrating a banner year after five standout leaders and partners captured top awards from the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 15, reflecting the district’s commitment to excellence, equity, innovation, and integrity. Principal Andrea Deligio of San Antonio High School was named Continuation/Educational Options Administrator of the Year for cultivating an inclusive campus where every student can thrive. Megan O’Mahony, information services coordinator, earned Classified Leader of the Year for her expert stewardship of data systems that drive districtwide equitable decisions. At Sumner Danbury Elementary, Co-Principal Eduardo Acevedo received the Promising Administrator award and a RACSAM scholarship for his values-driven leadership of inclusive special education programs. Kevin Ward, assistant superintendent of student services, secured the Claremont Management Association Charter Leadership Award for championing student-centered practices across CUSD. Rounding out the list, Claremont After-School Programs (CLASP) claimed the Partners in Educational Excellence Award, honoring nearly two decades of volunteer-powered tutoring and mentorship. Congratulations to all for inspiring our community with their dedication and heart.

Claremont Unified filled the Claremont High Gym with jazz and applause at this year's "Honor Our Own" celebration, where Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Rick Lopez welcomed guests by noting, "It is a privilege to serve in CUSD and be part of this special event that symbolizes the positive culture we enjoy." Superintendent Jim Elsasser set the theme, telling the crowd, "You are the champions who insist students become the best they can be," before Association presidents Brian D'Ambrosia-Donner, Mark Ramirez, and Amy Stanger offered their own tributes. D'Ambrosia-Donner praised staff who "navigate changes with resilience and grace," Ramirez reminded the audience that employees "show up, not just to do a job, but to make a difference for our students and their families," and Stanger emphasized that every role "inspires, shapes and maintains a culture of care and connection."

The program honored employees who had reached 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of service and this year's retirees whose careers have touched generations of learners. Though previously announced last spring, 2024-25 Teacher of the Year Geoff Payton and Classified Employee of the Year Kim Patterson were again applauded for their achievements, underscoring the district's pride in their leadership and dedication. Amid pin presentations, the ceremony showcased the depth of experience that sustains Claremont's purpose of igniting curiosity, strengthening resilience, and inspiring excellence in each student's academic journey.

The afternoon's community award, the Richard S. Kirkendall Award, went to retired Claremont Police Chief Shelly Vander Veen for exceptional service to CUSD students, joining a legacy of community champions first recognized in 1987 when the award's namesake retired superintendent was its inaugural recipient. Lopez closed the celebration by thanking the faculty, classified staff, administrators, and student performers whose collaboration made the event possible and wished everyone a strong finish to the school year and a restorative summer ahead.

Claremont Unified School District proudly congratulates our outstanding teachers and administrators who have completed the Foothill Consortium Induction Program. This two-year program provides essential mentoring and professional support, enabling educators to enhance their instructional strategies and leadership practices, benefiting students districtwide.

Participants in the induction program have collaborated closely with trained mentors and coaches, navigating a robust curriculum aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP). Through individualized learning plans, goal setting, data-driven analysis, and timely professional development, each educator has significantly grown in their capacity to deliver high-quality education.

We recognize and commend the dedication, perseverance, and exceptional commitment demonstrated by each of our completers:

Teacher Completers:

• Racquel Almaguer

• Jennifer Ballesteros

• Bryanna Cancel

• Katrina Dalde

• Getzabel Gallegos

• Pamela Gaytan

• Allison Johnson

• Nickolas Katchur

• Joan Park

• Samantha Tula

• Laura Viera Esteves

• Kaylee Wallingford

Administrator Completers:

• Eduardo Acevedo

• Kara Evans

• Terrah Hirakawa

• Elisabeth Jones

• Jessica Rodriguez

Please join us in celebrating this impressive professional milestone. Congratulations on this significant achievement, we are excited about your continued contributions and the positive impact you will undoubtedly have on our students and the wider CUSD community.

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