Welcome to CUSD Celebrates! A bi-monthly newsletter capturing excellence throughout CUSD schools.

Claremont High School (CHS) transformed into an Athenian paradise on Friday night as students, family, and staff gathered to celebrate the much-anticipated 2023 Homecoming event. Embracing the theme of "An Evening in Athens," the evening was filled with Grecian allure, community spirit, and unforgettable moments.

One of the highlights of the evening was the awe-inspiring display of floats crafted by each class. From the imaginative Freshmen to the spirited Seniors, each float uniquely interpreted the Athens theme, showcasing the creativity and teamwork of CHS students.

Adding to the festivity, members of the Homecoming Court, along with cheerleaders, dance team members, and those who helped construct the floats, proudly paraded around town. Community members came out to cheer and support our CHS and El Roble students in the parade.

The halftime spectacle at the Pack's home game against West Covina became the center of excitement. The coronation of the Homecoming Royalty was a sight to behold, especially with the crowning of CHS seniors Beverly Be and Edgar Chacon. Their joyous moment was made even more magical with a dazzling display of fireworks that illuminated the night sky.

Unfortunately, in terms of the game, the CHS varsity football team faced a tough match, narrowly falling to visitors West Covina with a score of 12-7. But the score did little to dampen the spirits of the Wolfpack supporters.

In terms of attendance, this year's Homecoming was notably one of the largest. The school grounds buzzed with excitement as a significant number of students, parents, and community members showed up in support, highlighting the unity and spirit of the Wolfpack.

Empowering Future Leaders through the "Women in Leadership" Event

Claremont Unified School District proudly hosted its inaugural "Empowering CUSD Students: Women in Leadership" event at the esteemed Don F. Fruechte Theatre for the Performing Arts. The gathering brought together a dynamic group of women leaders who generously shared their personal and professional journeys with an eager audience of students, staff, and community members.

The evening was met with inspiring stories of perseverance, intuition, and leadership. Among the remarkable panelists was retired Claremont Police Chief, Shelly Vander Veen, who reflected on her journey through the ranks at CPD, notably being the first woman to receive a promotion within the department. Lex Moschakis, founder and CEO of Live Big, delved into her transformative journey from law school graduate to successful entrepreneur. At the same time, Carolina Garcia, the Director of Original Series at Netflix, spoke about her relentless grit that catapulted her to an executive position at the global streaming giant. Additionally, Leigh Cornell, Vice President of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, discussed the power of networking and work-life balance, and Dr. Soraya Coley, President of California Polytechnic Pomona, painted a vivid picture of her educational journey amidst the challenges of segregation in South Carolina.

The event, seamlessly interwoven with the objectives of The CUSD Commitment: Strategies to Support The Whole Child - 2.6, made significant strides in its goal to "Create additional opportunities for leadership development and the inclusion of student voices in school and district initiatives." The response from students was overwhelmingly positive, with many Claremont High School and El Roble student moderators stating that the panel's insights will serve as guiding lights for their post-high school ambitions.

Due to this year's event's success and positive reception, CUSD is thrilled to announce the date for the following "Empowering CUSD Students: Women in Leadership" event — scheduled for October 15, 2024.

CUSD celebrates the collective efforts of everyone involved, from the organizers to the panelists, especially the students, who remain at the heart of such initiatives. Here's to many more years of empowering our students and amplifying the voices of strong, resilient leaders in our community!

Spotlight: Abigail Kupetz - Senior at Claremont High School and Student Board Member

Meet Abigail Kupetz, a Claremont High School (CHS) senior, a student board member, and a student community leader. Abigail's commitment to school and extracurricular activities shines through her various roles.

Getting to Know Abigail: Abigail's involvement at CHS is genuine. Over the past four years, she's been an active ASB member. Furthermore, she proudly wears the hat of the President and Co-Founder of the Jewish Student Union at CHS. Other roles include being the Publicity Head for the "One Way, One Life Environmental Club" and a dedicated member of the National Honors Society. Outside the school environment, Abigail is an avid tennis player, a committed volunteer at her Synagogue, and cherishes quality time with friends and family.

A Nudge Towards Student Board Membership: What motivated Abigail to take up the mantle of a Student Board Member? The answer lies in the experiences of her friend, Alex Chang. Last spring, while pondering her ASB election options, stories of Alex's fulfilling tenure as a Board Member resonated with her. Abigail saw it as a pathway to make a difference in the Claremont community.

Leading with Resilience: Leadership has its challenges. For Abigail, one hurdle was handling criticism, especially when her heart and soul went into a project. Yet, she views leadership at CHS as a part of a greater cause. To her, feedback is an avenue to enhance and make a more significant impact, accommodating a broader student spectrum.

Vision and Aspiration for CHS: Abigail's dream? To foster an inclusive CHS environment where every voice matters. She works toward connecting with a diverse student population, ensuring everyone has a memorable high school journey, just like hers.

The Essence of Student Voice: Abigail highlights the importance of student representation in school decisions. She believes in casting a wide net to gather diverse student opinions, ensuring decisions are holistic and well-rounded.

Juggling Roles and Responsibilities: Balancing academics and extracurriculars is a challenge. For Abigail, self-care is paramount. She emphasizes the importance of mental, physical, and emotional well-being, helping her balance rigorous academics and her passions.

A Nugget of Advice: Abigail's counsel to budding leaders? Take the plunge! Leadership roles, she says, are more than just titles. They're opportunities to influence, expand one's horizons, and build lasting relationships. 

Looking Ahead: As Abigail contemplates life beyond CHS, she believes her current role will guide her toward future leadership opportunities. She sees this experience as a stepping stone, instilling confidence to voice opinions and be part of more significant causes.

Join us in celebrating Abigail's dedication, passion, and vision for CHS. Here's to young leaders who inspire and pave the way for the future!

Adult School's Prestigious Recognition

The Claremont Unified School District rejoices as the Claremont Adult School garners a distinguished accolade. Recognized as one of the top-performing training providers by the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB), the school's dedication to Career and Technical Education (CTE) at the adult level in Los Angeles County has not gone unnoticed.

This significant honor emphasizes Claremont Adult School's crucial role in equipping individuals with essential technical skills and industry-recognized credentials, seamlessly aligning with the SBWIB's mission of reintegrating individuals back into the workforce.

In recognition of these accomplishments, Claremont Adult School is invited to an exclusive awards ceremony on November 9, 2023, at the Marriott Hotel in Torrance. Here, the school will be presented with a special plaque celebrating its outstanding achievements in adult education.

The Claremont Unified School District extends its heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff, educators, and students at Claremont Adult School. Their collective efforts have elevated the institution, bringing honor and pride to the entire district. We anticipate and eagerly await further accomplishments and accolades in the future!

San Antonio High School Spotlight

Claremont Unified School District (CUSD) consistently champions academic and organizational excellence, fostering a vibrant environment for students, employees, families, and community members. Guided by our unwavering commitment, every decision we make aims to provide a top-tier educational experience for our students. 

Last week, the San Antonio High School (SAHS) staff gathered to highlight someone who personifies the CUSD Commitment in extraordinary ways.

Every member plays a role in making a successful school year. At this staff meeting, Principal Calvin McKendrick and the staff focused on one outstanding individual who went above and beyond.

This individual is a testament to our Core Values of Excellence, Equity, Innovation, and Integrity. Their remarkable connection with students, ensuring each one feels acknowledged, supported, and empowered, has redefined what it means to engage with students. Her work has created safe spaces for our students and directly boosted their attendance and academic achievements.

Today, with the highest admiration, we award the first-ever SAHS CUSD Commitment Challenge Coin to the shining star, Counselor Lisette Mancilla.

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