Welcome to the second edition of CUSD Celebrates! A bi-monthly newsletter capturing excellence throughout CUSD schools.

Recognizing Excellence

The College Board honored students nationwide through their annual National Recognition Programs. These programs highlight the academic excellence of underrepresented students on PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and AP exams. Such recognition is invaluable for college applications, and many colleges actively seek out these distinguished awardees via the College Board's Student Search Service.

We are immensely proud to announce that multiple students from Claremont High School (CHS) have been recognized for their dedication and hard work. The exceptional academic honors highlight the achievements of rural area, Black, Indigenous, and/or Latino students, showcasing them to colleges and scholarship programs eager to welcome diverse talent.

Recognition criteria:

GPA of 3.5 or above
Top 10% scores in the state on PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 assessments for each award program OR
Score 3 or higher on at least 2 AP Exams in 9th and 10th grade

A huge congratulations to the seven CHS students who the College Board National Recognition Program has recognized:

Maryah Anderson
Serenity Hamilton
Mairead Lucke
Sanah Mills
Mia Rivas
Anabelle Robles
Brianna Valdez

CHS Shines Bright: Jocelyn Chang Qualifies as a National Merit Semi-Finalist!

Jocelyn Chang, a senior at Claremont High School, has been recognized as a National Merit Semi-Finalist by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). This prestigious recognition places Jocelyn among the top academic talents in the nation.

The journey to becoming a National Merit Semi-Finalist is no small accomplishment. Over 1.3 million juniors from approximately 21,000 high schools nationwide took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in 2022. From this extensive pool, Jocelyn emerged as one of the 16,000 highest-scoring students, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.

The next step for Jocelyn is the Finalist level of the competition. With the support and guidance of her CHS Counselor, she will submit a detailed scholarship application. This will include her academic achievements, community involvement, leadership roles, and other accolades. Successful Finalists will then be able to compete for one of the 7,140 National Merit Scholarships, collectively worth nearly $28 million.

We are incredibly proud of Jocelyn and her outstanding achievements. As she moves forward in the competition, the CUSD community stands behind her, cheering her on.

Congratulations, Jocelyn, and best of luck in the next phase!

El Roble's Ironman: Chris Depew's Triumphant Race in Nice, France!

At Claremont Unified School District, we don't just celebrate academic achievements; we also take extreme pride in the extracurricular feats of our staff. This month, we're spotlighting an extraordinary accomplishment by one of El Roble's very own, Chris Depew.

Chris recently competed in the prestigious World Championships of Ironman in Nice, France. Facing off against approximately 2,000 of the world's top Ironman triathletes, Chris showcased incredible determination and skill. After the swimming segment, he secured 39th place overall and impressively finished the entire race 50th in his age group!

For those unfamiliar with the Ironman Triathlon, it's a grueling race organized by the World Triathlon Corporation. Participants must complete a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bicycle ride, and finally, a marathon 26.22-mile run, totaling a staggering 140.6 miles. It's not just the distance that's challenging; athletes also have to beat the clock, with strict cut-off times for each segment. Completing an Ironman is a testament to an athlete's endurance, determination, and willpower.

The Ironman Triathlon isn't just a race; it's a symbol of perseverance, and Chris Depew's recent performance is a testament to his dedication and passion. We're incredibly proud to have such inspiring individuals like Chris as part of our CUSD family. Congratulations, Chris, on this remarkable achievement!

Celebrating CHS's Ryan Easton

Ryan Easton from Claremont High School was recognized as the CUSD Teacher of the Year at the esteemed Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Teacher of the Year Banquet.

This accolade is not just any recognition; it is a testament to Ryan's unwavering commitment to education, his passion for teaching, and his lasting impact on countless students. As Ryan received his well-deserved honor, he was surrounded by the cheers and support of our district's leadership. Superintendent, Dr. Jim Elsasser; Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Rick Lopez; and Claremont High School Principal, Dr. James Mitchell, were all present. Adding to this heartwarming moment was the presence of Ryan's family and former CHS principal, Dr. Brett O’Connor.

The LACOE Teacher of the Year Banquet, held in September, is more than just an event; it celebrates teaching excellence and embodies professionalism within public education. While we extend our heartfelt appreciation to all educators honored by LACOE this month, we shine a special spotlight on Ryan Easton. His dedication, passion, and commitment to education inspire his students and fellow educators across the county.

Congratulations, Ryan! Your Claremont family is incredibly proud of you.

Spotlight on CHS Graduate: Maia Ott's Journey to Leadership and Service

Claremont High School has always been a beacon of excellence, producing graduates who achieve remarkable accomplishments. Today, we're spotlighting one such alumna, Maia Ott, from the Class of 2021.

Maia's journey post-CHS has been nothing short of inspiring. Mary Baldwin University awarded her a full scholarship in partnership with the Air Force. But this isn't just any scholarship; it's an opportunity to be part of the Virginia Women's Institute for Leadership (VWIL), the nation's only cadet corps exclusively for women. With its unique blend of military preparation, this leadership program is designed to mold leaders ready to take charge in various fields.

At VWIL, Maia is not only receiving top-tier academic training but is also undergoing rigorous physical training, all while building lifelong bonds with her sister cadets. The program emphasizes the development of individual leadership styles, ensuring that each cadet is prepared to lead in their chosen field, whether military, business, education, or beyond.

Upon matriculation from Mary Baldwin University, Maia will serve our country as an officer in the Air Force, a testament to her dedication and exceptional training at VWIL.

Maia's achievements reflect her hard work, determination, and the foundational values instilled in her during her time at CHS. As she continues her journey at VWIL, surrounded by a diverse group of cadets from across the country, we're proud to know that she represents the best of Claremont.

We congratulate Maia on her achievements and look forward to following her journey as she continues to make CHS proud. Here's to Maia Ott, a shining example of Claremont excellence!

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