Joining Board President Ed Gililland, Board Vice President Rob Hammond, Board Clerk Bryan Wong, and Board Members Maritza Travanti and Selene Lockerbie were Monrovia Mayor Tom Adams, Mayor Pro Tem Larry J. Spicer, Treasurer Steve Baker, U.S. Rep. Judy Chu representative Lauren Jacobs, state Sen. Anthony Portantino representative Kristi Lopez, Assemblyman Chris Holden field representative Hector Rodriguez, Assemblywoman Blanca E. Rubio field representative Taylor Valmores, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger Assistant Field Deputy Vicky Paul, and Citrus College Trustee Joanne Montgomery.
Additionally, students representing each school kicked off the event by leading the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the National Anthem.
The District’s mission – to provide world-class schools for world-class students – was emphasized throughout the event while Board of Education members highlighted the many community partnerships, programs, and enrichment opportunities that support student academic success.
Such programs include Dual-Language Immersion in Spanish and Mandarin, a strong coding and robotics curriculum, music, vocal instruction, dance, and career technical education courses.
“Monrovia Unified supports its students as they journey along their paths to the future,” Board President Ed Gililland said. “We strive to provide a world-class education at all levels of instruction and ensure our young Monrovians are eminently prepared for life after graduation.”
During the event, 2019 Teacher of the Year Jennifer Maljian spoke about how fortunate she feels to work in a District where she is continually supported by her colleagues and challenged to grow in her craft.
“Teaching is not just a job, but a special gift,” Maljian said. “It is a gift I am given each year to work with students and have my life changed for the better while helping children change theirs.”
Emphasizing student success, two outstanding graduates who exemplify Monrovia Unified’s mission were recognized.
Class of 2017 graduate Jenna Seright began special education inclusion events at Monrovia High and founded Jenna’s Pies, a venture raising funds for Monrovia High scholarships. Seright studies behavioral psychology at Azusa Pacific University.
Class of 2018 graduate Rebecca De La O has started an educational presentation to assist seniors in their transition to college. Her presentation, “What to expect your first year of college,” includes friends from her graduating class who join her in presenting to Monrovia High seniors. De La O studies business economics at UCLA.
Ending the State of the Schools Address, Monrovia Unified premiered a District showcase video, which gave an in-depth look to student academic success and culture across the District.
“Our team of educators serves as mentors, passing to the next generation a wealth of knowledge from which our students will craft their future with opportunities and obstacles we can only imagine,” Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. “I am grateful to the extraordinary members of the MUSD team who not only contributed to the evening’s program, but work tirelessly every day on behalf of the children of Monrovia. It is their expertise and commitment that fuel our programs and inspire our students.”