News Summary
Los Amigos High School in Fountain Valley commemorated its 20-year milestone with a graduation ceremony for 350 seniors. Highlighting academic excellence, 130 graduates are set to attend prestigious universities after collectively earning 3,465 college credits through the Early College Academy. The ceremony honored co-valedictorians and recognized standout achievements, including a first-generation college student accepted to Harvard. The school also promotes bilingual education and community support initiatives, making significant contributions to student development and future success.
Fountain Valley, CA – Los Amigos High School celebrated its 20-year milestone of supporting students in Fountain Valley, marking this occasion with a special graduation ceremony for approximately 350 seniors. The event took place at Michael A. Monsoor Memorial Stadium and highlighted the school’s commitment to academic excellence and personal development.
Among the graduates, many explored a wide range of career pathways, with 130 planning to attend prestigious institutions within the University of California or California State University systems. This year’s class collectively earned a remarkable 3,465 college credits through the Early College Academy, which allows students to earn free college credit while still in high school. Principal Todd Nirk noted that students completing this program can accumulate up to 60 credits, equivalent to an Associate’s Degree.
Students also excelled academically, with 110 graduates receiving the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma, a distinction awarded for mastery in at least six subject areas. Furthermore, the graduating class completed a substantial number of advanced placement courses, totaling 865, which expand their educational opportunities and prepare them for future academic endeavors.
A highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of co-valedictorians Alexander Lozano and Cat Pham, alongside salutatorian Brianna Li. The Los Amigos vocal music program performed the national anthem, adding a celebratory touch to the event. Among the standout graduates is Sebastian Lozano, a first-generation college student who achieved acceptance to Harvard University with an impressive GPA of 4.56. His acceptance to Harvard is notable, as only 747 students from over 10,000 applicants were selected in the early action program.
In addition to Lozano’s achievement, many students, including senior Jazmine Vazquez, expressed enthusiasm for their future, looking forward to their independence as they prepare for college. The school contributes significantly to student growth, offering programs like a Dual Language Immersion where students can take classes entirely in Spanish, promoting bilingualism and cultural awareness. Sophomore Alexa Bazan, for example, aims to become an immigration lawyer, benefiting from these dual-language academic opportunities.
The school district’s commitment to student support includes initiatives such as the Community Schools program, which provides resources for students and families, including mobile units for document processing and health screenings. These programs reflect the district’s overall goal to ensure the success of every student.
David Gonzalez, an ABC7 reporter and Los Amigos graduate from the class of 2005, returned to the campus to reflect on the lasting impact of his educational experience. He highlighted the familiarity of the school environment, emphasizing that students today share the same eagerness and nervousness he felt during his own high school years.
The Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD), which oversees Los Amigos High School, serves various communities, including Garden Grove, parts of Anaheim, Fountain Valley, Santa Ana, Cypress, Stanton, and Westminster. Through a variety of innovative programs and activities, the district has continuously worked on enhancing educational access and success for all its students.
As Los Amigos High School proudly marks 20 years, it stands as a pillar of academic achievement and student support, equipping young learners with the tools necessary for future success.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7: David Gonzalez Returns to Los Amigos High School
- Los Angeles Times: Los Amigos Seniors Lean into Futures
- CBS News: Los Amigos High School’s Journalism Program
- Orange County Tribune: From Los Amigos to Harvard
- OC Register: Los Amigos High School Top Grads 2013
- Wikipedia: Los Amigos High School
- Google Search: Los Amigos High School
- Google Scholar: Los Amigos High School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Los Amigos High School
- Google News: Los Amigos High School
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COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
