Wasco high schools welcome new year

The first day of school for the Wasco Union High School District was marked by excitement, anticipation and a sense of renewal as students returned to campuses across the district. The atmosphere at both Wasco High School and Wasco Independence High School was filled with energy as students, teachers and staff began a new academic year.

At Wasco High School, the day began early with a special event organized by the senior class. The Senior Sunrise, held at 6 a.m., brought together the Class of 2025 to watch the sunrise, symbolizing the start of their final year of high school. As the sun slowly rose over the horizon, students gathered on the football field, sharing laughs, memories and hopes for the year ahead.

Principal Rusvel Prado expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming year: "We are thrilled for the 2024/2025 school year. We had an amazing three days of teacher in-service, and all our staff are ready and excited. We had a tremendous year last year and can't wait to continue our academic and athletic success from last year."

Millie Alvarado has been a physical education teacher for the last 36 years. "I love seeing all the new students. I'm nervous every year as if it was my first year. The kids are very spirited. The Senior Sunrise is an amazing moment for the seniors. I am thrilled for the new year and look forward to meeting all the 9th graders."

Sophomore Guadalupe Ramirez was excited, too. "It's about making new friends and taking new classes. I'm going to try out for the soccer team. I hope to attend the dances, football games and rallies."

Superintendent Kevin Tallon shared his message for the new year: "We are focused on the needs of students, including mental health, interventions and early college. We have added three social workers in the last three years. Early college is also a major focus. Our goal is to allow students to attain college credit or move into a career technical education pathway or other industry careers."

He noted that enrollment is down slightly, although "true numbers" won't be available until later.

At Wasco Independence High School, the new year brings fresh initiatives. Genifer Williams, an instructional assistant who supports teachers and students with all subjects, enthusiastically discussed the school's new leadership program and elective classes. "We also have new elective classes like gardening, multimedia, music appreciation and drama. WHS offers that, and we're implementing it here as well. We're doing that to give them the full high school experience."

School Counselor Vianney Gonzalez was eager to share that Kern Family Health Care awarded WIHS $5,000 for their Falcon Closet. "This will be a resource for students needing shoes, t-shirts, pants and basic hygiene necessities that will be helpful in the new school year," Gonzalez explained. "We want to remove any barriers for students, as some might say, 'I don't have any new clothes, and I don't want to come to school.' The closet is a way to overcome that. We've wanted to do this for years but didn't have the funding until now."

Junior Leonardo Evangelista reflected on the new start, saying he plans to stay organized and focused. He hopes to grow personally and academically by "being ahead on his work, being on time, guiding my peers, treating others how you want to be treated and being a man of my word."

Principal Thomas Yasenchak is confident that his students are well-prepared and positioned for success this school year. He emphasizes, "The district has created a lot of support and opportunities for students to reach out to their counselor and social worker for social-emotional support, as well as small classes so our teachers can give students one-on-one attention. Last year, we hired two new instructional assistants to help students work in small groups and one-on-one settings."