News and Announcements

Porterville Unified School District Empowers Student Storytellers Through 'Camp Create,' a New Summer Program Training Juniors and Seniors in Social Media Strategy, Photography, and Digital Citizenship Ahead of the 2025 School Year

Harmony Magnet Academy’s 2025 graduation brought joy and reflection to the Buck Shaffer Theater on Friday night, as 10 valedictorians and Principal Jeff Brown delivered heartfelt messages celebrating resilience, memories, and the supportive spirit of the Harmony community. With cheers, music, and laughter, the evening marked a meaningful send-off into a bright future.

With cheers, noisemakers, and heartfelt speeches, the Granite Hills High School Class of 2025 celebrated a powerful night of reflection and triumph. Principal Jacob Bowker and student speakers honored the graduates' perseverance, family sacrifices, and hopes for the future, sending them off with pride, gratitude, and inspiration.

Citrus High School’s Class of 2025 walked proudly through the courtyard Thursday evening to the sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance,” greeted by applause and joyful tears. Principal Apolinar Marroquin, speaking in English and Spanish, honored graduates, families, and staff, calling them real-life superheroes. Students were individually recognized with personal messages, while several received special scholarships, including honors from the Tule River Tribal Council. With tassels turned and Kool & the Gang’s “Celebration” ringing out, the night ended in hugs, photos, and heartfelt pride.

Porterville High School’s Class of 2025 celebrated their final night as students with emotional speeches, heartfelt thanks, and thunderous support from loved ones. With 13 valedictorians and 50 students graduating with GPAs above 4.0, the ceremony reflected a community bursting with pride and future promise.

Porterville Military Academy celebrated its Class of 2025 with a moving ceremony filled with pride, gratitude, and inspiration. Cadets reflected on their growth, honored their families and mentors, and shared ambitious plans—from UC Berkeley to the U.S. Air Force. With every graduate earning the State Seal of Civic Engagement, the night marked the start of bold new journeys.

Cheers, tears, and triumph filled the Buck Shaffer Theater as 250 Butterfield Charter High School graduates walked the stage in front of proud families. The heartfelt evening featured powerful student speeches about resilience, family, and second chances—marking a beautiful end to one chapter and the beginning of another.

Harmony Magnet Academy senior Isabel Aguilar has been awarded the prestigious Smittcamp Scholarship—a full-ride to Fresno State’s Honors College. The future mechanical engineering major, who dreams of working for NASA, says the scholarship not only lifts a financial burden but opens doors to exclusive opportunities in college and beyond.

It was a monumental day at the Central Section Masters Track Meet as Monache High’s 4x800 boys relay team and Porterville High’s Kian Rangel punched their tickets to the CIF State Championships. Monache shattered a school record to place second, while Rangel threw 56-6 in shot put to earn his spot.

Porterville Adult School honored 428 graduates at an inspiring ceremony filled with stories of perseverance, personal triumph, and new beginnings, as students from all walks of life celebrated the power of education to transform their futures.

Pioneer Middle School’s Alyson Leos Receives Brent Rast Award for Outstanding Service to Students with Profound Needs

Celebrated for her compassion, collaboration, and individualized teaching approach, Leos was honored by the Tulare County Community Advisory Committee for her exceptional dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment for students with special needs.

Monache High School senior Ramses Gomez earned top honors at the Slick Rock Student Film Festival, taking first place in the Suicide Prevention PSA category with his heartfelt and impactful short film, “Help A Friend.” Competing against over 400 student films from across the Central Valley, Gomez stood out for his powerful storytelling, personal connection to the topic, and commitment to raising awareness about mental health.

Harmony Magnet Academy Wins First Place in Countywide Affordable Housing Design Challenge
Students from Harmony’s Academy of Engineering topped the Tulare County Student Internship Design Challenge with a winning proposal addressing affordable housing for educators, earning $1,500 and valuable real-world experience.

More than 250 students from seven Porterville Unified high schools were recognized with the California State Seal of Biliteracy in a vibrant celebration at the Buck Shaffer Theater, honoring their proficiency in English and a second language. The evening featured traditional Folklorico performances, bilingual speeches, heartfelt acknowledgments, and a festive mariachi-filled courtyard reception.

Strathmore High School senior Nayeli Prado has been awarded the highly competitive Gates Scholarship, one of the most prestigious scholarships in the nation. With full college expenses now covered, Prado will attend UCLA this fall to study Sociology with plans to pursue a career in law.

Porterville Unified School District officially celebrated its innovative student transportation partnership with Via, marking a major milestone in sustainable, student-centered mobility thanks to a $9.1 million Clean Mobility grant and support from state, local, and industry leaders. Since launching in January, the electric vehicle program has provided over 2,300 rides for more than 10,000 students, increasing access to school and internship opportunities.

Harmony Magnet Academy has earned the prestigious Project Lead The Way Distinguished School recognition for the fourth consecutive year, a testament to its robust Engineering Pathway and commitment to student-centered learning. With eight PLTW courses offered—more than any other school in the nation—Harmony continues to set the standard for excellence in STEM education.

AmeriCorps continues to support PUSD students.

Our dedicated team is still working with students, offering guidance, encouragement, and academic support through the end of the school year. Click to learn how they’re making a lasting difference in our schools.