Welcome To tJUHSD

Message from our Superintendent

June 6, 2024

Dear TJUHSD Families,

As the school year comes to a close, it is important for us to take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students. The dedication, hard work, and passion of our students and staff have resulted in numerous accolades and unforgettable moments. Here are some of the highlights from the spring season.

This year, we once again held our annual job fair at the Tulare County Fairgrounds. The job fair allows our students who are staying local for college or transitioning into the workforce the opportunity to showcase their skills and interview for a variety of positions available at local businesses. The job fair was on May 7, and we had 71 seniors participate. During this semester, our students also competed and excelled at the College and Career Tech Expo at College of the Sequoias. Our Countryside, Accelerated Charter, and Mission Oak students also participated in the TCOE STEP UP Competition and received a cash award for their outstanding projects. Again, we are extremely proud of our students and their success!

The performing arts departments also had an extraordinary year, filled with excellent performances and creative expression. Our students' talents have shone brightly on stage and behind the scenes. From our drama productions to our dance and band performances, we are extremely impressed by the talent level of our students. A big shout out to Gracie Marquez from Tulare Western who was accepted into the summer intensive training program Broadway Evolved in New York City. This talented Mustang will train with many top-notch performers like Tony Award nominee Betsy Wolf (star of Waitress & Juliet, also a Visalia native) and Christine Altomare (Mamma Mia's Sophie). Congratulations to Gracie and all of our talented students who entertained us throughout the spring season!

Our student-athletes also continue to demonstrate incredible sportsmanship, determination, and skill. Their achievements in various sports have brought pride to our school community. Multiple teams won league championships, including MO tennis, who won their first league championship in school history! The following teams also qualified for playoffs: TW and MO baseball; TU, TW, and MO softball and TU, TW, and MO boys tennis. Congratulations to the TW girls swim team for their Division II championship and the 200-yard freestyle relay team for placing first. Congratulations also to the Tulare Union boys golf team for their Division III championship. Gavin Wilson from Tulare Union was also the top individual golfer in Division III. Tulare Western was once again awarded the West Yosemite League (WYL) supremacy award for 2023-2024 school year, their second consecutive year. Our E-sports team, led by Eric York, also had a great season qualifying for the championship playoffs. Our student-athletes also excelled academically with Liam Cushing, TU, and Olivia Machado, TW, being named as the WYL Scholar Athletes of the Year. Our district also had the Central Section CIF Scholar-Athlete of the Year, Gianna Fernandes,TW. These recognitions are not easy to achieve and reflect the well-rounded athletes in our schools.

Congratulations also to the Tulare Western Athletic Director, Mike Powell, who was also honored by the California State Athletic Directors Association as the Athletic Director of the Year. We are very proud of our student-athletes, coaches, and their accomplishments. We are excited to continue to cheer on our graduates who have committed to play a sport in college.

Our FFA students also continue to excel. We have 20 students who earned their State Degree and three students receiving their American Degree from National FFA. Lilyanah Ribeiro placed third in the state for prepared public speaking. Sophia Gomes was recognized as a Proficiency State winner in the area of ag education. Our judging teams also had a successful year. The milk quality and dairy foods team, composed of Jillian Garcia, Eva Gomes, Madelyn Movsesian, and Malorie Movsesian, placed second in state. The ag issues forum, composed of Evalyn Nunes, Lilyanah Ribeiro, Kassidy Castro, and Madison Dutto, placed third in state. Congratulations also to Kestin Martin for placing first high individual on the ag mechanics team. We are very proud of the accomplishments of our students.

As we look back on this incredible year, we are filled with pride and gratitude for the dedication and talent of our students and the unwavering support of our staff and parents. We are also incredibly proud of our seniors who are graduating this year and embarking on new journeys. Our graduates have worked hard to make the most of their high school experience and have left a lasting impact on our school community. We wish them the best in their future endeavors and are excited to see where their bright futures will lead them. We eagerly anticipate the new school year and the continued success and growth of our students in all their endeavors.

Sincerely,

Lucy Van Scyoc

Dr. Lucy Van Scyoc
TJUHSD Superintendent