The Azusa Unified School District board opened its Nov. 4 meeting by recognizing multiple student groups for community and extracurricular achievements.

Jeanette Flores, principal of Hodge Elementary, spoke about social-emotional learning strategies and family engagement at Hodge; first grader Ava Ortiz led the Pledge of Allegiance in English and Spanish and received a district certificate of recognition signed by Superintendent Arturo Ortega and Board President Gabriela Arianez.

Azusa High staff and students presented the TrainFest 2025 project, a student-created life-size mockup of a high-speed rail passenger car and a virtual-reality ride experience created in partnership with industry groups including the California High Speed Rail Authority, Dionysio Tafoya (Dionysus Creative) and Leonardo's Apprentice. Assistant Principal Robert Velasco and staff said students were paid interns and learned design, engineering and VR skills.

"These students demonstrated true problem solving skills, perseverance, initiative, and dedication," Mr. Chang and Mr. Velasco told the board as students displayed their VR goggles and took questions.

Gladstone Middle School principal Sanford Omo presented cheerleaders who placed first in the marching unit division at the Golden Days parade and the remote-control car club that earned second place and sweepstakes recognition. The board presented certificates and praised coaches and students for their dedication.

Board members offered congratulations across the dais and invited students and staff to take photographs.