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Huntington Park honors valedictorian, salutatorian and teachers of the year
Summary
Huntington Park leaders on June 9 recognized the city’s 2026 valedictorian and salutatorian and named educators of the year, and they honored several retiring teachers for long service to local schools.
HUNTINGTON PARK, Calif. — The Huntington Park City Council recognized its 2026 valedictorian and salutatorian and honored educators at its June 9 meeting, presenting awards and tributes that officials said celebrate students and teachers who have strengthened school programs.
Mayor Eddie Martinez opened the presentations by calling forward valedictorian Mariana Luis Galicia of Linda Esperanza Marquez High School and salutatorian Christian Canales and inviting councilmembers and family to join for photos. Councilmember Macias read citations praising academic achievement and community leadership.
The council also named educators of the year. Councilmember Macias introduced Felix Peones, an English and leadership teacher at Linda Esperanza Marquez High School; Councilmember Martis presented a recognition for Javier Valencia, athletic director and physical education teacher at Aspire Pacific Academy, noting he increased participation in athletics to “over 196 middle and high school athletes.” Peones and Valencia thanked principals and families and said classroom and extracurricular work motivated their efforts.
Officials used the ceremony to salute teachers’ wider contributions. Vice Mayor Sanabria said teachers are "underpaid" for the work they do and urged continued community support; Macias and Martis echoed gratitude for educators who mentor students and build community programs.
Council members then recognized retiring educators, including Mary Mills of Gage Middle School for 37 years with the Los Angeles Unified School District and Martha Gonzales for nearly 29 years of district and community‑school work. Colleagues, former students and family members described their service and impact: a former student called Mills a mentor who "always welcomed me with open arms," and colleagues said Gonzales built programs that connected students and families to resources.
The council paused the meeting for photos and refreshments and said it will resume with additional agenda items.
Next steps: the ceremony concluded with presentations and no formal council action on the recognitions.
