October 15, 2026

HEAR “The Magic of Halloween”

Orchestra Concert Friday, October 16 at 7 p.m.

This Halloween season, our talented Nogales and Rowland High School orchestra and band students are bringing the magic of Broadway and the nostalgia of Disney to life! Join us for an enchanting evening of music featuring iconic scores from “The Avengers,” the spellbinding “Wicked,” and your favorite Disney classics at The Magic of Halloween Concert TOMORROW NIGHT, Friday, October 16, at 7 p.m. at the RUSD Performing Arts Center. 

“Come support our musicians as they showcase how hard work and dedication have changed them for good this semester,” said Music Director Nori Durham. “Enjoy sweet treats at our bake sale fundraiser that night. Costumes are welcome, and the music is guaranteed to be magical!”  



Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under.

The RUSD Board of Education honored Rowland High School students for their outstanding achievements in the 2027 National Merit® Scholarship Program. Among more than 1.3 million participants nationwide, these students ranked in the country’s top academic tiers based on their PSAT/NMSQT® scores. The Board recognized the following Semifinalists and Commended Students at its October 1 meeting:

Semifinalists rank among the top 1% of seniors statewide and will compete for prestigious Merit Scholarship® awards next spring.  Congratulations to Leah Tsoi and Liam Ward.

Commended Students ranked among the top 4% nationwide and were recognized by the NMSC for their exceptional academic potential. 

Luke Chang

Catherine Chen

Ethan Cheng

Bright Deng

Kevin Ho

Bryant Ito

Michael Lee

Nicholas Leong

Abigail Liman

Nathan Ton

Mateo Ward

Derek Zhong 

More than 100 community, business, and civic leaders came together for RUSD’s Principal for a Day event to support Rowland Unified schools, student success, and high school scholarships. Participants stepped into the role of a school principal, touring campuses across the district and connecting with students and staff.

The day concluded with a luncheon featuring a performance by the Nogales Noble Regiment Band and keynote remarks from Wendy Eccles of the California Teachers Association and Alex Barrios of Educational Results Partnership.



The event highlighted the power of community partnerships in preparing RUSD students for future-ready success and ended with honoring the following 2026 Principal for a Day Scholarship winners:

Joseph Garcia (Santana High School)

A dependable and hard-working leader who demonstrates teamwork, responsibility and a genuine commitment to supporting others. He represents Santana High School by serving on the Superintendent’s Student Council.



Dayana Gomez Herrera (Nogales High School) A determined student who turns challenges into opportunities for growth. With aspirations for a career in radiation oncology, she combines academic ambition with a commitment to serving her community.

Caroline Ho (Rowland High School)

A resilient student leader who approaches academics, collaboration, and new opportunities with integrity and determination.



Cristina Nieves (Rowland Adult & Community Education) A compassionate leader whose passion for education and service inspires her goal of becoming a teacher.

We thank the many community partners for supporting this year’s event.

The Board of Education highlighted Jellick Elementary at the October meeting. Principal Johan Schmitz shared how Jaguar teachers and staff come together to support every student, every day, to ensure they can achieve their best. 

Click below to view the October 1, 2026, Board of Education Meeting to watch student recognitions, the School Spotlight report on Jellick Elementary and Staff Presentations.

Music, dancing, classic cars and fireworks brought the Rowland High School community together for a memorable Homecoming celebration! Raider pride spanned generations as alumni and families returned for a night of festivities honoring the school’s rich history. Visitors took a stroll down memory lane in the Hideout, transformed into a mini museum filled with school memorabilia. 

The celebration also included the Hall of Fame ceremony in the library (see spotlight below), where four distinguished alumni were inducted in recognition of their achievements and lasting impact as Rowland Raiders.

Last Friday’s football game marked the 60th anniversary of Rowland High School’s first Homecoming in 1966. Alumni and past Homecoming queens gathered behind banners representing each decade, from the 1960s to today. The crowd cheered as this year’s Homecoming Court arrived in a parade of Corvette convertibles!

The Rowland Dance Club filled the stadium as they performed on the field a dance number that went with the evening’s theme, “Gimme Gimme a Night to Remember” as anticipation built for the crowning of the 2026 Homecoming Queen. Fireworks lit up the sky as a banner revealed this year’s queen, Kayle Joaquin (pictured with King Julian Castanon). The Raiders battled in a close 21–20 game, but the Montclair Cavaliers claimed the victory. Despite the narrow loss, the night was a winning celebration of Raider pride, tradition and community! 

HONORING STANDOUT ALUMNI

Rowland High School 2026

Hall of Fame Inductees

The Rowland High School Alumni Hall of Fame honors former students who have excelled in their chosen careers or made significant contributions to society, serving as outstanding role models for current Raiders. Congratulations to this year’s honorees for their achievements, leadership, and lasting impact on their communities.

Jeffrey Kaskela |  Class of 1992

Education

A Rowland Heights native, Jeffrey Kaskela returned to Rowland High School as a mathematics teacher and football coach before continuing his career at Cerritos High School. Though his life was cut short in 2001, his impact on students, athletes, and the community continues.

Jacqueline Jamison | Class of 1986 

Sports Journalism

With a 35-year career in sports broadcasting, Jacqueline Jamison has covered 15 Olympic Games and worked with major professional sports teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Kings, Ducks, and Angels. She also inspires students to pursue careers in sports and broadcasting.

Young Kwon  | Class of 1986

Legal, Leadership and Community Service

Young Kwon helped lead the legal and human resources departments at Forever 21 through significant international growth before transitioning to nonprofit healthcare, where he supports efforts to expand access to care for underserved communities.

Dennis Nadal | Class of 1984

Community Leadership

A dedicated supporter of Rowland High School, Dennis Nadal serves on the Rowland High School Education Foundation Board, demonstrating a strong commitment to its students, staff, and school community.

From the first day of kindergarten through high school graduation, Rowland Unified School District prepares students for the future of their choosing. Hear how Angela Wang brings her experiences at Blanford Elementary & Rowland High to her studies at Cornell University.

GAME ON!

Varsity Sports Schedule for October

Check Out the Upcoming Varsity Home Games and Support Our Student Athletes!

Game times may change on a weekly basis due to weather conditions.

Schools monitor the Wetbulb Globe temperature (WBGI) and must adjust athletic activity based on specific conditions.

For the latest athletics news follow on Instagram

@RowlandUSDAthletics

Proud to Serve Our Communities of City of Industry, La Puente, Rowland Heights, Walnut & West Covina

October 15, 2026, Issue | Contact: gward@rowlandschools.org

www.RowlandSchools.org