Grade Level Coordinators
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Wil Lares - Class of 2029 (A - Lo)
Mr. Wil Lares is a proud graduate of Walnut High School, class of 2000. Mr. Lares went on to Mt. SAC, Cal Poly Pomona, where he studied abroad in Morocco and did an additional study abroad program through the University of Pittsburgh called Semester at Sea, where he visited 10 countries over 4 months. After his travels, Mr. Lares finished my history degree at Cal Poly, where he also completed his single subject credential and Master’s degree. Mr. Lares entered the Walnut Valley School District at the alternative ed site, Ron Hockwalt Academies. After 3 years there, he was fortunate to have a Social Science position open at Walnut High School and time has flown by ever since. During his first 9 years at Walnut High School, Mr. Lares taught Social Science classes (Civics, Economics & US History) & coached both football & baseball.
Mr. Lares' wife is also in the field of education as an Adaptive Physical Education teacher for San Bernardino County. They are happily married with our baby boy who was born May of 2021 & their two Mastiffs. Mr. Lares & his wife love to travel, 40 countries and counting, but that has been put on hold for the little guy to be able to grow, spread his wings and explore the world with them both.
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Ms. Sonia Nunez - Class of 2029 (Lu - Z)
Ms. Sonia Nunez was born and raised in Los Angeles. Graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 2002. In 2006 she earned a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Psychology and a minor in Criminology. Ms. Nunez then pursed her Masters of Science in Educational Counseling from the University of La Verne. Ms. Nunez interned the Summer/Fall of 2008 at Walnut High School under the guidance of Dr. Donna Hunter and Mrs. Ruthellyn Whittington. In October of 2008, Ms. Nunez officially joined the Mustang Family as the Intervention Counselor and in 2013 became a Grade Level Coordinator for the Class of 2017. Currently, Ms. Nunez is GLC to the Class of 2025 Lu-Z students. She also serves as PSAT and HOBY Coordinator. Her goal as an educator is to promote accountability, growth and opportunities for all students regardless of ability. Outside of work, Ms. Nunez enjoys do it yourself projects, making greeting cards and enjoys time with friends and family.
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Ms. Jennifer Tucker - Class of 2026 (A - Li)
Ms. Tucker is in her 27th year of Education and her 17th year at Walnut High School. Previously, Ms. Tucker came to us from Diamond Ranch High School where she was a Physical Education Instructor and a Coach of volleyball, soccer, and softball. Ms. Tucker holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Cal Poly Pomona and a Master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of La Verne.
When Ms. Tucker is not working, she enjoys watching her daughter (Cheyenne, 20) play soccer in college, and her son (Dylan, 22) play football in college. In addition to watching her own kids play sports in college, she very much enjoys attending all the sporting events at Walnut High School when time permits. Some things she enjoys in her spare time are listening to live music, spending time outdoors, hiking, and going to the beach and mountains. She loves taking road trips and discovering new places to see. Traveling is her passion and she has currently been to 19 countries and hopes to go to a new country each year. Spending time with her family and close friends from high school is something she really enjoys doing at any given time.
Ms. Tucker’s motto for life is to find balance in all that you do and to live your best life at all times.
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Mr. Ernesto Ruiz - Class of 2026 (Lo - Z)
Mr. Ernesto Ruiz received his Associate of Arts Degree from Pasadena City College. He then transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where he received his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Sociology, with a minor in Spanish. Upon graduating, Mr. Ruiz worked for over 10 years in the Los Angeles County system; the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the Department of Health Services (DHS). Mr. Ruiz received his Master’s Degree in Educational Counseling from Azusa Pacific University, with a PPS credential. He most recently obtained his College Counseling Certificate from the UCLA Extension Program in 2023. Prior to coming to Walnut High, Mr. Ruiz was a middle school counselor for 3 years at Macy Intermediate School, with the Montebello Unified School District. While at Macy Intermediate Mr. Ruiz was part of the school’s AVID team, College Access Team, was a Saturday School facilitator, created an after-school running/fitness club, created and facilitated an 8th grade boy’s mentorship group.
Mr. Ruiz is thrilled to be in his second year at Walnut High School as a Grade Level Coordinator for the 2025-26 school year. He has always had aspirations of becoming a GLC and is grateful to be at such a wonderful school as WHS. Mr. Ruiz looks forward to working with and supporting students in helping them reach their academic and personal goals. During his free time, he enjoys reading, going to concerts, watching sporting events, hiking, running 5k’s, traveling to new places, trying new restaurants and enjoying the company of his fiancée, family, especially his nephews; ages 10 and 6.
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Ms. Corolar Schultz - Class of 2027 (A - Li)
Corolar Schultz's passion for education was ignited by her parents, who deeply believed in the transformative power of school. She began on her teaching journey in Mexico at Colegio Americano de Torreon where she taught Yearbook, Journalism, and Drama. Upon returning to the US, she further honed her expertise by teaching English, coaching track and basketball, and assuming the roles of SSRA and GLC at South Pointe and Walnut High School.
Additionally, she provided guidance and support as an advisor for the National Honor Society and Writers' Guild Club. As the GLC of the Class of 2027, her unwavering commitment lies in empowering every student to recognize their unique potential and ensuring that their voices are heard and valued.
This year marks her 20th year at WVUSD and eighth year as a GLC. Her passion for enabling and nurturing student development continues to grow.
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Mr. Jeff Jacks - Class of 2027 (Lo - Z)
Mr. Jeff Jacks is starting his 21st year at Walnut High School and his 13th year as a Grade Level Coordinator. For his first 6 years at Walnut High School, Mr. Jacks taught history (World History, United States History, and Civics). Prior to working at Walnut High School, Mr. Jacks worked at a private high school for 7 years where he was a history teacher, varsity softball coach, class sponsor, and in his last year, chairman of the history department.
Mr. Jacks and his wife, Julie, have been married for 27 years! When he is not spending time with the family, Mr. Jacks enjoy films from the 30's, 40's, and 50's, listening to the blues and bluegrass music, and reading: currently he am enjoying Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Mr. Jacks' most recent long-term goal is to listen to each episode of the Jack Benny Radio Program.
M.A., Counseling and Guidance, Point Loma Nazarene University.. B.A., Political Science, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
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Ms. Jenn Engel - Class of 2028 (A - Lin)
Ms. Engel is a WVUSD graduate. She has worked in education since September of 2002 and is dedicated to building students' strengths and confidence while providing them with guidance and dependability to promote social-emotional and academic growth as well as future development. She earned her Master of Arts in School Counseling and PPS credential from Concordia University Irvine in 2020.
Ms. Engel also holds a Master of Arts in Special Education, an Education Specialist Credential, and an Administrative Services Certificate of Eligibility. She has 20 years of experience as a special education teacher at the elementary and high school levels, and prior to becoming a GLC at Walnut High School, Ms. Engel was the Dean of Student Support at Glendora High School, where she supported the classes of 2024 and 2027 with attendance, discipline, academic needs, and celebrations.
In her spare time, Ms. Engel enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dog. She was married to her husband, Jason, at home plate on Goodwin Field at Cal State Fullerton, her husband’s alma mater. Her step-daughters are grown and live in Arizona. She and her husband enjoy traveling to see them or having them at their home when schedules permit.
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  @whsglc_2028 |
Ms. Jenny Alegre - Class of 2028 (Lio - Z)
Ms. Alegre is beginning year 17th as a High School Counselor. She served as the Intervention Counselor for two years at Walnut High before becoming a GLC in the fall of 2015. Before joining the Walnut Valley Unified family, she was the Intervention Counselor at Valencia High School in Placentia. At Valencia, she worked with at-risk students and coordinated the House Opportunity Endeavor Program, which was awarded the Golden Bell award in 2009. Before pursuing Counseling Ms. Alegre served as an administrative assistant for seven years and as a Bilingual Instructional Aide for two years. She earned her English and Counseling degrees from National University. During her free time, she enjoys reading, walking on the beach and spends a lot of time enjoying the company of her family, especially her children; ages 26, 24 and 21.
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Mr. Arthur Aragon - ADP GLC
Mr. Aragon was born and raised in San Diego, CA, and brings over a decade of dedicated experience in student support and academic counseling to Walnut High School. He earned his B.A. from the University of California, Irvine, and went on to receive his M.A. in Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.
Prior to joining Walnut High School, Mr. Aragon served as a School Counselor at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana and at Norton Science & Language Academy in San Bernardino. Throughout his career, he has been committed to supporting diverse student populations through inclusive and equity-driven practices. Mr. Aragon is passionate about helping students navigate their high school journey and prepare for success in college, career, and life beyond graduation.
Outside of school, Mr. Aragon enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Cassie, and their two daughters, Chloe (15) and Maddie (25). As a family, they enjoy traveling both domestically and internationally, especially to destinations surrounded by water where they can enjoy beach activities. They also enjoy attending college and professional sporting events—particularly football, baseball, and basketball—and Mr. Aragon likes to play golf whenever he has the chance.
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Ms. Jennifer Leigh Peiten - Intervention Counselor
Ms. Jennifer-Leigh Peiten is the Intervention Counselor and 504 Coordinator here at Walnut High School. She has been a proud Mustang since 2015! She grew up in the city of Walnut and graduated from Nogales High School.
Mrs. Peiten completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology at the California State University, Fullerton and a Master in Science in School Counseling from the University of La Verne in 2004. She has been working in education since 1998.
As the Intervention Counselor, she works to support students academically as well as socially and emotionally as they navigate their way through their high school experience. She is responsible for coordinating 504 plans as well as coordinating Student Study Team meetings while working in partnership with GLCs, teachers and families. She sees that every student has the ability to succeed in their own way and appreciates the diverse needs of the students she serves.
When she’s not working, Mrs. Peiten enjoys adventures with her family by air, land and sea.
No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care. -Theodore Roosevelt
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