Grade Level Coordinators
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Wil Lares - Class of 2025 (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 2025 (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 and graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Sociology, and 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 Education Counseling from Azusa Pacific University, with a PPS credential. He most recently obtained his College Counseling Certificate from the UCLA Extension Program in 2023. Mr. Ruiz has been a school counselor at Macy Intermediate School, with the Montebello Unified School District, for the last 3 years. As a middle school counselor 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 and facilitated an 8th grade boy’s mentorship group.
Mr. Ruiz is thrilled to be joining Walnut High School as a Grade Level Coordinator for the 2024-25 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 family, especially his nephews; ages 9 and 5.
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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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Mr. Nathan Newman - Class of 2028 (A - Li)
Mr. Nathan Newman, a graduate of California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor's in Political Science, and the University of La Verne with a Master's in Educational Counseling, has been a dedicated member of the Walnut Valley School District since 2014. Starting as an SSRA at South Pointe Middle School, he joined the Walnut High School GLC team in 2016 and became the Summer School Coordinator in 2023. He also contributes to the district's Social Emotional Learning committee and Crisis Management Team. Married since 2013 with two children, Mr. Newman is committed to helping students and the community achieve success.
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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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Ms. Viviana Hoyos - ADP GLC
Ms. Hoyos is thrilled to start her 7th year at Walnut High School. Prior to becoming a counselor at Walnut High School, Ms. Hoyos was serving students as a School-Based Therapist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly Pomona and a Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Cal State Los Angeles.
When Ms. Hoyos is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, spending time outdoors, practicing Pilates, retail therapy, and traveling.
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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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