El Monte Union High School District unveiled the Arteaga Ogaz Center at Fernando R. Ledesma High School on Aug. 27, naming the newly renovated multipurpose building and gymnasium in honor of brothers Freddy and Bernie Arteaga and longtime leader Frank Ogaz. The dedication ceremony drew district officials, alumni, students and community members to the 12347 Ramona Blvd. campus, marking a milestone in the school’s evolution as a model continuation program. Key figures reflected on three decades of service that shaped the campus’s mission to empower at-promise youth through supportive learning environments.
The Arteaga Ogaz Center offers a flexible space for assemblies, athletics and vocational training. EMUHSD Superintendent Edward Zuniga noted the new facility will serve as a gathering spot for events that foster college and career readiness among nearly 2,000 students across five continuation sites. The renaming reflects the district’s commitment to honoring educators whose work transcended classroom walls, creating pathways for students to overcome barriers to success.
Honoring Arteaga Ogaz Center Namesakes Legacy
Freddy and Bernie Arteaga first joined the campus when it operated as Valle Lindo Continuation School. Over more than 30 years, they held roles as counselors, teachers and administrators, guiding students through credit recovery and career exploration programs. Their collaborative efforts with former Board President Frank Ogaz led to a comprehensive renovation in 2024, expanding technical workshops and updating athletic courts.
Board of Trustees President Ricardo Padilla moved in November 2024 to add the Arteaga brothers’ names alongside Ogaz’s. Padilla said the renaming will ensure their legacy remains central to the school’s identity and inspires future leaders.
Arteaga Ogaz Center Fosters Student Growth
Frank Ogaz served on the EMUHSD board and as a civic advocate for student achievement until his passing in 2022. Colleagues credit him with championing innovative programs, like on-campus job training and community partnerships that now occupy the center’s wings. District officials reported that more than 75% of Ledesma graduates go on to college or vocational certification, a rate that has risen steadily since the campus’s transformation.
Students and staff toured the facility’s updated weight room, art studio and media lab during Wednesday’s ceremony. The event included brief remarks from alumni who described how career technical education classes opened doors to jobs in welding, digital design and culinary arts.
New Center Hub Reflects Community Commitment
The center will host its first public event on Sept. 15, when Ledesma’s Associated Student Body stages a cultural heritage fair. In coming months, the district plans regular workshops on college applications, mental health awareness and professional skills for at-promise youth.
Residents interested in touring the Arteaga Ogaz Center can contact the El Monte Union office at (626) 444-9005 or visit the district website at www.emuhsd.org. The dedication underscores El Monte’s ongoing commitment to creating inclusive educational spaces that prepare every student for success in college, career and civic life.
