(L-R) Harlie Atacador and Angie Coronado (Photos – PUSD)
The Center for Independent Study (CIS) Academy has announced Harlie Atacador and Angie Coronado as the Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively, of the Class of 2026, recognizing their outstanding academic achievements and dedication throughout their high school careers.
By Scott Phelps
Valedictorian Harlie Atacador
Harlie Atacador earned the distinction of valedictorian with an impressive 4.48 GPA. She attended Thurgood Marshall Secondary School through her junior year before transferring to CIS for one semester during her senior year. While initially uncertain about changing schools so late in her high school experience, she found the transition rewarding.
“I enjoyed my time at CIS as it gave me much flexibility and allowed me to get ahead with my plans for the future,” Atacador said. “Although I was nervous to transfer schools for the last year of high school, all CIS staff members were very kind and encouraging.”
Demonstrating her commitment to academic and career advancement, Atacador completed all of her high school credits in December 2025. During the spring semester, she began taking classes at Pasadena City College while also completing a Certified Nurse’s Aide (CNA) course. She plans to work as a CNA while attending PCC before eventually transferring to a university to pursue her goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. In recognition of her accomplishments, she was awarded the Dr. Brian O. McDonald Scholarship.
Salutatorian Angie Coronado
Angie Coronado earned salutatorian honors with a 4.09 GPA after spending all four years of high school at CIS. Throughout her time in the program, she embraced the flexibility of independent study, balancing academics with college coursework, extracurricular activities, and work experience. She completed courses at Pasadena City College, fulfilled physical education requirements through activities such as walking and ice skating, and held several jobs in the local community.
This fall, Coronado will attend Tulane University in New Orleans on a full-tuition scholarship, where she plans to major in Mathematics.
“I like how tricky math can get, with all the steps—if you miss one, the whole thing comes down,” Coronado said. “You have to be meticulous.”
Coronado is currently working and saving money in preparation for college and continues a family connection to CIS. Her sister graduated from the program in 2024 and is now attending Willamette University in Oregon. In recognition of her achievements, Coronado received the Dr. Heshmat Shariary Memorial Scholarship.
A Class Defined by Excellence
As members of the CIS Academy Class of 2026, both Atacador and Coronado have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, perseverance, and thoughtful planning for their futures. Their accomplishments reflect the opportunities available through independent study and serve as an inspiration to future CIS students.
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