Lynwood – Lynwood Unified celebrated nearly 1,000 graduates from Lynwood, Firebaugh and Vista high schools and Pathway Independent Studies program during commencement exercises on June 13 and 14, with the exhilarated Class of 2017 Knights, Falcons, Eagles and Panthers ready to take their next steps toward college and careers.

“We are all so proud of our graduates and what they have accomplished, and we know their families are too,” Lynwood Unified Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite said. “Graduations mark the culmination of all their hard work and determination, but this is also just the beginning. We know the best has yet to come from our Class of 2017 graduates.”

Lynwood High School – 468 graduates

On June 14, Lynwood High held its graduation on the District stadium athletic field, with nearly 500 students flipping their tassels from right to left as family and friends cheered them on. Valedictorian Alexandra Monterrosa, who graduated with a 4.52 GPA, addressed the graduates. Lynwood’s salutatorian, Ebony Gonzalez, graduated with a 4.48 GPA.

Monterrosa is a California Scholarship Federation seal bearer and a member of the National Honor Society, Advanced Placement (AP) Club and Education Talent Search. She will attend UCLA in the fall. Gonzalez, a member of Lynwood’s AP Club and vice president of the National Honor Society, will attend USC.

Firebaugh High School – 376 graduates

Firebaugh High held its commencement on June 13 at the District stadium for 376 graduates. Valedictorian Harmony Esqueda, who graduated with a 4.6 GPA, addressed the graduates.

Esqueda, an IB full diploma candidate and captain of the girls varsity golf team, president of Mock Trial, member of the Society of the Hispanic Professional Junior Engineers Chapter and vice president of the Engineering Club, will attend USC in the fall. Salutatorians Aidee Rodriguez and Eduardo Flores are both graduating with 4.5 GPAs.

Rodriguez, an IB and AP student and a member of the Engineering Club, will attend UC San Diego. Flores is an IB and AP student and a member of the marching band, Mock Trial, MESA, Book Club and the Sueños Club. He will attend UC Merced in the fall.

Vista High School and Pathway Independent Studies – 220 graduates

Vista High School and Pathway Independent Studies held a combined commencement on June 14 in the Lynwood High School gymnasium, with 220 graduates receiving diplomas.

Valedictorian Karina Ortega-Cota plans to attend Cal State Dominguez Hills and salutatorian Kimberly Reyes will continue her education at Cerritos College.

“I am so blown away at how many graduates we have each year – the number keeps growing,” Lynwood Unified Board President Alma-Delia Renteria said. “I am so proud to be at all these graduations and watch our students take the next step in their lives. Congratulations Class of 2017!”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

061917_LUSD_GRADS1: Lynwood High School held its graduation ceremony on June 14 for 468 graduating Knights, eager to march toward college and careers.

061917_LUSD_GRADS2: Firebaugh High School held its graduation ceremony for 376 graduates on June 13 as the Class of 2017 Falcons seek out new nests at colleges around the U.S.

061917_LUSD_GRADS3: Vista High School and Pathway Independent Studies’ 220 graduating Eagles and Panthers flipped their tassels on June 14, ready to soar toward success.