Lynwood – Surrounded by a roaring crowd of 1,400 underclassmen, 377 Firebaugh High seniors celebrated their college, university, military and other future commitments on May 18 during the school’s second Senior Signing Day, a nationwide program initiated by former First Lady Michelle Obama to encourage all students to attend college.

Firebaugh High seniors signed symbolic letters of intent for their future endeavors, hoping to motivate all students to strive toward their college and career goals.

“This is important because it allows seniors to officially declare their future and set an example for underclassmen,” said Firebaugh senior Jocelyne Asturias, who will be studying sociology and finance at Cal State Long Beach in the fall. “It’s motivating for underclassmen to see us leaving and following our dreams, showing them that they can do this, too.”

The event included a recitation of the school’s alma mater – first debuted at last year’s Signing Day – and an announcement of the top 10 seniors, California Scholastic Federation Sealbearers and valedictorian Harmony Esqueda.

“We want all students to be proud of what they have accomplished and to be motivated to always keep going,” Lynwood Unified Superintendent Dr. Gudiel Crosthwaite said. “This event recognizes our students for taking that next step after high school and shows our other students what they can strive for.”

Former First Lady Michelle Obama rolled out the Reach Higher campaign on May 1, 2014, to inspire every student to pursue and complete a postsecondary degree, whether at a traditional four-year college, two-year community college or through an industry-recognized training program.

“It is exciting to see so many students gathered to celebrate college and careers,” LUSD Board President Alma-Delia Renteria said. “These students are changing the narrative and making our District and the City of Lynwood proud.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

060517_LUSD_COLLEGE1: Firebaugh High seniors are cheered as they enter the auditorium through teacher- and staff-made tunnels on May 18 for Senior Signing Day, a nationwide program initiated First Lady Michelle Obama to encourage all students to attend college and support those already planning their college ventures.

060517_LUSD_COLLEGE2: Firebaugh High seniors sit center stage May 18 surrounded by 1,400 underclassmen during Senior Signing Day.

060517_LUSD_COLLEGE3: Firebaugh High seniors sign symbolic letters of intent on May 18 during Senior Signing Day.