Lynwood – More than 75 Lynwood Unified students excitedly received new backpacks on Aug. 25 when they were gifted with packs stuffed with school supplies during California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon’s annual Backpack Giveaway.

The District’s YouthAct Club worked with Rendon’s office to select more than 75 students from Lugo and Roosevelt elementary schools and one from Hosler Middle School to receive the new backpacks during a presentation at the Southgate Girls Club House.

The packs were filled with binders, pencils, rulers, scissors and other items the students can use in the classroom.

“This helps so much and takes pressure off of parents who are trying to give their children the best possible tools for the new school year,” said Maria Miranda, mother of three Lynwood Unified students. “School supplies can really add up during the year, and it’s great to know that our community is supporting us in giving our kids the best possible school experience.”

The YouthAct Club is sponsored by the Lynwood Rotary, and teaches students leadership and service through partnerships with businesses and organizations. As part of its partnership with Rendon, select District students met him this summer and toured his office.

Miranda said her children took part in the tour and were enamored by the 63rd Assembly District grounds as well as inspired that an elected official took the time to speak with them.

“Providing our District’s families with backpacks was a display of how much we appreciate their hard work in leading their children and how much we value them as members of this community,” Lynwood Unified Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite. “We know that parents are the most important teachers in the life of a child, and we want to ensure we’re always equipping them to be their very best.”

Domitila Aguilar-Millan leads the YouthAct Club at Lugo, while her husband, Fernando Millan, guides efforts at Roosevelt. Aguilar-Millan said she is optimistic that the District can grow the giveaway to include more students and schools next year.

“Our District is so grateful to have the support of Assemblyman Rendon, who continually shows his commitment to helping our children achieve success,” LUSD Board President Alfonso Morales said. “We hope that as each student received their backpack they felt the encouragement of the entire Lynwood community pushing them forward.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

083018_LUSD_BACKPACKS1: Lynwood Unified students show off their new backpacks alongside California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. The students were gifted with packs stuffed with school supplies during an annual Backpack Giveaway on Aug. 25.

083018_LUSD_BACKPACKS2: A Lynwood Unified student displays new school supplies she received during an annual Backpack Giveaway on Aug. 25.