Lynwood Unified Students Surprise Former Teachers in Honor of Teacher Appreciation Week

Lynwood – Lynwood High School senior Alexa Hernandez fought back tears as she expressed her appreciation to her former Cesar Chavez Middle School history teacher Adolph Lopez, who inspired her through his belief and enthusiasm.

Hernandez was one of a handful of LHS students who returned to their former elementary and middle schools on April 30 to thank teachers for the impact they’ve had on their success. The surprise visits were in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week and came with invitations to next month’s LHS graduation ceremony.

“Mr. Hernandez really helped make me excited about school and the things that I could discover in the classroom,” Lopez said. “It was great to be able to go back and share with him just how much his support has helped to shape my future.”

Lynwood High students Ruby Martinez, Valerie Flores, Aimme Guzman and Willmer Zavala also participated in the reunions which brought them back to critical educators like Hosler Middle School’s Darrell Jacobson and Carmen Long, along with Stephanie Aguon at Will Rogers Elementary School.

The District enjoys a strong collaboration between teachers and students, which has led to achievement in the classroom. Washington Elementary School was recently named a Top Los Angeles Public School for underserved students, while graduation rates at both comprehensive high schools continue to soar above 90 percent.

“We are appreciative of our teachers and their hard work, not just this week, but each day they commit themselves to the success of students,” LUSD Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite said. “The connection they share with students past and present is a credit to their dedication to the lives of young people.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

05.09.19_LUSD_TEACHERS1: Will Rogers Elementary School teacher Stephanie Aguon shares a hug with Lynwood High School students Willmer Zavala and Aimme Guzman. The two students expressed gratitude to their former teacher in honor of Teachers Appreciation Week.

05.09.19_LUSD_TEACHERS2: Lynwood High School student Ruby Martinez returned to Hosler Middle School to thank former teacher Darrell Jacobson in honor of Teachers Appreciation Week.