MONTEBELLO – Laura Rodriguez had one message for her classmates, teachers, administrators and District community May 4 at the Applied Technology Center: Kindness is Key.

Rodriguez’s artwork – selected as the centerpiece of the Montebello Unified School District’s ongoing anti-bullying campaign – was unveiled during the event and will grace the entrances of all District schools and facilities.

Rodriguez, a junior in the Health Sciences Pathway at the ATC High School, submitted a drawing of a globe, students and a heart to her principal as part of contest opened by the Board of Education. At the top of the piece the slogan “No Bullying Zone” set the tone, but the words “Kindness is Key” catch attention at the center of the heart.

“The best way to address bullying is to prevent it before it starts,” MUSD Board of President Benjamin Cárdenas said. “To continue to promote a culture of acceptance, tolerance and respect, we establish codes of conduct, Districtwide campaigns – like this one – and continue to keep lines of communication open with students, parents, teachers and staff.”

District officials selected Laura Rodriguez’s design after a contest in which principals at each school selected one student’s work for consideration. Rodriguez, who is of Cuban descent, was joined by her mother Yuneisy Rodriguez at the event – and signed a special poster version of her art.

The unveiling showcased Rodriguez’ art and featured remarks from ATC Principal Sterling Schubert, ATC Assistant Principal Estela Peregrina, Montebello Unified Board Member Edgar Cisneros, Superintendent Susanna Contreras Smith, Rodriguez, and ATC ASB President Wendy Camarena. ASB leaders from all high schools, accompanied by their principals, and District leaders were among the audience members.

“I’m so proud of all of our talented students for submitting original artwork for this contest – and we thank them, their teachers and principals for joining our efforts to end bullying in our schools,” MUSD Superintendent Susanna Contreras Smith said. “On behalf of the District, we congratulate Laura for her art that will honor our schools and facilities.”

Photo Captions:

MUSDANTIBULLY1: The artwork of Montebello Unified’s Applied Technology Center junior Laura Rodriguez, pictured here, was selected as the centerpiece of the District’s ongoing anti-bullying campaign and unveiled at a May 4 event at the ATC.

MUSDANTIBULLY2: The artwork of Montebello Unified’s Applied Technology Center junior Laura Rodriguez, at center, was selected as the centerpiece of the District’s ongoing anti-bullying campaign and unveiled at a May 4 event at the ATC. Principals, students, teachers and District representatives stand with Rodriguez as she unveils the signage that will be placed at all District schools and facilities.