Lynwood – Firebaugh High School students joined Lynwood Unified Board members and community leaders on Feb. 21 to unveil a new campus mural as a crowd of nearly 500 celebrated arts and student achievement.

Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite welcomed the Office of Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon to Firebaugh, Lynwood Mayor Aide Castro, Board President Gary Hardie Jr., PepsiCo North America West Division President Johannes Evenblij and Los Angeles Lakers great A.C. Green to the ceremony.

Firebaugh is one of 15 high schools selected in the Los Angeles area by PepsiCo and LIFEWTR to receive a mural as part of a California-wide beautification project to inspire a #CanvasForChange. Firebaugh students packed the campus gymnasium where the school’s band and cheer squad performed and community leaders spoke to loud ovations.

“I’m excited to look out into the crowd at future leaders who represent the creativity and spirit of this city,” Green said. “PepsiCo and LIFEWTR are bringing art to 10 million young minds and leaders. Today is a celebration of all of you.”

Mural artist Ivan Preciado produced the final design over the span of three weekends. He spoke to students about following inspiration and being fearless in pursuing dreams.
Following remarks in the gymnasium, the crowd made its way out to the Firebaugh courtyard to take in the mural and pose for pictures. The colorful mural design features the Firebaugh Falcon and embodies the school motto of pride and ownership while encouraging students to dream big and reach for the stars. The words “Born To Fly” are painted around the image of the Falcon.

“This new mural reflects the boundless potential of our young people as they color their own paths to success,” Hardie said. “Our District is filled with vibrant, talented young people who bring bright light to our community, and we will continue to champion their creativity.”

LIFEWTR shares a commitment with the District to championing arts in education.

“I am grateful that our leaders and community members can collaborate to bring new vision to the young people of Lynwood and beyond,” LUSD Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite said. “I want to sincerely thank our local leaders, including A.C. Green, PepsiCo and LIFEWTR for adding another building block of inspiration in our community.”

PHOTO CAPTION:

022420_LUSD_MURAL: Firebaugh High School students celebrate the school’s new mural alongside elected officials, community leaders, partners PepsiCo, LIFEWTR and Los Angeles Lakers great A.C. Green.