Lynwood – About 250 Lynwood High School seniors celebrated their college and university commitments in front of a cheering crowd of underclassmen during College Signing Day, a nationwide program initiated by first lady Michelle Obama to encourage all students to attend college and support those already planning their college ventures.

Connecting with the hashtag #ReachHigher, Lynwood High seniors on April 26 signed symbolic letters of intent for their future colleges or universities, hoping to motivate all students to strive toward their college goals.

“It’s really exciting to actually see how many of us are going to college,” said Roberto Nieto, who plans to attend Cal State Northridge. “This event really gets everyone motivated. When the underclassmen see how many of us are going to college, I hope it gets them motivated to be at this level when they’re seniors.”

Seniors were presented to their high school peers before teachers walked them to tables bearing posters for about 50 colleges and universities, including California State University, University of California and community, private and out-of-state colleges.

LHS faculty participated by wearing alma mater T-shirts and presenting seniors with the symbolic letters of intent.

“These events showcase the amazing accomplishments of our students and how hard they have worked to reach this point,” Lynwood Unified Superintendent Paul Gothold said. “Every one of our students deserves the opportunity to attend college, and our teachers and staff work diligently to prepare them for that reality.”

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.

She encouraged communities across the country to host their own local College Signing Day events.

“I am so proud of all our students who are committed to taking this next big step in life,” LUSD Board President Alma-Delia Renteria said. “This event recognizes our seniors and all the hard work it took for them to get here, and we hope it will inspire our undergraduates to think about what they’ll do after they graduate.”

Lynwood Unified’s Firebaugh High will host its College Signing Day on May 18.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

COLLEGEDAY1: LUSD Superintendent Paul Gothold, Director of Secondary Education Dr. Yesenia Fernández, Board President Alma-Delia Renteria and Lynwood High Principal Carlos Zaragoza join Lynwood High seniors, who are holding college and university posters and letters of intent during Lynwood High’s College Signing Day on April 26.

COLLEGEDAY2: Lynwood High seniors sign symbolic letters of intent for Cal State Los Angeles on April 26 during College Signing Day, a nationwide program initiated by first lady Michelle Obama to encourage all students to attend college and support those already planning their college ventures.