Lynwood – About 30 Firebaugh High and Lynwood High alumni shared their experiences in applying to college, getting through university courses and finding jobs after graduation with nearly 225 Lynwood Unified high school students and their parents during the 17th annual Alumni Conference on Aug. 27.

Lynwood High School hosted this year’s conference, themed Rewriting Your Future, to help students and parents learn about applying for and navigating through higher education opportunities. The alumni led a slate of workshops that included major and career exploration, getting involved on a college campus, building relationships with teachers and mentors, financial aid and writing personal statements for University of California applications.

“Lynwood Unified has a network of alumni who are passionate about mentoring the next generation of students,” Superintendent Paul Gothold said. “I’m tremendously grateful that these young professionals donate their time and talents to help guide our students in this important chapter of their lives.”

Following the workshops, more than 25 colleges, including almost all California State University and University of California campuses, were represented by alumni during a college fair that gave students an inside look into life as a college student and planning for ventures beyond college. The fair also served as a way for students to determine the qualifications they would need for entrance into their preferred colleges.

Lynwood High Activities Director Gabriela Camacho, who is also a Lynwood Unified alumna, helped start the conference 17 years ago and was happy to see students excited to ask alumni lots of questions at this year’s event.

“It’s one of my favorite things to see during the year because alumni are giving back to their community and school,” Camacho said. “I’m glad it’s gone on for this long and I know it will continue to grow every year.”

Lynwood Unified Board President Alma-Delia Renteria said District alumni play an important educational role, acting as role models for current high schoolers.

“It makes me so proud to see our students and alumni meet and learn from each other at another successful conference,” Renteria said. “Our alumni are very important to our District and I want them to know they always have a home in Lynwood Unified, and we hope they continue to come back and serve their community like they did at this event.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

090616_LUSD_ALUMNI1: Lynwood Unified high school students and their parents sign in and receive name badges before the start of the 17th annual Alumni Conference on Aug. 27, when Lynwood alumni shared their experiences in applying to college, getting through university courses and finding jobs after graduation.

090616_LUSD_ALUMNI2: Hosler Middle School Assistant Principal Daniel Herrera, a UC Berkeley and Lynwood High School alumnus, discusses studying abroad and giving back to the community with a group of high school students during the 17th annual Alumni Conference on Aug. 27.