Lynwood – Lynwood Unified students celebrated their path to higher education on May 1 during National College Signing Day, observed this year with a virtual flair.
Lynwood High School counselors delivered signs to seniors and invited them to fill in their college destinations and post them to social media.

Firebaugh High School boasts a group of nearly 200 students who will be journeying to schools that include private, out-of-state institutions, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The Falcons are planning to recognize all of their college commits during a May 22 event.

Firebaugh’s Angelica Ramirez is excited to be heading to Stanford University. She was a part of a small group of students who were recognized for their participation in The Harvard Student Leadership Program and celebrated on a Zoom videoconference alongside school administrators and local leaders, including representatives from the Office of Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and the Lynwood City Council.

“Stanford is the perfect place for me,” said Ramirez, who was accepted to several top schools. “I’m so thankful to all of my friends, family, and Lynwood staff who always encouraged me and made it possible for me to get into a really good school.”

Valeria Mafia, a Firebaugh student who will attend UC Davis, turned emotional when sharing her school of choice via videoconference.

“Everything we have done shapes this moment – all of the hard work and sacrifices,” she said. “I’m so happy to share this exciting new phase of my life.”

Other Harvard Student Leadership Program students who joined in the celebration included: Aldo Zepeda, going to USC; April Castaneda, UC San Diego; Evelyn Cortez, UC Santa Barbara; Evelyn Marquez, USC; Silvia Naranjo, UCLA; Kyra Obaid, USC; Arlene Parades, UCLA, and Mateo Peregrina, Cal State Fullerton.

“I want to congratulate all of our students throughout the District who have committed to colleges and are blazing a trail of success for themselves and their families,” LUSD Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite said. “You are an inspiration to your entire community, and we proudly celebrate in this moment with you.”

The District continues to build on its collegiate achievement culture and this year saw a surge in FAFSA applications. Firebaugh saw 91 percent of students submit applications, a jump of more than 20 percentage points, while Lynwood went up to 80 percent – an increase of nearly nine percentage points.

“Our students continue to raise the bar of achievement and open up doors of opportunity for young scholars following in their footsteps,” LUSD Board President Gary Hardie Jr. said. “There is no ceiling on what our young people can accomplish.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

050520_LUSD_COLLEGE1: College-bound students across the District were delivered signs and encouraged to fill in their college destinations and take photos.

050520_LUSD_COLLEGE2: The District is celebrating college-bound students throughout May with virtual events and messages of recognition.