LYNWOOD, CA – Lynwood Unified School District’s Class of 2026 celebrated their many achievements with energetic commencement ceremonies, opening with Vista High School and Lynwood Community Adult School on June 8, followed by Lynwood High School on June 10 and Marco Antonio Firebaugh High School on June 11.

Graduates will continue their journeys through a variety of college and career pathways, building upon the experiences and skills gained throughout their education:

  • 19 graduates completed dual enrollment programs, earning either an associate degree from Compton College or a California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) certification
  • 204 graduates earned the California State Seal of Biliteracy
  • 188 graduates will attend community colleges
  • 18 will pursue trade or technical education
  • Seven will enlist in the Armed Forces
  • More than 240 will attend four-year public and private universities

“The Class of 2026 represents the very best of Lynwood Unified,” Superintendent Patrick Gittisriboongul, Ed.D., said. “Their academic achievements, perseverance and ambition demonstrate what is possible when students are supported by exceptional opportunities and a community that believes in their success.”

The Lynwood High Class of 2026 became the first graduating class to cross the Imperial campus’ newly renovated athletic field during the ceremony, symbolizing both a new chapter for the school and the graduates themselves. Valedictorian Esmerelda Guzman, a QuestBridge finalist who will attend the University of California (UC), Berkeley, was joined by two co-salutatorians: Agustin Ramon, who was awarded the prestigious Edison Scholarship and will also attend UC Berkeley; and David Larios-Colon, who will attend California State University (CSU), Long Beach.

Lynwood High’s graduating class earned significant scholarships and academic honors. Isaias Perez Magana received a Posse Scholarship and will attend Middlebury College, while Orlando Cruz earned a Gates Scholarship and will attend UC Irvine.

“I realized that who I was becoming mattered far more than where I was going,” Guzman said during her graduation speech. “In a world that constantly encourages us to consume, compare and perform, never forget to actually live.”

Firebaugh High graduates are also headed toward bright futures. Valedictorian Brianna Galindo and salutatorian Ricardo Vazquez will both attend UC Irvine, with Galindo pursuing aerospace engineering, and Vazquez majoring in electrical engineering. Both graduates credit their experiences through the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program with helping prepare them for college success.

“I am not a product of my own work, I am a product of a great support system,” Vazquez said during his commencement speech. “As long as you have someone, you’ll be fine. No matter where you go in life, you’ll succeed.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

LUSD_COMMENCEMENT_1: The Lynwood High Class of 2026 became the first graduating class to cross the Imperial campus’ newly renovated athletic field during their commencement ceremony on June 10.

LUSD_COMMENCEMENT_2: Marco Antonio Firebaugh High School graduates were recognized for their achievements during their Class of 2026 commencement ceremony on June 11.

LUSD_COMMENCEMENT_3: Vista High School saw 94 graduates turn their tassels during their kickoff to commencement season on June 8.

LUSD_COMMENCEMENT_4: Lynwood Community Adult School Class of 2026 graduates were cheered on by their family and friends during their commencement ceremony on June 8.