LYNWOOD, CA – Over 300 Lynwood Unified School District students from Lynwood, Firebaugh and Vista high schools celebrated black excellence, participated in workshops and heard from inspiring speakers during the District’s Teen Summit on Feb. 22.

The annual event – organized by the District’s Equity, Access and Instructional Services Department – is one of Lynwood Unified’s many efforts to bring together the rich cultures within the school community and encourages students to embrace their passions, break through barriers and become high achievers.

Guest speakers included renowned coach and motivational speaker John Mosley Jr., who conducted a heartfelt session with students on preparing for success and holding themselves accountable for their personal growth. During his keynote, Mosley Jr. emphasized the importance of embracing hard work for future benefits.

“Everyone is going through something that is preparing them for who they are going to be,” Mosley Jr. said. “Embrace the process and it will help you along the way.”

Following a lively lunch session, students delved into smaller Girl/Guy talk sessions, engaging with Lynwood Unified alumni, staff and guest speakers such as Teen Summit founder Shirley Chambers. Discussions featured personal stories of trials and successes.

Other workshops such as “Gigs for Students” and a “Living My Best Life” College Panel taught students about navigating the social media world and the benefits of a college education.

“It is great that we have this opportunity to come together and show support for one another,” Lynwood High School senior Kimiko Kennedy said. “To be able to hear from people who have been through similar journeys is really good for us, and confirms we aren’t alone and don’t have to do it on our own.”

During the event, students received self-reflection journals to guide them through the workshops and were also treated to swag bags before going back to their campuses.

“We’re incredibly honored to host events such as the Teen Summit here at Lynwood Unified,” Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D. said. “Fostering excellence goes far beyond encouraging students to get good grades, and greatly involves reminding students that they are fully capable of following their passions, and elevating them through equitable, innovative programs so they not only graduate but thrive upon entering the real world.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

LUSD_SUMMIT1: Lynwood Unified’s Young Black Achievers Student Union attends the Teen Summit event on Feb. 22.

LUSD_SUMMIT2: Lynwood Unified male students receive first-hand advice and hear from guest speakers during a Guy Talk session at the Teen Summit on Feb. 22.