Lynwood – The spirit and determination of the Lynwood Unified Class of 2018 was celebrated during commencement ceremonies on June 13, 14 and 15 that saw more than 900 graduates proudly receive their diploma before walking into the next chapters of their professional and academic lives.

Students from Lynwood and Marco Antonio Firebaugh high schools are set to attend elite universities across the United States, including Yale University, the University of California, Berkeley, Stanford University and Columbia University.

“Our Class of 2018 graduates have demonstrated tremendous commitment to pursuing an education that will serve them well as they achieve their personal and professional goals,” Lynwood Unified Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite said. “It is a pleasure and honor to have helped these talented individuals on their education journeys, on their way to becoming the leaders of the future.”

Lynwood High School – 418 graduates

With pomp and circumstance, Lynwood High held its graduation on June 15 on the District athletic field, with more than 400 students in caps and gowns entering the stadium while friends and family cheered them on. Valedictorian Lesly Leon, who graduated with a 4.46 GPA and will attend Stanford, addressed the graduates. Salutatorians Ashly Medina and Edgar Jimenez, with matching 4.45 GPAs, will attend Columbia University and UC Berkeley respectively.

Leon earned several scholarships, including a $40,000 Edison scholarship, an $8,000 GATES scholarship, a $5,000 META scholarship and a Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Award. Media was named a QuestBridge National Scholar, receiving a full match scholarship worth $200,000. Lynwood High graduate Abieiden Lopez also earned a QuestBridge scholarship worth $280,000, as well as a $40,000 Edison scholarship. Lopez will attend Stanford.

Firebaugh High School – 306 graduates

Firebaugh High held its commencement on June 14 at the District athletic field, with more than 300 graduates flipping their tassels from right to left to commemorate their final day as Lynwood Unified students. Valedictorian Kimberly Wenceslao, who earned a 4.56 GPA, will attend Yale University. Salutatorian Ruby Gordillo, with a 4.43 GPA, will attend UCLA.

Wenceslao had the honor of earning three scholarships: a QuestBridge full match scholarship, a GATES full match scholarship and a Milken scholarship.

Vista High School and Pathway Independent Studies – 200 graduates

Vista High School and Pathway Independent Studies held a combined commencement ceremony on June 13 in the Lynwood High gymnasium, with 200 graduates receiving diplomas.

“Congratulations to the Class of 2018, whose hard work and dedication have inspired us all,” Lynwood Board President Alfonso Morales said. “I am proud to have had the chance to thank each graduate personally for their achievements and contributions to the District and their community. I wish them all the best of luck in their future.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

061818_LUSD_GRADUATIONS1: More than 300 Firebaugh High School graduates celebrated commencement on June 14.

061818_LUSD_GRADUATIONS2: Lynwood High School graduates pose during a commencement ceremony on June 15.

061818_LUSD_GRADUATIONS3: Vista High School and Pathway Independent Studies graduated 200 students during a commencement ceremony on June 13.