Lynwood – Nearly 850 Lynwood and Firebaugh high seniors marched with smiles, others with tears streaming down their faces, as they took some of their final steps on their old stomping grounds.

Seniors were honored throughout Lynwood Unified June 8 during the District’s Senior Walk, celebrating soon-to-be graduates for their accomplishments and motivating younger students to graduate.

“This is a truly exceptional event that motivates everyone on campus, especially teachers and younger students,” Lynwood Unified Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite said. “When we see this many seniors accomplishing their goals and moving on to the next phase of life, they deserve to have the spotlight on them during this time.”

Seniors clad in caps and gowns toured the District’s 12 elementary schools and three middle schools throughout the entire day to remind their young peers of what they can achieve in the future.

“All of them grew up and finished what they started,” Abbott Elementary sixth-grader Ilene Cardona said. “Anything is possible when you try your hardest.”

“This was really emotional for me to come back to Abbott Elementary and see the teachers who pushed me from the start to get where I am today,” said Firebaugh High senior Aileen Banuelos, who will study nursing at Cal State Fullerton. “I hope these younger students are inspired to graduate just like I am.”

Younger students created posters exclaiming “Congratulations!” and “You did it!” and screamed and clapped as the high schoolers walked on by, spreading a barrage of high-fives. Some seniors even stopped to sign elementary school yearbooks.

“This is a way we can tell younger students that if we can do it, so can they,” said Lynwood High senior Ernesto Lozano, who plans to study business and accounting at Cal State Los Angeles. “Despite any problems they might go through, they can always pull through.”

This is the second year Lynwood Unified has held a Senior Walk.

“Not only does this bring all of our students together for one of the last times, but it really shows everyone in our entire District and the community how much our students have accomplished,” Lynwood Unified Board President Alma-Delia Renteria said. “This is not only a celebration for our seniors and their families, but also for the teachers and staff who helped them along the way. Congratulations, Class of 2017!”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

061317_LUSD_WALK1: Clad in caps and gowns, Firebaugh High seniors are greeted by eager Abbott Elementary students June 8 during Lynwood Unified’s second Senior Walk, celebrating soon-to-be graduates for their accomplishments and motivating younger students to graduate.

061317_LUSD_WALK2: Lynwood High seniors toured Lugo Elementary June 8 during Lynwood Unified’s second Senior Walk, where they showcased their caps and gowns for their curious younger peers to inspire them to graduate.