WHITTIER – Sporting their favorite Los Angeles Dodgers gear, Whittier High School students created a sea of blue and white in the school’s gym as they received a special visit from the Dodgers during a schoolwide Hispanic Heritage-themed pep rally on Feb. 3.

Whittier High’s 1,700 students had the opportunity to meet Dodger athletes such as Julio Urías, Austin Barnes and Tony Gonsolin, and play a variety of games with them during the pep rally, which was part of the team’s Love LA 2023 Community Tour sponsored by Bank of America. Students participated in engaging games and activities with players that included finishing the lyrics to popular songs and more.

“It was very special to have the Dodgers here on campus today,” Whittier High School senior and baseball player Cameron Palomo said. “The Dodgers could have gone to any high school and we are very honored that they chose us. It was amazing to see how each of the players carried themselves. They were a great example of how to represent an organization and as a student-athlete, that is very important to me.”

The Whittier High School visit was part of several other stops on the Dodgers 19th annual community service tour, which focused on expressing gratitude and providing fun-filled activities and experiences for Dodger fans throughout Los Angeles County.

“We were absolutely thrilled to host the Los Angeles Dodgers at Whittier High School today,” Whittier High School Principal Tim Liggett said. “Having the Dodgers visit our campus and interact with our students was a fantastic way to kick off our second semester and get students and staff excited for the remainder of the school year. The entire Whittier High School community sends our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this a possibility.”

The pep rally ended with a special surprise for Whittier High School students, teachers and staff as legends Fernando Valenzuela and Nomar Garciaparra presented Principal Liggett with a $10,000 check on behalf of the Dodgers organization to support Whittier High and its students.

“Thank you to the Dodgers organization and Bank of America for bringing the Love LA 2023 Community Tour to Whittier High School and surprising our students,” Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo said. “Whittier High School is rich in school pride and culture, a driving force behind the continued success and achievement of our students. We know that this pep rally event with the Dodgers gave our students a boost and excitement to finish off the second semester strong and continue to ‘Achieve and Maintain Excellence.’”