Lynwood Unified School District seniors Alexandra Medina and Brigitte Lopez are breaking barriers as women of color who are looking toward careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Medina and Lopez are one step closer to fulfilling their dreams of higher education after being named 2024 Gates Foundation Scholars, two of just 750 students across the United States to win the prestigious full-ride scholarship. Medina and Lopez will attend Yale and Stanford universities, respectively. The Gates Scholarship is designed to support students in realizing their full potential.
Lynwood Unified Arts Festival Celebrates Student Talent
Hundreds of Lynwood Unified families, students, staff, and community members descended on Firebaugh High School to watch students from across the District show off their dance skills, artistic abilities and musical talents as part of the 10th annual Arts Festival and District Showcase. The festival – which featured live performances, hands-on activities, and art displays from every Lynwood Unified school – provided the community with an opportunity to celebrate students’ achievements over the school year and experience Lynwood Unified’s Visual and Performing Arts program offerings.
Annual Lynwood Run Raises $68K to Support Student Scholarships
Lynwood Unified students, families, staff, and community partners came together to support the education and ongoing success of Lynwood scholars, raising nearly $68,000 during the third annual Lynwood Run 5K/10K, held May 11. Hosted by the Lynwood Partners Education Foundation in partnership with the District, the City of Lynwood and Aztlan Athletics, the fundraising event saw nearly 900 participants who ran or walked through the city. The Foundation has secured over $1 million in funding for students since 2015.
Lynwood Unified Students Shine at MESA Regional Competition
Talented Lynwood Unified students showcased their brilliance at the Regional Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) competition on April 13, with Cesar Chavez Middle School students earning a spot in the National Engineering Design Competition on May 18 in San Jose, where they will further demonstrate their creativity and innovation against top competitors in the state.
Vista High School teacher Dr. Claudio Toledo was recognized as Lynwood Unified’s 2024 Teacher of the Year for his positive impact on students, colleagues, and the District community. Toledo, an educator at Lynwood Unified for more than 20 years, has helped foster a collaborative and supportive educational environment for at-promise students, guiding and inspiring them toward positive journeys. Toledo’s award was announced during the Board of Education meeting on April 25, where he received a standing ovation and an enthusiastic round of applause from friends, family, and colleagues.
Lynwood Unified to Host Third Annual 5/10K Run for Student Benefit
Lynwood Unified will promote health and wellness while celebrating Lynwood schools during the third annual Lynwood Run 5/10K at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 11 at Lynwood City Hall. The entire Lynwood community is invited to participate, with all proceeds supporting Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation scholarship funds. For details and to register, visit thelynwoodrun.com. Lynwood City Hall is located at 11330 Bullis Rd., Lynwood.
Lynwood Unified Hosts Annual Arts Festival and District Showcase
Lynwood Unified invites the community to celebrate student achievement in the visual and performing arts during its 10th annual Arts Festival and District Showcase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 at Marco Antonio Firebaugh High School. The free event will feature art activities, exhibits, and performances from students across the District, including band, dance, and much more. Firebaugh High School is located at 5246 Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd., Lynwood.
Dreamer students from Lynwood Unified School District were empowered with vital support, resources and the inspiration to chase their higher education aspirations during the District’s annual Dreamers Conference on April 19, dedicated to the memory of former California Assemblyman and immigrant rights and education trailblazer, Marco Antonio Firebaugh. During the conference, now in its eighth year, Lynwood and Firebaugh high schools students heard from inspiring speakers Andrew Roldan, a Lynwood alumnus, community leader Francisco Moreno and entrepreneur Vincent Ortiz, who shared their moving stories and firsthand advice on navigating challenges as undocumented students, known as Dreamers. Informative workshops covered the misconceptions about college access, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), financial aid and scholarships. Students also accessed financial, legal and health resources.
Lynwood Unified Embarks on New Strategic Plan to Reform Education
Lynwood Unified School District students will benefit from the District’s newly launched Strategic Plan, a dynamic roadmap that aims to guide the District in its mission to provide a world-class education for all students, fostering a culture of excellence, equity, and empowerment. The comprehensive Strategic Plan was developed over 18 months through rigorous research and collaboration with 10 groups of stakeholders, including students, staff, community members, labor unions, and local businesses. To be formally presented during the April 25 Board meeting, the plan outlines four key pillars aimed at driving student and District success: Unlocking Brilliance, Cultivating Talent, Uplifting Community, and Modeling Excellence.
Firebaugh High School senior and avid engineering enthusiast Brigitte Lopez is among 30 Southern California students to be named a 2024 Edison Scholar, earning a $50,000 scholarship for her outstanding academic performance and dedication to shaping a clean energy future. Lopez, who earned early admission to Stanford University for the upcoming fall semester, plans to major in aerospace engineering. She aspires to work at NASA or SpaceX and drive innovation with an environmentally conscious approach to technology while promoting diversity and inclusivity in the STEM field.
