Lynwood Unified Recognizes Pride Month with Inaugural Pride Summit
Lynwood Unified kicked off Pride Month by hosting its first-ever Pride Summit for middle and high school students, providing the students with a safe space in which to come together, share ideas and be represented. Students from each school’s LGBTQ+ clubs and allies were invited to participate in the June 2 event, which was hosted by the District’s Equity, Access and Instructional Services Department and included workshops that allowed students to express themselves authentically. They also had access to community resources and heard from special guest speakers who shared the challenges they faced, as well as their journeys of self-discovery and empowerment.
Lynwood Unified Students Honored With Student Success Scholarships
Twenty Lynwood Unified students were honored with the Every Student Succeeding Award Scholarship for prevailing against all odds and winning the hearts of the educators who helped them achieve their goals. The scholarships were presented by the Lynwood Association of School Administrators, who honored the students with a scholarship check and award certificate during a special ceremony on May 24. The scholarships reward students who have made a concerted effort to succeed and overcome obstacles such as returning to school, leaving behind negative influences, improving attendance or behaviors, or overcoming other barriers.
Lynwood Unified School District brought another year of success to a close during ceremonies that recognized nearly 900 high school students for their perseverance and academic excellence as they crossed the graduation stage to receive their diplomas. The District, which live-streamed the ceremonies, celebrated 186 graduates from Vista High School and Pathway Independent Study on June 12, 302 seniors from Firebaugh High School on June 13 and 389 scholars from Lynwood High School on June 14. Graduates plan on attending such colleges and universities as Stanford, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Long Beach City College, Cerritos College and more, with others attending private universities, trade schools or enlisting in the armed forces.
LPEF – a nonprofit organization established in 2015 to support and enhance educational opportunities for Lynwood Unified School District students – will give $87,000 in scholarships to students from Firebaugh, Lynwood and Vista high schools as they pursue trade schools, community colleges or four-year colleges/universities, including Stanford University, Mount Holyoke College, UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, Cal State Long Beach, Cal State Fullerton and Cerritos College. LPEF has secured approximately $1 million in funding for students in Pre-K through grade 12 in the form of college scholarships, STEM programs and other resources that are crucial to students’ success. LPEF also supports teacher grants, school grants, arts education and wellness initiatives.
Future female trailblazers from Lynwood Unified School District got an inside look into the world of STEM and explored potential professions through the District’s career technical education programs during the annual Girl STEM Conference held on June 1. The conference brought together elementary and middle school students from across the District to celebrate female empowerment and hear from women in STEM careers, including biological sciences and nursing. Students also engaged in hands-on activities that ignited their interests in biology, robotics, physics and more.
Lynwood Unified students from Firebaugh High School’s Project Lead the Way (PLTW) engineering program and Lynwood High School’s various Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and career technical programs put their talents to the test, taking home silver and gold medals during the SkillsUSA State competition in April. Lynwood High School’s Biomedical Sciences, Engineering and Culinary Arts programs made their presence known throughout the thrilling competition held April 13-16. After earning gold in the Occupational Health and Safety and Drafting categories, seven Lynwood High students will advance to the National Leadership and Skills Conference on June 19 in Atlanta.
Lynwood Unified to Honor Class of 2023 During Graduation Ceremonies
Lynwood Unified will recognize this year’s graduates with ceremonies for Lynwood Community Adult School on Wednesday, June 7 at 6 p.m.; Vista/Pathway High School on Monday, June 12 at 6 p.m.; Firebaugh High School on Wednesday, June 13 at 6p.m.; and Lynwood High School on Thursday, June 14 at 6 p.m. All ceremonies will be held at the Lynwood High School Imperial Gym, located at 4050 E Imperial Hwy., Lynwood.
United by their shared passion for supporting students’ education and the great outdoors, Lynwood Unified students, families and community members laced up their sneakers and hit the ground running for The Lynwood 5K/10K Run on May 13. Held in partnership with the Lynwood Partners Education Foundation (LPEF), the City of Lynwood and Aztlan Athletics, the fundraising event, now in its second year, drew 540 participants who ran or walked between three to six miles through the City of Lynwood and raised over $48,000.
Washington Elementary School teacher Shirley Giacoman – a student advocate and an exemplary teacher leader in the District for almost two decades – was announced as Lynwood Unified’s 2023 Teacher of the Year during the Board of Education meeting on May 11. Giacoman – who has taught at Washington Elementary for 10 years for a total of 16 years in the District – was recognized by the Board of Education for her proven track record of setting up students for academic and personal success.
Lynwood and Firebaugh high school graduating seniors hit a milestone in their academic journeys as they celebrated all the opportunities that await them during annual Decision Day events in April that highlighted students’ achievements and postsecondary plans. Over 90% of graduating seniors submitted their financial aid FAFSA applications this year, with plans to attend such colleges and universities as UCLA, UC Irvine, Cal State Fullerton, Cerritos College, University of La Verne and more. Lynwood High School cheerleaders and staff welcomed students with applause as they walked down a purple carpet to join the April 27 celebration.
