Firebaugh High School Class of 2020 graduate Jasmine Reyes, second from left, who received a $5,000 scholarship from the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation to attend UCLA, shared her testimony at Lynwood Unified’s State of the District on Oct. 17. She is pictured with her mother and Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation Executive Director Elsa Chagolla, left, and Superintendent Patrick Gittisriboongul.
Courtesy photo
Wave Staff Report
LYNWOOD — The Lynwood Unified School District celebrated its 75th anniversary Oct. 17 during the eighth annual State of the District event commemorating decades of educational excellence while unveiling Vision 2030 — a bold, future-focused plan centered on technology, innovation and real-world student success.
Superintendent Patrick Gittisriboongul delivered his first State of the District address since being appointed in July, outlining plans to optimize schools, expand digital access and prepare students through career-connected learning experiences that support college and career readiness.
“Today, we celebrate 75 years of unwavering commitment to the Lynwood community and its students, ensuring every generation is empowered to thrive and reach its full potential through the foundation of education,” Gittisriboongul said. “Now, we have the opportunity to build on that legacy and go even further by integrating technology with proven, effective learning practices.”
The plan is built on four essential pillars: enhancing school offerings through signature programs; strengthening instructional focus with a claims, evidence and reasoning framework; fostering positive relationships among families and staff; and ensuring students use artificial intelligence with purpose and humanity by developing artificial intelligence literacy, fluency and proficiency.
Bringing Vision 2030 to life, the district’s career technical education students showcased the commitment to hands-on learning through interactive booths highlighting pathways in computer science, robotics and digital electronics, health and biomedical sciences and photography. Film and video production students also documented the event and will produce a recap video.
“It’s great to record really great moments of what Lynwood has done in the past, and also the beautiful moments now,” said Kane Korona, a Firebaugh High School senior who plans to pursue his passion for film at Cerritos College, with plans to transfer to a four-year university.
Held in partnership with the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation, the event also launched Lynwood Gives, the foundation’s annual fall campaign that raises funds for college scholarships, teacher grants, STEM programs and the Lynwood Unified Food Pantry.
Since its founding in 2015, the foundation has awarded more than $100,000 in educator grants, established the Lynwood Alumni Center and raised nearly $500,000 in scholarships, providing critical support to students like Firebaugh High School Class of 2020 graduate Jasmine Reyes. Reyes — who received a $5,000 Kaiser Permanente scholarship from the foundation to attend UCLA — now conducts research at a leading OB-GYN program at Duke University and is awaiting acceptance into medical school.
“This journey was not easy, and there were many times where I sat and wondered if I was truly prepared for such academic rigor,” said Reyes, who earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and neuroscience. “Through every struggle, there was one thing that kept me grounded, and that was Lynwood. To me, Lynwood is a part of my identity and a source of my pride that I carry everywhere.”
Student excellence shined throughout the event, with breakfast prepared by Lynwood High School’s Culinary Arts students and performances by the Firebaugh High Marching Band and the Lynwood High School Cheer Team.
“We’re proud to collaborate with the district in this important work and thank our community partners for helping to open doors for Lynwood Unified students and families,” said Elsa Chagolla, executive director of the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation. “Celebrating 75 years means honoring our past and looking ahead to our future of success.”
