Lynwood Unified recently celebrated African American students, their achievements and unique experiences during the annual Rites of Passage ceremony as sixth- and eighth-graders geared up to promote to the next grade level and graduating seniors prepared to journey into the next chapter of their lives.
Hosted by the District’s Equity, Access and Instructional Services Department and the National College Resources Foundation, the ceremony began with a procession led by traditional African drummers as students proudly marched through a sea of cheering families, teachers and District staff.
The celebration, held May 31 at Bateman Hall, ended with the promoted sixth- and eighth-grade African American students and graduating African American seniors receiving certificates of recognition, ceremonial kente cloths worn during promotion and commencement ceremonies, and words of encouragement from their site principals and District staff.
The top high school students from Lynwood High, Marco Antonio Firebaugh High, Vista High and Pathway Independent Study received The Shirley Ann Davis Memorial Scholarship.
Students also received The Movement’s Resilient Scholarship and Dr. Shirley Smith-Chambers Scholarship from the National College Resource Foundation. Lynwood Unified proudly works in collaboration with the NCRF in assisting our students in gaining acceptance, scholarships and placement into colleges across the country.
See more photos here.