Lynwood – Student-athletes from Lynwood Middle School and Firebaugh High School joined Lynwood Unified Board members and community leaders on Sept. 12 to unveil a new District athletic field and track as nearly 100 guests cheered.
Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite welcomed the Office of Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon to Lynwood Middle School, members of the Board of Education as well as Lynwood Mayor José Luis Solache and members of the District’s Citizens’ Oversight Committee for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The field will host athletic programs from Firebaugh High School and Lynwood Middle School, along with other District functions, providing students with a state-of-the-art facility to boost performance.
“Today is an exciting day for us because our new field is a source of pride for students and athletes,” LMS eighth-grader Kiarra Carrazco said. “I can’t wait to take the field to showcase the spirit of Lynwood.”
Lynwood Unified residents made the new field possible by passing Measure K, which generated $93 million from bond sales that has enabled the District to renovate, repair and refurbish classrooms and athletic facilities to elevate the learning environment for students.
Board President Gary Hardie, a former LUSD student-athlete, spoke to the audience about the connection between athletic performance and academic success.
“When we give students the tools to flourish and live healthy lives, we also instill confidence that can allow them to thrive in the classroom and beyond,” Hardie said. “This field is an investment in the future success of our students.”
The nearly $2.5 million project began in February 2018 and required that a previous field be demolished. The new layout features bleachers, an all-weather track, CIF-competitive field, goal posts and updated fencing.
LMS student-athletes celebrated the new grounds by taking the field for a light game of soccer. Firebaugh and LMS bands entertained guests in attendance.
“Today, we not only celebrate a new field, but our District’s commitment to building an environment of success for our children,” LUSD Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite said. “From Lynwood residents voting to improve our schools; architects plotting the design, parents and guardians supporting the needs of their children, and Lynwood Unified staff working to inspire achievement: this is truly a victory for us all.”