Firebaugh High School hosted its eighth annual special remembrance event last week to celebrate the life and achievements of its late namesake, Assemblyman Marco Antonio Firebaugh, who championed a law that greatly expanded educational opportunities for undocumented students.
Dozens of Lynwood students and their family members attended the April 25 event to commemorate Firebaugh as an influential figure who directly impacted the lives of students in Lynwood and across California through his landmark legislation, Assembly Bill 540, which makes college more affordable by allowing students to pay in-state tuition fees regardless of their immigration status.
At the celebration, scholarships in the amount of $540 were awarded to eight Firebaugh High School seniors who qualify for AB 540 status and will be attending college next year.
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“This special event honored someone who continually and courageously fought for every California students’ right to an affordable education,” said LUSD Board of Education President Briseida Gonzalez. “Assemblyman Firebaugh left a footprint on this world that has given opportunity and possibility where there otherwise would be none, and for that we are grateful.”
The event featured speeches from Firebaugh High students who will be able to go to college, as well as a special recognition to the assemblyman’s mother, sister and children, who were in attendance.
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“Thanks to your son, I am going to college,” student and scholarship recipient Belen Mercado told Firebaugh’s surviving family members. “And thanks to Mr. Firebaugh, many of us are able to look toward the future and know that we will succeed.”
Firebaugh, who immigrated to the United States from Mexico as a young boy, represented the 50th Assembly District in southeast Los Angeles from 1998 to 2004. He passed in 2006 at the age of 39.
“It’s imperative to remember who Firebaugh High School represents and the important legacy that it must carry on,” said LUSD Superintendent Paul Gothold. “Providing our students with the opportunity to attend college and access to resources they need to get there without impossible obstacles standing in their way is critical to ensuring that they reach the American Dream.”
The celebration also included live music, a student art gallery, fundraiser and resource fair that included community lawyers and representatives from Cerritos College, UCLA and the National Immigration Law Center.
Scholarships were made possible through sponsorships by the Central Basin Municipal Water District, State Farm Agent Delores Stubbs, Plaza Mexico, Consejo de Federaciones Mexicanas en Norteamérica (COFEM), the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles, Inter Driving School, Club Sueños, Firebaugh staff and parents and the Lynwood Unified School District.
The scholars were also recognized with certificates from State Sen. Ricardo Lara’s Office and Assemblyman Anthony Rendon’s Office.
