Not even rainy skies could dampen the spirit of celebration as families from across Lynwood Unified gathered for the 11th Annual Arts Festival and District Showcase, where the remarkable creativity and talent of hundreds of student performers and artists filled the afternoon with art, music and community pride.
From live theater to musical performances, the April 26 festival showcased the immense talent of Lynwood Unified students through dance routines, live band sets, colorful art displays and culinary experiences. With multiple stages, tents and food vendors representing various schools, families enjoyed an immersive and festive atmosphere at Firebaugh High School.
“Our students poured their hearts into these performances, and it’s truly inspiring to see them share their voices, cultures and stories with our community,” Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator Mariana Astorga-Almanza, Ed.D., said. “We are proud to celebrate their talents and continue fostering a District where artistic expression is embraced and elevated. Thank you to our sponsors, staff and everyone who helped make the festival a success.”
The event opened with high-energy performances by the Firebaugh High School marching band, Abbott Elementary School dance team, Hosler Middle School Lady Lions cheer team and the Lynwood High School Dance Ensemble, setting the tone for a day of artistic passion and collaboration across multiple stages and art forms.
"Art is everywhere, and there's something for everyone to contribute," said Cristal Barajas, a member of Firebaugh’s Chinese Club, which presented Chinese calligraphy at the festival. "What started as a hobby to take a break from schoolwork turned into something real, something others can enjoy, and I’m so grateful I could share my art at the festival.”
Following a lively set of Latin dance by the Will Rogers Elementary Think Together Dance Group, the Firebaugh High School Young Actors Guild presented highlights from their earlier production of Mean Girls. Meanwhile, bands from Hosler and Cesar Chavez middle schools and Firebaugh and Lynwood high schools kept the energy high with dynamic and crowd-pleasing performances in the gym.
Special guest performances included a colorful showing from Ballet Folclorico do Brasil, presented by The Music Center. The group’s performance celebrated Brazil’s cultural heritage through dance and music, showcasing how the arts connect traditions and tell stories across generations.
The festival concluded with a Conga Kids Dance semi-finals, where fifth-graders from all 12 Lynwood elementary schools showcased their skills in hip-hop, cumbia, merengue and salsa. Washington Elementary claimed first place honors, followed by Marshall Elementary and Abbott Elementary, securing second and third place, respectively. Washington and Marshall will advance to the L.A. County Conga Kids Spring Dance Competition on May 14.
“The District is proud to celebrate our students’ hard work and creativity, which is the result of yearlong efforts to integrate the arts across our classrooms and school communities,” Superintendent Gudiel R. Croswaithe, Ph.D., said. “Their performances reflect not just incredible talent, but also the dedication of our staff and the collaboration between students across schools and grade levels, reminding us that when creativity is nurtured, brilliance follows.”