SECOND ANNUAL AWARDS GALA HONORS OUTSTANDING LYNWOOD ALUMNI
Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation hosted their second annual Lynwood Alumni Awards Gala
The Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation proudly hosted its Second Annual Lynwood Alumni Awards Gala, celebrating the achievements of distinguished alumni who have made a lasting impact in their communities and careers. The event, held on February 6, 2025, at Bateman Hall, brought together educators, alumni, community leaders, and supporters to recognize the success and contributions of Lynwood Unified School District graduates.
This year’s Gala featured a Hollywood-themed evening, complete with red carpet moments and special tributes to honorees. The gala recognized alumni Audrey Casas, Lynwood High School Educator, co-recipient of the Humanitarian Excellence award, Edgar Amezquita, Aerospace Engineer, for the Rising Star Award, Nestor Enciso, founder and owner of Helping Hands Coffee, for the Leadership in Innovation award, and Oscar Flores, former Lynwood Mayor, second co-recipient of the Humanitarian Excellence Award. The event also served as a fundraiser to support scholarships and programs that benefit current Lynwood students.
“It is a meaningful celebration of our community uniting to honor the outstanding achievements of local alumni. We at the Foundation are committed to supporting Lynwood public schools with the support of our major partners the Lynwood Unified School District and the City of Lynwood,” said Mark Flores, President of the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation. “These initiatives are a testament to the power of community and the unwavering dedication of our supporters. We also encourage you to participate in future events, including our annual Lynwood Run 5/10K on May 10 and enjoy our annual magic show on March 21 at Firebaugh High School.”
The event was led by the Foundation’s Program and Development Coordinator, Emanuel Enciso—an alumnus of the District—and featured speeches from award recipients. “I would like to thank the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation for this opportunity and recognition. As a teacher at Lynwood Unified, I see the greatness that this organization has provided for the students and staff, and my ask is to please take some time to help contribute to their mission. We know where their money goes, and all we need is the support of the community,” said Audrey Casas, awardee of the night.
The Gala featured a silent auction, a photo booth, and opportunities for alumni to reconnect. Sponsors and donors played a vital role in making the event possible, showcasing their shared commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Lynwood students. Their generosity helped raise over $23,000 to support college scholarships and the Lynwood Alumni Center.
The Foundation is grateful to their event sponsors, including Think Together, Huckabee, CBE, Mastering Hope, National College Resources Foundation, Velada Public Affairs, Imagine Learning, Oscar Flores, Pringle Group, VMA Communications, California Credit Union, California Youth Martial Arts, Lynwood Teachers Association, Sigma Pi Fraternity, and LPEF Vice-President Stephen Faulk for their commitment to our mission.
Special thanks to the in-kind donors, Brown Soul Brewing Company and Northgate González Market, for their generous contributions.
Additionally, the Foundation appreciates their silent auction donors for their contributions, including Academy of Magical Arts - Joel Ward, In-N-Out Burger, Knott's Berry Farm, La Pasta: Italian Cafe, Los Angeles Lakers, Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier, and Universal Studios Hollywood. Their generosity helped enhance the event and support the Foundation’s ongoing initiatives.
For more information about the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation and how to support its initiatives, visit www.lynwoodedfoundation.org.
