By Brett Ashley Hawkins
Editorial Intern
Students, teachers, alumni, parents, education officials, government representatives, and board members of Los Cerritos Elementary School joined together March 5 to celebrate the school’s Founder’s Day, which was organized by the school’s Parent-Teacher Association.
Donald Beaver, principal of Los Cerritos Elementary School, conducted the ceremony, which included three speakers, a brief question-and-answer session between grade-level representatives and some of the founders, and the ringing of the school’s ceremonial bell. “We’re all proud of the scholarly behavior shown here every day and effort made in the classrooms with the teachers,” said Beaver.
Congresswoman Laura Richardson (37 District), whose nephew is enrolled at the school, also attended the event. She granted the school a new flag and spoke of her educational growth as a child. “Founder’s Day is important because children take what they learn in schools and apply it to life skills that will benefit themselves, their country, and that flag that citizens fight for,” she said.
Board member Jim Gray also presented a speech of his experiences with the school and lauded his time there. “This is truly a homecoming,” he said. “Some things never change. Teachers are still dedicated. Kids still have energy.”
The ceremonial bell was rung by five students pulling a long rope and, after the event, classes returned to their normal schedule for the rest of the day.
