Lawndale High Alumni Scholarship

When I stepped onto the Lawndale High School campus for the first time in 2023, I felt like a stranger in a world that moved too fast. Moving to the United States mid-way through my high school career was a daunting transition; I was navigating a new culture, a different educational system, and the internal pressure to succeed despite these hurdles. In those early days, the classroom felt like a place of high stakes and low comfort. However, Lawndale quickly transformed from a mere building of instruction into a sanctuary of growth. It became my "second family," a place that did not just teach me Biochemistry, but taught me how to find my voice. Because Lawndale gave me a platform when I felt invisible, I was driven by a profound responsibility to pay that kindness forward to future generations of Cardinals. My plan to pay it forward is rooted in the belief that no student should feel limited by their background or their "newness" to this country. Upon reaching the destination of my career—after completing my Biochemistry degrees at UCSD and Duke University—I intend to establish the Lawndale Global Reach Scholarship. This fund will specifically target students who, like me, immigrated to the U.S. during their high school years. These students often face a "double workload": mastering a new environment while maintaining high academic standards. By providing financial assistance, I want to remove the burden of tuition costs, allowing them to focus entirely on their creative and intellectual expansion. Beyond financial aid, I plan to create a Professional Mentorship Bridge. During my time at Lawndale, I have been fortunate to serve as the Treasurer of the Black Student Union, ASB Social Head, and a representative for the Humanize Me and Debate clubs. These roles taught me that leadership isn't about being the loudest person in the room; it’s about making the smallest details count for the benefit of others. I want to return to Lawndale annually to host workshops that connect current students with industry professionals. As I build my own startup business in the biochemistry field, I will reserve internship slots specifically for Lawndale alumni. I want to show these students that the "comfort zone" is a place to rest, but the world outside of it supported by a strong community is where they will truly become great. Furthermore, I want to give back by supporting the very clubs that helped me integrate into American life. I plan to provide annual grants to the Black Student Union and Cultural & Diversity clubs to ensure they have the resources to host events that make every student feel included. When students see an alumni who moved here in 2023 and went on to start a business and attend prestigious universities, they will realize that their starting point does not define their finish line. Lawndale High School gave me the courage to put out my ideas without the fear of being judged by my appearance or the way I speak. To pay this forward, I will dedicate my success to ensuring that Lawndale remains a place where the next student who arrives from a different country feels exactly what I felt: welcomed, seen, and empowered to change the world.

When I first arrived at Lawndale High School, I was a wallflower. I expected my high school years to mirror middle school,keeping to myself and getting by with average grades. At the time, I did not fully understand who I was or the opportunities waiting for me. Coming from a traditional Nigerian household as one of the eldest children, my priorities were already centered on responsibility, academic success, and supporting my family. However, as the years progressed, I began to step outside of my comfort zone. I became actively involved in cheerleading, my academy (ACA), and extracurricular activities such as Student Council and the Black Student Union. Through these experiences, along with the encouragement of my peers and teachers, I learned that there is no limit to excellence. The shell that once held me back began to break, and I grew into someone who not only embraced opportunities but also uplifted others. I started using my heritage, experiences, and voice to support those around me, becoming a source of encouragement and connection within my community. This transformation is why I am committed to paying it forward to future students at Lawndale. I want to reach those who believe their potential is limited or who feel that opportunities and resources are out of reach. As a participant in the BBSLA mentorship program within my academy, I have seen firsthand the powerful impact mentorship can have on both personal growth and academic success. I hope to continue this work by mentoring Lawndale students, building genuine connections, and reminding them that their goals are attainable. In addition, I want to provide tangible support by sharing resources such as internship opportunities, academic guidance, and essential life skills. Many of these are things I had to navigate on my own, and I want to make that journey easier for someone else. By doing so, I can help students feel more prepared, confident, and equipped to pursue their ambitions. Lastly, I aspire to give back in the same way this scholarship is supporting me—by providing financial assistance to students who may not have the resources to pursue their next steps. I understand how impactful that support can be, and I hope to one day be in a position to extend those opportunities to others. I want future students at Lawndale High School to feel supported, seen, and capable of building the lives they envision, because I understand what it feels like to long for those opportunities. Paying it forward is not just an act of giving back, but a commitment to ensuring that the next generation has greater access, guidance, and belief in themselves. By continuing this cycle of support, we can create a lasting impact that extends far beyond our time at Lawndale.

“The trifecta of college is being a person of color, broke, and smart. If you have all three, you’re set for life.” This is what my AVID teacher, Ms. Jennings, told us when we first walked into her class senior year, and to be honest, she’s right. My name is Mel, and I am a transfeminine Hispanic student at Lawndale High. My time at LHS has been better than I could have hoped for going into high school. I have had so many positive experiences, from being pushed to do my best academically in AVID, to learning real-world skills in the Music and Recording Arts Pathway, to having fun performing for my peers with the school’s former Marching Band and Colorguard. I could not be happier or prouder to say that I go to Lawndale High. I want to be able to give back to this community, as it has been so good to me. One way I plan to pay it forward for future students is by becoming a tutor for one of the pathways or programs at the school to help other students, just as I was once helped. I hope to become an AVID tutor, as that was the program I was most involved in at the school, and because I know how important it is for the AVID program to be as accessible and open as possible. As a Title I school, every advantage students can get for pursuing higher education and increasing their course rigor is vital to ensuring they can succeed. We do not have the money to afford fancy private tutors or other assistance that is locked behind paywalls, so having free resources that students can use is important. Becoming a tutor would allow me to pay it forward because I can directly help students at LHS prepare to do their best. I can provide tutoring for the SAT math section, teach them English at a college level, and provide them with all the resources they need. I would also like to be a part of the College and Career Center. There, I would be able to help the entire school rather than just a select few. I know that college is the next big step for a majority of these students. Most of them come from immigrant backgrounds where they would be the first generation to go to college, which means that pursuing higher education is a way to set themselves up for a successful future, and so many of them have the intelligence they need to flourish. Being able to pass the torch to future generations and give them the support they need to pursue higher education, just as I was once given, is how I would support Lawndale High long after I graduate this summer.

When it comes to giving back to future students at Lawndale High School is something I care deeply about because I understand how important guidance, support, and opportunity are during those years. As I continue my education and build my career, I plan to “pay it forward” by staying connected to my high school community and creating opportunities that can inspire and support the next generation of students. One of the main ways I plan to give back is through mentorship. Having experience as a leader while training younger cheerleaders has shown me how impactful guidance can be. I want to return to Lawndale High School and mentor students who are interested in pursuing their goals, whether that’s in culinary arts, business, or other career paths. I hope to share my experiences, give advice on college and career preparation, and help students build confidence in themselves. Sometimes, all a student needs is someone who believes in them and shows them what’s possible. In addition to mentorship, I want to create opportunities related to my future career in the culinary industry. Once I gain enough experience, I plan to host workshops, cooking demonstrations, or even small programs where students can learn basic culinary skills and explore career options in hospitality. Many students may not realize how many paths exist within the food industry, and I want to help open their eyes to those possibilities. Eventually, when I achieve my goal of owning a restaurant, I hope to offer internships or part-time job opportunities specifically for Lawndale High School students. This would give them real-world experience and a chance to start building their future early. Another important way I plan to give back is by supporting school programs and activities. Whether it’s donating time, resources, or funding in the future, I want to help strengthen the programs that helped shape me. I also hope to continue supporting cheer and other student organizations by volunteering when I can, helping train or encourage younger students just as I have done before. Staying involved in this way allows me to continue building a sense of community and connection. Paying it forward also means leading by example. I want future students to see someone from their own school who worked hard, stayed focused, and achieved their goals. By showing that success is possible, I hope to motivate others to believe in themselves and push beyond their limits. I understand that not every student has the same support system, so I want to be someone who can help fill that gap for others. Overall, my plan to give back to Lawndale High School is rooted in mentorship, opportunity, and service. I want to use my experiences, skills, and future success to uplift others and create pathways for students to grow. By staying connected to my high school and investing in its students, I hope to make a lasting impact and ensure that future generations have the support they need to succeed.