Lynwood's Firebaugh High Commemorates Late Assemblyman

By Patch Staff

Lynwood’s Firebaugh High School celebrated the late California Assemblyman Marco Antonio Firebaugh in a special event, which highlighted his landmark legislation: Assembly Bill 540.  

“[He was an] influential figure who greatly expanded educational opportunities for undocumented students so that they could have the chance to attend college and attain the American Dream,” said the Lynwood Unified School District in a statement.  

On May 23, Firebaugh High School hosted an event that commemorated the AB 540, the 2001 bill that has allowed undocumented students to pay instate tuitions.  

 “He was a great inspiration and his work has made such a difference for millions of students,” aid Tony Hua, Firebaugh High School Principal. “He championed the fight for affordable education.”  

During the event several Firebaugh High students, who are beneficiaries of the AB540 bill, shared their  thoughts through several speeches. Family members of the late assemblymen were also in attendance.  

“This was such a special event that honored a great man who courageously tackled an important obstacle for California students,” said LUSD Board of Education President, Maria G. Lopez. “For that, we are forever grateful and we will never forget the legacy he left in our community.”  

Firebaugh came to the United States from Mexico as a boy, and would go on to represent the 50th Assembly District in southeast Los Angeles from 1998 to 2004.  

The former Assemblyman died of health related complications in 2006.        

During the event, $500 scholarships were also awarded to three seniors who qualify for the AB540, and that plan on attending college next year. The scholarship sponsors were, The International Rotary Club, Club Suenos and the Central Basin Municipal Water District.

“Rosa Lopez, who will attend Cal State Fullerton, Christian Limas, who will go on to attend Long Beach City College, and Oscar Zarate, who will study at UC Santa Barbara next year,” said the LUSD in an statement.