Latino Heritage Month culminated with an exciting honor for Lynwood High School culinary arts teacher Olga Munoz, who was one of 12 honorees to receive the 2024 JUNTOS Award by Northgate González Market on Oct. 17 for inspiring a sense of unity and positively impacting the lives of her students and the greater Lynwood Unified community.
In addition to the award, Northgate Market donated $2,000 to a local nonprofit of Munoz's choice – the Lynwood High School PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Club.
"Being a part of this community and empowering our students to excel despite the obstacles they've faced has been a rewarding journey," Munoz said. "I'm proud to continue fostering a passion for culinary arts and setting our students up for success in their professional lives after high school."
Munoz's journey with Lynwood High's culinary arts career technical education program is a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication. Starting the program from scratch, she has led it to remarkable success, including winning the 2024 SkillsUSA Restaurant Service State Championship title.
Lynwood High culinary arts students are benefitting from a $3.1 million state-of-the-art culinary arts classroom and lab, fully equipped with culinary tools to allow students to refine their craft in a professional kitchen.
The Lynwood Unified community is invited to celebrate the culinary arts program's milestone during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 at the Lynwood High School Bullis Campus, 12124 Bullis Road.