The reigning champion Los Angeles Rams helped the seniors of the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) celebrate their graduation by purchasing their caps and gowns. The donation benefits over 460 ISUD graduating seniors from Inglewood high school, City Honors International Preparatory School, and Morningside High School.
“We are extremely grateful for the Los Angeles Rams and the infinite amount of support they give to our Inglewood students, families, and community,” said IUSD County Administrator Dr. Erika Torres. “Their generous donation to purchase caps and gowns for our senior class is a reflection of their commitment to our students.”
The Rams cheerleaders visited Inglewood high school on Friday as the caps and gowns were distributed. The three high schools held their graduations on Tuesday. Jacqueline Ward, who has been cheerleading for the Rams for four seasons, noted how the 2022 class had to overcome the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic on their quest to graduate.
“We really want to make them feel like they’re getting the graduation that they deserve,” she said. “It’s nice getting to be here face to face and greeting them and making sure that their day is really special.”
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The Rams’ donation eased the financial concerns Inglewood senior class president Jiorden King had for her classmates.
“I was really worried about my seniors having to pay for a lot of things because I know that we live in low-income neighborhoods,” she said. “I really appreciate that because it really helped them financially and then they could pay for their activities more.”
Inglewood senior Diego Ceja considers the Rams’ donation and the opportunity to have an in-person graduation to be a blessing.
“It’s not about the money but the generosity that they took out of their own will to pay for us,” he said.
Senior Tania Guerrero mentioned how the caps and gowns for the previous year were expensive.
“I’m so grateful because I would say I saved a lot of money,” she said. “I probably wasn’t gonna buy it if they weren’t gonna luckily donate it to us … I’m trying to save up for college right now.”
Since they returned to Southern California, the Rams franchise has put in over 2000 hours of community service in the city of Inglewood. Rams players have provided school supplies and backpacks to over 2000 students in IUSD.
“This donation of caps and gowns … it really means a lot to me,” said Inglewood senior class vice president Adam Singh. “It just shows how involved they are in the community and how they actually want to better it.”
Inglewood athletic director Michael Grimble noted how it is good to have the support of pro franchises.
“For me to see them come and be a part of class of ’22, it’s great for the kids, great for the community, great for the relationship between both us and them as a professional team,” he said. “It’s a good thing and it’s a good feeling,”
