Congresswoman Urges Ramona Opportunity High School Students to Stay in School
East Los Angeles,
Aug 12, 2010 -
Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) speaks to students at Ramona Opportunity High School about the importance of continuing their education as a pathway to a better future.
In response to letters sent by Ramona students about soaring maternal mortality rates among low-income women and women of color, the congresswoman also discussed the MOMS for the 21st Century Act, legislation she authored to improve birth outcomes for mothers and their babies while reducing medical costs.
The new state-of-the-art school, which was completed in June, serves pregnant teens and other female students in need of an alternative learning environment in grades 7 - 12. The refurbished school became a reality when a portion of the original school was needed by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to complete the construction of the Edward R. Roybal Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension. LAUSD transferred ownership of the portion of the needed property to MTA in exchange for MTA providing necessary relocation and reconfiguration of the replacement school.
The 405-seat school located on 2.62 acres includes classrooms, vocational labs, a lunch shelter, a multipurpose room, a childcare center, a gymnasium, athletic fields, administration offices and parking.
A longtime advocate of the school, the congresswoman’s visit also included a tour of the City of Los Angeles’ Youth Opportunity Leadership program located on the campus. As part of the program, students receive training, guidance, and instruction on work readiness, life skills, and financial literacy.
Pictured in the group photo: Ramona Principal Brenda Morton (lower right), Ramona English Teacher Cynthia High (back row second from left), Congresswoman Roybal-Allard (center) with Ramona students who wrote letters to the congresswoman in response to an Amnesty International report about maternal mortality rates among low-income and minority women.
