Today was the unveiling of labor and love by students in Pacoima, displayed in bright colors.

Passionate speeches were delivered by L.A. City Councilman Tony Cardenas and our very own famous hometown artist Otto Sturcke, who led the students in this creation.

Our school is named in honor of and inspired by Bert Corona, a prominent Latino community-organizer who dedicated his life to lead the struggle of poor immigrant communities in California and across the nation for social and economic justice.

Above all, he never failed to give eloquent and insistent voice to the cardinal importance of education. Corona believed in the Jeffersonian ideal that without an intelligent citizenry, democracy and its attendant ideals become quite impossible.

Inspired by Corona, students at the Bert Corona Charter School will become active citizens characterized by the ideals of a diverse and democratic society. Our students will provide service to their community, take responsibility for their own learning, and develop the habits of mind that will empower them to be successful in high school and beyond.

In addition toSturcke, the school officials who helped make the murals possible were Ruben Duenas, principal, Barry Baxter, assistant principal, Jonathan Tiongco, student leadership teacher, Joshua Rhodes, Vista, Diana Gamez, school community outreach manager, and Yvette King-Berg, ED.