KIPP Comienza Community Prep Upper School recently opened the doors to its new permanent home in Huntington Park with a heartwarming ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The event, rooted in the theme Comenzar: Starting a New Journey, Soaring Without Limits, brought together students, families, staff, and community partners to celebrate this significant milestone, nearly a decade in the making.
The celebration was emceed by 8th-grade student and Student Council President Madahi C., who has been part of the Comienza community since kindergarten. Now headed to Linda Marquez High School with dreams of attending UCLA, Madahi spoke proudly of how her experiences at KIPP Comienza prepared her to lead and advocate for her peers. Her opening remarks set a powerful tone for the afternoon, highlighting the importance of student voice and the lasting impact of a supportive school community.
KIPP Comienza Upper School Leader Amanda Cavagnero reflected on the school’s journey, one that began in 2016 and included many temporary homes across the years. “From Miles to Maywood, then to Rita and Seville, each space held memories, milestones, and moments of growth for our growing community,” she shared. Now, for the first time, 5th to 8th-grade students and staff are learning under one roof in a permanent facility on Santa Fe Avenue.
“This building represents more than just walls and classrooms,” Amanda said. “It’s a symbol of everything we've worked for, everything we've overcome, and everything we are becoming.”
The ceremony also included remarks from KIPP SoCal’s Director of Schools, Melissa Helguera, who previously led KIPP Comienza Upper and has been with KIPP SoCal for 17 years.
“This school represents everything we stand for at KIPP SoCal: equity, excellence, and community,” she said. “Most importantly, to our students, this school is for you and because of you. You are powerful. You are brilliant. And this space is where your dreams will grow, your voice will rise, and your path will be lit with opportunity.”
Throughout the afternoon, the KIPP Comienza Upper Choir—led by music teacher Ms. Miller-Kupchenko—performed three moving selections, including “Augie’s Great Municipal Band,” “Vuela,” and a mashup of “Go the Distance” and “Defying Gravity.” The choir, which began during the 2020–21 school year over Zoom, now includes over 60 student singers from 5th to 8th grade.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks, acknowledgments of community partners and elected officials, including Clarissa Ortega, a field representative for Assemblymember Jose Luis Solache, Jr. of the 62nd District, and a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony on the new campus.
It was a moment years in the making — filled with joy, pride, and a renewed sense of unity. Welcome home, KIPP Comienza Upper. Together, we rise!
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Thank You to Our Partners & Vendors
AltaMed • Alliance Margaret M. Bloomfield • Compatior Counseling Center • Collegiate Charter High School • South East High School Steam Magnet • LA County Office of Education • LA County Dept. of Mental Health • LA County Registrar • LA County Library • City of Huntington Park • Go2Zero School Garden Team • United Parents & Students • Huntington Park Parks & Recreation • YMCA • CHICXS ROCKERXS SELA • Advanced Image (Tyree Vance) • Los Angeles Party Designs • JA-JA Fiesta • West Street Promotions • Prado Entertainment • Tortas Ahogadas • Nortberto Martinon • New Voice • Centro De Desarrollo Familiar • MI CENTRITO • Gloria's Express • Le Pen Bienz