1 Mitchell Kois
From: Angela D. Scott <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 1:16 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Item 16D - Support for Funding Santa Monica High School Black Student Union and La Legado Graduation Culmination Ceremonies
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I am writing in strong support of providing financial assistance for the Santa Monica High School Black Student Union (BSU) and La Legado graduation culmination ceremonies.
These programs play an important role in uplifting students, celebrating achievement, strengthening belonging, and reinforcing pathways to higher education, leadership, and civic engagement. The culmination ceremonies are not simply celebratory events — they are affirmations of resilience, cultural pride, academic persistence, and community investment in our young people.
Over the past several years, Santa Monica has made meaningful commitments toward educational equity and youth empowerment. Supporting these student-led organizations is a tangible way to continue honoring those commitments while investing directly in students and families.
The Black Student Union (BSU) and La Legado programs create spaces where students feel seen, supported, and encouraged to succeed academically and personally. They also help foster mentorship, leadership development, and stronger school-community connections that benefit the broader Santa Monica community.
As someone who has worked closely with youth leadership initiatives, college access programming, and student empowerment efforts, I have seen firsthand how culturally affirming programs positively impact confidence, engagement, and long-term opportunity.
I respectfully encourage the City to support funding for these culmination ceremonies and continue demonstrating that Santa Monica values all students and celebrates their achievements.
Thank you for your consideration and continued support of Santa Monica’s youth.
Warmest,
Angela
Angela D. Scott (she/her), MBA/V, Certified ScrumMaster® Candidate, Doctor of Education, Ed.D.
Organizational Change and Leadership
Item 16-D
May 12, 2026
Item 16-D
May 12, 2026
2 "You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas." - Shirley Chisholm
I acknowledge with respect and gratitude the Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples on whose traditional territory I live and work.
Item 16-D
May 12, 2026
Item 16-D
May 12, 2026