The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
The Long Beach Unified School District held its annual First Day of School celebration Tuesday as nearly 60,000 students returned to the classroom, but this year’s celebration was a little more special.
The district held the celebration at Wilson, which also marked the start of the Bruins’ 100th year as a school. LBUSD Superintendent David Zaid was present alongside local media and news outlets as the Bruins’ band and cheerleaders gathered outside the main entrance at 10th and Ximeno Avenue to welcome students ahead of the first bell of the day.
“It was thrilling. Wilson is nationally recognized for its academics as well as its athletics, so to be able to welcome students into an amazing 100th year comes with a level of specialness,” Zaid said. “It’s special for them and special for me to take pictures and high-five students as we welcome them in. What we saw was the kids walking in, but it’s also the employees here who have worked so hard to make sure everything is prepared to set our students up for success.”
Alongside Zaid, Wilson staff and administrators greeted students on the front steps as part of an annual tradition held at different LBUSD schools each year. Among those welcoming students was well-loved principal Suzanne Caverly, who later spoke about the feeling of celebrating Wilson’s 100th year once the first day of school was underway.
“It’s amazing, and it’s truly an honor,” Caverly said. “I think you already know how much I love this school and this community, and it’s such a privilege to be the principal here at Wilson, but it’s especially special being here for the 100th year. It’s awesome.”
The Bruins held their Centennial Kickoff earlier this year in March and have a full calendar of events planned to celebrate their 100th year. Caverly said she’s most excited for the school’s community picnic with students and alumni on April 18, while the next event on the calendar is Wilson football’s home opener on Sept. 4 against Huntington Beach.
