As mariachi music echoed across the campus and alumni flipped through century-old yearbooks, Belvedere Middle School in East Los Angeles marked its 100th anniversary with a vibrant celebration of community pride and cultural heritage.
The event highlighted the school’s century-long legacy within East LA and its deep connection to Latino culture. Students, families, alumni, and local businesses came together for a day filled with performances, food, and shared memories. Belvedere Mariachi and Eastman Elementary Folklorico dazzled the crowd, while student groups from East LA Renaissance, Roosevelt, Wilson, and the East Los Angeles Performing Arts added to the dynamic showcase. Community support was evident in every detail. Local vendors like SoCal Burgers and Kona Ice provided food, and yearbooks from 1920 to 2020 were on sale, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the school’s storied past. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated auditorium marked a new chapter for the school, while booths displayed student-created robotics projects and merchandise. The ELARA initiative—an important community engagement program—also invited attendees to learn more about ongoing outreach efforts.
“This anniversary is not just about looking back, but about honoring our students, teachers, and families who have shaped this school into what it is today,” said Belvedere Principal Rosa Martinez, emphasizing the role of the community in the school’s success. According to LAUSD reports, Belvedere Middle School has consistently excelled in both academics and extracurriculars, playing a pivotal role in the development of East LA’s Latino youth. With an increasing emphasis on STEM education, programs like the video game club and robotics initiative are offering students hands-on opportunities to prepare for the future.
Mr. Garcia, who leads the robotics program, expressed excitement about the growing interest in technology. “Our students have so much potential, and the support from families and local businesses like SoCal Burgers and Kona Ice means the world,” he said. Current students also felt the celebration’s impact. “It made me proud to be part of a school with so much history,” said eighth-grader Marisol R., who performed with the mariachi group. “I feel like I’m part of something bigger.”
Parents and alumni echoed the sentiment. “Seeing the community come out today really shows how much Belvedere means to all of us,” said a local parent and Belvedere alumna. “This school has always been a place where our kids feel welcomed and encouraged.”
Founded in 1925, Belvedere Middle School has long served as an anchor for the East LA community, offering not only education but also a deep sense of identity and pride. This centennial celebration honored that legacy while reaffirming the school’s ongoing mission to uplift and inspire.
As Belvedere Middle School looks ahead to its second century, continued community involvement will be key. Parents, alumni, and residents are encouraged to stay active in school events, support educational programs, and carry forward the tradition that has made the school a cultural cornerstone in East LA. The 100th anniversary celebration was more than a milestone—it was a powerful reminder of the school’s enduring role in shaping generations of leaders, dreamers, and doers in the heart of East Los Angeles.