Acclaimed actor, director and Montebello High School alumnus Edward James Olmos visited Eastmont Intermediate School on Friday, May 3, to help present a donated baby grand piano to students, staff and administrators.
 
Cecilia Soto Loftus, a friend of Olmos, gifted the piano because she wanted to make a difference in the lives of youths interested in music and the performing arts. She originally contacted several schools to make the donation, but received no response. When Olmos heard about the dilemma, he reached out to friends who were still in contact with MUSD.
 
“The Montebello Unified School District thanks you for your generosity and for this wonderful gift that will inspire and bring joy to our students,” MUSD Superintendent Cleve Pell said.
 
The mint-condition Baldwin piano will remain in the auditorium, where it will be utilized by Eastmont Intermediate School students for recitals, concerts and other performances, said Eastmont Principal Cecelia Ramirez, who is a big advocate of visual and performing arts.
 
“This piano is going to a great home and it will make a huge impact on the lives of our students,” Ramirez said. “We are so grateful for this gift.” 
 
Olmos, who now resides in the San Fernando Valley, is a Montebello High School Class of 1964 graduate. He later continued his education at East Los Angeles College and Cal State Los Angeles. The Mexican-American actor and producer who has starred in films such as Stand and Deliver and American Me, has also been active in social issues affecting the Latino community. 
 
Olmos on Friday offered words of encouragement and motivation to Eastmont students.
 
“You come from a very wonderful environment,” Olmos said. “I am who I am because of the Montebello Unified school system. I’m a perfect example of what can happen if you dedicate yourself to achieving your dreams.”
 
MUSD Superintendent Susanna Contreras Smith thanked Olmos for taking the time to come to Eastmont Intermediate.
 
“You are a hero in our community and we thank you for giving us this opportunity to enhance our visual and performing arts program,” MUSD Superintendent Susanna Contreras Smith said. “This beautiful instrument will motivate our young musicians for years to come.” 
 

Registration Information

• English
• Spanish

To assist schools and parents in helping students cope with violence, loss, and grief, Montebello Unified School District has provided some helpful resources that are applicable for coping with any tragedy.  Counseling and student support specialists (school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, and school nurses) and local mental health specialists can assist you in working with individual students and staff.

Click here to access site