In the 2020-21 school year, the Baldwin Park High School boys varsity soccer team feared they may not have a season after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, for the 2021-22 school year, the Baldwin Park community was able to come together and celebrate an in-person ring ceremony on Dec. 5.
Braves, parents, District leaders and community members gathered for the ring ceremony to congratulate both student-athletes and coaches on a successful season and triumphant conclusion to the Southern Section CIF championship.
"I am so excited to put up a 2021 banner," Head Coach Richard Mira said. "If you ever come back, 10 or 20 years from now, you can look up and remember that's your banner. This is your field. Once a Brave, always a Brave."
Special guests included the BPUSD Board of Education, Superintendent Froilan N. Mendoza, City of Baldwin Park leaders and a representative from the office of Senator Susan Rubio.
The champion team received CIF championship rings, as well as certificates of recognition from the State of California. The Braves team is now three-time champions in their CIF division, with their last trophies dating to 2014 and 2011.
"You are an inspiration," Dr. Mendoza said. "You have made Baldwin Park High School and Baldwin Park Unified School District incredibly proud."