My name is Lucinda Nares Pueblos, and I was a teacher at Banning High School in Wilmington when Vivian Malauulu was a student. I also had the privilege of serving as the faculty advisor for the Associated Student Body (ASB) program.

I first met Vivian when she was a tenth grader, freshly elected by her peers as sophomore class president. She remained active in leadership all three years of high school — bringing bright ideas, boundless energy, and a remarkable sense of organization to every project. It came as no surprise that by her senior year, she was elected Student Body President for both fall and spring semesters.

Vivian’s involvement reached far beyond the classroom. She volunteered on class councils, was elected Commissioner of Athletics and Commissioner of Spirit, participated in theater and play production, performed on the drill team, was a cheerleader, and ran track. Yet, through it all, she maintained an outstanding grade point average, balancing AP and honors classes while working at the mall after school.

Even as a teenager, Vivian had an independent mind and a strong moral compass. She always fought for fairness and inclusion. During her senior year, she introduced Spanish morning announcements over the public address (PA) system, ensuring our large Spanish-speaking student body could fully participate in campus life. She also worked with the cafeteria manager to create satellite lunch stations across campus — reducing long lines and giving students more time to actually enjoy lunch. Her leadership also revitalized school spirit by introducing class-specific pep rallies, spirit weeks, and cultural celebrations. This gave each grade and affinity groups the chance to shine.

As a senior, she earned the respect of her peers by being voted as Homecoming Queen, Most Popular, Most Respected, Most Likely to Succeed, and Most Spirited — and of course, she couldn’t do all those things without also being Most Talkative.

Community leaders also recognized her leadership ability. The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education unanimously selected her to represent the more than 650-thousand LAUSD students as the student board member to the monthly school board meetings. The national American Legion Auxiliary chose her as a California Girls’ State Delegate, and the City of Carson sent her to Soka, Japan as an ambassador. In 1992, she collaborated with the Los Angeles City Council to include Banning High School in a citywide event that earned Wilmington a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for making the world’s biggest burrito — stretching down Avalon Boulevard from Anaheim Street to Pacific Coast Highway — and attracting the support of hundreds of enthusiastic community members.

After graduating from college, Vivian returned to Banning HS as a teacher, coach, and theater director — mentoring students the same way she once led them. Her passion for student engagement and community pride never faded. Today, that same drive fuels her leadership as a college trustee, union advocate, and community builder.

Vivian has made Banning HS proud — as a student, educator, alumna, and public servant. Soon after being elected to the LBCC College Board she established a scholarship for Banning students and continues to give back through her work with ILWU and the Harbor Area community.

I’m honored to support her campaign for Long Beach City Council and to serve on the Host Committee for the Banning High School Alumni Fundraiser this Saturday. I hope all Banning alumni will join me in rallying behind one of our own — a true Pilot whose leadership and heart continues to inspire.

With pride and gratitude,

Lucinda Nares Pueblos

BHS Class of 1974, Retired Leadership Advisor, Dean, and Principal

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