As millions of viewers tuned in for the iconic Super Bowl halftime show starring Grammy-winning pop star Bad Bunny on Sunday, Feb. 8, families across Orange County may have spotted a familiar face on one of the world’s biggest stages.
That familiar face belonged to Newport-Mesa Unified School District kindergartner Lincoln Fox Ramadan, who portrayed a younger version of the Puerto Rican recording artist. Though his screen time lasted only about 10 seconds, the moment made an impact — capturing the symbolic exchange of Bad Bunny passing his newly-won Grammy award to his younger self.
As a nod to perseverance and believing in one’s dreams, the emotional exchange seemed to resonate with millions watching at home.
The Daily Pilot reported Lincoln’s parents and talent agent have since fielded dozens of media requests following the 5-year-old’s appearance in what many are calling a performance opportunity of a lifetime. In an interview with the publication, Lincoln’s mother described the scene as unexpectedly tender and powerful.
“The stadium just sort of paused,” said Erika Ramadan. “I think it was the genuineness of the moment, the image of going back in time and talking to your little self and saying, don’t give up.”
In the scene, Bad Bunny gently patted Lincoln on the head and told him in Spanish to, “always believe in yourself,” echoing the performance’s message of hope and chasing after your goals.
Beyond the national spotlight, district leaders from Newport-Mesa Unified expressed pride in seeing one of their youngest students shine on an international stage.
“We are incredibly proud of Lincoln and this unforgettable moment on one of the world’s biggest stages,” said Dr. Kurt Suhr, NMUSD assistant superintendent of elementary education. “His experience at the Super Bowl Halftime Show is a powerful reminder that when students are encouraged to dream big, incredible opportunities can follow. Lincoln represents the talent, dedication, and spirit of Newport-Mesa students.”
Here are the other stories we’ve been following this week:
- The Woodbridge High School team of decathletes recently captured their ninth county championship in the past 10 years after competing in the 2026 Orange County Academic Decathlon.
- On Feb. 26, OCDE is set to host a live virtual seminar — in partnership with SmartSocial.com — that aims to provide families with actionable strategies and conversation starters for keeping their children safe while online.
- Ninety-five teachers in California — 45 from Orange County specifically — received more than $280,000 in grants from a nonprofit founded by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and OCDE to help educators expand the innovative approaches they use to teach core academic subjects in the classroom.
- Orange County high schoolers learned a variety of skills like creating an art portfolio and playing piano chords through workshops at the third annual College and Career Pathways in the Arts event — connecting directly with arts educators and industry professionals from across the region.
- More than 200,000 underserved OC students have expanded their love for learning through hands-on STEM activities offered at Tiger Woods’ TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary on Feb. 7.
- California will retain approximately $4.9 billion in federal education funding following an agreement with the current administration amid disputes over the state’s interpretation of Title VI civil rights regulations, according to EdSource.
- At its Tuesday night meeting, the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District Board of Education opted to move forward with an administrative regulation that aligns with state immigration policies while amending another proposed resolution that voiced support for law enforcement, according to NBC4.
- Hundreds of students across several Orange County school districts have participated in walkouts and peaceful protests to oppose federal immigration enforcement, with planned marches and demonstrations at high school campuses, according to education blog Spotlight Schools.
- San Clemente native and former Palisades Elementary student Sam Darnold was celebrated by his alma mater and local community as he led the Seattle Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl LX on Sunday, the franchise’s second championship title in history.
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