Members of the Palomino family and local officials cut a ribbon to commemorate the renaming of the formerly Rosita Elementary to Frank and Irene Palomino Elementary 
The names of Frank and Irene Palomino now mark the elementary where generations of Palominos attended 
Rep. Derek Tran presents the Palomino family with a certificate of recognition at the ribbon-cutting ceremony to rename the former Rosita Elementary 
One fifth grader at Frank and Irene Palomino Elementary gives a speech on what the renaming of her school means to her 
Students from Frank and Irene Palomino Elementary perform “Cielito Lindo” at the ribbon-cutting ceremony renaming the school in honor of the Palomino’s role in ending school segregation 
Andrew Palomino, grandson of Frank and Irene Palomino, spoke about his grandparents’ legacy and how their names will forever be remembered in the Garden Grove community
For decades, the Palomino family has called the Garden Grove community home. Now, the name of Frank and Irene Palomino will greet generations of students as they enter the elementary school located just across the street from where the family once lived.
On Thursday, Aug. 6, the Garden Grove Unified School District held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renamed Frank and Irene Palomino Elementary School, formerly known as Rosita Elementary School. In attendance were members of the Palomino family, elected officials, district leaders, students, staff and community members.
GGUSD Superintendent Gabriela Mafi opened the ceremony, reflecting on her time as principal at the elementary and emphasizing the significance of the renaming — the first in the district since 1985.
“By naming the school after Frank and Irene Palomino, we ensure that their legacy is now and forever woven into the identity of the school and will inspire generations of students to come,” she said.
Frank and Irene Palomino were among five plaintiff families in the landmark Mendez et al. v. Westminster case, which challenged the segregation of Mexican American students in Orange County schools. The case resulted in a 1946 federal court ruling that found the segregation of Mexican American students unconstitutional, with the decision later upheld by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in 1947.
While the Mendez family name headlines the lawsuit, the case was brought by five families whose testimonies proved pivotal to the fight for educational equality. The ruling helped dismantle school segregation in California and paved the way for the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1954 decision in Brown v. Board of Education.
The Palomino family’s close connection to the school — including three generations who lived directly across the street from the campus — made the renaming particularly fitting. Garden Grove Unified Trustee Walter Muñeton initiated the effort to rename the campus after Frank and Irene, recognizing their role alongside the Mendez family, which was honored with the Mendez Freedom Trail along Hoover Street in Westminster.
“This is not simply a story about history,” Muñeton said. “It is a story about the values that we continue to uphold today: Fairness, opportunity, dignity and the belief that every child deserves access to an excellent education, regardless of their background.”
During the ceremony, members of the Palomino family reflected on Frank and Irene’s legacy and the impact their courage continues to have on students today.
“We thank you for your courage, your sacrifices and your determination to stand up for civil rights for Mexican Americans in the 1940s,” said Andrew Palomino, grandson of Frank and Irene Palomino. “Although you never expected any recognition, generations of students will now learn the story of Frank and Irene Palomino.”
The ceremony also marked the introduction of new principal Renee Cantoran, who will lead the school under its new name. Students helped celebrate the occasion with a speech from one fifth grader and a performance of “Cielito Lindo,” while elected officials, including Rep. Derek Tran, presented certificates to commemorate the day.
Students returned to school Monday, Aug. 10, becoming the first to attend the campus under its new name.