{"id":177223,"date":"2026-02-14T00:20:13","date_gmt":"2026-02-14T00:20:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/177223\/"},"modified":"2026-02-14T00:20:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-14T00:20:13","slug":"newport-mesa-kindergartner-shines-in-super-bowl-halftime-show-and-more-ocde-newsroom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/177223\/","title":{"rendered":"Newport-Mesa kindergartner shines in Super Bowl halftime show, and more \u2013 OCDE Newsroom"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\"Newport-MesaNewport-Mesa Unified kindergartner Lincoln Fox Ramadan arrives at Levi\u2019s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. (Courtesy of Erika Ramadan) <\/p>\n

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\u2019s biggest stages. <\/p>\n

That familiar face belonged to Newport-Mesa Unified School District<\/a> 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 \u2014 capturing the symbolic exchange of Bad Bunny passing his newly-won Grammy award to his younger self. <\/p>\n

As a nod to perseverance and believing in one\u2019s dreams, the emotional exchange seemed to resonate with millions watching at home. <\/p>\n

The Daily Pilot reported<\/a> Lincoln\u2019s parents and talent agent have since fielded dozens of media requests following the 5-year-old\u2019s appearance in what many are calling a performance opportunity of a lifetime. In an interview with the publication, Lincoln\u2019s mother described the scene as unexpectedly tender and powerful. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe stadium just sort of paused,\u201d said Erika Ramadan. \u201cI think it was the genuineness of the moment, the image of going back in time and talking to your little self and saying, don\u2019t give up.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the scene, Bad Bunny gently patted Lincoln on the head and told him in Spanish to, \u201calways believe in yourself,\u201d echoing the performance\u2019s message of hope and chasing after one\u2019s dreams. <\/p>\n

Beyond the national spotlight, district leaders from Newport-Mesa Unified expressed pride in seeing one of their youngest students shine on an international stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are incredibly proud of Lincoln and this unforgettable moment on one of the world\u2019s biggest stages,\u201d said Dr. Kurt Suhr, NMUSD assistant superintendent of elementary education. \u201cHis 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.\u201d <\/p>\n

Here are the other stories we\u2019ve been following this week: <\/p>\n

\"Members<\/p>\n

On Feb. 26, OCDE is set to host a live virtual seminar \u2014 in partnership with SmartSocial.com \u2014 that aims to provide families with actionable strategies and conversation starters for keeping their children safe<\/a> while online.<\/p>\n

Ninety-five teachers in California \u2014 45 from Orange County specifically \u2014 received more than $280,000 in grants<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/p>\n

Orange County high schoolers learned a variety of skills<\/a> like creating an art portfolio and playing piano chords through workshops at the third annual College and Career Pathways in the Arts event \u2014 connecting directly with arts educators and industry professionals from across the region. <\/p>\n

More than 200,000 underserved OC students have expanded their love for learning<\/a> through hands-on STEM activities offered at Tiger Woods\u2019 TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary on Feb. 7. <\/p>\n

At its Tuesday night meeting, the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District Board of Education opted to move forward<\/a> with an administrative regulation that aligns with state immigration policies while amending another proposed resolution that voiced support for law enforcement, according to NBC4. <\/p>\n

Hundreds of students across several Orange County school districts have participated in walkouts<\/a> and peaceful protests to oppose federal immigration enforcement, with planned marches and demonstrations at high school campuses, according to education blog Spotlight Schools.<\/p>\n

San Clemente native and former Palisades Elementary student Sam Darnold was celebrated by his alma mater<\/a> and local community as he led the Seattle Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl LX on Sunday, the franchise\u2019s second championship title in history.<\/p>\n

This is the part where we encourage you to keep up with local education news stories by bookmarking\u00a0the OCDE Newsroom<\/a>,\u00a0subscribing for emailed updates<\/a>\u00a0and following us on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0X (formerly Twitter)<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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