Candidate for
Board Member; East Side Union High School District

Last year, Cecil made the very important decision to run for a seat on the Board of Education of the East Side Union High School District. That decision was made after much soul searching and consultation with his family and friends, but more importantly, that decision was made because of his commitment to his family and to his community.

Cecil was born in Columbus Ohio. His multi-cultural heritage (African American, American Indian, Irish) allows him to see the world from a different point of view. He was born into a working class family, the grandson of Rev. Cecil Hill, an electrical engineer for the C & O Railroad and a Minister. From his grandfather he got his name, his strong work ethic, and his faith in all that is good.

Cecil's father was tired of dealing with the discrimination that was prevalent in Ohio and most of the country throughout the early 20th century. So he took a step to move his wife and five children to Los Angeles, California. Cecil's father made that bold move in search of better opportunities and a better life for his family. From his father, Cecil learned that taking chances in order to make things better is a risk worth taking.

In the Lawson family, education, was not an option, it was a necessity. Cecil's parents wanted all of their children to succeed and excel and they realized that the best way to do that was through education. His generation of the Lawson family went on to college because it was expected. Cecil, who worked two jobs to support himself as he attended college, became a life long learner. He'll tell you that his successful life and career is a direct result of the lessons that he learned from his parents and grandparents about hard work and perseverance.

Today, the main loves of his life are his wife Lucia, and his children Michael (11), Benjamin (6) and Christina (2). Lucia also comes from a family that made a bold move to improve the quality of their lives. Her parents emigrated from Italy, settling in Oakland California. They too uprooted their family to provide them with the blessings and opportunities offered here in the United States.

Over the last 20 years, Cecil has encountered many different and exciting work opportunities. Presently he serves as the Chief Information Officer for the San Jose Police Department. He is also an adjunct Professor of Business, Accounting and Computer Science right here at the Evergreen Valley Community College. His experience as an educator, businessman, chairman of the board, business advisor and curriculum advisor makes him the optimum choice to become a Trustee of the East Side Union High School District.

Cecil and Lucia have not forgotten where they came from. As a family, they take every opportunity to give back to the community. Cecil made the decision to run for the School Board with the blessing of his family. His time as a community activist working with the Silver Creek Valley Community Organization, Cub Master for Cub Scout Pack 264, and as a teacher to the young adults at EVCC already take time away from his family. However, Cecil and Lucia know that this decision, to become a member of the ESUHSD School Board, will benefit not only their children, but also all of the children of the East Side of this valley. They know that education is the difference between simply existing and excelling. In the end, they know what matters in this world...our children...the future generation and future leaders of this great state and this great country.