Student’s Letter Inspires Hollywood Tribute Honoring LAFD

What began as a middle-school writing assignment grew into a heartfelt celebration of public service in Hollywood.

image credit: @imagerybyoscar/HCC

Fourteen-year-old Eniola Taiwo was asked in her eighth-grade English class to write an essay about her personal heroes. That simple prompt led her to compose a letter to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, urging them to recognize Los Angeles firefighters for their extraordinary bravery during the January 2025 Palisades and Sunset Fires:

"I know that the first responders aren't exactly celebrities, contrary to all others on the Walk of Fame," she wrote, "but I am confident that there won't be much opposition to recognize our modern day heroes. This star for first responders will reach the hearts of many first responders and let them know that what they do is recognized and appreciated. It will also encourage young people like me to be a change in the world."

Her words resonated deeply with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, a local business organization founded in 1921 that promotes the business, cultural, and civic wellbeing of Hollywood. Known for its role in the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign, the Chamber connects businesses with decision-makers, advocates for its members, and organizes events that enhance the city's economic and cultural life. Moved by Taiwo's vision, the Chamber partnered with the Hollywood Community Foundation to bring her tribute to life.

On December 12, 2025, the Chamber and Foundation presented the Los Angeles Fire Department with an Award of Excellence, honoring the department's courage and public service. The ceremony took place in front of the Ovation Entertainment Complex on Hollywood Boulevard, where the Award of Excellence Star was unveiled in front of LAFD members, community leaders, Taiwo, her family, and her teacher, Jennifer Marganski, who had originally assigned the essay.

image credit: @imagerybyoscar/HCC

"This recognition is not only about honoring the bravery of the Los Angeles Fire Department, but also about celebrating the vision of a young student whose words reminded us all of the importance of gratitude and civic pride," said Steve Nissen, President and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

A generous grant from The Walt Disney Company helped make the ceremony possible, recognizing a department that "bravely responded on the frontlines of the devastating fires earlier this year," according to Lisa Haines, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility. Thanks to Delta Air Lines, Taiwo, her family, and her teacher were brought to Los Angeles for the event, with accommodations provided by the W Hollywood Hotel.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has presented fewer than ten Awards of Excellence, which celebrate organizations or corporations whose achievements have positively impacted Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Previous honorees include the Los Angeles Times, Variety, the LA Dodgers, and the Los Angeles Police Department Fallen Officers.

The heart of this particular tribute, however, was the vision of a young student. Eniola Taiwo's letter not only honored the heroic work of Los Angeles firefighters, but also sparked a community-wide celebration of gratitude, service, and civic pride. The men and women of your Los Angeles Fire Department are grateful to Eniola, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the Hollywood Community Foundation, and all the citizens of Los Angeles who put their trust in our skills and in our commitment to serve this great city.

image credit: @imagerybyoscar/HCC