It looked like a pep rally for the Big 10. Or maybe the Pac 10 conference.
College banners flapped in the breeze as their fight songs bounced off the walls of Hollingworth School in West Covina. 
 
Alumni from USC, UCLA, Northwestern, Harvard and Dartmouth espoused the virtues of college life. Even Boise State was there. 
 
One would think it was a bunch of college recruiters homing in on an elite high school.
But the oldest student here was only 11 years old, many were just beginning their education with kindergarten. 
 
"College begins in kindergarten," insisted teacher Debbie Dauch. 
 
Pennants from Boise State hung outside, while pictures of Bronco football players were featured on the
 
Students parade college banners during the kick-off event for No Excuses University at Hollingworth Elementary. (Photos by Gina Ward / Courtesy of Rowland Unified)
inside of the door.
 
Defensive end Ryan Winterswyk had visited the class last year to encourage the tykes to go to college. The La Habra High School graduated had been named all-state, All-CIF, league defensive MVP and team MVP after finishing his senior year with 150 tackles, two interceptions and three touchdowns. 
 
"Ryan sort of adopted our class. He promised to come back this year with other football players," Dauch said. 
 
Along with Principal Miriam Kim, the enthusiastic teacher is one of the driving forces behind Hollingworth's admission to No Excuses University. 
 
The Rowland Unified school is the first in the San Gabriel Valley to join the network of schools that actively promotes college the minute
students begin school.
 
"This is a huge privilege and honor to be accepted into the No Excuses University Network. This would not have happened without the support, hard work and dedication from the entire school body," said Principal Kim.