Garfield Alumni Foundation

Together We Will Make a Difference

Garfield Alumni Foundation 1925-2025

NO PLACE LIKE HOME!

Grammy Award winners, Los Lobos returned to their alma mater on Saturday, November 25,2023 as part of their 50th Anniversary tour.

The Chicano group was formed at Garfield High School in 1973.

The concert marks the first time they performed together on the Escalante Performing Arts Center. They initially staged a benefit fundraising concert at the Universal Amphitheater to help rebuild the auditorium after a devastating arson fire completely destroyed the 80 year iconic auditorium in 2007. With their help the new state of the art center opened and was dedicated in 2014.

Opening the show was Los Alanos, Garfield’s student mariachi group, showcasing the young musicians talents.

Once on stage Los Lobos ran through many of their award winning songs and also invited several well known musicians like Martha Gonzalez, Lil Willie G, and fellow alumnus Mark Guerrero to assist in the celebration.

After nearly 2 1/2 hours of entertaining the sellout crowd they returned for an encore performance of one of their biggest hits, La Bamba, which brought the audience to their feet and were also invited to join in the vocals by the Wolfpack.

Thank you Los Lobos for a fantastic historic evening.

Scholarship

2022 Scholarship Application

Our Mission

To engage in volunteer educational and charitable projects that benefit the students of James A. Garfield High School and community. Making this possible by recognizing scholastic achievements in the form of Scholarships to graduating senior and offering support to official school organizations.

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Garfield Alumni Foundation relies on the generosity of individuals, business, and partners like you. Without the assistance of caring individuals, we would not be able to serve our school and community.

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Class Reunions

With 2021 just around the corner, alumni from all of our classes are anxiously awaiting to get together with activities like reunions. GAF would like everyone to consider including a GAF Board member or representative on your planning. Class committees have experienced that by making the most of your GAF resources, your event will grow and more of our students will attend college: two major alumni goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garfield Alumni Foundation and what does it do for the local community?

Garfield Alumni Foundation is an organization dedicated to serving the needs of James A. Garfield High School. We assist in the sponsorship of vital school and community programs and focus on supporting graduating seniors. The Garfield Alumni Foundation is responsible for raising funds for scholarships that are awarded to Garfield seniors each year. We also raise funds to provide assistance to the school in whatever capacity is needed.

This past year the foundation hosted the school's scholarship awards program by providing food, refreshments and representative presenters. We have also assisted in parent teacher night and most recently participated in many of the fundraising efforts for the late Garfield High School calculus teacher, Jamie Escalante. We enjoy supporting the community of Garfield High School and look forward to serving them in the future. If you would like to help us in these efforts, we invite you to donate to our Association. When you give us a call, you’ll be connected directly to our friendly staff, so you can expect immediate attention to your inquiry. So, don’t wait - call now!
How has Garfield Alumni Foundation responded to the impact of the pandemic on the local community?

You will be very pleased to learn that GAF has partnered with Garfield High staff to meet urgent Garfield student needs. During the latter half of 2020, we provided some 120 Garfield students with emergency funds. Hardship has heightened with the Pandemic and cold winter months. This has caused a troubling increase in basic student needs such as food, clothing, bedding and hygiene products.

The school’s Crisis Team of counselors are identifying students experiencing emotional and urgent economic needs. As requested by the Crisis Team, GAF is responding by providing the families with gift cards to local stores. This allows for purchase flexibility.
Who are the board members of Garfield Alumni Foundation?
Our Board Members are:

Officers
- Joseph Espinosa, President
- Dr. Yolanda Aguerrebere, Vice President
- Terry Valenzuela, Secretary
- Carmen Aceves, Treasurer
- Jacob Aguilar, Past President
- Lydia Silvia, Board Member
- Nettie Moran, Board Member
- Danny Durand, Board Member
Directors
- Edward Elias, Sergeant of Arms
- Richard Sanchez, Social Media/Press Director
- Joe Vasquez, Special Events
Associates
- Catalina Avila
- Linda Contreras-Cuadra
- Olivia Espinosa
- Fred Francia
- Jess Montes
- Norma O’Dell
- Richard Pardo
- Susanna Smith
- Jessica Venture

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