Thaddeus Brown Medlock Eaton Canyon Fire Scholarship
A Program That Supports The Pasadena Unified School District In Altadena, CA.
This program is working to ensure that students with a GPA between 2.5 and higher receive the support and opportunities they truly need to thrive after graduating.
After high school, it's essential to help a student transition smoothly into adulthood.
Here we helped them jump start their journey to success by providing them with a personal laptop device to ensure productivity.
MISSION
To stimulate a deserving high school student with our program that's designed to help them foster independence through research and appointments while focusing on new life goals after graduation.
Giving Back To The Community
It's a versatile device that is good for a wide range of activities, including job search, study, communication, resume, creativity, networking, entertainment, and more.
Igniting Dreams
The Thaddeus Brown Medlock - Eaton Canyon Fire Scholarship is a beacon of hope for high school grads in the Altadena area.
Our scholarship program aims to kindle the flames in the hearts of young-minded strong individuals.
We encourage all students after high school, become a SUPERHERO, embrace your unique abilities, set inspiring goals, keep a positive mindset, accepting unexpected changes and challenges while traveling through life!
Title Holder
Thaddeus Brown Medlock
Growing up in Dena, in early childhood Thaddeus' mother enrolled him in the Scott Child Development Center in Pasadena, California off of N. Fair Oaks Ave & W. Montana St.
Living with his father in Altadena, he sparked an interest in Football. At the age of nine, he embraced the sport and began playing Pop-Warner Youth Football at the Jackie Robinson Community Center in Pasadena.
From that early exposure, Thaddeus would play football all the way up through his senior year at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California where he received a full scholarship to attend the University of Nevada, Reno and became a member of their Nevada Wolf Pack college football team for 4 consecutive years.
In 2013, he was recruited by the Fort Lewis College Athletic Department in Durango, Colorado where he helped their Skyhawks Football team finally after numerous losses, gained a victory win over the Adams State University football team that has not happened since 1996.
Fast forward to now...
In Spring of 2025, Thaddeus, along with 37 other fire cadets graduated from the Wildland Fire Academy in Pasadena, CA.
Now embracing his new occupation. Thaddeus stands strong to serve and protect our communities at the height of fire season.
Our 2026 Recipients
Please note that; this section is under construction until after John Muir High School of Altadena, California host their academic awards ceremony in late spring.
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Fire History
The Eaton Fire was a highly destructive wildfire in Los Angeles County.
The fire began on the evening of January 7, 2025, in Eaton Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains, and the powerful Santa Ana winds drove the fire into foothill communities, particularly Altadena. The fire killed at least 19 people and destroyed more than 9,000 buildings, becoming the fifth deadliest and the second most destructive wildfire in California history. The cause of the fire is under investigation; news reports and lawsuits have focused on the possible involvement of high intension power lines operated by electrical utility Southern California Edison. The fire was fully contained on January 31st, after burning for 24 days.
Community
It’s Official: Fire-Damaged Loma Alta Park in Altadena Set to Reopen in May.
Altadena took a major step forward on Saturday, May 17, 2025, when Loma Alta Park reopened after significant renovations due to damage caused by the Eaton Canyon Fire.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Please note that; at this time, we are not accepting any monetary donations to help us fund this worthy cause.
With that being said, to all the generous donors out there, please feel free to check back in January of 2027 to see if this opportunity has opened up for you, and we thank you for your interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Addressing common concerns for scholarship applicants and supporters.
Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?
Eligible applicants are high school students attending John Muir High School - Early College Magnet in Pasadena/Altadena with GPA of 2.5 or higher.
How can I apply for the scholarship?
Applications are submitted by clicking the
Who can I contact for more information?
For questions, email us at
For John Muir High School - GPA Instructions: Dr. Nancy Gonzalez at: