Thaddeus Brown Medlock Eaton Canyon Fire Scholarship

A Program That Supports The Pasadena Unified School District.

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

ELECTRONIC DEVICE: A laptop is great for portability, productivity and multitasking.

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.

The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena - Dena Teen Center with 10.000 square feet of space to accommodate teens from Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre. ADDRESS: 2020 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA. 91103

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.

FACTS: The State of California currently faces a shortage of approximately 1,250 Wildland Firefighters needed to fully staff crews to combat massive infernos statewide, according to data cited by LAist.com news outlet.

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.

Our 2026 Recipients

Our Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena - DENA TEEN CENTER 2026 Recipients

A-THANK-YOU-NOTE

Greetings...

I want to thank you for the bottom of our hearts. We know that these computers will definitely be influential in our High School seniors' college education and life for years to come.

I would love to share that two of the seniors, pictured, are future attendees to California State University Northridge! These laptops will carry them through their undergraduate education!

We would love the opportunity to have you back with us next year! You let us know when, and our teens will be ready!

Please feel free to contact me for any questions and concerns. Thank you again! The Club and our teens appreciate you and The Thaddeus Brown Medlock foundation.

- Alyssa Martinez

Taja Norwood

John Muir High School

Raizen Montales

Pasadena High School

Jaydin Straughan

Arcadia High School

Mya Hendricks

Pasadena High School

Katherine Cabeza

Blair High School

A Act Of Kindness...

Our Clark County - 2026 Recipients

Las Vegas, Nevada

Special thanks to, Pasadena Unified School District - Blair High School grad Mrs. Tatiana Batie of Las Vegas, Nevada for inviting us out to her youth organization called National Action Network (NAN YOUTH LV) to meet the YOUTH LEADERS OF THE FUTURE.

Jaelen Lea

Democracy Preparatory Academy

Skylar Toney

Arbor View High School

Seven Thomas

Canyon Spring High School

Alejandra Martinez

Canyon Spring High School

Community

It’s Official: Fire-Damaged Loma Alta Park in Altadena Set to Reopen in May.

"LIVE - LOVE - LAUGH"

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.

Several funding partners have stepped forward to support the park’s revival. Fire Aid, a January 30th benefit concert, provided a $2.4 million grant to rebuild and expand the park’s playgrounds with enhanced accessibility features.

The Dodgers Foundation funded two Dodgers Dream Fields and baseball programming, with profits from the team’s opening day and World Series Ring Ceremony games supporting these projects.

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The Los Angeles Clippers also renovated the gym and offered a Junior Clippers Basketball Program for the Altadena youth department.

Sponsorship Opportunity

Please note that; at this time, we are not accepting any generous 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.

Thank you for considering us!

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 in Pasadena/Altadena with GPA of 2.5 or higher.

How can I apply for the scholarship?

Applications are submitted by clicking the [Apply Now] button at the top of the page. Deadline for all applications is March 1st, each year. Late applications are not accepted.

Who can I contact for more information?

For questions, email us at mrsbhneal@gmail.com

For GPA Instructions: High School Counselor

Apply Now for the Thaddeus Brown Medlock - Eaton Canyon Fire Scholarship!

Take the next step in securing your future by applying for this exclusive scholarship opportunity. Don't miss out on the chance to receive support for your successful growth. Apply now!

Thank You For Choosing Us!

~ Beverly Hilton