(East Los Angeles, CA) [From The Editor’s Desk]: The final regular season high school basketball games in the CIF/L.A. City Section (CIF/LACS) were played at most of the L.A. Unified School District’s high schools on Friday, February 7th. But one game that stood out much more than all of the others on this day was the longtime and passionate rivalry clash between the Garfield Bulldogs and the Roosevelt Rough Riders.
The Boys’ varsity game was played in front of a “standing-room only” Garfield gymnasium in this second-round Eastern League scheduled match-up. Both schools battled extremely hard for the proud honor of boasting that “they” were going to be the winner. Regardless of the game’s final score, each school had its eyes on the goal of making the LACS post-season playoffs. For the record, on this night, the Garfield Boys defeated the Roosevelt Boys by the score of (50-49). And, on a very positive competitive note, both teams made the City playoffs, but in different divisions, Good Luck to both schools!!
And now, we’d like to share this part of the “Hoops Classic” game with all of our followers. In the most significant community highlight of the evening, a distinctly noteworthy and generous act occurred at halftime of the Boys’ game. A surprise Special Awards, Recognition, and Donations ceremony was conducted by the Mazda North American Operations staff members Brandon Hoff, Chris Guo, and Jason Moser. These awards were designated for two of the school’s very distinguished staff members, Sholanda Coleman and Lorenzo Hernández. They are both greatly appreciated and held in high esteem, not only by the Garfield Administration and Faculty, but by their subject classroom students as well.
The details of what then occurred on this unprecedented winter night of the 2025 “East L.A. Hoops Classic” are contained in this very informative press announcement that was issued by Mazda and follows after the photo gallery.
At the end of this exciting night of rivalry competition, the teams and the proud community of East Los Angeles were winners in a most unique and memorable night of kindness and recognition of Garfield High School by Mazda USA.
[aigpl-gallery-slider id=”134286″][Press Release & Photo Gallery Courtesy]: Mazda North American Operations
Mazda Brightens Garfield High’s Future with $15,000 Donation at “East L.A. Hoops Classic”
East Los Angeles, CA (2/7/24) – In a heartwarming display of community support, Mazda North American Operations, in partnership with DonorsChoose, surprised two key members of James A. Garfield Senior High School with a combined donation of $15,000 during Friday night’s East L.A. Hoops Classic. The contribution, part of Mazda’s “Clear the List” initiative, underscores the company’s commitment to uplifting students and educators in low-income communities.
Garfield High—immortalized as the backdrop for the 1988 film “Stand and Deliver”—is one of only three schools nationwide chosen for this generous support. Among the recipients was beloved teacher Sholanda Coleman, who recently faced 
profound personal loss when the Altadena fire destroyed her childhood home along with decades of cherished memories.
“I’m still in shock and deeply moved by this. Losing our home was devastating, but the overwhelming support from the Garfield community has provided us with constant strength. This donation from Mazda is an incredibly thoughtful gesture that will help my family and me rebuild our lives. We are truly grateful for their kindness and their unwavering belief in the power of education,” Ms. Coleman said. In a powerful testament to her family’s enduring bond and resilience, Ms. Coleman announced that on their new property, a plaque will be installed bearing the inscription, “NO FIRE CAN KILL THE COLEMAN SPIRIT.”
Longtime head varsity football coach Lorenzo Hernandez, a beloved part of the Garfield High community for 25 years, also received recognition. With a decorated coaching career that includes a CIF Championship, a Southern California Regional Championship, and multiple league titles, Coach Hernandez has long been celebrated for instilling values of discipline, teamwork, and respect in his student-athletes. As he transitions to his new role as Athletic Director, the $10,000 award will bolster the school’s athletic program. “This is an incredible honor. This donation will make a real difference for our student-athletes, providing them with the resources they need to succeed. I’m excited to use this gift to enhance our athletic programs and continue building a strong foundation for our students, ” he remarked.
Principal Regina Márquez-Martínez highlighted the profound impact of Mazda’s generosity, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships. “We are incredibly grateful to Mazda for this extraordinary act of generosity. This donation will have a profound impact on our Garfield family, not only by helping Ms. Coleman rebuild her home but also by providing vital resources for our athletic program. This is a testament to the power of community partnerships and the difference we can make when we come together to support our students and teachers.”
The East L.A. Hoops Classic, already celebrated for its spirited atmosphere, was made even more memorable by this act of kindness. Mazda’s “Clear the List” initiative not only shines a light on the challenges faced by underserved communities but also demonstrates how a commitment to education can brighten the future for those who need it most.
[About Mazda North American Operations]
Proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a history of sophisticated craftsmanship and innovation and a purpose to enrich life-in-motion for those it serves. By putting humans at the center of everything it does, Mazda aspires to create uplifting experiences with our vehicles and for people. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at news.mazdausa.com.
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