Wilmington Teen Center
Scholarship Program
The Wilmington Teen Center proudly presents it’s annual scholarship program, awarded each June to high school graduates from the Wilmington community.Each year , the center awards three scholarships in honor of prominent individuals who have made significant contributions to the Teen Center and the community.
John Mendez
Scholarship
John Mendez Scholarship honors the legacy of the first Director of the Wilmington Teen Center (formerly known as the Teen Post 108), who served from it,s inception for 12 years. Mendez later become an aide to councilman John s. Gibson and served for 20 years, as well as being a member of Mayor Tom Bradley’s Harbor Advisory Commission for 10 years.
Connie Calderon
Scholarship
Connie E. Calderon was born on November 22, 1939, and passed away at the age of 81. A lifelong resident of Wilmington, California, she was one of fourteen siblings. Connie attended Holy Family School , she was mentored by the Carmelite Sisters, who instilled in her the values of charity and community service
Ray Madrigal
Scholarship
Key Contributions:
- Wilmington Library
- Banning High School Swimming Pool
- Banning Park Senior Center
- Wilmington Industrial Park
- Green Belt Park
- Organized the Wilmington Banning Park Fiesta for 18 Years
- Served on the original committee for the annual Mariachi festival
- Announcer for Banning High School football games for 20 year
- The John Mendez Scholarship has been awarded annually since 2017
Key Contributions:
- Co-Founder of the Wilmington Teen Post 108, alongside John Mendez and Ray Madrigal
- Served as the Director of the Wilmington Teen Center from 1966 until her retirement in 2007, dedicating 41 years to guiding troubled teens and assisting low-income Families
- Recognized by Congressman Glenn Anderson as the “heart of Wilmington
- The Connie Calderon Scholarship has been awarded annually since 2017
Key Contributions:
- Executive Director of Harbor Community Development Corporation, which employed and trained thousands, providing job opportunities and support to the Harbor Area.
- Director of the CYO Mahar House.
- Served on the staff of Councilman John Gibson for 15 years.
- Managed the Wilmington Teen center for 40 years.
- Oversaw the Pony Baseball program for over 20 years.
- Chaired the Carson Planning Commission for 14 years.
- Member of the Holy Family Church in Wilmington, CA.
- The Ray Madrigal Scholarship will be inaugurated In 2025 to honor his extensive service and commitment to helping families in the Wilmington community.
