Henry Ronquillo Memorial Scholarship

Born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Boyle Heights, Henry’s family was one of the first to live in the Aliso Village Housing Projects. At age 8 he held his first job selling newspapers in downtown Los Angeles. For a time, the family lived in Modesto, CA and worked in agriculture before returning to Boyle Heights in time for Henry to attend Roosevelt High School. He later attended East Los Angeles College and the University of Oregon on a basketball scholarship and went on to receive his master’s degree from Claremont Graduate University. Following graduation, he returned to Boyle Heights and began his extensive career as an educator with the Los Angeles Unified School District. Remaining active in the community throughout his life, Henry served on numerous alumni and educator scholarship organizations. He also served on the school board of the El Rancho Unified School District & was a founding member of PROUD (a Pico Rivera community activist group). During the Chicano Civil Rights Movement he served as a liaison with Urban Affairs between the LA school board and the community in order to advocate for educational justice. In 2003 Henry retired after 20 years as the Principal of Roosevelt High School, longer than any other principal in school history. In some years, Roosevelt High School had the distinction of being the largest high school in the nation. During his tenure Henry hired over 90 Roosevelt High School alumni that returned to serve as educators, one of his proudest achievements. In 2014, Henry was inducted into the Roosevelt High School Hall of Fame for his athletic and academic accomplishments and lifelong contributions to the Boyle Heights community.
 

In an unforgettable act of commemoration, in 1997 Henry presented honorary high school diplomas to over 100 World War II veterans (several posthumously) who left school because they were drafted or volunteered to join the service. In another memorable and emotional occasion, Henry presented honorary high school diplomas to many Japanese-Americans who were forced to leave Roosevelt High School and Boyle Heights, and sent to internment camps during World War II. 


Henry stayed active in retirement, especially when it came to volunteering his time. Twice weekly he cooked and served the homeless, made food pantry pick up and deliveries, served as an usher at Whittier Area Community Church, attended Bible Study weekly, and was on multiple scholarship and alumni boards. Henry also loved spending time with his family, whether it was traveling the world, or watching the latest sporting event together.


As a tribute to him, his daughters, Elissa & Cassandra, continue to honor his life of service by providing financial support each year to a graduating senior in his memory. Last year, we were humbled to award the first scholarship to Celeste Rodriguez. Thank you to all who made it possible during a hard year, and we look forward to thanking you and seeing you all at a future in person fundraising event!