LFIA has established the Tom LaBonge Leadership Scholarship at John Marshall High School in memory of the long-time city council member and community activist.
Tom LaBonge at his desk in City Hall, 1982
The scholarship will be for a college-bound senior with financial need who demonstrates a strong commitment to leadership, community service and academic achievement. The recipient will be announced in the spring.
“We couldn’t think of a more appropriate way to honor Tom LaBonge than with a scholarship for a graduating student at his beloved alma mater,” said LFIA president Amy Gustincic. “He was a dedicated and proud Marshall Barrister.”
LaBonge, 67, died Jan. 7 at his Silver Lake residence.
Popularly known as “Mr. Los Angeles,” he spent nearly four decades in public service, including serving as the CD 4 council member from 2001-2015. He was a member of the Class of 1971 at JMHS, where he was a star football player, and received his Bachelor degree in sociology from California State University, Los Angeles.
A gallery of photos remembering LaBonge’s many years of political and community service can be viewed at lfia.org.
The LaBonge Scholarship will be awarded in addition to the LFIA Charlotte De Armond Leadership Scholarship for a JMHS senior.
LFIA launched its scholarship program in 2010 in honor of the late De Armond, distinguished civic leader whose accomplishments blazed trails for women. The public relations executive was co-winner of an Academy Award Live Action Short film on children’s rights. She served as president and chair of the LFIA Board from 1997 to 2006.
Education is one of LFIA’s primary missions. The nonprofit organization works closely with the Los Feliz community’s five public schools.
Please visit Tom LaBonge Leadership Scholarship if you wish to contribute.
Top photo: Pre-pandemic, Tom LaBonge joined the inaugural LFIA Walks in Griffith Park, January 2020.
