While the gridiron game between Garfield and Roosevelt High Schools was close early, Garfield eventually pulled away in a hard-fought battle between the two proud schools. The halftime show for the 74th East L.A. Classic was as entertaining as the game, as the two schools spirit squads showed off their talents to the delight of the competing crowds. With an estimated 20,000 or so on hand, it was a great night for East Los Angeles. The energy was great, generations of families were there enjoying one of the longest running rivalries in the United States and for the losing team there’s always next year. Before the game, I was happy to see the smiling faces of winners from both schools as I handed out eight scholarship checks of $500 each to four students from each school. Originally, I had planned to give four scholarships out, but these students were so exceptional I decided to award all eight scholarships.
