CITY OF INDUSTRY – William Workman High School celebrated its remodeled media center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 11, unveiling new flooring, paint, updated furniture and audio-visual equipment made possible by a $100,000 donation from Class of 1990 graduate Les Callahan.

Upon hearing from Araceli Garcia, a former classmate and teacher on special assignment for Hacienda La Puente Unified’s English learner program, that students could benefit from repurposing their original library into an expanded facility for students, Callahan offered his support to the District making the sizeable contribution in fall 2021.

In November 2021, modernizations began, bringing Callahan’s goal of an enhanced educational space to fruition in early January. The ceremony was attended by Hacienda La Puente Unified administrators, City of Industry Mayor Cory C. Moss, Board of Education Vice President Christine H. Salazar and the greater community.

“As a student, the tight-knit William Workman community supported my dreams and aspirations for the future,” Callahan said. “When Araceli voiced the needs of the library, I knew I wanted to give back to the school that contributed toward my successes by creating a space that fosters literacy, teamwork and innovation for William Workman High School students.”

The media center now serves as a hub of resources and a safe space for students to study, relax, collaborate, and host club meetings and tutoring sessions during and after school.

“We are very grateful to Les Callahan for his generous donation to the students at William Workman,” Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez said. “He has given the gift of a beautiful, safe place for students to team up and study on campus. He exemplifies the school’s motto: Once a Lobo, always a Lobo!”

The Board of Education also recognized Callahan for his philanthropy during William Workman High’s Homecoming football game in the fall, presenting him with a plaque in honor of his commitment and generosity to students.

PHOTO CAPTION:

HLPUSD_RIBBONCUTTING1: From left to right: Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez, Principal Dr. Anna Corral, donor and William Workman High School Alumnus Les Callahan, Callahan’s former classmate Araceli Garcia and Board Vice President Christine H. Salazar, celebrate the enhanced media center with the Lobos mascot at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 11.

HLPUSD_RIBBONCUTTING2: William Workman High School’s newly modernized media center features whiteboard tabletops, new flooring, chairs, paint and a touch screen computer monitor.