Letterman Legacy Foundation History

The Beginning

Ethan De Anda's Letterman Legacy Foundation was established in 2026 by Ethan De Anda, a student-athlete and student leader at Rowland High School in the Rowland Unified School District. The foundation was born from a simple but powerful observation: a teammate had earned a varsity letter through years of dedication and hard work, yet faced financial hardship that threatened to prevent him from purchasing the letterman jacket he had rightfully earned.

That moment became the catalyst. Ethan recognized that for many student-athletes, the cost of a letterman jacket — a symbol of belonging, achievement, and years of sacrifice — is a barrier that should never exist. He resolved to do something about it.

About the Founder

Ethan De Anda is the 2026 varsity football captain and a member of the Frosh/Soph Track & Field throwing team at Rowland High School. He has served as Freshman Class President and Sophomore Class President and currently serves as Junior Class President for the Class of 2028 — demonstrating a consistent commitment to leadership and service throughout his high school career.

Beyond athletics and student government, Ethan is actively involved in his faith community through the youth ministry program at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. His leadership philosophy is grounded in compassion, equity, and the belief that every student-athlete who earns recognition deserves to receive it — regardless of financial circumstance.

Our Mission

The mission of Ethan De Anda's Letterman Legacy Foundation is to inspire pride, confidence, and belonging by helping underserved student-athletes receive the symbols of achievement they worked hard to earn. The foundation believes that dedication, perseverance, and team commitment should be recognized and celebrated — and that financial hardship should never stand between an athlete and the recognition they deserve.

The Scholarship Program

Each year, the foundation selects one deserving Rowland High School student-athlete to receive a fully sponsored letterman jacket. The recipient is chosen based on athletic achievement, academic standing, and demonstrated financial need. The award is presented at the Varsity Football Year End Banquet — a meaningful moment of public recognition in front of peers, coaches, and families.

Applications are accepted annually with a deadline of December 20th. Any Rowland High School student-athlete who has earned a varsity letter is eligible to apply, regardless of grade level, sport, or gender.

Governance & Structure

The foundation is governed by a board of directors committed to its mission and values. The current board includes:

• President: Ethan De Anda
• Vice President: Brenda De Anda
• Treasurer: Jerry De Anda
• Secretary: To Be Appointed
• Director at Large: To Be Appointed

The foundation operates as an independent nonprofit organization and is not affiliated with Rowland High School or its administration. It is organized as a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) designation.

Looking Ahead

The Letterman Legacy Foundation is committed to growing its impact within the Rowland High School community and beyond. Future goals include expanding the number of annual scholarship recipients, building a network of community sponsors and vendor partners, and establishing a lasting legacy of recognition and support for student-athletes who exemplify the values of hard work, character, and perseverance.

Because letterman jackets are earned on the field — not determined by financial circumstances.