Teofilo Mendoza

1904-1998

This school is dedicated to the achievement of Mr. Teofilo Mendoza, a successful local farmer and business man.

The life of Mr. Mendoza was the epitome of the "American Dream" In 1910, a six year old boy came from an impoverished life in Guanajuato, Mexico with nothing but the clothes on his back. As a young man with little money, Mr. Teofilo Mendoza worked very hard as a migrant worker to support his family. It was during these difficult times that Mr. Mendoza made a promise to himself and his family that he would one day own his own farm. Although he could not speak English initially, Mr. Teofilo did not set limits on what he could accomplish and he proved that perseverance and hard work ar ethe keys to achievement. In 1947, he purchased the Mendoza Farm at 2050 Coronado Avenue where Mendoza Elementary presently stands. The Mendoza Farm was a landmark in the South Bay Community for over 50 years until it was purchased by the South Bay Union School District.