Members of the Thompson family join the Mark Keppel High School musicians and band director Justin Lee for a special check presentation celebrating their extraordinary $500,000 donation to the MKHS Instrumental Music Program. The legacy gift honors the late Johnny Thompson, a proud MKHS alum and lifelong supporter of AUSD music education programs. (Photo Credit: AUSD Communications Intern Ricardo Padillo)
The family of the late Johnny Thompson, a beloved Mark Keppel High School alumnus and longtime local business owner, has made a remarkable $500,000 donation to support the MKHS Instrumental Music Program
During a recent Board of Education meeting, the Thompson’s family delivered a check for $125,000 to the Alhambra Unified School District to directly benefit the Mark Keppel music program. Later that same week, they made an additional generous $375,000 donation to the MKHS Music Boosters, bringing the total contribution to a staggering half-million dollars.
The gift was made in honor of Johnny Thompson, who graduated from MKHS in 1957 and dedicated his life to uplifting the local music community. Known for his warmth, humor, and passion for music, Thompson operated Johnny Thompson Music for over six decades. His local music store became a cornerstone of the community, serving students, families, and educators across generations.
A lifelong supporter of school music programs, Johnny often donated instruments, equipment, and resources to Alhambra Unified School District. His family’s extraordinary legacy gift ensures that his commitment to young musicians will continue to inspire and support future generations of students.
“This is more than a donation…it’s a reflection of a life spent uplifting others through music,” said AUSD Superintendent Dr. Denise Jaramillo. “We are deeply grateful to the Thompson family for their generosity, and for honoring Johnny’s incredible legacy in such a meaningful way.”
The funds will go toward enriching the MKHS music program through the purchase of new instruments, updated equipment, and expanded opportunities for students to perform, compete, and grow as artists.
