Hard-working high-schoolers are printing 3D models, recording their own podcasts, mixing music and more at the new Best Buy Teen Tech Center created by the electronics retailer’s charitable foundation at the Dorris Dann Kids Campus in El Monte.
Cris Abrego, chairman of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, joined El Monte Mayor Jessica Arcona and Assemblymember Mike Fong were among dignitaries present for the Feb. 28 grand opening of the state-of-the-art learning lab, now the hub of longstanding STEAM education provided at the Kids Campus afterschool and on Saturdays.
Representatives of state Sen. Susan Rubio and L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis also were welcomed to the podium by Marguerite Ponce, program director of the Kids Campus, a branch of the non-sectarian Our Saviour Center established by San Gabriel Episcopalians in 1985.
Best Buy Marketplace Director Marcos Perez opened the festivities with remarks thanking the Dorris Dann Kids Campus team for their collaboration. Perez was joined at the grand opening by Best Buy Foundation representatives from Chicago and Minneapolis, who noted that a total of 12 Teen Tech Centers are operating or planned in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Student speakers Daniela Becera and Keanu Salgado expressed their gratitude and for the opportunities created through their use of new technology resources. Salgado added to the festivities by playing two selections on his trumpet.
Tech Center manager Noemi Castaneda praised the students – an additional 10 of whom were on hand as friendly and knowledgeable tour guides – and their achievements.
Recalling his youth growing up in El Monte, Abrego – an accomplished studio executive and producer who is co-founder and CEO of Hyphenate Media Group – encouraged the students to remain dedicated to their education and career plans, noting that their growing expertise in technology will be significantly advantageous in their progress.
Recently elected to a second term as Television Academy chair, Abrego brought an iconic Emmy statue for grand-opening attendees to view and incorporate in photos.
Our Saviour Center Executive Director José Vega, who has been active with the program for decades, warmly welcomed all in attendance, including leaders of the Neighborhood Youth Association, a diocesan institution founded in 1906 and specializing in 100% college placement of under-resourced youth.
Among Episcopalians present were the Rev. Jeff Thornberg, rector of the Church of Our Saviour, joined by the Rev. Thomas Ni, parish associate, and the Rev. Joseph Ho, a priest visiting from Taiwan and currently serving at St. Gabriel’s, Monterey Park, any by San Gabriel parishioners Esther Siu and Anthony Leung.
The late Dorris Dann, an Our Saviour parishioner and honorary canon of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, worked tirelessly, upon her retirement as a women’s sportswear buyer for the Broadway department stores, to launch the center and the affiliated Kids Campus named in her honor. Before her death in 2019, Dann guided Our Saviour Center to grow from its beginnings as a food pantry serving low-income families to its present complement of services that include emergency temporary housing and youth development programs.
