MEDIA ADVISORY

CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092  |  kellyavants@cusd.com

Aug. 8, 2025

For Immediate Release

Giant rally kicks off Clovis Unified year
Aug. 12 event sees 6,000+ employees celebrate coming school year

Clovis Unified … make some noise!!!  The energy levels will hit the roof at the SaveMart Center Tuesday, Aug. 12, as Clovis Unified’s 4,000+ employees gather for a back-to-school rally kicking off the 2025-26 year. The annual General Session will include staff dressed in glowing apparel, student cheer groups and drum lines, along with featuring guest speaker Sue Enquist, a rock music performance by Little Bear Band and a message by CUSD Superintendent Corrine Folmer, Ed.D.

Folmer will introduce this year’s theme – “Where Tradition Inspires Tomorrow” – celebrating Clovis Unified’s 65-year legacy of core values that continue to anchor the district’s identity. The theme also highlights the district’s bold strides in innovation and strategic progress, which have helped position CUSD among the top school systems in California.

Motivational speaker Enquist had a storied 27-year career as the head UCLA softball coach with an impressive 887-175-1 (.835) record, making her one of the winning-most softball coaches in history. “I articulate my philosophy of life, leadership and competition in three words: prepare, honor and love,” said Enquist.

The back-to-school rally is the first event of the new year where school site teams connect with one another, and the high energy event carries back to campuses as they prepare for school opening on Monday, Aug. 18.

Clovis Unified is the 12th largest public school district in California with around 43,000 students. Unlike many districts in California, Clovis Unified continues to experience growing enrollment and is known as a destination district for families moving into the area. This year, it will open the Terry P. Bradley Educational Center, home of the new Clovis South High and Phillip V. Sanchez Intermediate.

For more information or to arrange an interview at the event, please contact:
CUSD Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants 559-217-5138 mobile; 559-327-9092 office
Note: On the morning of the event, Kelly will be on the arena floor in front of the stage.

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092  |  kellyavants@cusd.com
Aug. 8, 2025
For Immediate Release

Growing Clovis Online School moves into first permanent home
Ribbon cutting Aug. 11 gives look at campus designed for needs of online learning

Clovis Unified will celebrate the brand new Clovis Online School (COS) campus at Fowler and Herndon avenues with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 11.
 
The 27,000 square-foot building is the first permanent space for the charter school that opened in 2009 for ninth and tenth graders in two portables with around 50 students. As of last year, COS had close to 1,000 students enrolled in grades K-12 and its staff and classes operated out of 13 portables on a temporary site in CUSD’s business campus.
 
Having a dedicated place tailored for the unique needs online and hybrid learning will enhance the student and staff experience. “It’s exciting. When you’ve always had temporary space, you make do with what you have. It’s totally different when you have designed space, and everything has a purpose,” said COS Principal Sean Osterberg.
 
That design includes 40 offices for teachers to conduct instruction and assist students, along with a science lab, computer lab, flexible learning spaces, collaboration areas, a conference room, counseling center and a nurse’s station.
 
Clovis Online offers individualized learning plans for students made up of online and hybrid lessons with  in-person or check-in opportunities. It is both WASC and NSCAA accredited. Students attend COS for a variety of reasons, from thriving in a self-paced environment to recovering credits or pursuing outside interests that require a flexible school schedule. A professional musician, ballerina and sprint racecar driver are among recent COS graduates.
 
“Everyone has their own style and own needs,” Osterberg said.

WHAT: Ribbon Cutting – Clovis Online School
WHERE: Clovis Online School, 301 N. Fowler Avenue, Clovis
WHEN: 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 11
VISUALS: Clovis Unified Superintendent Corrine Folmer, Ed.D., and Educational Services Area Assistant Superintendent Steve France will give a few remarks followed by COS Principal Sean Osterberg and staff leading tours of the new building and unique spaces. 
CONTACT: Kelly Avants, Chief Communications Officer, 559.327-9092

LEARN MORE:
Clovis Online School is a public charter through Clovis Unified School District. The school operates as a full-time, independent online, diploma-granting public school that serves students in grades K-12 who have needs that may not be easily met in a traditional school or classroom setting. The school provides a personalized, flexible, innovative, instructor-facilitated and supervised learning program, where students can study at their own pace, on their own schedule, with instruction, supervision, and support from a team of highly qualified California certified instructors.

Clovis Online School provides curriculum for students of all abilities to equip them with the skills and knowledge to successfully move onto the next stage of their educational/career path. Courses in Core subject areas of English-Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies are offered to give all students the opportunity to enroll into the CSU or UC systems. General and Career Pathway elective courses complement the curriculum to provide real-life opportunities for our students.

In addition to the regular class load, students who have a need to recover credits from previous semesters are given additional coursework if they are making adequate progress. COS students also have the option to attend summer school to recover additional credits.

COS is not limited to Clovis Unified students. Any student living in Fresno, Inyo, Kings, Madera, Merced, Mono, Monterey, San Benito and Tulare counites may attend. Approximately one-third of the school’s current population is from outside the CUSD area. 

Additional information on the Clovis Online School website.

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092  |  kellyavants@cusd.com
Aug. 22, 2025
For Immediate Release

New safety procedures at Lamonica and Veterans stadiums

This fall, Clovis Unified is enhancing safety features at high school football games in Lamonica and Veterans Memorial stadiums. Evolv Express security screening stations will be in use at stadium entrances for the 2025 football season, allowing for quick, contactless safety screening of people and bags entering the stadium. The additional screening, similar to that used at professional event venues and sports arenas around the country, layers with safety protocols already in place at these large events while also ensuring little or no slowdown in entrance to the stadium.
 
Attendees will pass between walk-through stations that use modern sensor technology to pinpoint and distinguish potential safety threats from many common everyday items. Event attendees found to have items not allowed into Clovis Unified stadiums will be asked to return the items to their vehicle or find the items confiscated. Examples of items not allowed into stadiums include: pocket knives, firearms (including those with a concealed weapons permit), ammunition, and weapons of any other kind).

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092  |  kellyavants@cusd.com
Sept. 9, 2025
For Immediate Release

Patriot’s Day honored in Clovis Unified

Several Clovis Unified School District campuses will be holding Patriot’s Day events on Thursday, Sept. 11, to remember and honor the events and heroes of 9-11. Many schools are inviting students to wear red, white and blue; hear a special morning announcement; or take part in a moment of silence. Some schools have assemblies planned to honor local first responders.
 
At Clovis West High, 2,977 small flags will be displayed on the corner of Millbrook and Teague avenues by the school, representing the lives lost during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. At Clovis North High, two large student-made signs with the names of those who lost their lives will be displayed in the academic hallways.
 
Media is invited to cover the following activities.  Please let me know if you plan to attend, and please arrive early and check-in with the school’s front office before proceeding to the event location.
 
Various Events:
Red Bank Elementary
1454 Locan Ave., Clovis Unified School District

Principal:  Amanda Torres

9-11 Remembrance with helicopter landing. Student body and staff gathered on grass. Sheriff’s helicopter will land and will be flanked by several first-responder vehicles. Memorial speech, Taps, moment of silence, before helicopter takes off. 7:45 a.m. North field
                
Cedarwood Elementary
2851 Palo Alto Ave., Clovis Unified School District

Principal:  Amanda Howes

Assembly with Cal Fire guest speaker. Cal Fire Captain Ryan Katz will share a message about patriotism, every day heros, and how the events of 9-11 motivated him to be a firefighter. The assembly will also have National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance. 7:55 a.m. Amphitheater
                
Buchanan High
1560 N. Minnewawa Ave., Clovis
Principal: Omar Hemaidan

9-11 Memorial Ceremony. Community gathering by the Memorial Garden, with the Presentation of Colors, music, a remembrance of the 9-11, and recognition of Buchanan’s 8 fallen soldiers who served following 9-11. 8 a.m. Buchanan’s Memorial Garden (by the front office)

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092  |  kellyavants@cusd.com
Sept. 29, 2025
For Immediate Release

Clovis Unified’s State of the District is Oct. 2
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for new educational center planned!

A very special State of the District will be presented this year by Clovis Unified School District Superintendent Corrine Folmer, Ed.D., at the brand new Terry P. Bradley Educational Center (TBEC) on Oct. 2. The event will be immediately followed by a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the educational center that houses the district’s new Phillip V. Sanchez Intermediate and Clovis South High schools. Members of the Bradley and Sanchez families will be in attendance.

The State of the District event will begin with several student performances as the more than 600 attendees arrive to the new campus that is located in Fresno at Highland Avenue and the Clinton Avenue alignment. A folklorico group, robotics team, pep band and cheerleaders will be part of the pre-breakfast welcome. During her presentation, Folmer will provide a report on Clovis Unified’s academic progress and achievements over the past school year, and she will discuss the purpose of education and how it serves the community as a whole.

Guests of the event will then be invited to join the Governing Board, district administration, school leaders and dignataries for a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and student-led tours of the campus. The center was named in honor of Dr. Terry P. Bradley, former superintendent of Clovis Unified who was instrumental in helping the district develop state-of-the-art facilities. Bradley, who in his retirement saw the construction begin for the center, passed away in August, only a few months before its opening.

The intermediate school is named in honor of former U.S. Ambassador Phillip V. Sanchez who was a student in Clovis Unified, having attended Pinedale Elementary and Clovis High where he was voted “Most Likely to Succeed.” He launched a successful life of public service and became the first Hispanic American to serve on a U.S. Presidential Cabinet. He later was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Honduras (1973-75) and Columbia (1975-77). He also served on the CUSD Governing Board. He died in 2017.

In August, TBEC opened for seventh through ninth grade students, and a new grade level will be added each year until the campus is completed. TBEC Principal Sonia Torossian, Ed.D., will lead the ribbon cutting ceremony along with Clovis South Area Superintendent Stephanie Hanks, Ed.D.
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JOIN US OCT. 2 AT THE TERRY P. BRADLEY EDUCATIONAL CENTER, 
2501 N. HIGHLAND AVENUE, FRESNO

WHAT: Clovis Unified School District 2025 Superintendent’s Breakfast, Sponsored by the Foundation for Clovis Schools
7 a.m. breakfast, 7:30 a.m. program – in the Multi-Purpose Room

WHAT: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Terry P. Bradley Educational Center
            8:45 a.m. program, with families, dignitaries and students in attendance
            Directly east of the MPR in front of the new TBEC Student Services Center
            Student-led tours to immediately follow

CONTACT: Kelly Avants, CUSD Chief Communications Officer, 559.327-9092
    

The 2025 State of the District Breakfast Superintendent’s Circle Sponsors are:
The Cook Family; Educational Employees Credit Union; FFB Bank; Harris Construction; Mark Wilson Construction; PBK Architects; Producers Dairy.
Premier Sponsors are: Blair, Church & Flynn; Bush Construction; California Health Sciences University; CENCAL Services; Community West Bank; Darden Architects; Durham Construction Company; F3 Law; High Performance Academy; Integrated Electrical Distributors; Jones Hall, LLP; Lozano Smith Attorneys at Law; NRG Incentives; Pacific Gas and Electric Company; Precision Civil Engineering; Southland Industries; Spencer Enterprises; TETER; Trumark Homes; Vie-Del Company; Westech Systems, LLC; W.O.W. Productions.
Contributing Sponsors are: AstroTurf Corporation; Clovis Community College; Keygent, LLC; The KYA Group; Lawrence Engineering Group; Net Positive Consulting Engineers; Pro-Screen Print Signs & Graphics; Quiring General, LLC; Sierra School Equipment Company; Trane Commercial Systems; Wawona Frozen Foods.

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092    kellyavants@cusd.com
Oct. 10, 2025
For Immediate Release

Clovis High will perform in the 2027 Rose Parade!

MEDIA: The Clovis High Golden Cougars Marching Band and Color Guard just learned tonight during the Friday-night-football halftime show the exciting news that they have been selected to march in the 2027 Rose Parade!

Media can access this folder – CHS in Rose Parade – to find the following:

• Press Release (also available below)
• Surprise Scoreboard Videos shown Oct. 10, 2025, after halftime performance
  • Announcement from 2027 Tournament of Roses President Terry Madigan
  • Post-Announcement Video from CHS Band Director Esmeralda Rocha Lozano
• Video Coverage from tonight — These will be in the folder by 9:30 p.m. or sooner
  • B-roll (halftime show, students' and fans' reaction to announcement)
  • Interviews (band director, performers)
• B-Roll - CHS past competition footage
• Announcement letter from Rose Parade
• Fundraising graphic

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Full Press Release:
Clovis High band in 2027 Rose Parade
Surprise announcement made during halftime show at stadium; crowd erupts!

The Clovis High School Marching Band and Color Guard learned during tonight’s football game that it will be part of the 2027 Rose Parade in Pasadena! 

Musicians who had just finished the band’s halftime show on the field at Lamonica Stadium hugged and high-fived following the surprise announcement. The Cougar fans went wild.

“We spent months reviewing applications, resumes and videos, and frankly, we’ve been impressed with your musicality, esprit de corps and technical expertise,” said 2027 Tournament of Roses President Terry Madigan in a message displayed on the stadium videoboard, revealing Clovis High’s selection. “Welcome to America’s New Year’s celebration!”

The Cougars’ band director Esmeralda Rocha Lozano, who has known the big news for a few weeks now, was thrilled to finally celebrate with her students.

“It truly is a dream come true that has been years in the making. Marching down Colorado Boulevard is both a celebration of our students’ hard work and a tribute to the legacy of excellence that has defined our program for generations,” she said. 

The Clovis High band and color guard will have a year to prepare for the famous march in what will be the 138th Annual Rose Parade on New Year’s Day that draws thousands of spectators and is televised around the world. The parade is famous for its beautiful floats made of gorgeous flowers and state-of-the-art technology, along with equestrian entries and marching bands.

“We are beyond thrilled and deeply honored to be invited,” Rocha Lozano said. “The last time Clovis High marched in the Rose Parade was in 1986, and now, more than 40 years later, we return in 2027 to proudly represent the City of Clovis, the Central Valley, and the great State of California on this global stage.”

The band will soon launch a large-scale fundraising campaign to raise approximately $400,000 to cover expenses. Tax-deductible donations can be made through the Clovis High Instrumental Music Boosters via QR code.  

Find out more on the Clovis High Band website.

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092    kellyavants@cusd.com
Oct. 10, 2025
For Immediate Release: Media Opportunities - October

October is a busy month in Clovis Unified! 

• Olympic silver medalist and Clovis High alum Jenna Prandini will visit several CUSD elementary schools and provide books to third graders about her hometown. 
• More than 700 athletes with special needs will gather at Clovis East High for the Special Olympics soccer competition and day of play. 
• Students at Clovis Adult Education who are in English as a Second Language classes are hosting a carnival featuring games, food and music from their cultures. 
• Fort Washington Elementary will be celebrating its 150th Anniversary!

Below please find more information about these events below for your consideration of coverage.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN: 
Students in Clovis Adult School’s English as a Second Language (ESL) class are hosting a multicultural carnival at the campus on Wednesday, Oct. 15, that showcases their home countries. Students have been preparing story boards about their heritage and will invite attendees to not only sample desserts in their “carnival of cuisine,” but also play games representing their culture. The night kicks off with a Parade of Nations and also includes cultural music. “Students from all of our evening ESL classes have been working collaboratively the last couple of weeks,” said CAE Academic Learning Director Melissa Holdener. The event not only celebrates cultures, but the project also helps students to create relationships while advancing their language skills. Stundents from 30 different countries will be represented.
Clovis Adult Education Multicultural Carnival – Hosted by ESL Students & Staff
Wednesday, Oct. 15 – 6 to 8 p.m.
CAE Courtyard, 1452 David E. Cook Way, Clovis
CONTACT: Kelly Avants, Chief Communications Officer, kellyavants@cusd.com
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SPECIAL OLYMPICS AT CLOVIS EAST: 
More than 750 athletes will take part in the 2025 Special Olympics High School/ATP Soccer Tournament taking place Thursday, Oct. 16, at Clovis East High. There will be an exciting Opening Ceremony to begin the morning, followed by athlete games to be held on 10 fields. Eight Adult Transition Programs (ATP) and 17 high schools will be represented by students from their Autism, Functional Life Skills, Severely Disabled or Vocational Education classes.
“Special Olympics Northern California uses the power of sports to jumpstart change and spark joy. Through play, we unite people with and without intellectual disabilities, creating more connected and inclusive communities,” said Morgan Swain, with Special Olympics Northern California.
The Clovis East event is expected to be one of the largest Special Olympics events in the Central Valley this year. Clovis East alone will have nearly 150 student and staff volunteers supporting the event including:

• ROP AFJROTC & ROP Fire Careers – set-up, tear-down, and logistics
• ROP Medical Careers – first aid, scorekeeping, all around help
• Unified PE – running the Skills stations
• Clovis East Soccer Teams – refereeing games
• Clovis East Marching band – hype music for welcoming athletes
• Clovis East Cheer Squad – welcoming athletes

2025 Special Olympics High School/ATP Soccer Tournament 
Thursday, Oct. 16 – 10 a.m. Opening Ceremony, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Games
Clovis East High, 2940 Leonard Ave., Clovis Unified School District
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com
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OLYMPIAN COMES HOME, DONATING BOOKS TO SCHOOLS: 
Clovis High graduate and two-time Olympic track athlete Jenna Prandini is providing all third graders in the seven Clovis High Area elementary schools with the new animated book “Clovis on Tour.” The book not only explores what makes Clovis special, but it also features Jenna in the story as the tour guide! 
Prandini, who won a Silver Medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and continues to compete, will visit with students and share the book later this month at Cedarwood, Clovis, Jefferson, Mickey Cox, Redbank, Sierra Vista and Weldon elementary schools. Media is invited to join in the Friday, Oct. 17, celebration and assembly at Mickey Cox Elementary, where Jenna attended school and students that day will be dressed in their athletic and spiritwear. The book also features Mickey Cox.
Olympian Jenna Prandini Signs & Donates Books
Friday, Oct. 17 – 9 a.m.
Mickey Cox Elementary, 2191 Sierra Ave., Clovis 93611 
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com 
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150 YEARS AT THE FORT:  
Fort Washington Elementary School is celebrating its 150th year anniversary at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, with a tribute to its past and a nod to the future. Retired staff and alumni will gather with the current student body and educational team to celebrate, and the Patriot’s Student Council will be filling a new time capsule for future generations to discover. 
Fort Washington Elementary Union School District was founded in 1875. About two-dozen students walked or rode their horse or donkey to the one-room schoolhouse originally located on the Old Fort Washington Ranch by the San Joaquin River bluff. The first teacher was Miss Ellen Wren who earned $65 a month. 
The school would relocate two times, ultimately landing at its current location on Millbrook and Teague avenues. At one point, it welcomed Lincoln Elementary students following a destructive fire at that school in the 1940s. Fort Washington-Lincoln Elementary School District was one of the original seven districts that united in 1960 to create the Clovis Unified School District.
Fort Washington Elementary 150th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, Oct. 24 – 10:30 a.m.
Fort Washington Elementary, 960 E. Teague Ave., Fresno
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com 

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092    kellyavants@cusd.com
Oct. 18, 2025
For Immediate Release: Media Opportunities - October

RED RIBBON WEEK KICKS OFF: 
Special assemblies, visiting law enforcement, crazy dress up days and even a parade will be part of Clovis Unified schools’ events celebrating Red Ribbon Week, the national drug prevention awareness campaign that is held annually in October. This year’s theme is “Life is a Puzzle. Solve It Drug Free!” and several creative puzzle-related activities will also be taking place to inform and educate students about living a healthy life.  A sampling of events available for media coverage follow.

WELDON ELEMENTARY’S RED RIBBON WEEK PARADE
9-9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22
Where:  Old Town Clovis/Weldon Elementary School, 150 DeWitt Ave.
Route: Leaves school, marches east on Second Street, south on Pollasky Avenue, west on Fifth Street and north on DeWitt Avenue to return to the campus. First through sixth grade students decked in red clothing will march the route carrying signs and chanting “Say no to drugs” as community members cheer them on. Clovis High and Clark Intermediate marching bands, along with other entries, will join in the parade.
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com; Weldon Principal Ann Castro, anncastro@cusd.com; GIS Letty Lewis, leticialewis@cusd.com, 327-8300

BULLDOG ATHLETES VISIT COLE ELEMENTARY
8-9 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 23
Where:  Cole Elementary, 615 W. Stuart Ave., Clovis
Fresno State Bulldogs water polo players will meet with the Cole Elementary Bulldogs and share the importance of living a healthy life and making good choices.
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com; Cole Principal Jennifer Arruda, jenniferarruda@cusd.com 

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER AT VALLEY OAK ELEMENTARY
9-10 a.m., Monday, Oct. 27
Where:  Valley Oak Elementary, 465 Champlain Ave., Fresno
Known Central Valley motivational speaker Coach Cordell will be the special guest at Valley Oak Elementary’s Red Ribbon Week assembly. In his high-energy presentation he shares the adversity he overcame as a child, and he encourages youth to know they matter and how they can grow and be strong with a growth mindset.
 CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com; Valley Oak Principal Aman Athwal, amanathwal@cusd.com; 

HELICOPTER, HORSE & K9 HELP KICKOFF RRW AT HIRAYAMA ELEMENTARY
8:30 a.m., Monday, Oct. 27
Where:  Hirayama Elementary, 2150 N. Fowler Ave., Fresno
Red Ribbon Week will get underway at Hirayama Elementary with an all-school assembly featuring visitors from Fresno Police K9, Fresno Police Horse Patrol, Fresno Police Motor Patrol following a Fresno County Sheriff’s helicopter landing at 8:30 a.m. on the school’s grass field for all the students to see. Each grade level will rotate from the various stations, hearing from law enforcement about what they do and why it’s important for students to be drug free.
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com; Hirayama Principal Laura Reynolds laurareynolds@cusd.com; GIS Ashley Hutchason ashleyhutchason@cusd.com. 

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150 YEARS AT THE FORT:  
Fort Washington Elementary School is celebrating its 150th year anniversary at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, with a tribute to its past and a nod to the future. Retired staff and alumni will gather with the current student body and educational team to celebrate, and the Patriot’s Student Council will be filling a new time capsule for future generations to discover. 
Fort Washington Elementary Union School District was founded in 1875. About two-dozen students walked or rode their horse or donkey to the one-room schoolhouse originally located on the Old Fort Washington Ranch by the San Joaquin River bluff. The first teacher was Miss Ellen Wren who earned $65 a month. 
The school would relocate two times, ultimately landing at its current location on Millbrook and Teague avenues. At one point, it welcomed Lincoln Elementary students following a destructive fire at that school in the 1940s. Fort Washington-Lincoln Elementary School District was one of the original seven districts that united in 1960 to create the Clovis Unified School District.
FORT WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
10:30 a.m. – Friday, Oct. 24
Where: Fort Washington Elementary, 960 E. Teague Ave., Fresno
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com

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WHEN I GROW UP, I WANT TO BE…: 
From a pharmacist to a mayor to a grant writer to a weather forecaster, students at Alta Sierra Intermediate will have the chance to imagine their future as they hear from local community members at the school’s annual Career Day. Every classroom of seventh and eighth graders – about 1,400 students – will hear from guest speakers about their careers. The day before the event, students will explore various career options and reflect on their own unique talents and interests, helping them choose speakers whose paths align with their aspirations. That same week, a Career Fair will be held during lunch, where students can learn about the 21 Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways offered by Clovis Unified in high school.
ALTA SIERRA INTERMEDIATE CAREER DAY
9:30 a.m. – Tuesday, Nov. 4
Where: Alta Sierra Intermediate, 380 W. Teague Ave., Clovis
MEDIA NOTES: More than 60 guest speakers will converge in the school library between 9:30 and 9:45 a.m. – a good potential time for a few interviews – and then spread across the campus to speak in assigned classrooms. Attending media can report to the office and ask for contact Mackenzie Mennucci, who can assist with interviews (principal will also be available) and take media to a classroom and provide instructions regarding student media clearance. 
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com 

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092  |  kellyavants@cusd.com
Oct. 23, 2025
For Immediate Release

Clovis Unified Athletic Hall of Fame events Oct. 31, Nov. 1
Legendary athletes, coaches, team in district’s 2025 Hall of Fame Class

Groundbreaking female athletes, record-breaking high school and college players and winning coaches will be among those to be inducted into the Clovis Unified Athletic Hall of Fame Nov. 1.

The inductees will first be celebrated at their hometown football games Friday night, Oct. 31, conducting the pre-game coin toss, and then they will be honored at the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Nov. 1 at CUSD’s Shaghoian Concert Hall with on-stage interviews and video profiles of each legendary athlete. A reception prior to the ceremony will include displays of honoree sports memorabilia, awards and photos.

“We are excited to induct the 2025 Class into the Clovis Unified Athletic Hall of Fame,” said Assistant Superintendent Steve France who oversees the event. “Every inductee has not only proven that they were incredible student-athletes or coaches, but they are also incredible individuals.  Their commitment to excellence is evident and they are a great reflection of our core values for Clovis Unified School District.”

The inductees are part of the foundational sports legends upon which Clovis Unified built and grew its athletic dynasty. The CUSD Athletic Hall of Fame serves to preserve the inductees’ important contributions to the district’s history and inspire student athletes while instilling even more pride in the district’s powerhouse athletic programs and their rich history. Learn more at: cusd.com/athletic-hall-of-fame.

The induction ceremony is open to the public free of charge and no tickets are required.

The 2025 Class of Inductees are:

• Shannon Catalano-Cruzat, swim, Clovis West
• Karen Harline Sowby, tennis coach, first CUSD female athletic director, Clovis West
• Dave Lee, tennis coach, Buchanan, Clovis and Clovis West
• Nadine Nichols-Larsen, tennis, Clovis High
• Adam Tirapelle, wrestling, Buchanan
• Loreen Whitfield-Moore, swim, Clovis East
• 1994 Clovis High Softball Team
• Rene Errotabere, posthumously, former CUSD administrator and champion of athletics, with Doc Buchanan Award

Clovis Unified Athletic Hall of Fame Events 
Events held this week include the following, with media welcome to attend. 

WHAT: Honoree Interview Availability for Media, Friday, Oct. 31, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m.
WHERE: CUSD Performing Arts Center, 2770 E. International Ave., Fresno
Honorees will be gathered at the site for rehearsals and will be available afterwards (around 10:45 a.m.) for media interviews against a backdrop of event preparations and sports memorabilia. 
REQUIRES RSVP: Media, please contact us in advance if you will be attending this.

WHAT: Honoree Coin Tosses, Friday, Oct. 31, 7 p.m.
WHERE: After enjoying a tailgate gathering, honorees will be tossing the coin to kick off the Clovis High vs. Clovis West football game at Lamonica Stadium and Clovis East vs. Clovis North football game at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
  

WHAT: CUSD Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony, Saturday, Nov. 1, 
Reception at 5:30 p.m., Award Presentations at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: CUSD Performing Arts Center, 2770 E. International Ave., Fresno
An ESPY Awards-style gala honoring Hall of Fame inductees.
NOTE: The gala will begin with recognition of Clovis Unified’s 2024-25 Athletic High School Supremacy Award for the Clovis Unified School District athletic program with the most earned league, regional and state titles. For last year, the award is being presented to Buchanan High.

CONTACT:  
For more information or to arrange interviews with the inductees or Clovis Unified representatives, contact Kelly Avants at 559-327-9092/kellyavants@cusd.com.

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092  |  kellyavants@cusd.com
Oct. 30, 2025
For Immediate Release: Media Opportunities - November

As we get closer to moving into November, there continues to be an array of special happenings in Clovis Unified. Earlier this week a press release was sent to you about our upcoming CUSD Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 1, and honorees conducting the pre-game coin toss at our football games Friday, Oct. 31. That release is attached for your convenience, and in addition, please see below for a few more media opportunities!

WHEN I GROW UP, I WANT TO BE…: 
From a pharmacist to a mayor to a grant writer to a weather forecaster, students at Alta Sierra Intermediate will have the chance to imagine their future as they hear from local community members at the school’s annual Career Day. Every classroom of seventh and eighth graders – about 1,400 students – will hear from guest speakers about their careers. The day before the event, students will explore various career options and reflect on their own unique talents and interests, helping them choose speakers whose paths align with their aspirations. That same week, a Career Fair will be held during lunch, where students can learn about the 21 Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways offered by Clovis Unified in high school.
ALTA SIERRA INTERMEDIATE CAREER DAY
9:30 a.m. – Tuesday, Nov. 4
Where: Alta Sierra Intermediate, 380 W. Teague Ave., Clovis
MEDIA NOTES: More than 60 guest speakers will converge in the school library between 9:30 and 9:45 a.m. – a good potential time for a few interviews – and then spread across the campus to speak in assigned classrooms. Attending media can report to the office and ask for contact Mackenzie Mennucci, who can assist with interviews (principal will also be available) and take media to a classroom and provide instructions regarding student media clearance. 
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com
+++
 

ENORMOUS SOUNDS! 
All of Clovis Unified’s 12 intermediate and high school marching bands will perform together at the annual CUSD Band Night Oct. 29 at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Starting at 6 p.m., the roughly 1,000-plus musicians will perform in unison the “Star Spangled Banner,” followed by a joint performance by just intermediate marching bands playing “High Hopes.” Each high school will then take turns putting on a performance for each other and the audience. “It’s a great way for our bands to support one another and see each other’s shows,” said Geoffrey Dean, coordinator of CUSD’s Visual and Performing Arts.  This musical evening is free to attend.

ALL CUSD BAND NIGHT
6 p.m. – Wednesday, Oct. 29
Where: Veterans Memorial Stadium, on the Buchanan High campus
An evening kicked off by a combined performance by the district’s 12 marching bands from Buchanan, Clovis, Clovis East, Clovis North, Clovis South and Clovis West high schools; and Alta Sierra, Clark, Granite Ridge, Kastner, Reyburn and Sanchez intermediate schools.
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com

+++

MORE RED RIBBON WEEK FESTIVITIES: 
Special assemblies, visiting law enforcement, crazy dress up days and even a parade will be part of Clovis Unified schools’ events celebrating Red Ribbon Week, the national drug prevention awareness campaign that is held annually in October. This year’s theme is “Life is a Puzzle. Solve It Drug Free!” and several creative puzzle-related activities will also be taking place to inform and educate students about living a healthy life.  A sampling of remaining events available for media coverage follow.

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER AT VALLEY OAK ELEMENTARY
9-10 a.m., Monday, Oct. 27
Where:  Valley Oak Elementary, 465 Champlain Ave., Fresno
Known Central Valley motivational speaker Coach Cordell will be the special guest at Valley Oak Elementary’s Red Ribbon Week assembly. In his high-energy presentation he shares the adversity he overcame as a child, and he encourages youth to know they matter and how they can grow and be strong with a growth mindset.
 CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com

HELICOPTER, HORSE & K9 HELP KICKOFF RRW AT HIRAYAMA ELEMENTARY
8:30 a.m., Monday, Oct. 27
Where:  Hirayama Elementary, 2150 N. Fowler Ave., Fresno
Red Ribbon Week will get underway at Hirayama Elementary with an all-school assembly featuring visitors from Fresno Police K9, Fresno Police Horse Patrol, Fresno Police Motor Patrol following a Fresno County Sheriff’s helicopter landing at 8:30 a.m. on the school’s grass field for all the students to see. Each grade level will rotate from the various stations, hearing from law enforcement about what they do and why it’s important for students to be drug free.
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com 
 

AGENCY DAY AT DRY CREEK ELEMENTARY
8-10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 29
Where:  Dry Creek Elementary, 1273 Armstrong Ave., Clovis
More than 20 agencies will take part in promoting living healthy, strong and drug free at Dry Creek Elementary’s Agency Day. The annual event spreads out onto the blacktop and field as students rotate among the stations and hearing from law enforcement, service member and other emergency/health providers.
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092  |  kellyavants@cusd.com
Nov. 14, 2025
For Immediate Release

Clovis Unified’s Native American Student Success Conference on Nov. 18
 

Groups of students representing all Clovis Unified School District intermediate and high schools will attend the third annual Native American Student Success Conference Nov. 18 at Clovis High School. (NOTE: This is a new location. The poster image included lists a different school, but due to expected rain, the event will be held at Clovis High's north gymnasium.)

The theme this year is "Our Past Builds Our Future: How Our History Connects to Our Culture Today." The morning will begin with a Welcome & Opening Sacred Circle, followed by keynote speaker Jacque Nunez of Journeys to the Past. Students will then have the opportunity to attend breakout sessions, take part in activities and have lunch before closing ceremonies.

The conference was created through the efforts of the Clovis Unified Native American Advisory Committee, which is composed of staff, parents and students as a way the district’s Native American students to learn together while celebrating their culture.

WHAT: Clovis Unified School District’s Native American Student Success Conference
 
WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 18
9 a.m. – Opening Session, Native Cultural Welcome, Keynote Speaker

10 a.m. – Breakout Sessions

11:30 a.m. – Lunch and Closing Session
 
WHERE: Clovis High School - North Gymnasium (**This location has been changed from Clark Intermediate.)
 
MEDIA – Those interested in covering the event, please check in with Clovis High's main office first. Organizers recommend the opening session or lunch/closing session as the best media opportunities for coverage. Thank you!

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092  |  kellyavants@cusd.com
Dec. 1, 2025
For Immediate Release

Clovis Unified hosting 13th Annual Asian Student Success Conference on Dec. 3

More than 600 Clovis Unified high school and intermediate students will hear from keynote speaker Soreath Hok, an award-winning journalist and radio host for “All Things Considered”, at the district’s annual Asian American Student Success Conference Dec. 3.

The conference held on the campus of Clovis East High celebrates a different region each year and this year will spotlight the Cambodian culture while focusing on the theme of “Where Traditions Inspire Tomorrow.” 

Students will hear from Hok and then rotate in three different breakout sessions with one focusing on cultural enrichment, another featuring an interactive activity from Cambodian culture, and the third will give students a chance to meet with various mentors from colleges, local businesses and community organizations.

Students will come back together for lunch and entertainment, as different cultural music and dance groups from schools around the district will perform to close out the event. 

The purpose of the conference is to provide students with an informative and inspiring day of cultural heritage, resources for academic success, and college and career readiness tools.  It is also a chance to bring together students from similar cultures but different schools to bond and socialize.

The conference follows the CUSD Native American Student Success conference as the second in a series of cultural events in the district that includes Clovis Unified’s African American and Latino Student Success Conferences to be held later this school year.

WHAT:    Clovis Unified School District’s Asian Student Success Conference

WHEN:    Wednesday Dec. 3
9:30 a.m. (East Gym) – Welcome, Entertainment, Keynote Speaker Soreath Hok
10:20 a.m.  – Breakout Sessions
12:35 – Lunch, Entertainment, and Closing Remarks

WHERE:    Clovis East High School, 2940 Leonard Ave., Clovis

CONTACT:    Kelly Avants, Chief Communications Officer,  kellyavants@cusd.com, 327-9092; 

MEDIA – Those interested in covering the event, please check in with main office before heading to the event. Organizers recommend the opening session or lunch/closing session as best media opportunities for coverage. Thank you!               

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Keynote Biography: Soreath Hok is an award-winning journalist, radio host for “All Things Considered” on KVPR, and a donut connoisseur. She’s completing her degree in Fresno State’s Creative Writing MFA program, with an emphasis on creative nonfiction. Her writing focuses on growing up in her family’s donut shop, a cornerstone of the Cambodian refugee experience in California.

Soreath has more than 20 years experience as a journalist in radio, TV and digital media. After returning to Fresno during the pandemic, she started reporting for KVPR, NPR for Central California. She has received several awards, including the 2022 national Edward R. Murrow Award for investigative reporting.

Awarded the 2022 California Fellowship with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism, Soreath produced stories about mental health issues affecting survivors of the Khmer Rouge genocide. She was also awarded the 2022-2023 Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism.

Enrichment Session
(CE Library Lecture Hall) "Pathways to Purpose: Exploring College, Career, and Mental Health Professions"    Info about the Fresno Center: The Fresno Center was founded in 1991 to support the growing number of Southeast Asian refugees arriving in Fresno County, and has since expanded into a multicultural, one-stop resource center for the entire community. Over the past 30 years, it has grown from three employees to more than 100 staff members who deliver over 20 local, state, and federal programs.

Today, The Fresno Center provides culturally responsive services that promote self-sufficiency, wellness, and empowerment, including mental health support, social services, food and housing assistance, navigator programs, emergency response, and expert translation in multiple languages. Their diverse team reflects the communities they serve, helping unserved and underserved individuals access resources in ways that honor culture and remove barriers.

The Fresno Center is proud to partner with the City and County of Fresno as a trusted hub for community resources, mental health, and crisis support.

Mentors
(CE West Gym) Students will have the opportunity to meet with mentors from a variety of influential businesses, colleges, and career fields. Representatives typically include local colleges and universities, healthcare and mental health professionals, STEM and technology careers, business and entrepreneurship leaders, media and creative arts professionals, public service fields such as law and public safety, and community-based organizations like The Fresno Center. These mentors provide students with real-world insights, career guidance, and opportunities to explore future pathways.

Interactive Activity
(CE MPR) A culturally focused dance or interactive opportunity for attendees to experience.

Entertainment
(CE East Gym)    This year's conference will feature a vibrant lineup of cultural and student performances from across Clovis Unified. Students will experience traditional and contemporary showcases, ranging from lion dancers and K-pop, to Hmong Cultural Dancers and Japanese light-stick dancing.  Performers represent schools throughout the district, creating an exciting celebration of cultural expression and student talent.

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092  |  kellyavants@cusd.com
Dec. 11, 2025
For Immediate Release

Garfield Elementary School receives state honor at Dec. 15 ceremony
 

Fresno County Superior Court Judge Robert Mangano will present Garfield Elementary with the California Civic Learning Award at a ceremony at the school at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 15. The Clovis Unified school earned the state’s second highest civic award – the Award of Distinction - the only elementary school to receive it. No other San Joaquin Valley school received a higher distinction.
 
“We are excited to share this tremendous honor together,” said Garfield Principal Methinee Bozeman who said civic learning and engagement are priorities at the school.
 
The 2025 Civic Learning Awards honors measurable schoolwide achievements in civics, and the program is now in its 12th year. It is co-sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero.
 
“When young people advocate and raise their voices, they have the power to drive meaningful change in their communities,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “Education is fundamental to achieving our democratic ideals, and these schools have played an exceptional role in shaping the leaders of the future.”
 
Bozeman gave credit to Garfield students’ initiatives – both in community outreach efforts and in civic learning, such as taking part in an essay contest about the Constitution – that helped achieve the recognition. 
 
“Our leadership students played a major role in this honor through their service projects, including the canned food drive, our upcoming American Heart Association event, and schoolwide initiatives such as the Valley Animal Shelter collection and The Giving Tree,” Bozeman said.
 
Thirty-four California schools in total earned the 2025 Civic Learning Award. In addition to the top Award for Excellence and Award of Distinction, the state also presents Honorable Mention Awards of which five Clovis Unified schools were recipients: Dry Creek, Maple Creek, Red Bank, Tarpey and Woods. (Learn more: https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr25/yr25rel27.asp)
 
WHAT:    Presentation of California Civic Learning Award of Distinction to Garfield Elementary
WHEN:    9:30 a.m.
Monday, Dec. 15
WHERE:    Garfield Elementary School MPR (1315 N. Peach Ave., Clovis)
MORE:    The ceremony will include welcome remarks from Principal Methinee Bozeman and former Principal Jennifer Bump (who retired last school year). Fresno County Superior Court Judge Robert Mangano will make the presentation. Garfield leadership students will be present, with some reading their essay on the Constitution. Students will also have the opportunity to ask Judge Mangano questions in a Q&A session.
CONTACT:    Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com, 559-327-9092; Garfield Principal Methinee Bozeman, methineebozeman@cusd.com, 559-327-6800
MEDIA:    Please check in with the front office upon arrival.

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092  |  kellyavants@cusd.com
Jan. 19, 2026
For Immediate Release: Media Opportunities

Annual CUSD Job Fair
WHAT:    Clovis Unified begins the hiring process for the upcoming school year. We’re looking for the best and the brightest to join our team. Positions include: teachers, bus drivers, technology specialists, office support, human resources, grounds, plant operations, custodial, preschool and more.

WHEN:    Wednesday, Jan. 21

9 to 11:30 a.m. (Classified Job Opportunities – Departments will have stations set up with information and be available to answer questions for attendees in this open-house style morning)

1:30 to 6 p.m. (Certificated Job Opportunities – Interested candidates have signed up for on-the-spot informational interviews)

WHERE:    CUSD Professional Development Building, 1680 David E. Cook Way, Clovis
CONTACT:    Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com, (559) 327-9092

Check Presentation: Gateway High Supports Central Valley Honor Flight
WHAT:    Gateway High School (Clovis Unified’s continuation high school) challenged students to identify a community need and take meaningful action. Students learned about Central Valley Honor Flight, and after doing research and talking with local veterans, decided this was their project. Teenagers at this school for at-risk students worked together, organizing a fundraiser as well as seeking community support – and their mission was accomplished! They raised $4,020, which is enough to sponsor two veterans for the special trip to Washington, D.C.!

A check presentation by the students to the veterans will be taking place. The presentation will highlight the students’ efforts and Gateway’s commitment to civic engagement and developing student leadership through meaningful, real-world learning experiences.
WHEN:    Thursday, Jan. 22
1:15 p.m.
WHERE:    Gateway High School Library
1550 Herndon Ave., Clovis
CONTACT:    Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com, (559) 327-9092

Student Showcase – Career Technical Education Night
WHAT:    Student demonstrations, staff presentations and interactive stations will showcase Clovis Unified’s 21 Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways. The annual evening event allows interested students and families to learn about the many CTE opportunities, from construction, automotive and emergency services to computer science, videography and health careers.

This is a very visual, hands-on event that is highly attended.

CTE courses provide students with hands-on, engaging career skills in a classroom setting, and connect them with local organizations and community members to put their learning into action in real-world projects. Learn more: www.cusd.com/cte-night
WHEN:    Thursday, Jan. 29
6 to 8 p.m.
WHERE:    Clovis Veterans Memorial Building, 808 Fourth St., Clovis
CONTACT:    Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com, (559) 327-9092; CTE Director Margaret Files, margaretfiles@cusd.com, (559) 327-0661.

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092  |  kellyavants@cusd.com
Jan. 29, 2026
For Immediate Release

This is a reminder that this evening Clovis Unified's 21 CTE pathways will be on display as students demonstrate everything from welding and construction to CPR and robotics. Hundreds of families and future CTE students are expected to attend. For your convenience, below are the details sent to media last week. 
 
Student Showcase – Career Technical Education Night
WHAT:    Student demonstrations, staff presentations and interactive stations will showcase Clovis Unified’s 21 Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways. The annual evening event allows interested students and families to learn about the many CTE opportunities, from construction, automotive and emergency services to computer science, videography and health careers.
 
This is a very visual, hands-on event that is highly attended.
 
CTE courses provide students with hands-on, engaging career skills in a classroom setting, and connect them with local organizations and community members to put their learning into action in real-world projects. Learn more: www.cusd.com/cte-night
WHEN:    Thursday, Jan. 29
6 to 8 p.m.
WHERE:    Clovis Veterans Memorial Building, 808 Fourth St., Clovis
CONTACT:    Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com, (559) 327-9092

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092  |  kellyavants@cusd.com
Feb. 5, 2026
For Immediate Release

Future with AI, innovations to be part of Youth Summit
Industry and technology leaders among speakers at Feb. 11 event at CART
 

The first-ever Unstoppable Youth Summit is coming to the Central Valley Feb. 11 at the Center for Advanced Research and Technology (CART). Through a partnership with Clovis Unified School District and the ONOR Foundation, the event is designed to be a dynamic, future-forward day of learning about AI literacy and ethics, creativity and emotional intelligence.
 
The more than 120 students enrolled in the school's UX Design, Game Design, Web Design and Multimedia labs will be in attendance to hear directly from leading voices in AI technology, design, behavioral science and education, and they will gain insights into skills that will help them thrive in an evolving world. (See below for speaker lineup.)
 
CART is a joint school of Clovis and Fresno unified school districts that provides half-day programs for juniors and seniors in innovation-driven, student learning labs in real-world environments for such fields as engineering, technology, business and more.
 
The Youth Summit will be conducted for CART’s morning and afternoon students.
 
 
WHAT:    Unstoppable Youth Summit
A flagship project of the Onor Foundation to empower youth with the tools they will need for what’s next.
 
WHEN:    Wednesday, Feb. 11
8-11a.m.  Session 1 for Morning Students
1-4 p.m.  Session 2 for Afternoon Students
 
WHERE:    Center for Advanced Research and Technology (CART)
2555 Clovis Ave., Clovis
 
ABOUT:    Clovis Unified Superintendent Corrine Folmer, Ed.D., CART Chief Executive Officer Rick Watson and ONOR Foundation Founder Oana Tucker will open the summit with remarks before students participate in three breakouts – Idea Studio, Innovation Lab and Mindset Activation
 
SPEAKERS:    Gabriela Iancu, Visual Content Designer at Adobe; Wioleta Kaminiski, Chair of Digital Communication, Savannah College of Art and Design; Shiraz Kanga, Senior AI Agent Engineer at Adobe; Dr. Emma Rasmunssen, Deputy Director of Behavioral Health & Public Guardian, Fresno; Dr. Kelline Hiday, Clinical Psychologist and RPT, Fresno; Deborah Sawaf, President of The Power of Words Foundation, Los Angeles
 
CONTACTS:    Clovis Unified Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, (559) 327-9092, kellyavants@cusd.com
 
MORE:    Center for Advanced Research and Technology and ONOR Foundation

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092    kellyavants@cusd.com
Feb. 18, 2026
For Immediate Release

 
Clovis Unified hosting African American Student Success Conference on Feb. 20
 

For the first time, Clovis Unified will host its African American Student Success Conference to include both high school and intermediate school students on Friday, Feb. 20. This year’s theme for the 600-plus attendees will be “The Homecoming of Excellence” and will include guest speakers, breakout sessions and student performances.

Organizers are striving for students to learn through the event that the choices they are making now, the obstacles they may face, and how they show up for themselves and their school matter and will impact their future.

Keynote speaker Rosalind Butler-Patrick will share her story of growing up in Compton and attending college at Fresno State. While there, she worked for a fast-food restaurant that later she not only became manager of, but eventually went on to become owner of two of its franchises.

The breakout sessions will include a panel of former Clovis Unified students telling their insights and experiences to attendees; a session about colleges and what to expect; and a Meet the Mentors for students to learn from local area business and community members.
At lunch, the Clovis High School Remix group will perform.

The conference, which is open to all students, is one of Clovis Unified’s series of cultural student events. Previously the African American Student Success Conference was for intermediate students only, but this year it is being expanded to include high school students.
 
WHAT:          Clovis Unified School District’s African American Student Success Conference
 
WHEN:          Friday, Feb. 20
9:15 a.m.– Welcome, Entertainment, Keynote Speaker Rosalin Butler-Patrick
10:30 a.m. – Breakout Sessions
12:40 p.m. – Lunch, Entertainment, and Closing Remarks
 
WHERE:       CUSD Performing Arts Center, located on the Clovis North Educational Center campus
2770 E. International Ave., Fresno
 
CONTACT:   Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, kellyavants@cusd.com, (559)327-9092
 
MEDIA – Those interested in covering this, please check in at the main office before heading to the event. Organizers recommend the opening session or lunch/closing session as best media opportunities for coverage.

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092  |  kellyavants@cusd.com
March 5, 2026
For Immediate Release

Latino student conferences to inspire teenage students March 9 and 20
Valley-known speakers encourage pursuit of bright futures

Two upcoming events will have Clovis Unified intermediate and high school students learning about the Latino culture, hearing from inspiring speakers and meeting community mentors who will be sharing their stories.

The CUSD Latino Student Success High School Conference, March 9, and the Officer Jesus Ceron Latino Student Success Middle School Conference, March 20, are the final two of the district’s 2025-26 series of leadership conferences that are open to all students regardless of ethnicity.

“Knowing each other’s culture and diversity is important and can lead to better understanding between students and our community,” said event organizer CUSD Coordinator of Community Relations Saul Salinas, Ed.D.

For the first time, the district’s high school conference will be held at Fresno Pacific University and provide students with an up-close look at a college and the opportunities within it. The keynote speaker will be FPU President André Stephens, Ph.D., who himself is a first-generation college graduate that earned degrees from Biola University, California State University, Fullerton, and Claremont Graduate University.

At the intermediate conference, the keynote speaker will be Jonathan “Dr. H” Hernandez, Ed.D., who is a professor and the founder of Rise 2 It Productions, a motivational speaking and educational empowerment company in the Valley. His themes include leadersip, achivieving personal success, growth mindset and recilency.

The conferences are designed for students to learn about themselves and others, and to become aware of opportunities beyond school during “Meet the Mentors” and college and career sessions. 
 
WHAT:                Clovis Unified Latino Student Success High School Conference
WHEN:                March 9 – 9:15 a.m. – Opening Ceremony; 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Breakout Sessions 
WHERE:              Fresno Pacific University – Special Events Center, 1718 S. Winery Ave., Fresno

 
WHAT:                CUSD Officer Jesus Ceron Latino Student Success Middle School Conference
WHEN:                March 20 – 9 a.m. 
WHERE:              Kastner Intermediate School, Fresno 

CONTACT:          Kelly Avants, Clovis Unified Chief Communications Officer, (559) 327-9092, kellyavants@cusd.com

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants, APR
(559) 327-9092  |  kellyavants@cusd.com
March 23, 2026
For Immediate Release
 

Gala honors resilient Clovis Unified teens
16 ‘Students of Promise’ to receive scholarships
 

They may look like any other high school teenager on their campuses, but they carry with them extraordinary challenges that they do not let interfere with their pursuit of an education.
 
Sixteen Clovis Unified high school juniors have been selected as the 2026 Students of Promise by the Foundation for Clovis Schools and will be celebrated March 25 at an awards gala. The young students have faced difficulties that would not be easy for adults to handle – from medical issues to loss of a loved one to housing insecurities – but they continue to make school a priority.
 
Each year since 2001, the Foundation for Clovis Schools, a nonprofit organization that supports Clovis Unified School District, selects students in their junior year to receive a Students of Promise scholarship upon completion of high school and enrollment in further education.
 
“This scholarship is a way for us to recognize the tremendous potential in these students and to show our confidence in their futures. Our hope is that it adds to their already remarkable motivation to continue pursuing their goals and to finish high school strong,” said Foundation Chairperson Josh Phanco.
 
The gala event Wednesday night is all about making the 11th graders realize how special they are. The event includes a red carpet walk, elegant dinner and presentation of awards by Phanco and Clovis Unified Superintendent Corrine Folmer, Ed.D.
 
This year’s Student of Promise keynote speaker is Tyler Maxwell, a 2008 Student of Promise recipient from Buchanan High who now serves as a City of Fresno Councilmember.
 
WHAT:    2026 Students of Promise
Clovis Unified high school juniors facing challenges celebrated with scholarships, gala by the Foundation for Clovis Schools
WHEN:    Wednesday, March 25
6:15-6:30 p.m. Interview opportunities (ask for Kelly Avants at door)
7 p.m. Award Presentation Ceremony Begins
WHERE:    Clovis Veterans Memorial Building, 808 Fourth St., Clovis
WHO:    The Students of Promise:
Izaiah Martinez, Noe Serna, Hayden Van Tassel, Stevie Weirich from Buchanan High; Hope Cline, Yuridia Perez, Antonio Saldana from Clovis East High; Ryleigh Brown, Nevaeh Goff, Joshua Lo, Bryan Salazar Garcia from Clovis High; Noah Jackson, Manny Uribe-Divine from Clovis North High; Emily Aguilar, Anthony Sammons from Clovis West High; and Esperanza Silva from Gateway High

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Attending Media: Please come to the check-in table that will be located to the right of the end of the red-carpet entry. Chief Communications Officer Kelly Avants and Foundation for Clovis Schools Chairperson Josh Phanco will be available for interviews. A student interview can be arranged.

EVENT SPONSORS:    Superintendent’s Circle Sponsors
The Cook Family, Educational Employees Credit Union, FFB Bank, Harris Construction, Mark Wilson Construction, PBK Architects, Producers Dairy 
 
Premier Sponsors
California Health Sciences University, Community Medical Providers, Fresno Field House, Golden State Steel, The Haus Family, The Heart Group Cardiovascular Associates Inc., Pro-Screen Print Signs and Graphics, Sierra Pacific Orthopedics, TenCate, Trumark Homes, Van Pelt Construction Services, W.O.W. Productions 
 
Contributing Sponsors
Alliant Insurance Services, CED Fresno, Catapult CMS, JD Food, The KYA Group, The Phanco Group, Synergy Film Solutions, Wild Electric, Inc.