This year, McCaffrey has joined forces with Clovis and Central unified school districts to support programs of the Foundation for Clovis Schools and the Foundaiton for Central Schools which are sole beneficiaries of this event. At Clovis Unified, donations will directly benefit several Clovis Unified schools.

Thousands of lights will illuminate the 35-foot tree, a light on the tree can be purchased for a $10 tax-deductible donation. Since 2009, McCaffrey Homes has illuminated the tree at its corporate offices located on the corner of Van Ness and Herndon Avenues, with the event benefitting local non-profits.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony starts at 5:30pm with hot chocolate, cookies, music, and pictures with Santa, all culminating with the lighting of the Christmas tree.

Visit http://www.mccaffreyhomes.com/treelighting/ or call Foundation for Clovis School’s Resource Development Specialist, Valerie Myers at (559) 327-9093 to make a donation or for more information.

Clovis Unified’s new Superintendent, Dr. Janet Young, addressed the community and business leaders on the culture of Clovis Unified School District and what has kept it running for the past 50 years.

Several students were recognized as winners of the Foundation for Clovis Schools annual report calendar art contest.

Proceeds from the Superintendent’s Back-to-School Breakfast support educational programs in Clovis Unified schools.

According to Mike Flynn, Foundation Chairperson,

Each year, Foundation Directors read letters from school counselors and teachers about some extraordinary young people who have beat the odds. As we read these letters and learn what these students have faced in their young lives, we wonder how they found the strength to overcome so much. Their stories really are extraordinary. I encourage anyone who wants to be inspired by tremendous examples of overcoming adversity, please join us at this year’s dinner. I guarantee you won’t leave that night thinking about life in the same way.”

The Students of Promise award is given to students in their junior year to reward them for persevering through tough times and to encourage them to keep up the good work. When told they have been selected as a Student of Promise, most students say, “I never expected to be recognized for anything. I was just doing what I needed to do.” Upon graduation from high school, each Student of Promise is eligible to receive a $2,000.00 scholarship for college or technical school.

This year’s recipients are:

Jarret Avitia – Clovis North High School

Dominick Adanalian – Clovis East High School

Aaron Tristan-Aguilar – Gateway High School

Devin Ashcroft – Clovis High School

Michael Brooks – Clovis East High School

Jaime Garcia – Buchanan High School

Wyatt Haynes – Gateway High School

Gavin Martinez – Buchanan High School

Matt Parker – Clovis West High School

Tyesha Reynolds – Gateway High School

Maci Speigle – Clovis High School

Amanda Starkey-Swift – Clovis High School

Mike Taylor – Buchanan High School

Yeng Thao – Clovis East High School

Victor Thomas – Clovis High School

Na Vue – Gateway High School

The 2012 Students of Promise Scholarship Dinner will be held Monday, March 19, 2012, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at TorNino’s.

One of the signature programs that the Foundation supports annually is the “Classroom
and School Grants” program. Grants awarded through this program provide innovative
and creative educational experiences which help students succeed academically and
personally.

According to Mike Flynn, Foundation Chairperson, “the Foundation received requests
for projects totaling $198,038. It was evident that teachers and staff put a lot of thought
and care into writing their applications. Every request was for a quality program and we
regret that we could not provide funds for all 42 projects.”

Grant amounts awarded ranged from $567 to $10,000. Reyburn Intermediate
received $567 to purchase an Online California Standards Mastery Program which is 
a web-based program that students can use as an addtional learning tool in order to master the California State Content Standards in the area of 8th grade science..
Oraze Elementary, the district’s newest elementary school received a $9,941 to purchase iPads for a Laptop Learning Lab with 12 student laptops.

Listed below are the 2011 Funded Classroom Grants

This year the Granville “Home of Hope” is located in the La Ventana Community in northwest Fresno. The home is a two story 2,413 square foot home with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, eco-smart technology, granite counters, stainless appliances, 2-car garage and more. Granville Homes and its subcontractors have donated the materials, supplies and labor to construct this house.

Eight local community organizations are beneficiaries of the Home of Hope fundraiser including the Foundation for Clovis Schools. Proceeds received by the Foundation will support the “Students of Promise” scholarship program which recognizes high school juniors who have dealt with challenges in their personal lives, but work hard to attend school and get their education. Other beneficiaries include: Community Food Bank, Poverello House, Hinds Hospice (Angel Babies), Assistance League, Renaissance Scholars (Fresno State), and the Foundations for Central and Sanger schools.

Darius Assemi of Granville Homes said, “This home is a symbol of what each of these organizations do each and every day by giving hope to those in need in our community. Please join all of us at Granville Homes by purchasing your ticket today.”

Those wishing to participate in the raffle can purchase tickets for $100 each and will be eligible to win a brand new Granville Home. Ticket buyers will also be eligible to win numerous other prizes, including furniture packages, vacation packages, Trek Bicycles, appliances and more.

To purchase tickets, call the Foundation for Clovis Schools at 327-9093 or visit the “Home of Hope” website at www.gvhomeofhope.com.