We are incredibly humbled and grateful for a recent, hugely generous $4.9 million donation from Mr. Franklin Antonio. Mr. Antonio, who was a 1970 graduate of Clovis High and later helped found the telecommunications giant Qualcomm, had been quietly donating to the Foundation since 2013.
“Mr. Antonio was an incredibly gifted scientist and inventor, held hundreds of patents, and through his philanthropy demonstrated his commitment to education,” said Foundation for Clovis Schools Treasurer and Fund Drive Chairperson Adam Holt. “He made a choice to fund people and environments dedicated to learning and intellectual curiosity. Not only did Mr. Antonio invest in the Foundation for Clovis Schools during his lifetime, he chose to give us this incredibly generous gift, following his death earlier this year. We will honor Mr. Antonio by using the resources he entrusted to the Foundation to positively impact the students of Clovis Unified and inspiring them to achieve in mind, body and spirit.”
Mr. Holt announced the donation at the annual Superintendent’s Breakfast on October 6, hosted by the Foundation for Clovis Schools. Superintendent Eimear O'Brien, Ed.D., gave the State of the District report to more than 500 attendees, celebrating achievements from the 2021-22 school year and emphasizing the district’s focus on expanding learning, well-being, safety and relationships.