The Foundation for Clovis Schools celebrated 16 high school students as Students of Promise on April 10. These students have demonstrated exceptional commitment to education despite facing significant hurdles such as serious illness and loss of housing.

“For a lot of teenagers – and even adults – the challenges these students face every day might get the best of them,” said Foundation Chair Mike Fennacy. “But the perseverance and courage they show daily by showing up to school and giving their very best is incredibly inspiring.”

The Foundation for Clovis Schools, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Clovis Unified School District, selects 16 students in their junior year annually to receive the prestigious $2,000 Students of Promise scholarship upon graduating from high school and enrolling in further education.

“We want them to know that we see their determination and efforts, and we see promise in them. This scholarship and celebration are how we can show we believe in them and their future,” Fennacy said.

Gala Highlights Courage and Determination of Students

This gala event included a red-carpet walk, candelabra dinner, and presentation ceremony. Students were chosen based on nominations from their school counselors,

“They are living examples of the strength of the human spirit and a reminder of all that can be accomplished through hard work and belief in oneself,” said Superintendent Corrine Folmer.

Keynote speaker Destanie Yarbrough, a former Student of Promise and Clovis East High graduate, shared her inspiring journey from student to professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter and women’s tackle football player. Yarbrough encouraged the recipients to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to maintain a mindset of perseverance through setbacks.

“Don’t forget that growth always comes with challenges, [and]… be open to learning from both success and failure,” she advised the recipients. “The mindset of success, whether it be short-term or long-term success, turns a setback into a comeback.”

The 2024 Students of Promise Recipients

This year’s Students of Promise are Antinik Ayers, Anthony Bryan, Mikenzi Burt, Kellen Davis, Paris Fernandez, Hadlee Framsted, Hudson Lemon, Yolanda Maeshiro, Maya Mendez, Christopher Nguyen, Phu Nguyen, Lexi O’Connor, Layna Patendis, Lilly Shaw, Samantha Silva, and Moses Uribe.

The Foundation for Clovis Schools, comprising local volunteers dedicated to enhancing the educational experience of Clovis Unified students, began Students of Promise in 2001.

Learn more at FoundationForClovisSchools.com.