completed the application and had two letters of recommendation .
This past year , scholarships helped students pursue their college aspirations across the state and country , including some of the nation ’ s top universities .
One of last spring ’ s recipients , Joseph Aquino , said receiving a Fresno Unified Scholarship reignited his academic goals after his grandmother died and he had lost direction . He said to supporters at the dinner : “ You are all funding dreams and changing lives .”
Five student performance groups from Sunnyside and Roosevelt high schools and Computech Middle School provided entertainment prior to the dinner . Student volunteers from career technical education programs at Bullard and Duncan Polytechnical high schools provided support .
Edison High School won a regional fundraising competition at the dinner that added to the general scholarship fund . The primary regional fundraising competition will be held on Giving Tuesday , Nov . 28 , with funds earmarked for student scholarships in the regions donors select .
The Foundation for Fresno Unified Schools obtained more than 40 sponsorships for the gala , with Amazon for the second year being the lead sponsor , contributing $ 30,000 .
The State of Education Gala is the premier event for the foundation , which was established in 2021 under the leadership of Nelson and Wendy McCulley , chief engagement and external partnerships officer for Fresno Unified . The Foundation for Fresno Unified Schools , focuses on developing diverse opportunities for philanthropic , community and business partnerships that support student and teacher opportunities for innovative projects .
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