Drcopher4kids

For our May 2026 Superintendent’s Superstar Student, we named Adriana Gonzalez Ornelas, Sanger West High School! She consistently demonstrates determination, leadership and a positive spirit in all that she does. Adriana arrives early, stays late and gives her best each day while balancing academics and a wide range of extracurricular activities. As a founding member of Sanger West Special Olympics, Adriana helped build opportunities for students while demonstrating her commitment to involvement and leadership. Through her work with the Hornet Hive Cafe, Adriana takes on meaningful responsibilities, including managing equipment, taking inventory and delivering meals and drinks throughout campus. She has also become a mentor to other students in her classes, helping them learn tasks, build confidence and grow toward their full potential. During her recent Senior Exit Interview, Adriana spoke proudly about WESTpectations, her involvement in WorkAbility, and her future dreams. Her confidence, work ethic, leadership and uplifting spirit have made a lasting impression on the Sanger West community and we were so proud to honor her!

Yesterday we were proud to hold our bi-annual Foundation @ FCOE Board of Directors meeting — and what an inspiring afternoon it was for the students of Fresno County.

We expressed our heartfelt gratitude to outgoing Board President Debbie Jacobsen for two years of outstanding leadership and service, and warmly welcomed incoming President Jose Elgorriaga as he begins his new role guiding the Foundation forward.

We also celebrated a major milestone: raising more than $1 million for our Endowment for Excellence and approving our new endowment spending Board Policy — an important step in ensuring long-term support for students and programs across Fresno County.

Adding to the inspiration, our VAPA Director Aaron Bryan introduced Fresno County’s inaugural Youth Poet Laureate, Evy Singh, who beautifully recited her original poem, Adventure Awaits, written in the whimsical style of Dr. Seuss to celebrate preschool graduation. She reminded all of us of the incredible creativity and promise of our students.

Thank you to our dedicated Board of Directors for attending, leading, and believing so deeply in the future of Fresno County students. Over the past 15 years, The Foundation @ FCOE has proudly raised more than $27 million to support student opportunities in the arts, early education, STEM, and so much more. The impact continues to grow because of the generosity and leadership of this community.

Congratulations to all of the Annual B’Nai B’Rith Student Scholar Athlete honorees representing 19 Fresno County schools! Your recognition reflects an extraordinary commitment to excellence in athletic achievement, academic success, and service to your schools and communities.
Thank you to all organizers, sponsors, and presenters who continue this meaningful tradition of celebrating outstanding young people in Fresno County. A very special thank you to Steve and Stephanie Nagin for their exceptional leadership and dedication to this event year after year.
And congratulations to this year’s overall winner, Conor Lott of Clovis North High School — an impressive example of leadership, scholarship, and athletic excellence. Fresno County is proud of all of our students and the bright future they represent!