Six CUSD Schools Receive 2021 Bonner Character Award

Six out of the ten Valley schools selected for the 2021 Bonner Character Award were CUSD schools. (Clovis Roundup Photo)

Six Clovis Unified schools have been awarded the 2021 Bonner Character Award for their exemplary character and civic education.

The Bonner Character Award is part of the Conference on Character and Civic Education. The conference is the longest-running character education conference in the country.

The conference was designed for Fresno State and Fresno Pacific University student teachers in order to provide them with important concepts and ethical implications on how to approach children or families with life issues in an ethical manner.

The main goal for the conference is that teachers play an important part in a child’s development.

To be considered for the award, a character education curriculum must be in place. The curriculum must be modeled by student teachers to provide opportunities for students. The model includes services to the community and participation in extracurricular activities.

A total of ten valley secondary schools that were awarded.

The six CUSD schools awarded are: Alta Sierra Intermediate, Clark Intermediate, Granite Ridge Intermediate, Kastner Intermediate, Clovis High School, and Clovis North High School.

“The Granite Ridge and Clovis North staff are extremely proud of the high-quality instructional programs offered along with the focus of character development and civic education,” said Josh Shapiro, Principal of Clovis North Educational Center, “To achieve success requires dedication and collaboration from all stakeholders. I am proud to say Granite Ridge Intermediate and Clovis North High School demonstrate these valuable qualities.”

Due to COVID-19, the Bonner Center will not hold an in-person conference this year.

The center will hold a virtual celebration for the recipients on February 24 from 8 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Tori Lavon is a Multimedia Journalist from Reedley, California. She received her Bachelor's in Mass Communications and Journalism with an emphasis in Broadcasting from California State University, Fresno. Currently, she is a radio intern at One Putt Broadcasting. On occasion, Tori has the opportunity to be on-air with talent. She is getting her start in media. She has a passion for reporting, photography, and videography. Tori also has a love for art; she loves to draw, paint, and does pottery on the side. One day she hopes she can be on-air talent at a radio station as well.