It is with great pleasure and pride that we present the recipients of the Puente Project Statewide Academic and Leadership Award. Out of 164 Puente high school seniors who applied statewide, 27 Puentistas are being recognized with this distinction. Congratulations to these scholars, and thank you to the counselors and teachers who encouraged so many to apply. ¡Sí se puede!
We are so proud to share that Fresno State President, former Puentista and longtime Puente advocate, Dr. Joseph I Castro, has been selected as the new CSU Chancellor. He is the first CSU President appointed to lead the 23-campus system. We are so thrilled for him in his new role beginning January 2021.
“The California State University provides unprecedented and transformational opportunities for students from all backgrounds to earn a high-quality college degree and to better their families, their communities and the industries in which they become leaders. There is no other institution that makes this great of an impact on the entire state – the CSU is key to a growing and thriving California. I am truly grateful for and excited about this unique and wonderful opportunity.” - Dr. Castro.
Congratulations, Dr. Castro! Thank you for being an advocate for student needs and a dedicated leader in higher education. We applaud you!
Read the article here: https://edsource.org/2020/joseph-castro-fresno-states-president-selected-as-new-csu-chancellor/640484?fbclid=IwAR3DzWT1xtUZZ0OUgCz-4NpGxU75ARSQWuBVpnK0-7275MIbROKx6NNY6QA
Jose Tañada
Ochoa Middle School
7th & 8th Grade
"Being a teacher has been my only so-called real job, and I've only known Anthony W. Ochoa Middle School. From sprained ankles and falls in competing with the kids on the blacktop, to the sweat of twenty-four Indian summers in the same air-condition-less room and from the tears of communal viewings of beloved films with my students, my blood, sweat and tears, I've left it at Ochoa.
Teaching young people the importance of reading and the power of writing never stops filling my cup. I am deeply honored to be considered Teacher of the Year, but I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the Puente Project, my Puente counselor, the camaraderie of the Ochoa staff and the years of friendship cultivated there and the spirit of Anthony Ochoa. Thank you for believing in me."
Congratulations to Mr. Tañada! The recognition is well deserved!