Clovis Unified holds banquet for students with hardships

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- You hear about awards for academics and athletics but at Clovis Unified School District a different type of achievement was honored Wednesday.

At Clovis Unified School District no two students are alike. But 16 juniors were honored Wednesday for facing big challenges few can overcome. "I got taken away when I was 16, when my dad was imprisoned, and then I was in foster care and then shelter for seven months," said Grace Felder, Clovis North High School.

Some of Students of Promise endured great loss. Others dealt with disabilities. In the end all persevered. "These are students who have been through some hardships and issues in life. This is really to say somebody values you, you are important," said Mike Fennacy, Foundation For Clovis Schools.

Clovis Unified School District held a banquet dinner for the students Wednesday. Presenting each with a 1,500 scholarship, but more importantly providing moral supports. "Knowing if I was going to move on or be a good person, because I don't want to turn out how my family did, or what they did to me," said Felder.

The hope is they continue their education. "It's a part of you, just like your hair color or what you dress like. It has nothing to do with how well you do in life," said JD Davis, Buchanan High School.

And that they realize yesterday's past doesn't have to become tomorrow's reality. "You have to be a fighter and know that bad things happen, but it doesn't stay forever," said Felder.