Newsletters Archives - ۲Ƶ /blog/category/newsletters/ TRANSFORMING LEARNING. TRANSFORMING LIVES Fri, 25 Jun 2021 15:43:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 /wp-content/uploads/2025/09/cropped-Emblem-Full-Color-Clear-32x32.png Newsletters Archives - ۲Ƶ /blog/category/newsletters/ 32 32 174405155 CONGRATULATIONS DEZSINAE! /blog/2021/06/22/dkendrix/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dkendrix Tue, 22 Jun 2021 17:00:17 +0000 /?p=11488 HARD WORK PAYS OFF Dezsinae Kendrix is City Arts & Tech’s 2021 recipient of the Bob Lenz “PDO” Scholarship. We’re so proud of Dezsinae! This hard-working student transferred to CAT with fewer credits than she wanted but a strong desire to succeed. Despite the obstacles that came up, Dezsinae stayed focused on improving her grades...

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]]> HARD WORK PAYS OFF

Dezsinae Kendrix is City Arts & Tech’s 2021 recipient of the Bob Lenz “PDO” Scholarship.

We’re so proud of Dezsinae! This hard-working student transferred to CAT with fewer credits than she wanted but a strong desire to succeed. Despite the obstacles that came up, Dezsinae stayed focused on improving her grades in classes and making sure she had the credits she needed to succeed. When she first got here, she thought she wouldn’t be able to attend a four-year college straight from high school, but she did the work to improve her grades.  That work paid off: she was accepted to San Francisco State University and will be a college student this fall! Congrats, Dezsinae!
ABOUT THE BOB LENZ “PDO” SCHOLARSHIP

The Bob Lenz PDO Scholarship award of $1000 is given each year to one graduating senior from each school site who exemplifies the Calvin Coolidge phrase: “Persistence and Determination alone are Omnipotent (PDO).” Erin Brockovich made these words her motto in her successful campaign to expose toxic water tables in the Central Valley. Bob and his Envision co-founders adopted the motto as well, applying it to Envision’s tireless work to help students develop the persistence and determination to succeed in college. Each of our award-winning students:

  • Has gone through significant hardship and persisted through adversity;
  • Has been accepted to and plans to attend a 4-year university or college.

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]]> 11488 CONGRATULATIONS FRANCISCO! /blog/2021/06/21/franciscoojeda/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=franciscoojeda Mon, 21 Jun 2021 20:58:45 +0000 /?p=11505 FIRST GEN STUDENT, DEDICATED TO COMMUNITY SERVICE Francisco Ojeda is Envision Academy’s 2021 recipient of the Jackie Robinson Scholarship. This award goes to one graduate each year who exemplifies Jackie Robinson’s commitment to community service. This year’s winner will be the first in his family to attend college. He has also dedicated much of his...

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Francisco Ojeda is Envision Academy’s 2021 recipient of the Jackie Robinson Scholarship.

This award goes to one graduate each year who exemplifies Jackie Robinson’s commitment to community service. This year’s winner will be the first in his family to attend college. He has also dedicated much of his time during high school to serving his school and community in many ways. He has been a part of The Oakland Youth Advisory Commission, uses social media as a way to bring awareness to issues happening within the community, and he has served as a student leader for EA’s Latinos Unidos club. This fall he plans on attending UC Davis and majoring in Political Science. Congratulations Francisco Javier Ojeda!

ABOUT THE JACKIE ROBINSON SCHOLARSHIP

Each year, the Jackie Robinson Scholarship Award of $1000 is given to one graduate from each Envision school who exemplifies Jackie Robinson’s commitment to service and excellence. Mr. Robinson did more than break the color barrier in Major League Baseball: he was also the first in his family to graduate from college; he served his country in World War II; and he worked as a powerful civil rights advocate. To be awarded this scholarship, students must:

  • Be first in their family to go to college;
  • Deliver an outstanding graduation Portfolio and Defense;
  • Exemplify a commitment to service and leadership;
  • Plan on attending a 4-year college or university in the fall after graduation.

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]]> 11505 FIRST GEN PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF /blog/2020/07/16/10754/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=10754 Thu, 16 Jul 2020 18:51:10 +0000 /?p=10754 Evelyn Hernandez Benitez is City Arts & Tech’s 2020 recipient of the Bob Lenz “PDO” Scholarship. Evelyn has been a student at CAT for her entire high school career and is the first in her family to attend college. In the fall, Evelyn is planning to attend San Francisco State University where she will be...

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]]> Evelyn Hernandez Benitez is City Arts & Tech’s 2020 recipient of the Bob Lenz “PDO” Scholarship.

Evelyn has been a student at CAT for her entire high school career and is the first in her family to attend college. In the fall, Evelyn is planning to attend San Francisco State University where she will be able to utilize the skills learned during her time at CAT.  Evelyn embodies the essence of hard work, determination and persistence by using critical thinking skills, being a self-starting and consistent goal achiever. All of these skills were magnified in her brilliant portfolio defense, for which she earned the coveted principal’s distinction recognition. We look forward to hearing about her bright future!

ABOUT THE BOB LENZ “PDO” SCHOLARSHIP

The Bob Lenz PDO Scholarship award of $1000 is given each year to one graduating senior from each school site who exemplifies the Calvin Coolidge phrase: “Persistence and Determination alone are Omnipotent (PDO).” Erin Brockovich made these words her motto in her successful campaign to expose toxic water tables in the Central Valley. Bob and his Envision co-founders adopted the motto as well, applying it to Envision’s tireless work to help students develop the persistence and determination to succeed in college. Each of our award-winning students:

  • Has gone through significant hardship and persisted through adversity;
  • Has been accepted to and plans to attend a 4-year university or college.

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]]> 10754 An Exemplary Scholar! /blog/2020/07/16/an-exemplary-scholar/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=an-exemplary-scholar Thu, 16 Jul 2020 18:43:57 +0000 /?p=10752 Julie Le is Impact Academy’s 2020 recipient of the Jackie Robinson Scholarship. Julie possesses every quality of an exemplary Spartan scholar at Impact Academy. Her hard work and determination led her down the path to receive three awards in her senior year which include the award for Completing Projects Effectively, the “Resilience Award” and the...

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]]> Julie Le is Impact Academy’s 2020 recipient of the Jackie Robinson Scholarship.

Julie possesses every quality of an exemplary Spartan scholar at Impact Academy. Her hard work and determination led her down the path to receive three awards in her senior year which include the award for Completing Projects Effectively, the “Resilience Award” and the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma.  

Her advisor, Aaron Coleman states that  “Julie is one of the most courageous individuals I have ever met. She has persevered through hardship, yet always came to school with the determination to succeed in all her work, a trait that few adults have developed. Working full time during her years in high school, Julie has created organizational and time management skills that will create success for her wherever she ends up. Julie Le is truly an incredible person and a genuine person who sees the best in herself and her friends. She is a dynamic and intuitive person who has worked incredibly hard and deserves any and all awards given to her.”  The community of Impact Academy wishes her well in all future pursuits and endeavors. Congratulations, Julie! 

ABOUT THE JACKIE ROBINSON SCHOLARSHIP

Each year, the Jackie Robinson Scholarship Award of $1000 is given to one graduate from each Envision school who exemplifies Jackie Robinson’s commitment to service and excellence. Mr. Robinson did more than break the color barrier in Major League Baseball: he was also the first in his family to graduate from college; he served his country in World War II; and he worked as a powerful civil rights advocate. To be awarded this scholarship, students must:

  • Be first in their family to go to college;
  • Deliver an outstanding graduation Portfolio and Defense;
  • Exemplify a commitment to service and leadership;
  • Plan on attending a 4-year college or university in the fall after graduation.

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]]> 10752 A True Community Leader /blog/2020/07/16/a-true-community-leader/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-true-community-leader Thu, 16 Jul 2020 18:27:04 +0000 /?p=10750 Khatab Alameri is City Arts & Tech’s 2020 recipient of the Jackie Robinson Scholarship. Khatab has been a student at CAT for the entirety of his high school career. During the time, Khatab displayed leadership skills in and out of the classroom. At CAT,  Khatab participates in study groups to assist other students but is...

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]]> Khatab Alameri is City Arts & Tech’s 2020 recipient of the Jackie Robinson Scholarship.

Khatab has been a student at CAT for the entirety of his high school career. During the time, Khatab displayed leadership skills in and out of the classroom. At CAT,  Khatab participates in study groups to assist other students but is even more passionate about assisting his community. He volunteers his time as member of many Muslim organizations that assist local communities with resources. Khatab serves as San Francisoc’s District 6 Vice Chair council member of housing and land use committee so he can provide resources and be a voice for people from his community. Khatab displays his community to community services not only by speaking up but also taking action to make changes for the communities that need him.  We are proud to call him a CAT-ster!  We wish him all the best as he takes on college, and the University of California at Irvine is lucky he will join them in the Fall.

ABOUT THE JACKIE ROBINSON SCHOLARSHIP

Each year, the Jackie Robinson Scholarship Award of $1000 is given to one graduate from each Envision school who exemplifies Jackie Robinson’s commitment to service and excellence. Mr. Robinson did more than break the color barrier in Major League Baseball: he was also the first in his family to graduate from college; he served his country in World War II; and he worked as a powerful civil rights advocate. To be awarded this scholarship, students must:

  • Be first in their family to go to college;
  • Deliver an outstanding graduation Portfolio and Defense;
  • Exemplify a commitment to service and leadership;
  • Plan on attending a 4-year college or university in the fall after graduation.

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]]> 10750 Energy and Devotion /blog/2020/07/16/energy-and-devotion/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=energy-and-devotion Thu, 16 Jul 2020 18:22:50 +0000 /?p=10748 Alexxa Villegas is Envision Academy’s 2020 recipient of the Jackie Robinson Scholarship. Alexxa is a student who has demonstrated a commitment to giving back to her community. In the future, she plans to become an immigration attorney so that she can continue to advocate for her community. Alexxa has always been the student that encourages...

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]]> Alexxa Villegas is Envision Academy’s 2020 recipient of the Jackie Robinson Scholarship.

Alexxa is a student who has demonstrated a commitment to giving back to her community. In the future, she plans to become an immigration attorney so that she can continue to advocate for her community. Alexxa has always been the student that encourages others and pushes through obstacles. Her compassion sets the tone for everyone she encounters. Alexxa consistently gives her energy and devotion to whatever she sets her heart on. Whether it’s to encourage a friend or to master a skill, Alexxa will always give her all. That energy and devotion will take her to higher levels in the real world as she engages a wider range of thought and rigor.  We wish her the best of luck at the University of Colorado at Boulder!

ABOUT THE JACKIE ROBINSON SCHOLARSHIP

Each year, the Jackie Robinson Scholarship Award of $1000 is given to one graduate from each Envision school who exemplifies Jackie Robinson’s commitment to service and excellence. Mr. Robinson did more than break the color barrier in Major League Baseball: he was also the first in his family to graduate from college; he served his country in World War II; and he worked as a powerful civil rights advocate. To be awarded this scholarship, students must:

  • Be first in their family to go to college;
  • Deliver an outstanding graduation Portfolio and Defense;
  • Exemplify a commitment to service and leadership;
  • Plan on attending a 4-year college or university in the fall after graduation.

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]]> 10748 DEAR BLACK YOUTH OF AMERICA /blog/2020/06/05/dear-black-youth-of-america/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dear-black-youth-of-america Fri, 05 Jun 2020 17:29:05 +0000 /?p=10690 The post DEAR BLACK YOUTH OF AMERICA appeared first on ۲Ƶ.

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DEAR BLACK YOUTH OF AMERICA,

You are magic.  And here are some words from a teacher who loves you — even though he doesn’t know you — and who wants to share some thoughts with you, as we see protests happening all across America.

Thank you, Mr. Donovan, for this beautiful video!

Sending love,

the Envision Community

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]]> 10690 AN EXEMPLARY ENVISION SCHOLAR /blog/2017/07/26/exemplary-envision-scholar/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=exemplary-envision-scholar Wed, 26 Jul 2017 15:13:23 +0000 /?p=8277 The post AN EXEMPLARY ENVISION SCHOLAR appeared first on ۲Ƶ.

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Brian Carrillo, Impact Academy
College: University of California, Davis

Brian is Impact Academy’s 2017 winner of the Bob Lenz “PDO” Scholarship.

Brian exemplifies all that it means to be an Envision Scholar. As a first generation college student, he has taken full advantage of the opportunities his education has provided. As a student, he is always respectful to his teachers and helpful to his peers, while maintaining a level of self-motivation that has helped him achieve a 3.78 GPA. He understands what it means to be a critical thinker in the classroom, a collaborative worker with his fellow students, and a powerful communicator.

Brian knows how to use resources effectively. He understands that everything, every tool provided to him, can been used as a resource: his notes, his peers, his teachers, the internet, and most importantly, life itself. Being a first generation student means an opportunity for him to succeed. He was able to persevere and succeed, as he completed his Dream Act Application, despite what was going on around him in the world of Immigration and Racism.

In his Portfolio Defense, he stated that education is important to him “because it has allowed me to continue to grow as a human, acquire new knowledge and contribute a different perspective.”

 

ABOUT THE BOB LENZ “PDO” SCHOLARSHIP
The Bob Lenz PDO Scholarship award of $1000 is given each year to one graduating senior from each school site who exemplifies the Calvin Coolidge phrase: “Persistence and Determination alone are Omnipotent(PDO).”  Erin Brockovich made these words her motto in her successful campaign to expose toxic water tables in the Central Valley.  Bob and his Envision co-founders adopted the motto as well, applying it to Envision’s tireless work to help students develop the persistence and determination to succeed in college. Each of our award-winning students:

 

  • Has gone through significant hardship and persisted through adversity;
  • Has been accepted to and plans to attend a 4-year university or college.

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]]> 8277 READY FOR SUCCESS! /blog/2017/07/25/ready-for-success/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ready-for-success Tue, 25 Jul 2017 15:07:56 +0000 /?p=8273 The post READY FOR SUCCESS! appeared first on ۲Ƶ.

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Romeikus Moore, City Arts & Technology High School
College: California State University, San Francisco

Romeikus is City Arts & Tech’s 2017 winner of the Bob Lenz “PDO” Scholarship.

In his College Success Portfolio, Romeikus announced that he is “ready for success!”  And his four years at CAT demonstrate how he got there.  While in high school, Romeikus faced significant personal and academic struggles, and he emerged as an independent thinker with a high GPA.  He heads to college as someone who challenges stereotypes, speaks out against injustice, and expresses himself creatively.  He also served as an Envision Student Ambassador and was a member of CAT’s Leadership Class.

Outside of school and on weekends, Romeikus expresses his creativity as part of the dance troupe “Culture Shock,” where he is the first and only dancer to be on both the kids’ team and the adult team at the same time.  

Romeikus earned acceptances to several CSUs and private colleges, and decided to bring his talents to San Francisco State University this Fall, where he will major in social work and minor in dance.  We can’t wait to follow his story, and watch him achieve his lifelong dream of dancing for Missy Elliott and becoming a social worker to serve his community and beyond.

 

ABOUT THE BOB LENZ “PDO” SCHOLARSHIP
The Bob Lenz PDO Scholarship award of $1000 is given each year to one graduating senior from each school site who exemplifies the Calvin Coolidge phrase: “Persistence and Determination alone are Omnipotent(PDO).”  Erin Brockovich made these words her motto in her successful campaign to expose toxic water tables in the Central Valley.  Bob and his Envision co-founders adopted the motto as well, applying it to Envision’s tireless work to help students develop the persistence and determination to succeed in college. Each of our award-winning students:

 

  • Has gone through significant hardship and persisted through adversity;
  • Has been accepted to and plans to attend a 4-year university or college.

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]]> 8273 THIS GRAD IS ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY /blog/2017/07/24/all-about-community/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=all-about-community Mon, 24 Jul 2017 15:57:36 +0000 /?p=8265 The post THIS GRAD IS ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY appeared first on ۲Ƶ.

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Lizett Delgado, Envision Academy
College: California State University, Chico

Lizett is Envision Academy’s 2017 winner of the Bob Lenz “PDO” Scholarship.

For the past four years at Envision Academy, each day meant some new crazy patterned socks, or some new fashion forward style, rocked by Lizett Delgado.

But that’s not what makes her stand out.  What really distinguishes Lizett is the way she embodies our core value of COMMUNITY.  She’s kind, thoughtful, committed to the success of those around her, and selfless.  She works relentlessly, but somehow makes it look effortless.  Those who know her, though, know that her accomplishments have taken a lot perseverance and determination.  Her hard work has paid off: her College Success Portfolio defense showcased her deep academic knowledge, her powers of reflection, and her strong sense of self. 

She is headed to Cal State University, Chico this Fall — and we know she is destined for great things.  We expect to see her name in some Pixar credits in the future, and we look forward to celebrating even more of her accomplishments!

 

ABOUT THE BOB LENZ “PDO” SCHOLARSHIP
The Bob Lenz PDO Scholarship award of $1000 is given each year to one graduating senior from each school site who exemplifies the Calvin Coolidge phrase: “Persistence and Determination alone are Omnipotent(PDO).”  Erin Brockovich made these words her motto in her successful campaign to expose toxic water tables in the Central Valley.  Bob and his Envision co-founders adopted the motto as well, applying it to Envision’s tireless work to help students develop the persistence and determination to succeed in college. Each of our award-winning students:

 

  • Has gone through significant hardship and persisted through adversity;
  • Has been accepted to and plans to attend a 4-year university or college.

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