Education Buzz for Sunday, July 24

Castro gets leadership award

Fresno State President Joseph Castro was presented with the Distinguished Servant Leadership Award on July 14 for his contributions to the Executive Leadership Academy.

Castro was given the award by Carol Christ, interim executive vice chancellor and provost at University of California, Berkeley, at a reception at her home. The leadership academy took place from July 11 to 15 at the Hotel Shattuck in Berkeley.

The Executive Leadership Academy promotes critical thinking skills, leadership and strategic planning for higher education. It prepares those interested in advancing to executive positions such as deans, provosts, chancellors and presidents. Since 2010, 190 fellows have graduated from the program.

Castro was honored for his support and involvement with the academy throughout its history. In addition to being a founding fellow, board member and event sponsor, Castro has advanced 13 fellows to the program.

Prather native heads Angus board

A Prather native was selected as chairman of the National Junior Angus Association board of directors.

Macy Perry was one of 12 people recently selected to serve on the junior board during the National Junior Angus Show Conference in Grand Island, Neb.

According to the National Junior Angus Association website, Perry is currently a sophomore at Oklahoma State University, where she studies animal science.

The junior board members make recommendations to the American Angus Association board of directors for new programs.

FFA vet science team seeks travel funds

Now that the Clovis Future Farmers of America’s veterinary science team has won the title of state champions, it is asking for assistance in getting the team to the national level championships in Indianapolis.

The all-girls team is comprised of Jordan Demanty, Shauntel Statt, Kylie Raymond, Emma Milks and Courtney Herring, and is coached by Jennifer Knight. The team is asking for support in meeting the $1,300 per person cost it will take to travel and participate in the veterinary science contest in October.

Anyone wanting to donate or sponsor the team can contact Knight at 559-765-9580 or at jenniferknight@cusd.com.

United Ag to honor 3 local students

United Ag will honor three Fresno State students with scholarships at its luncheon on Thursday at the Elbow Room in Fresno. The students submitted essays in response to an ag-related question.

They are: Marcos Amaro, $3,000; Beatrice Garcia, $500; and Venissia Garcia, $500.

Students from other California universities will also be awarded scholarships at the luncheon.

Clovis North grad wins National Merit

Neha Pondicherry of Clovis was awarded the National Merit Virginia Commonwealth University Scholarship for her career goal in medicine.

Pondicherry was among more than 7,300 finalists chosen to receive the scholarship by submitting an essay describing leadership and contributions in their school and community and showing a good academic record.

This story was originally published July 24, 2016 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Education Buzz for Sunday, July 24."