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VICTOR VALLEY, CA- Options for Youth (OFY) Victor Valley Region received the Barona Band of Mission Indians Educational Grant Award on November 1 at the Holiday Inn Victorville. During the Senior Breakfast, Rebecca Tennison from the 21stDistrict presented Charles Pak, OFY Director of Instructional Operations, with the grant.
On behalf of the 21st Senate District, the late state Senator Sharon Runner nominated OFY shortly before her death. It was the only school Runner’s office recommended for the award this year. The $5,000 grant is given to help selected schools provide materials, including books and computers, and to promote the academic improvement of students statewide.
“Barona has sought after my recommendation for a deserving school in our district; consequently, we have numerous outstanding schools in need in our district,” Runner, R-Lancaster, said in an official letter to OFY. “However, OFY stood out above the many due to the dedication and commitment displayed by OFY leadership, faculty, and staff, as well as the undeniable challenges overcome by your amazing students.”
Runner said that she and her staff “worked diligently with local schools” this past spring semester to ensure high school seniors were informed of state and federal funds available to them through the Cash for College program. “This is where we witnessed first-hand the genuine great works and remarkable results of OFY.”
Pak said, “OFY is very grateful for the late Senator Sharon Runner’s nomination for the grant. We are also thankful for the continued support from loyal community members such as the Barona Band of Mission Indians. This generous grant will be used to help fund materials that promote academic improvement and that will benefit current and future students, including books and computers.”
