Memorial Scholarships
Janessa Ramirez Scholarship
Her Story
Janessa Danielle Ramirez was born on June 1st, 2005 and was promoted to heaven on January 18, 2015.
For those that knew Janessa would describe her as kind and happy. She had a very close bond with her mother and family. But what made her special was the relationship and understanding she had in God and her faith. Janessa loved to bake chocolate chip cookies and make peanut butter sandwiches. She loved to sing and dance and cheer others up when they were down.
One night while at the laundromat with her mother she was caught between a gang dispute as an innocent bystander. A stray bullet hit her and she later passed with her mother by her side at Community Medical Center.
Janessa Ramirez Community Mural
Lead Muralist
Samantha Lazcano
Portrait Muralist
Andrea Torres
Assistant Artists
Patty Pratt, Norberto Ramirez, Krystal Sh’hadey, Alexis Lowe, Anthony Martinez, and the friends and community of Central Unified.
From intimate conversations with Janessa’s mother and grandma, a collection of pictures and stories from friends, we were able to understand the life of Janessa. It is our hope this mural will stand to honor, and remember Janessa Ramirez and raise awareness about gang violence in our city.
Location
4718 N. Polk Ave Fresno, CA 93722 We are grateful for the partnership and involvement of Highway City Community Development, Incorporated.
“Janessa Ramirez was my friend. We prayed together and played together. Since losing my friend it’s been difficult but l’ve learned to continue her legacy through love. I plan to give the same love through nursing.”
– A.Hollins 2022
“I would like to thank the Central Foundation for selecting me as a Janessa Ramirez Scholarship recipient. This scholarship will help me pay for tuition and housing at CSU Long beach. An opportunity I may not have been able to take without the award.”
– D. Casares 2019
“I am beyond humbled to be chosen for this scholarship. These funds will lighten my financial burden and enable me to focus on my education. I am honored to represent Janessa Ramirez’s legacy and I hope I continue to honor her through all that I seek to accomplish.”
– M. Kaur 2017
deADLINE:
FEBRUARY 14, 2025
We’re thrilled to announce our new scholarship opportunities! This year, we’re offering 26 scholarships worth up to $5,000 through eight amazing programs.
Who can apply?
- Central USD high school seniors
- Central USD Alumni
- Central USD Employees
Whether you’re heading to a Trade School, Community College, or University in 2025-2026, we’re here to support your dreams. All institutions must be accredited to qualify.
nurse dolores Scholarship est. 2023
For 20 years, Nurse Dolores dedicated herself to serving and caring for Central Unified staff and students at Biola-Pershing and Steinbeck Elementary. Those who knew Dolores say she was a giving person and always went above and beyond. If a school site needed assistance, Dolores would answer the call to help with any health service needs. In 2020 Dolores was nominated for Employee of the Year, for her knowledge, nursing expertise, dedication, and passion.
Nurse Dolores Evaristo battled breast cancer for many years and graduated to heaven on Monday, December 13, 2021. Four scholarships will be available in the amount of $1961.00, to honor the year Nurse Dolores was born. More specifically to support Central Unified students pursuing a nursing degree and that show the perseverance, passion and dedication, as Nurse Dolores shared with Central Unified and its students.
The scholarships will be available annually, starting in the spring of 2023.
Her Story
Dolores Evaristo was Born in Fresno California on July 31, 1961. Married the love of her life, Herman Evaristo on April 20, 1985. They have a beautiful family, Herman James Jr (son), Anthony Evaristo (son) and two grandchildren, Remington James Evaristo and RaeLynn Ann Evaristo. Nurse Dolores Evaristo battled breast cancer for many years and graduated to heaven on Monday, December 13, 2021.
Dolores Evaristo completed her first nursing degree through the Fresno City College Registered Nursing program. She then received her Bachelor of Science Nursing through California State University, Dominguez Hill.
And finally her School Nurse Credential through California State University, Fresno. At the beginning of her nursing career she worked as a hospital nurse, working the floor and then quickly rising to House Supervisor. She later became a registered nurse technician for the Fresno County Office of Education while working in the hospital. Wanting a change, she submitted her resignation to the hospital but it was rejected and she continued to work at the hospital. Over the years, Nurse Dolores dedicated herself to her patients and students, spending 20 years at Central Unified School District as a Credentialed School Nurse.
Dolores’ passion in life was working in the medical field and education. She believed her calling was to help and care for those in need especially for her students and their families. She would go above and beyond the scope of her job, helping families find immunization clinics, glasses and doctors for physicals.
Oftentimes she would make home visits to provide care for students and assist parents with information for their students’ health conditions. Nurse Dolores was also known for her preschool presentations, as she would dress up in theme to teach students about Halloween safety, dental and nutrition.
Nurse Dolores continued to serve the students and staff of Central Unified until her health forced her to go on medical leave. That didn’t stop Dolores, she found a way to help during the COVID-19 pandemic. She relayed vital information to her dear friend Central Unified Nurse LaVonne English. She was always thinking ahead and working to educate her team and students. Nurse Dolores believed that everyone had the opportunity to learn and reach their full potential.The scholarships will be available annually, starting in the spring of 2023.
deADLINE:
FEBRUARY 14, 2025
We’re thrilled to announce our new scholarship opportunities! This year, we’re offering 26 scholarships worth up to $5,000 through eight amazing programs.
Who can apply?
- Central USD high school seniors
- Central USD Alumni
- Central USD Employees
Whether you’re heading to a Trade School, Community College, or University in 2025-2026, we’re here to support your dreams. All institutions must be accredited to qualify.
Paul Thompson Scholarship
HIS Story
Paul received his education at Parker Dam Elementary and later graduated from Delano High School. He continued his journey of knowledge at Fresno State University where he received a Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters of Business Administration.
In his professional life, Paul had a successful career. He worked as a Sales Manager at Masco, Top Build, Sacramento Building Products, and also as a Territory Manager at Stonhard, RPM.The scholarships will be available annually, starting in the spring of 2023.
Beyond his work, Paul had a passion for cooking and barbecuing. He found joy in preparing meals for his friends and family. Tailgating with his friends before a Bulldog game was the perfect way to use his barbecue skills. He was also a huge Dodger fan who lived and died with every win and loss.
Paul’s wife, Kris Thompson is a proud Central Unified employee and choose to celebrate the memory of her husband through the gift of scholarship. She has trusted the Foundation with this gift in hopes to find a graduating senior pursuing a business degree at Fresno State.
deADLINE:
FEBRUARY 14, 2025
We’re thrilled to announce our new scholarship opportunities! This year, we’re offering 26 scholarships worth up to $5,000 through eight amazing programs.
Who can apply?
- Central USD high school seniors
- Central USD Alumni
- Central USD Employees
Whether you’re heading to a Trade School, Community College, or University in 2025-2026, we’re here to support your dreams. All institutions must be accredited to qualify.
