Established 2023

Nurse Dolores Scholarship

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. Two 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) and Jessica Evaristo (daughter-in-law), 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. 

 

Scholarship

In 2022, husband Herman Evaristo entrusted the Foundation for Central Schools with the memorial scholarship in honor of his beloved wife, Nurse Dolores. Two scholarships will be available in the amount of $1961.00, to honor the year she was born. More specifically to support students pursuing a nursing degree that show the perseverance, passion and dedication, as Nurse Dolores shared with Central Unified and its students. The scholarship will be available annually starting in the spring of 2023.  

Nurse Dolores and her dear friend LaVonne English

April 29, 2023 – 2023 Scholarship Awards Brunch

Eligibility

  • Must be a Central Unified Senior graduating in 2023
  • Must enroll for Fall 2023 as a part-time or full-time nursing student at a 2-year, 4-year, college, university, trade or vocational school. The school must be an accredited U.S. institution, and listed on the official website for the U.S. Department of Education.

Award

  • Two (2) $1961.00 scholarships for graduating Central Unified seniors with a declared major in nursing.

Scholarship Timeline

  • February 1 Application Opens
  • March 6 Application Closes
  • March 10-31 Application Review
  • April 3 Recipients Notified
  • April 29 Award Brunch