AHWAHNEE – Veteran school trustee Monika Moulin retires from her seat on the Yosemite Unified School District Board of Trustees at the end of the year, it was announced this week.  Her current term ends December 2022. The Ahwahnee resident has served on the Oakhurst-based district’s governing board since the unification of the former Yosemite High School District and its feeder ...

SACRAMENTO—Golden 1 Credit Union has the pleasure of announcing that the application period for its 2025 Scholarship Program is open. California students pursuing higher education with strong academic and extracurricular backgrounds can apply until January 2025. Golden 1 will award up to $500,000 in scholarships to select students. WHAT Golden 1’s annual scholarship program provides dozens of members and their dependents with financial assistance. This ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES — In the spirit of giving, a community initiative is underway to bring warmth, comfort, and joy to seniors in the mountain areas. Yosemite High School senior Natalee Castonguay leads “Be a Santa to a Senior”, collaborating with the Oakhurst and Mariposa CHP to collect essential and cheerful items for local senior centers. Items to Brighten Seniors’ Holidays First, ...

O’NEALS—Join the community for an unforgettable evening at Minarets High School’s Winter Concert! This exciting event showcases the talented students and features a delightful bake sale and a silent auction, making it a perfect outing for the mountain community. Best of all, admission is completely free! Minarets High School’s music program stands out by offering two dynamic pathways. One focuses ...

MERCED – Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) is now offering free roundtrip passes to college and university students. The students must be traveling from Merced and Mariposa to Yosemite National Park. To obtain their ticket, individuals must submit a simple application along with proof of enrollment in a post secondary institution. College and university students who reside in Mariposa ...

MADERA — Over 500 Academic Decathletes from across California gathered in Madera for the 17th Annual Academic Decathlon Lecture Day, joining Madera County’s high school competitors.  This year’s Decathlon theme, “Our Changing Climate,” guided the sessions, where Central Valley experts delivered lectures tailored to Decathlon subject areas. Statewide Opportunity for Decathletes Initially, Dr. Cecilia Massetti talks about the opportunities this ...

FRESNO —  This November, Fresno State is observing Native American Heritage Month with a series of events that recognize the significance of Native American culture, history, and contributions to the United States.  Established by George H. W. Bush in 1990, the month-long recognition brings attention to the impact of Native Americans on the country’s foundation and development.  In line with ...

MADERA COUNTY —  In a moment of achievement and redemption, 23 incarcerated men at Valley State Prison donned caps and gowns and proudly crossed a stage.  In turn, all earning a bachelor’s degree from Fresno State.  This graduation marks the first of its kind for incarcerated students in California’s Central Valley.  Therefore, it symbolizes a path of new opportunities and ...

MADERA COUNTY–More than 325 students with special needs participated in the 7th Annual LIFE Games hosted by the Madera County Superintendent of Schools on Tuesday, October 8th, at the Madera Fairgrounds. LIFE Games is an event that demonstrates that all students, even the most severely disabled, can participate in ­­­any activity with the proper preparation. Students participated in four different ...

FRESNO —  Fresno State is using virtual reality (VR) technology to enhance learning experiences for biology students.  Therefore, offering a new approach to studying complex topics such as the human nervous system and brain.  Since Spring of 2023, the university’s biology department has incorporated VR into select courses.  Consequently, allowing students to visualize and interact with three-dimensional models of anatomical ...

O’NEALS —  The Chukchansi Economic Development Authority (CEDA) has made a direct contribution to support youth sports in the community.  Moreover, CEDA represents the business interests of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians.  The donation to the Minarets Foundation, Inc. will strengthen the Minarets High School football program, known as the Mustangs, as they gear up for the 2024-25 season. ...