By Edita McQuary
Valencia’s “Home and Schools” volunteer parent support organization members Joanna Dang, Lizzy Anderson, Jessica Amezaga Lange, Darcy Pruett and about 100 parent (and grandparent) volunteers led the school to success. Of course, the students also played a big part in the victory.
Valencia Elementary currently has 550 students in grades kindergarten through 6th grade. It is one of the most diverse schools in one of the largest school districts in the state. A Santa Cruz County Certified Green Organic Business since 2012, they also earned the coveted California Distinguished School Award in 2014.
Besides Valencia, which raised $24,850, the other 2016 winners were Soquel High School ($23,229), Tierra Pacifica Charter (27,235), SLV Nature Academy ($9,170) and a special Spirit Award was presented to Watsonville Charter School for raising $22,855.
The funds raised by this important fundraiser sponsored by Capitola Auto Mall Dealers Group and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk enable the schools involved to provide activities and programs such as music, art, technology, playground improvement and more that would not otherwise be supported in their respective annual budgets.
Kudos to Capitola Auto Mall Dealers Group and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for their interest in and support of the children and families of Santa Cruz County!
Photo: Darcy Pruitt (from left), Jody Turner (Toyota), Caryn Lane, Karley Pope (Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk), Scott Lange, Jessica Amezaga Lange, and Natasha Lange.