Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune
Friends of San Pasqual Academy recently received the California Nonprofit of the Year Award. This award was through the office of Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel, who is a strong advocate for foster teens. Pictured left to right are: Retired County Board of Supervisor and co-founder of San Pasqual Academy Greg Cox, Friends of San Pasqual Academy Board Member Kathy Lathrum, Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel and Friends of San Pasqual Academy Board Member Joan Scott. (Courtesy of Friends of San Pasqual Academy)
Members of Friends of San Pasqual Academy recently went to Sacramento to receive the California Nonprofit of the Year Award, through the office of Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel. This prestigious award was presented at the Capitol Building and was attended by Friends of San Pasqual Academy Board members Joan Scott and Kathy Lathrum. Retired Board of Supervisor Greg Cox, who helped found San Pasqual Academy was also in attendance, a news release stated.
Friends of San Pasqual Academy has been caring for the foster teens of San Pasqual Academy for over 25 years. They support athletic programs, academic programs, holiday parties, birthday parties, proms, college scholarships, sports award banquets, back-to-school shopping events and more.
Currently, Friends of San Pasqual Academy is getting ready for the Class of 2026 graduation. They host a graduation brunch for all the graduates, who receive numerous useful items from Friends of San Pasqual Academy, other organizations and individuals. Some of these items include their Senior Portrait, a yearbook, a laptop computer, towels, sheets, hand-made quilts, an alarm clock, blankets, a George Foreman Grill, a laundry basket filled with cleaning items, gift cards, a suitcase, pillows and more, the news release stated.
Each graduate also is awarded a scholarship from Friends of San Pasqual Academy, to further their education, whether it be a trade school, two-year community college or four-year university. Some of the colleges the foster students have attended include UCLA, Cal State San Marcos, San Diego State, San Francisco State, Humbolt State, San Jose State and others.
Many have gone on to earn teaching and other credentials and master’s degrees. There is also a graduation ceremony, which is very meaningful to the foster students and all who attend. This, too, is hosted by supporters of Friends of San Pasqual Academy.
“There are over 200,000 nonprofits in California and this award was very meaningful to all our foster students, alumni, supporters, teachers, coaches, houseparents, grandparents and staff at San Pasqual Academy,” stated Kathy Lathrum, a Friends of San Pasqual Academy board member, in the news release. “This is a community of caring individuals who care about our foster students, who are healing from abuse and trauma. This award recognizes how an individual can make a difference and change lives. We greatly appreciate our supporters, who make it possible for us to continue to care for the foster teens of San Pasqual Academy. “
For more information on Friends of San Pasqual Academy, visit their website at www.friendsofsanpasqualacademy.org. Friends of San Pasqual Academy also includes Board members Teri Summerhays, Lois Jones, Andrea Reynolds, Debby Syverson and Bob Syverson.
