Clovis Veterans Memorial District Central Valley Influencers Conference

The Clovis Veterans Memorial District (CVMD) is one of 27 such districts in California. Of the 25 active districts, it is one of the few that resist specialization in a particular avenue of community service. Whereas some may focus on veterans of foreign wars, memorials, or current service personnel, CVMD defines its mission as serving as a permanent living memorial honoring US Military and Veterans, providing facilities and support programs promoting a legacy of service. They strive to highlight the connection between a life of service and its impact to the local community and the nation.

In March, CVMD hosted the second annual Central Valley Influencers Conference designed to empower educational influencers with knowledge of the educational opportunities available to high school students upon graduation. Bringing together counselors, teachers, school support staff, and academic leaders, the Influencers Conference provided access to subject matter experts so educators can inform and support students about postgraduation opportunities.

“The district aims to increase access to educational pathways for local students, empowering them to achieve academic and professional success. This objective also involves raising awareness of the value veterans bring to the community by showcasing their achievements while fostering a more informed and engaged student body prepared to make informed decisions about their future,” said CVMD Chief Executive Officer Lorenzo Rios.

Presenters included Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michelle Copher, whose office sponsored the event. “Educators are deeply committed to helping students reach their full potential and to assist and mentor our youth interested in considering military service,” Dr. Copher said. In a region known for economic adversity, she noted, “Education is the most reliable steppingstone out of poverty.”

The Influencers Conference focused on the opportunity for high school students seeking attendance at a military academy after high school. Attendees had an opportunity to interact with representatives from the U.S. Naval Academy, Air Force, and Space Force, Coast Guard Academy, and a member of Representative Tom McClintock’s 5th Congressional District staff. Less than 1% of Americans currently serve in the military, with over 1.4 million on active duty and another 857,000 in reserves. Only 1 in 4 people between the ages of 17-23 are qualified for military service or academy acceptance. Some eligibility requirements include being an unmarried U.S. citizen, not legally responsible for any children, with above average grades and strong ACT or SAT scores. Academy applicants must pass a medical exam and a fitness assessment.

Where academy acceptance is sought by students who are academically oriented or have a strong vision for what they want to do after high school, enlistment is more suited to students who may prefer hands-on training or skillbuilding aligned with a trade school.

The presentation included information on the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), Army ROTC, Marine and Naval ROTC, and Air Force ROTC programs. Clovis Veterans Memorial District is excelling in its mission to provide a living memorial honoring military service. Their focus on honoring past, present, and future service members is a model for the state that CSDA is proud to feature in this issue.