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PEF Event Raises $182,000 for PUSD Students (Media Release)

Pasadena Educational Foundation’s
Celebrating Our Schools ELEVATE 2022
Event Raises $182,000 to Support Pasadena Unified Students

PASADENA, CA – Pasadena Educational Foundation raised $182,000 to support scholarships, arts and music, and all of PEF’s programs and initiatives at Celebrating Our Schools ELEVATE 2022. The evening event celebrated PEF’s 50th anniversary, showcased inspirational students and teachers, honored members of our community, shared inspirational stories, and supported PEF’s mission to achieve excellence and equity in all Pasadena Unified schools.

This year’s event honored educator, mentor, activist, and volunteer, Alma Stokes, featured Katrina Cabrera Ortega, television writer & producer (Dynasty) and co-founder of LIFT (Latinas Inspired for Tomorrow) Scholarship, and PEF’s award-winning interactive showcase highlighting PUSD’s innovative programs and students.

Exemplary Service Award honoree Alma Stokes reminded us what one person can do to bring change to her community. Alma has inspired thousands of students during her 30-year career in the Pasadena Unified School District and has elevated thousands more through her outstanding work with many organizations that support the health, well-being, and education of young people in our community. Alma is a tireless educator, activist, and dedicated PEF board member.

Writer, director, and proud PUSD parent Katrina Cabrera Ortega inspired us with her own story of success and her commitment to supporting the dreams of students through scholarships. Katrina, together with a group of community members and support from PEF, created scholarships to recognize the achievements, accomplishments, talents, and financial needs of PUSD students. Mrs. Ortega believes that community-based scholarships, regardless of their amount, provide students with a vote of confidence in their capabilities, provide a demonstration of support for their journey, and a recognition of their skill.

The Interactive Student Showcase provided opportunities for guests to get hands-on and explore the remarkable PUSD programs driving student success. The students and teachers captivated guests with their remarkably creative exhibits—generating science fiction stories on the spot, driving tiny solar rovers, piecing together “ancient” artifacts, and so much more.

If you are interested in supporting PEF’s efforts you can donate at http://pased.org/elevate
Your contribution is greatly appreciated and will help ensure Pasadena Unified students will receive the dynamic and thought-provoking educational opportunities they so richly deserve.

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Pasadena Educational Foundation
Celebrating 50 years of supporting the public schools of Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre.

Celebrating Our Schools ELEVATE 2022 In Pictures

(Note: Scroll Down for Student Showcase pics and Program & Presentations pics)
Student Showcase

Program & Presentations

Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for public education, engages the community, and develops resources to support excellent education for every Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) student. Whether it be through the arts, music, health centers, gardens, or STEM programs they support, PEF is dedicated to working to achieve equity and excellence in all PUSD schools. http://pased.org