RUSD CELEBRATES 2022 HERITAGE SCHOLARS AT RECOGNITION CEREMONY
May 2, 2022

On April 27, the Riverside Unified School District celebrated 173 Heritage Scholars at North High School. The Heritage Program was started in the 2013-14 school year due to the critical need to support our Black students in completing their A-G requirements. These are the prerequisites for attending both UC and CSU universities. The program has impacted hundreds of students annually.

“I am proud to be a co-founder of this transformative program,” said Superintendent Renee Hill. “Over half of all students complete their A-G courses, the service gaps between student groups are closing and it is my focus to get even better.”

The evening opened with the pledge of allegiance and a performance by Heritage Senior Erin Jones of "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Following words of encouragement from Program Coordinator, Rochelle Kanatzar and Board President Brent Lee, Justin Hudson, RUSD class of 2005 alumnus and creator of 1 Love IE, delivered a passionate keynote speech. The Heritage graduates then took the stage to receive their stoles, signifying their accomplishment.

“The Board of Education could not be more proud of the accomplishments of our 2022 Heritage Scholars,” said Board President Brent Lee. “The Heritage Program continues to clear the path for so many students to access the opportunities that higher education provides.”

Hundreds of students have gained access to UC and CSU campuses thanks to the Heritage Program, which just received the prestigious Golden Bell Award in 2021.

"This program is needed and necessary. It gives our students a community where they know they have students, teachers, counselors, and administrators that are here to support and guide them,” said Angela Washington, Heritage Site Contact. “If I only had this opportunity when I was in school, I would not have struggled as much as I did."

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Contact:
Nick Hamre
Community Relations Manager
nhamre@riversideunified.org

About Riverside Unified School District
Riverside Unified School District is the 16th largest school district in California, serving nearly 42,000 students in 50 schools in Riverside, California. RUSD is governed by five Board of Education members and serves a large portion of the City of Riverside, as well as unincorporated areas of Highgrove and Woodcrest.
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