Chevron, the largest producer of oil in California, has a long history of supporting education in Kern County. “Chevron proudly supports the KHSD Educational Foundation through financial contributions and employee involvement,” notes Carla Musser, Policy & Government & Public Affairs Manager. “We are investing in education locally and throughout California today to help build tomorrow’s workforce,” Musser added. “Education is the key to success for both students and companies.” Chevron has been a continuous supporter of the KHSD Educational Foundation since the Foundation was created in 1989 and has helped fund many important projects, including: Project BEST, the KHSD Superintendent’s First In Class Awards, Virtual Enterprise programs and Principal Partners’ Day.
The contributions to Kern County education by Jim Burke, his wife, Bebe, and his daughter, Michele extend far beyond their considerable financial donations to the KHSD. In particular, Jim Burke was instrumental in forging a bond between the business and educational communities. It was Burke who first proposed a Principal Partners’ Day that would bring together school and business leaders for meaningful interaction. Burke’s support was vital to the development of the KHSD’s award-winning Project 2000. The KHSD established in 2003 its annual Jim Burke “Light and Liberty” Award for service to Kern County education. Mr. Burke passed away in 2006.
Klassen Corporation is a private, family-owned architectural firm headquartered in Bakersfield. Owners Robert, Phil and Jerry Klassen have often demonstrated their commitment to the Kern County community through financial donations and personal involvement. Klassen Corp. has been very supportive of the KHSD through significant donations to a wide array of programs.
The KHSD has benefitted greatly for many years from the generosity of the Ben H. and Gladys Arkelian Foundation. The Arkelians owned a farm in the Lerdo area and grew grapes, cotton and olives. Ben died in 1950, Gladys in 1963. The Foundation to which their remaining assets were distributed has been a major asset to Kern County. Most notably, the Arkelian Foundation in 1987 provided $250,000 to finish the Children’s Wing of Kern County “Beale Memorial” Library.
Stella Fiorelli was a long time Kern Valley resident and supporter of Kern Valley HS students and athletes. Stella passed away recently and her husband Roy established a foundation in her name. A donation from her foundation was made this year which yields yearly a scholarship for a Kern Valley HS student.
West High received this year a donation that created a James Alford Army JROTC Memorial Scholarship. The donation provides scholarships for students in the school’s JROTC program. James Alford served in the US Army from 1942 to 1945. He was the leader of a machine gun squad and served in the Aleutian Islands, France and Germany. He was wounded by gun fire twice. Medals he was awarded include the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.