Greetings from San Joaquin Section!

It is an honor to serve as President of the CASCWA San Joaquin Section and to work alongside so many dedicated professionals who share a deep commitment to the success and well-being of students and families across our region. Together, we embody the mission of CASCWA — fostering collaboration, equity, and student success through compassionate service and meaningful partnerships. I am continually inspired by the passion, expertise, and care that each of you brings to this important work.

As we continue to address the challenges and opportunities before us, let us remain grounded in our shared purpose — to support every student, every day. By strengthening relationships among schools, families, and communities, we create the foundation for student engagement, attendance, and achievement. Our collective efforts make a lasting difference, and I am grateful for the dedication and heart that define our San Joaquin Section.

On behalf of the San Joaquin Executive Board and in partnership with the CASCWA State Board, thank you for your continued commitment to serving students and families. Together, we are building a brighter future and advancing the mission of CASCWA throughout our state.

With appreciation,

Maisie Young
President, CASCWA San Joaquin Section
Director of Child Welfare and Attendance, Central Unified School District

San Joaquin Section Board Members

Anthony Brucia Scholarship Awards Presentation Ceremony 2024

The San Joaquin section of CASCWA held their annual scholarship awards luncheon on May 17, 2024, in Fresno CA.  Named in honor of Anthony Brucia, the late son of CASCWA legend Joe Brucia, the scholarship is given to students who have overcome major challenges and circumstances in life to graduate on time from high school and continue on with their education.

With over 70 people in attendance, scholarship co-chair and emcee Dr. Kevin Torosian welcomed everyone, followed by brief introductions of section members and a greeting from section President Sharma Uma. 

At the conclusion of a lovely meal enjoyed by all, Anthony Brucia Awards were presented to the following students:  Julian Cuen, Firebaugh HS (CSU, Fresno), Elijah Berber, Kings River HS (Reedley College), Alyssa Moreno, Hallmark Academy (Fresno City College), Tiana Contreras, Harmony Magnet Academy (UC Irvine), and Isabella Wyrick, Nipomo HS (Cal Poly).  The Anthony Brucia award is an immediate $1,000 scholarship, to be followed by additional awards of $1,000 per year for the next three years should the student remain enrolled and in good standing.

Additionally, Ron Cuff and Janet Rowse from SafeLaunch were in attendance to award two scholarships to recipients selected by them from our applicants whose lives have been touched by the effects of substance abuse.   SafeLaunch has made their generosity in scholarship awards available to every CASCWA section throughout the state and were gracious enough to attend to present scholarships to Ari Rangel, Parlier HS (Reedley College) and Dulce Juarez, Kingsburg HS (CSU, Fresno).

Special acknowledgments should go out to Sergio Mendoza, Scholarship Co-Chair, Johnny Gonzalez, Joe Brucia, Nuni Torres, Maisie Young, Sharma Uma and all the other members of the San Joaquin section who participated in the reading and scoring of applications.