RISE honors African American students who have obtained a 3.0 GPA or higher, had outstanding attendance, made great gains, or have participated in an African American cultural event at their school. RISE began six years ago at Fort Miller Middle School when two educators, Shayla Hayes and Tobaise Brookins, sought to celebrate the accomplishments of the African American students on that campus. This year, RISE recognition will include students from Addicott, Ayer, Kirk, King, Thomas and Vinland elementary schools; Baird, Computech, Fort Miller, Gaston, Tenaya and Terronez middle schools; Fresno Adult School; and the Office of African American Academic Acceleration.
