$119,000 donation from Masons of California supports reading and scholarship programs

San Diego-area public schools received a generous donation of $119,000 from the Masons of California that will provide funding for reading and scholarship programs at San Diego Unified schools.

The Raising a Reader program teaches children literacy skills and fosters a lifetime love of books. Since its inception in 2011, more than 50,000 children in California public schools have benefited from the Masons’ investment in this literacy program.

Masons' Russell Charvonia, Supt. Marten, Nick Serrano from Councilmember Gloria's office and Principal Nash

The Investments in Success Scholarship Program gives deserving high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional qualities despite home or community obstacles a chance to complete a college education. This year, the California Masons will award more than $600,000 to more than 325 Investment in Success scholars.

Superintendent Cindy Marten and Madison Principal Richard Nash accepted the check from local Masons who serve on the Public Schools Advisory Council during the Public Schools Month Kickoff celebration held at Madison High School on April 9.

The Masons of California are committed to making a difference for public education, and have helped make public education a focal issue in California since the introduction of Public Schools Week in 1920. This statewide celebration, now known as Public Schools Month, takes place each April. This year, the fraternity held events throughout California with statewide donations amounting to more than $760,000.