The Fresno County Office of Education are partnering with the Big Fresno Fair to give students with a 4.0, as of June 2015, a free ticket to the Fresno Fair, Oct. 7. This opportunity will be available to 8-12 graders. Rewards will be given to these students like, scholarships, bikes, iPads and a brand new Toyota Corolla. Students with a 4.0 should have received their entry pass and brochure from their school.
The 5th Annual 4.0 & Above Program expanded from just high schoolers to 8-12 graders. According to the Big Fresno Fair, the purpose of adding 8th graders was to add an extra incentive for kids.
“The 4.0 & Above Program was expanded to include 8th grade students in Fresno County to further broaden the reach and impact of encouraging students to work hard in school. Furthermore, this Program allows the Fair and its partners to recognize these students for all their hard work and incredible scholastic achievements.”
Finishing sophomore year with a 4.6 grade point average, Nick Leblanc, ’17, has heard of the program, but does not plan on participating in it.
“I’m really busy with school and sports so probably wouldn’t have time and I’m not really a big fan of the Fresno Fair, because it’s big, crowded, and expensive,” Leblanc said. “I do think that if you work hard in school in some way, shape or form then you should be rewarded. I think this is good way to reward kids for their hard work at school.”
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In the previous year, 48 out of the 49 schools invited had attended Opening Day in the Grandstand to watch the raffle. There were 24 students who went home with awards.
Cate Vander Kooi, ’18 has also managed to attain a 4.0 grade point average and above throughout her high school career, and though she has not heard of the program before, she appreciates the purpose of the program.
“I have not heard of this program before, but I would love to participate in it, largely because I enjoy going to the fair and it sounds like a quick and easy way to get in,” Vander Kooi said “I think the idea of rewarding students with their good grades is a great idea. It’s a great motivator for students to work hard and get good grades.“
“The future leaders of our community deserve to be recognized in a big way. The Big Fresno Fair is proud to honor the brightest students by rewarding them for their hard work year-round. We are incredibly excited to expand this Program to include 8th grade students and hope it has an impact on encouraging them to work hard in school!”
To learn more about the 4.0 and above program, visit the Fresno Fair’s website.
For more features, please read 86th Annual Caruthers Fair: Opportunity for community to bond, reconnect.
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