In December 2025, more than 600 Clovis Unified School District high school and middle school students attended the district’s 13th annual Asian American Student Success Conference. The conference, held at Clovis East High, celebrates a different region each year and 2025 spotlighted the Cambodian culture while focusing on the theme of “Where Traditions Inspire Tomorrow.” It is one of several cultural celebrations Clovis USD holds throughout the year.
Students heard from keynote speaker Soreath Hok, an award-winning journalist and radio host for “All Things Considered” and then rotated in three different breakout sessions with one focusing on cultural enrichment, another featuring an interactive activity from Cambodian culture, and the third providing an opportunity for students to meet with various mentors from colleges, local businesses and community organizations.
Awarded the 2022 California Fellowship with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism, Hok produced stories about mental health issues affecting survivors of the Khmer Rouge genocide. Hok shared her family’s journey from Cambodia and the sacrifices made by her parents so that she and her siblings could succeed in America. The right of all children to have an education is what has made the difference, she said. Hok urged attendees to embrace learning and find their own passions.
The conference reflects the district’s commitment to celebrating the cultures of its students to create a welcoming environment for all.
“Clovis Unified’s decision to prioritize the Asian American Student Success Conference each year reflects a deeper commitment to equity, representation and student voice,” said Saul Salina, Clovis USD coordinator of community relations. “The conference creates a space where Asian American students can be fully seen in their diversity, complexity and lived experiences. By hosting this conference, the district is intentionally affirming that identity matters in education. Students are given opportunities to hear stories that mirror their own, engage with mentors who look like them, and explore topics such as cultural identity, family expectations, mental health, and leadership. This kind of environment sends a powerful message: you belong here, and your story has value.”
In that tradition of belonging and celebration, each conference features student performances. The 2025 conference featured a vibrant lineup of cultural and student performances from across Clovis Unified including traditional and contemporary showcases, ranging from lion dancers and K-pop, to Hmong cultural dancers and Japanese light-stick dancing. Performers represent schools throughout the district, creating an exciting celebration of cultural expression and student talent.
“The impact on students is both immediate and lasting. In terms of belonging, students often leave the conference feeling more connected — not only to their peers but to their schools and community,” Salina said. “For many, it may be the first time they see their cultural identity centered in an academic space, which can be transformative. That sense of validation reduces isolation and strengthens their confidence in navigating school systems.”
The district also partners with the City of Clovis and other local organizations to expose students to a variety of career options. Representatives typically include local colleges and universities, health care and mental health professionals, STEM and technology careers, business and entrepreneurship leaders, media and creative arts professionals, public service fields such as law and public safety, and community-based organizations like The Fresno Center, which provides culturally responsive services that promote self-sufficiency, wellness and empowerment. These mentors provide students with real-world insights, career guidance, and opportunities to explore future pathways.
“Academically, the conference helps shift mindsets. When students see pathways to success modeled by speakers and professionals, their aspirations expand,” explained Salinas. “They begin to see themselves not just as school participants, but as leaders, scholars and change agents. This increased sense of purpose often translates into stronger engagement, higher motivation and a clearer vision for their future. Ultimately, the conference is not just an event — it is an investment in student potential. It builds bridges between identity and achievement, reminding students that they do not have to set aside who they are to succeed — they can draw strength from it.”
The conference follows the Clovis USD Native American Student Success conference as the second in a series of cultural events in the district that includes the African American and Latino Student Success Conferences.
“Clovis Unified intentionally invests in student success conferences that highlight diverse groups on our campuses to build connectivity and capacity in our students to value themselves, value others and be empowered to access their full potential,” said Kelly Avants, Clovis USD chief communications officer. “These conferences are open to all students on campus, not just those of the named culture.”
