LANCASTER – During half-time ceremonies at the Lopes’ homecoming football game Friday night, University of Antelope Valley founders Marco and Sandra Johnson presented a $10,000 check to Antelope Valley High School.
The donation marks the sixth annual installment of a 10-year, $100,000 commitment the Johnsons made to their alma mater, Antelope Valley High School, to help support the athletics and performing arts departments.
“It’s hard to put into words how much the Johnson’s support has meant to our school, community and the students. They are an inspiration and excellent role models,” said Antelope Valley High School Vice Principal Brett D’Errico.
Antelope Valley High School Principal Jodie Radford said “AVHS alumni, Marco and Sandra Johnson, made a selfless pledge of support personally and financially. They have been instrumental in the success of AVHS donor program and their contributions have helped instill pride in our school through the support of arts and athletics. They are tangible examples of generosity, commitment, and pride in our school and community.”
The athletics and performing arts programs at AVHS were instrumental in training and development for the Johnsons. Marco saw his dream of becoming a professional football player in the NFL come true, and Sandra followed her dream and became a professional dancer.
“A portion of our foundation was built at AVHS, it’s where we learned hard work and dedication to self and teams,” said Marco Johnson. “We want each student today to have these same opportunities through athletics and performing arts.”
The Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation is a charitable, nonprofit organization established to assist individuals and families in need throughout the Antelope Valley. The Foundation advances this mission primarily through its work to provide charitable services including but not limited to the promotion of education, scholarships, clothing and food provisions.
For more information on the Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation, or how you or your business can become a contributing partner visit www.marcoandsandra.org.
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proud resident says
I love the Johnson’s and so do thousands and thousands of other people in our community. We need more families who are examples and continue giving and making a positive difference for us. They continue giving us hope. The Johnson’s continue proving that they don’t act or give for praise, they do it because they care.
Marco, Sandra, Devion, and Tiffany don’t listen to the small portion of ignorance but continue being who you are. We appreciate all of you.
Go lopes!!!!!!
Novella Meyers says
Hell before they start going above and beyond they NEED to OFFICIALLY put an end to the 2013 girls softball season. Those ladies took UAV to THREE consecutive WORLD SERIES appearance and then they WON I might add. Here it is almost 2015 and those poor girls have YET to receive the championship rings they Were promised. Also they were cheated out of much more then a Championship Ring which at this point has no real relevance. They have had excuse after excuse. The last excuse was planning a media event. At this point theyd be good with receiving their rings in the mail. It’s like being able to say you won the lotto but u don’t get any money?
roy says
Med Coder Median Salary $48K
EMT Median Salary $34K.
Ask yourself how much debt are those careers worth.
Median Car Salesman Salary $48K.
On the Job training.
Ss says
Id rather go to AVC. I went here and still owe about 10,000. They keep the financial aid where at AVC you get it and are able to buy your own books and compare prices elsewhere and I was able to use what was left for gas, rent, utilities. It was a big help and helped my education. They’re keeping that and some. And I’m more in debt that I would have ever imagined.
John says
Yes, good charitable people.
Too bad their for-profit campus (UAV) they are running in the AV has career placement rates that accreditation agencies are eying. Taking federal student aid for careers that do not lead to career placement. Leaving the students to default on their student loans while UAV’s pads their pockets. With tuition $15,000+ per student, what is a single $10,000 donation to the Johnsons?
Earl P says
I attended their school and am doing rather well for myself. If you expect the school to do all of the work for you, then you problem is laziness. Instead of blaming failures on others, look to yourself and your own personal ethics.
But how about we take a quick look at the problems of your accusations.
1) How many people are employed by UAV? There are people that enjoy employment thanks to those two individuals. How many people do you employ?
2) How much money have you donated? How much have you committed to donating every year? How do you know they don’t donate far more than what is reported in this story? Unless you are personal friends, for all you know they live like paupers. But instead you want to make baseless accusations concerning generous and hardworking people.
3) Defaulting on student loans can hardly be blamed on the school. These students are adults, and as such are responsible for the contracts they enter into. Is this the state of this country, where hard work and determination are replaced by an expectancy of success?
Donna P says
As a UAV graduate of 2014 I can not attest to having a quality education. Yes, I agree, you must put effort in to education to get anything out of education. But an effort by the college must be present to support students. The pay or be dismissed attitude, the lack of tutors, the lack of clear policies for financial aid all play a role. The student support structure at the campus is lacking credible resources most private for-profit campuses have.
The lack of a personal touch to my education and being treated as a dollar figure rather than a customer/student was disheartening. Given they have 40 employees but a student population of over 400 AV students paying almost $20,000 a piece diminishes there active help in the community. Positive public image tactics to keep the AV’s eye off of the exploitation of federal student loans and our low income population. Thank goodness accreditors are circling that family cash wagon.
The truth says
The Johnson’s are always giving to our community. Thank you for caring. Their kids are really good humble kids who are just as giving.we thank you for making a difference in so many people’s lives.