Moorpark Unified Honored with the Community Leadership Award at Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s Annual Gala

Moorpark Unified School District leadership and members of the Board of Education accept the Community Leadership Award during the Y’s fifth annual gala on Nov. 4 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. Standing with them is Ventura County Southeast YMCA CEO and President Ronnie Stone, second from left, and Ventura County Supervisor Janice Parvin, who presented the award, third from right.

(Moorpark, California) Nov. 9, 2023—Moorpark Unified School District was honored by the Southeast Ventura County YMCA with the Community Leadership Award during the Y’s fifth annual gala on Nov. 4 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.

"It is an incredible honor to receive the Community Leadership Award from the Southeast Ventura County YMCA,” said Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hays, who accepted the award on behalf of MUSD. “Working with the YMCA to bring the Find My Genius to our students has been a fantastic experience. And this recognition reflects the dedication of MUSD and our commitment to working with the YMCA to expand this program to inspire future learners and leaders in the classroom.”

Ventura County Supervisor Janice Parvin presented the award. Also in attendance were MUSD Board Members Ute Van Dam, Robert Perez and Scott Dettorre. 

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA and MUSD partnered in the summer of 2022 to bring the Find My Genius after-school program to Moorpark. The Find My Genius program is a free five-week summer program for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level.

“Our Community Leadership Award is to highlight the incredible community partnerships we have and thank them for their commitment to our community,” Ventura County Southeast YMCA CEO and President Ronnie Stone said. “Together, everyone achieves more. We are extremely proud to partner with Moorpark Unified School District and together, we will continue to make an impact in the lives of our Find My Genius scholars.”

Find My Genius provides academic instruction, healthy meals, exercise and enrichment opportunities, such as field trips for the students.

The goal is to get students excited about returning to school in the fall. This summer, Moorpark Unified had 200 students enrolled in Find My Genius, doubling the number of students who took part in the program a year earlier.

Dr. Hays, two parents and five MUSD students who took part in the summertime program were invited to speak at the evening event about the program’s benefits and impact. 

"This summer, the success of the Find My Genius program exceeded our expectations for MUSD, and we are so proud to have expanded the accessibility this program to more students, all thanks to the YMCA and the unwavering support of our incredibly generous community," Dr. Hays said.

This year’s dinner gala included 340 guests and was emceed by Elex Michaelson from Fox 11 L.A.

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building positive relationships, impacting lives and strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living programs and social responsibility. It serves the Conejo Valley, Simi Valley, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Agoura Hills and Moorpark through its three branches.