Julie Peterson is the Director of Student Activities at Edison High School in Fresno, CA. The student who nominated Julie said, “My life began to change immediately when I met her. She saw something in me and encouraged me to get involved on campus. I began to develop a sense of responsibility and pride in myself and in my work. I also saw how Ms. Peterson encouraged others like me. Latinos, Blacks, Asians and Whites alike all came together to make our school a better place for us all. She really has a way of developing self-esteem in all students on campus, regardless of skin color or financial status. Our school was the “jewel of the district” hidden in the run down, gang infested area of town. We were literally the ‘Watts’ of Fresno.”
-Published 2008
