I was born and raised in Madera. My family lived near Tozier Bridge until about six years ago. I went to Millview Elementary School, Thomas Jefferson Jr. High, and Madera High School.
During my senior year in high school, I was involved in a fight with another person who was injured pretty badly. I suffered a criminal conviction and was exposed to the harsh realities of our criminal justice system. My status as a college-bound honor student was quickly overshadowed by the poor decision I made that one night. As awful as that experience was, it was the motivating factor that led me to become a prosecutor and eventually a judge.
I attended Fresno State and earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminology. I went to UCLA School of Law to earn my Juris Doctor. I was a prosecutor for 23 years. I specialized in domestic violence and child sexual assault cases.
My goal as a prosecutor was not only to protect victims of crime, but to make sure that those accused of crimes were treated fairly and afforded due process. When I was 17, the courtroom was the scariest and most intimidating place to be. I felt unseen and unheard. But over the years, as a prosecutor and now as a judge, it is the place where I am the most confident and poised. Every day, I get to serve the public and make decisions that deeply impact people’s lives.
Having a criminal record was like my scarlet letter. I was terrified that it would be the only thing people would see. Thankfully, due to the unwavering support of my family, mainly my mother, I never lost confidence that I could still pursue all of my educational goals and career dreams despite my high school tragedy.
My mother always believed that I was smart enough and strong enough to achieve whatever I wanted. She never doubted that I would get into the law school of my dreams, which was UCLA. When I was agonizing over whether or not I would pass the bar exam on the first try, she always believed that I was going to pass.
Her faith in me truly helped me to face my fears and find the courage to file those applications even though I was terrified of failure or rejection. I know not everyone has that type of support system, and I am forever grateful for that unconditional love and encouragement.
Having a criminal record is a hard thing to overcome. I have had to disclose it on every job application for the last 33 years. But you can’t let one bad decision define you. Let it be the fuel inside of you that reminds you to do better, dream bigger, and fight for change.
I believe I was appointed to the bench because I bring a unique perspective; not many prosecutors or judges have once been criminal defendants. I know that I am a better listener, more patient, and more empathetic because of the hurdles I have overcome.
I am Cody Ashford, Media and Performing Arts Career Technical Education (CTE) Teacher at the Madera Technical Exploration Center (MadTEC). I have the awesome job of collaborating with eighth-grade students in our district to bring their creative ideas to life in the form of screenplays, short films, commercials, video games, and more. I am a Clovis native and studied Film and Screenwriting at Biola University in Los Angeles. After college, I worked for companies like Marvel, Warner Bros., and Universal. After teaching film at a summer camp, my passion for teaching was ignited—leading me back to Clovis, where I taught theater for five years.
After transferring to MadTEC in 2021, I pursued my own filmmaking goals alongside my students. In 2022, I sold my first screenplay and had the opportunity to direct a sci-fi horror film, Drive Back. We filmed our project near Yosemite and in the surrounding Madera and Fresno County foothills. Drive Back was released in theaters and streaming in November 2024, topping the Amazon charts and winning at several festivals. I hope it’s only my first of many movies.
I was absolutely floored when I was awarded Student Champion. I try to have my students “learn by doing”—providing opportunities to create. I act as a coach and mentor, letting students in on my process for my own real-world projects. I love watching them succeed in taking risks to make their stories come to life in collaboration with their peers. I also have the best co-teachers I could ask for.
While at camp, I heard one of those quotes that stuck with me, but I can’t remember who said it. It’s something like, “You discover more about someone during an hour of play than a year of conversation.” I strive to make a classroom environment where that’s always the culture.
There is something incredibly meaningful about watching former students step into the world and make a difference.
As I reflect on this month’s We Believe Magazine, I do so not only as Superintendent, but as an alumnus. Madera Unified is where my story began. It is where educators believed in me — sometimes didn’t believe in me — challenged me, and helped shape the path ahead. That same belief is reflected in the alumni we celebrate in this edition.
From Christian Johnson, who completed seven 50K races on seven continents in just seven days to raise awareness for Parkinson’s research, to Fresno City Councilmember Nelson Esparza, whose leadership demonstrates a strong commitment to public service. Additionally, there are judges, educators, and community leaders serving across our region. Each of these individuals once sat in a Madera Unified classroom.
Before the accomplishments and recognition, they were students being encouraged by a teacher, pushed by a coach, and supported by their families.
Their stories remind us that impact does not begin after graduation. It begins when a student is championed.
That is the heart of our Student Champion Initiative. It is a promise that every student will have someone who sees them, supports them, and speaks belief into their future. The alumni featured in this issue are living proof of what happens when that promise is fulfilled.
It is fitting that as we celebrate our alumni legacy, we also mark a new chapter in our district’s history. Last week, our Board approved a new district logo. While a logo is a visual symbol, it represents something much deeper, our identity and our direction.
Our previous logo carried decades of history and pride. Our new logo reflects our evolution as a district, mindful of our best traditions and forward-thinking, unified, and committed to excellence for every student.
The design may be new, but our vision, mission and values remain the same.
Please be on the lookout for the upcoming grand rollout of the new face of Madera Unified.
From Madera Unified to the world, our students are fueled and prepared by the Student Champions who believed in them along the way. And with a renewed symbol representing our shared vision, we continue building a future worthy of their legacy.
In our rapidly evolving world, the mission of Madera Unified remains clear: to ensure every student is supported by a “Student Champion.” This initiative is the heartbeat of our district’s culture and is built on the simple yet profound belief that every child needs at least one adult who believes in them unconditionally. It also represents a 21st-century reset of our district’s culture, reaffirming our values and clarifying how we collectively show up for students in an increasingly complex world. A Student Champion is more than an educator; they are a mentor and advocate who connects with students personally, recognizing that all true education is rooted in relationships.
The initiative began as a collective commitment among district leaders to define our core values. In August 2019, we launched the Student Champion course to help staff look beyond academic data and see the unique resilience and culture each student brings to school. Every staff member across the district participated in the Student Champion course, creating a shared understanding, common language and a collective responsibility for supporting students. We realized that while the world has become more complex, our focus on serving students must remain our “first priority” and a unifying force for our entire community.
Being a Student Champion is vital because it levels the playing field. We believe that equity must come before equality. Some students require more intentional support to reach the same starting line, and champions ensure that need is met. Whether it is a teacher inspiring a new career path, a coach building character, or a support staff member offering a kind word, these interactions are transformative. We have seen firsthand how intentional mentorship can be lifesaving, providing a sense of belonging that helps students navigate the anxieties of modern life.
As we highlight the stories of our alumni and educators in this edition of We Believe, you will see the long-lasting impact of this advocacy. From world record-breakers to local leaders, their success is a testament to the power of being championed. We invite you to join us in this mission. By choosing to be a Student Champion, you are helping to create a learning organization where every voice counts and every student has the foundation to pursue their dreams. Together, we are building a future for Madera where every child is seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.
Madera Unified School District (MUSD) continues its investment in high-quality athletic spaces with Phase 2 of the athletic facility improvement project at Desmond, Martin Luther King Jr., and Thomas Jefferson Middle Schools. Building on the successful completion of Phase 1, this project reflects the district’s commitment to creating modern, safe, and welcoming environments for students, families, and the community.
During Phase 1, the district completed improvements that transformed the core of each campus’s outdoor athletic facilities. Upgrades included the installation of a new all-weather track, brand-new turf and irrigation system at the football fields, upgraded areas for high jump, long jump, and shot-put events, new surrounding hardscape and landscape, and associated utility improvements. These improvements established a functional base that supports daily physical education, athletic programs, expanded learning opportunities, and school events while improving site infrastructure and long-term sustainability.
Phase 2, which began construction in November 2025, focuses on enhancing the spectator and event experience while further modernizing the campuses. Each middle school will receive a new combined snack bar, restroom and storage building designed with accessibility, durability, and functionality in mind. These new facilities will provide amenities for students, staff, families, and visitors during athletic events and community gatherings.
Additional improvements include new bleachers that offer safer access, improved sightlines, and increased seating capacity. New scoreboards will introduce updated technology and a clean, modern aesthetic that elevates the game-day experience for student-athletes and spectators alike. Upgraded field lighting will improve visibility and safety for evening events, extending opportunities for athletic programs and family participation.
The architectural design of Phase 2 reflects a cohesive and contemporary approach, with materials and finishes selected for longevity and ease of maintenance. Integrated into the design are new school logos that reinforce school identity and pride. The refreshed logos symbolize growth and unity, aligning with the district’s goal of providing learning and activity spaces that reflect excellence.
Together, these two phases highlight MUSD’s commitment to providing modern, high-quality facilities that support student wellness, school pride, and meaningful connections between schools and families. Completion for Phase 2 is anticipated for the 2026-27 school year.
Christian Johnson, a 2012 graduate of Madera High School (MHS) and alumnus of Madera Unified, recently accomplished one of the world’s most extreme endurance challenges: running a 50-kilometer ultra marathon on all seven continents in seven consecutive days.
“The challenge was an ultimate feat of endurance while trying to manage recovery and fueling through constant travel. Running 217 miles over a week and flying over 40,000 miles was tough, but I trained properly leading up and felt strong the entire week. I did this to bring awareness to Parkinson’s disease, raise funds for the Michael J Fox Foundation, and honor my grandpa as he continues his battle with Parkinson’s,” Johnson said.
The Great World Race brought Johnson together with a group of runners who lived and traveled as a team throughout the grueling week. Despite relentless international travel and minimal recovery time, he delivered remarkably consistent performances, averaging roughly four hours and thirty minutes per race. Harsh Antarctic conditions slowed his pace, but he closed the final leg in Miami in exactly four hours.
“The physical and mental demands were intense, mostly due to major weather variations and most of it being heat. I felt strong through it all and focused on getting in fuel and fluids as I ran and cooled myself with ice water on the warmer runs,” Johnson said. “What kept me focused was the mission behind it all and seeing my grandpa at the finish line of the final run.”
Recovery often occurred mid-travel, with limited access to hotels and rest facilities. In Antarctica, extreme cold caused equipment to freeze and restricted nutrition options, while logistical delays further challenged participants.
Through this effort, Johnson set two world records. The official Guinness World Record recognized him as the fastest male to run an ultramarathon distance on every continent, while a second, unofficial record tracked the fastest combined time to complete the feat. The endeavor also raised roughly $11,000 for Parkinson’s disease research, a cause close to Johnson’s heart as his grandfather, David Brown, continues his battle with the disease.
Johnson credits much of his discipline and drive to his grandfather. From an early age, Brown instilled in him the importance of self-belief and hard work. An entrepreneur who left college to pursue his own dreams, Brown built hundreds of custom homes and modeled how to chase ambitions, navigate life, and remain committed to family.
Looking ahead, Johnson has ambitious endurance goals for 2026.
“I just completed a run in our family orchard, six miles every four hours for 168 hours (252 miles), and raised over $5,000 for the Parkinson’s Wellness Fund,” he said. “I will continue to incorporate fundraising as I plan more projects and run the Leadville 100 and Moab 240 at the end of the year.”
The We Believe Champion program is at the core of Madera Unified’s commitment to excellence. This initiative honors exceptional staff who embody the district’s values and significantly impact students, colleagues, and the community. We Believe Champions inspire self-belief in others and create transformative experiences that enrich students intellectually and socially. Their commitment to inclusivity and advocacy emphasizes the collaborative nature of education, engaging teachers, support staff, parents, and community partners. WE BELIEVE CHAMPIONS Each Champion receives a personalized jersey and a commemorative plaque, acknowledging their vital contributions.
In today’s busy world, children need more than schedules and homework—they need the steady rhythms of family life. Simple routines like shared dinners, bath time, story time, and set bedtimes do more than keep households running smoothly. They create safety, stability, and lasting bonds that nurture emotional growth.
A family dinner around the table, for example, is more than a meal. It’s a daily chance to share what happened at school, talk about friendships, and discuss how to handle challenges. It’s also an opportunity to explore current events and help children understand family values, expectations, and traditions. These conversations provide the guidance kids crave in a world where media and peer influences don’t always reflect what families or schools hope to teach.
Family members are a child’s first and most important teachers. To give them our full attention, we may need to set aside distractions like cell phones, tablets, and streaming services during these moments together. The truth is, weekends are often packed with activities, and while they’re important, they pass quickly—only 676 of them from kindergarten to graduation. Weekdays, with their daily routines, offer far more frequent opportunities to connect, listen, and encourage.
These everyday moments—reading together, talking through challenges, or simply being present—become the foundation for children’s resilience, values, and success. In honoring the timeless practices of family life, we give our children the stability and love they need to thrive.
My wife and I are both Coyote alumni who are raising our children right here and we feel the stress of time. But we also know it’s slipping away. We only have 35 weekends left with our senior before he graduates. We have 140 weekends left with our sophomore. We have 332 weekends left with our 7th grader. It has gone by far too quickly and we feel the urgency to invest all we can in our three boys with every moment we have left. Our teachers need us parents to make this investment so their investment lifts our children even higher!
Mara Cervantes is a 17 year old senior at Matilda Torres High School, where she excels academically holding a 4.5 GPA. As a three-time, three-sport varsity athlete, Cervantes demonstrates her commitment to teamwork, determination, and perseverance. With a strong passion for serving and leading others, Mara serves as President and Founder of Catholic Youth United and President of the Madera Leos Club. She is also a member of the Torres School Site Council and the California Scholarship Federation. Guided by her faith, Cervantes strives to make a positive impact anyway she can, volunteering regularly at St. Joachim Catholic Church and within the MUSD community. As a student leader passionate about making a difference and empowering her peers,
Mara Cervantes is eager to serve as an MUSD Student Board Member. She aims to amplify the voices of students who may feel marginalized or hesitant to share their thoughts, ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Cervantes hopes to foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are celebrated and every student has the opportunity to thrive. Through active listening and advocacy, she plans to make a positive impact on her school and district community, promoting equity, understanding, and student success. Mara Cervantes is honored to be serving on the Student Board and looks forward to collaborating with fellow educators, administrators, and students to spark meaningful change.
Vanney Martinez-THS
Trustee Vianney Martinez Luna is 17 years old and was born in Guanajuato Mexico and currently lives in Madera. She is a senior at Matilda Torres High school where throughout the years she has participated in multiple variety sports such as track, cross country, and softball. She is also an active member of her schools HOSA, Catholic Youth United, and CSF clubs. All while holding a 4.0 GPA. As a Student Board Member, Vianney aims to be the bridge of communication between the students and administrators. Encouraging students to advocate for what they truly need and want all while finding positive and cooperative solutions. She is honored and thrilled to be serving this year and can’t wait to make an impact.
Angelica Castillo-MHS
Trustee Angelica Castillo is 17 years old and is an incoming Senior at Madera High School. Angelica enjoys engaging with people from all walks of life through clubs, sports, events, and work. After 13 years of competitive gymnastics experience, she transitioned to varsity cheerleading, participating both on the sideline and in competitive teams. She is also the captain of the Madera Unified Varsity Gymnastics team. Along with this, she is a recreational gymnastics coach at the local gymnastics and dance facility, All About Dance and Gymnastics. As for clubs, Angelica has been known for her “tendency to talk and enjoys learning how to constructively debate in Mock Trial, how to properly communicate in Academic Decathlon, and how to foster altruism through community service-oriented clubs like CSF, Block M, and Link Crew. Trustee Castillo aims to cultivate communication, confidence, and courage in her school and district. She plans to reinforce existing communication opportunities while also creating new physical, in-person interfaces, where students and administration can have necessary and productive conversations. She also hopes to inspire a sense of courage and confidence in her peers who share her passion for student voice and advocacy. She is simply the bridge of communication between students and the administration, who care deeply about improving and maintaining our amazing community! Courage is contagious, and Trustee Castillo hopes that her peers, classmates, and friends will join her in her journey of making a difference.
Alejandro Zavalza-MHS Alternate
Trustee Alejandro Zavalza is 16 years old, was born in Palo Alto, and currently lives in Madera. He attends Lincoln Elementary, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, and is currently a senior at Madera High School. He is actively involved in Link Crew, CSF, AVID, and the Class of 2026 at Madera High School. Alejandro is also engaged in academic programs, including Fresno State Upward Bound. He plays varsity soccer and holds a black belt in karate, which he earned at age 13.
As a student board member, he aims to become a voice for students to advocate for their insights to improve their education, well-being, and create a positive environment within the community. He is excited and honored to start his mark to create an impact.
Meleah Mejia-MSHS Alt
Meleah Mejia is a 17 year old senior at Madera South high school. She’s very involved with the MSHS marching band/concert band, dedicating her entire high school career to the activity as well as being very engaged with the medical pathway and was recently accepted to be a part of their rop nursing program. Other achievements such as being a varsity track athlete, a member of the fashion club, and achieving a 4.0 gpa, are all accomplishments she has required. As a student board member she hopes to uphold the role of representing the voices of her peers, advocating for their concerns, and ensuring their perspectives are accounted for. She feels that this will not only enlighten the environment of her school, but also better the community around it.
Jocelyn Castro-MSHS
Trustee Jocelyn Castro is 16 years old and was born in Madera. She is a junior at Madera South High School, where she is a part of the Madera South cheer and dance team and stunt. She is also an active member of CSF, HOSA, CYU, LYU, and a part of the gang prevention action team while representing her class of 2027. All while holding a 4.0 GPA throughout the school year. During after school hours she volunteers to teach young girls and boys gymnastics, cheer, and dances! For her community she volunteers to clean her church and class rooms. As a student board member, Jocelyn’s is dedicated to representing students’ voices and creating a positive change!
