Clovis Olympian makes a special donation to local schools

CLOVIS, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A Central Valley Olympian is giving back to her hometown with a special donation to local schools.

The two-time Olympic track athlete Jenna Prandini started the marathon mission of donating pre-released copies of “Clovis on Tour” to every third-grader in the Clovis High area on Friday.

That’s 662 third-graders.

The new book by Susie Harder follows Hayden, a third-grader who rides the Clovis Trolley and meets Prandini, where together, they explore what makes Clovis special.

Her first stop was at her old elementary school, Mickey Cox Elementary, on Friday.

“I want them to be proud of where they come from and to chase their dreams,” she said. “At this time, when I was their age, all my teachers and my coaches, they never told me I couldn’t do anything, and I truly believed in what they were saying, and every time I said I wanted to become an Olympian or be a team member of USA, they all said I could do it.”

Prandini will also be visiting students at Cedarwood, Clovis, Jefferson, Redbank, Sierra Vista and Weldon elementary schools.

The book will be launched to the public on Oct. 18 at David McDonald Park during Clovis’ Night Out. Sales will benefit Prandini’s nonprofit that supports children’s health and fitness initiatives.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to explore the trolley and have their book signed by Prandini and the author, Susie Harder.