The Foundation Honors its Circle of Believers

The Circle of Believers Award is the highest recognition bestowed on community members who have provided long-standing support for the FUHS Foundation and its mission

2026 Awardees

Richard (posthumous) and Myrna Klokow have been steadfast champions of our students, establishing the Patrick Klokow Memorial Fund and Scholarship in loving memory of their son, Captain Patrick Klokow, USMC. Through this fund, they have awarded tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships and support for district science and technology programs. Richard 'Dick' Klokow, a WWII veteran and engineer who passed away last year (2025) at age 100, spent over two decades as a beloved FUHSD substitute teacher. His memoir, Mr. Up: Life of a Substitute Teacher, reflects a life dedicated to learning, service, and uplifting others—values that Richard and Myrna shared deeply. Today, Myrna continues their shared commitment to the Foundation, ensuring that their family's spirit of excellence and generosity continues to uplift future generations of students.

2025 Awardee

Hung Wei served on the Board of the FUHS Foundation for two decades, from 2004 to 2023. Hung’s leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to educational advancement made a lasting impact on the Foundation and the broader community. She was instrumental in advancing fundraising efforts, spearheading the drive that allowed the Foundation’s Endowment Fund to surpass the $1,000,000 milestone. Under her leadership, the Foundation expanded its programs and strengthened its community partnerships, ensuring that the resources and opportunities available to students continued to grow. In addition, she served as a Trustee for the District from 2007 to 2018, Hung Wei brought a deep understanding of the needs of students, teachers, and the district as a whole.

2024 Awardees

Maria Segal served on the Foundation Board for many years culminating in her leading the Board as President in 2014-2017. She led the Strategic Planning process that laid out goals and strategies for succeeding years. Maria’s community involvement was wide-ranging: from her 3 boys’ elementary, middle and high schools (Stevens Creek Elementary, Kennedy MS and Monta Vista HS) to district-wide advisory groups including the one that led to the creation of Lawson Middle School. She was involved with the Junior League for eight years, and is now active in the Rotary Club of Cupertino, the Antiochian Orthodox Church of the Redeemer in Los Altos, KARA (a non-profit that provides grief support), and the Tim Griffith Foundation serving as a facilitator during weekend retreats for bereaved parents.

Debbie Casanova served as the Treasurer of the Foundation Board for 10 years. As the Foundation expanded its fundraising programs and activities, Debbie was instrumental in formalizing financial processes and systems to ensure accountability and transparency. Her dedication and commitment to the Foundation was evident as she stayed involved to help ensure a flawless transition of the systems, processes and the financials to her successor. Debbie’s previous volunteer roles include: PTSA Treasurer at Kennedy MS and Monta Vista HS and helping with Emergency Preparedness, CEEF Silent Auction, and Monta Vista’s Senior All-Night Party (SANP). After retiring from the Foundation Board, Debbie continues to serve the community via the Montalvo Service Group.

2023 Awardees

Bill and Judy Wilson are stalwart supporters of public education. Bill coached youth sports, was actively involved with Cupertino National LIttle League (CNLL), and served on the FUHSD Board of Trustees for 16 years. Judy is an exemplary leader and volunteer from the classroom to the Board Room — whether it is the PTA/PTSA, “baseball mom”, Senior All-Night Party (Monta Vista High School) or Cupertino Rotary. Even as their children moved on to college, Judy continued her advocacy and support for public education by serving on the Board of the Fremont Union High Schools Foundation for over 10 years.

2022 Awardee

Polly Bove is the former Superintendent who served from 2007 - 2022 and had worked with the District since 1989. The Foundation thanks Superintendent Bove for her deep commitment to the education of our students, and for her tireless work leading us to become one of the highest performing school districts in California.

2020 Awardees

Barbara Nunes served on the FUHSD Board of Trustees for 16 years (2002-2018). Ms. Nunes is also a former Principal of Cupertino High School, and a long time supporter of the Foundation.

Dianne McKenna is a former Councilwoman and Mayor of Sunnyvale. She served on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors for 11 years and is one of the founding contributors to the Foundation 's Endowment Fund.

Homer Tong served five terms on the FUHSD Board of Trustees, was the highest ticket-seller for the Foundation's annual fundraiser (Crab Feed), and a major donor to the Foundation Endowment Fund.