Chelsea Kent
Special to the Sun

Long-time Kern Valley resident, Stella Fiorelli, recently passed away; however she and her family haven’t abandoned support for Kern Valley High School and its students. On Sept.4, the Stella Fiorelli Foundation trustees, Roy Fiorelli and grandson Wade Cook (who is a KVHS graduate and who was raised by his grandparents) presented a check in the amount of $100,194.17 to Dr. Jeanie Brachear, Principal of Kern Valley High School. A certificate of deposit will be generated from the check and Dr. Brachear will personally work with the foundation trustees each May in the selection of a KVHS scholarship recipient. Mr. Fiorelli and Mr. Cook expressed their desire to continue a close relationship with the school, students and the Bronc athletes, as inspired by Stella.

Stella and Roy Fiorelli moved to the Kern River Valley in 1975 and they quickly got involved in our local schools. A previous Sun article referred to the Fiorelli’s as “grandparents to the KVHS students.” In a recent interview Roy Fiorelli mentioned that their school support “became a full-time job, and we enjoyed everything about it.” The Fiorellis attended many sports’ functions; in fact, Stella Fiorelli didn’t miss a football game (home or away) in 30 years. Stella also provided countless batches of cookies over the years and other foods, such as her homemade soup. All the athletes appreciated and became close with the Fiorellis.

Left to right, Senior Class President Dustin Heffner, Wade Cook, handing Kern Valley High School Principal Dr. Jeanie Brachear a check for $1000,194.17, Roy Fiorelli, and ASB President Kelsie Robinson.

Dr. Brachear and the students at Kern Valley High School would like to express their gratitude to Roy Fiorelli and Wade Cook, in memory of Stella Fiorelli. The family dedication and support has been greatly appreciated over the years and will continue to be appreciated for years to come. Each year as a student receives a Stella Fiorelli memorial scholarship, Dr. Brachear says, “Stella Fiorelli’s memory will be revisited. Her legacy will continue on. These scholarships will help countless students who are so worthy of assistance.” We are also looking forward to Roy Fiorelli’s presence this year at the sports games.