By Ruth SOWBY

The Chevy Chase Country Club was at its sparkling best as the setting for the annual fundraising event of the Glendale Educational Foundation (GEF) – the Diamonds Gala held on Friday, April 11. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) community affected by the wildfires.    

The event honored GUSD alumni who have made significant contributions to GEF. “Diamonds” Bryan Longpre, Ellina Abovian and Kris Kohlmeier represented the areas, respectively, of science and technology, visual and performing arts and health and wellness.  

Before the honorees were introduced to the audience, master of ceremonies Rick Dinger welcomed GEF and GUSD members and guests. Opening the program were remarks by GEF President Manuel Magpapian, Board of Education President Shant Sahakian and GEF Executive Director Bethany Harrington.

The awards presentation was the highlight of the evening. Bryan Longpre received the Premier Rose Diamond Award. Longpre is the immediate past president of Ascencia and is currently senior vice president of the Jewel City Group at Morgan Stanley. He graduated from Crescenta Valley High School in 2005. 

Ellina Abovian was honored for Distinguished Achievement in the Arts. Abovian is an Emmy Award winning reporter and anchor for KTLA News. She graduated from Glendale High School in 2004.  

Receiving Distinguished Achievement in Health and Wellness was Kris Kohlmeier. He is a Wilson Middle School PE teacher who also teaches U.S. History and Skills for Adolescents and is an ASB advisor. Kohlmeier is also a GUSD teacher specialist in the Educational Technology and Informational Services Dept. Kohlmeier graduated in the 1980 class at Hoover High School.         

The Glendale Educational Foundation has recently donated to the GUSD $30,000 in teacher and student grants and $25,000 for middle school inter-mural sports.