By Isiah REYES

Clark Magnet High School celebrated its Founder’s Day with the presentation of Reflections and Honorary Service Awards at the school’s auditorium on Feb. 26.

The PTA auditorium was decked out with decorations and complimentary food was available for all in gratitude for the contributions of Clark Magnet High School’s administration, custodial staff, committee members, PTA volunteers and more. Each year the PTSA recognizes individuals who give their time and talent and go above and beyond what it is expected of them.

An Honorary Service Award this year was awarded to David Black, engineering and robotics teacher.

“I’m so honored to receive this award,” said Black. “I couldn’t ask for a better place to come to work every day. It’s not every school that you have a quality of students as we do here in Clark; they’re really the ones that keep me driven. I don’t do it alone. We have a lot of help from volunteers, mentors and parents, and community members who support the program and I’m thankful for all their support as well.”

Conrad Pruitt, English Dept. teacher, and Matt Stroup, cinematography teacher, also received Honorary Service Awards as well as PTA parents Julietta Hovakimian and Amy Taylor.

“It’s not easy to do anything on your own. We have a lot of really great support,” said Stroup. “We work really hard as a team to make sure all the students benefit.”

The two Continuing Service Awards were awarded to English Dept. teacher Stephanie Sajjadieh and PTA President Lucy Petrosian.

“I’m honored to be on this wonderful board serving as president,” Petrosian said. “I really have had fun these past two years and I know there are so many volunteers here tonight who are well deserving and I would like to thank them all.”

The two Very Special Awards this year were given to Jennifer Rangel, office staff, and Frank Arevalo, security staff.

A contribution was made in each recipient’s name to the Honorary Awards program of California State Parent Teacher Association. These funds are used for student scholarships.

The overall purpose of PTA is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

Crescenta Valley High School’s PTSA also held their Founder’s Day celebration recently in the  school’s cafeteria.

The organization took this time to honor and recognize those that do so much for the school, students and PTSA.

Honorary Service Awards were given to Lyn Repath-Martos, Laurie Hanson, Sabrina White and Glenn, Michelle and Stephanie Shintaku. Tina Singh was recognized with the Outstanding Teacher Award, Melinda Clarke was given the Very Special Person Award and Matt Schick and CV Instrumental Music was given the Continuing Service Award.