Clark Magnet High School’s Parent-Teacher Association – PTA – took time to recognize those who make the Clark community special by presenting awards at its February meeting.

Celebrating the PTA’s founding, parents and teachers were presented with honorary service awards and nominations, along with cupcakes and cookies.

“There’s a cliché: It takes a village to raise a child. I like to call that village the PTA,” said Erin Jeiranian. ”It takes everybody in this room to come together and make a difference. Today, we recognize exceptional teachers, staff and volunteers with honorary service awards. We also celebrate the hidden talents of our students.”

Staff members Lena Kortoshian, Dominique Evans-Bye, Becky Bondy and Nyrie Gharibian were honored with awards.

“It was a really special moment in time that I will hold near and dear,” said Gharibian. “It was also an especially wonderful night because my family finally met my closest colleagues, who I not only respect, but admire greatly.”

Once the presentation of honorary service awards was completed, students were presented with their Reflections awards. This year’s PTSA Reflections theme was, “Diversity Means …”

Even though many students did not attend the ceremony, parents and staff members honored Clark students by calling each individual’s name and giving every student their well-earned applause.

Junior Kyle Bogosian, one of the Reflections members present, was honored for his essay. His piece was titled “Diversity Means … Me.”

“I joined the contest when my English teacher said we’d get extra credit,” says Bogosian. “I didn’t have much trouble coming up with the idea, and I was kind of surprised when I won.”

Contributed by Aida MOUSESSIAN