After the presentation of colors by the CVHS Air Force JROTC and the singing of the national anthem, dinner, catered by Cathy Turansky, was served. The school’s drama students also made an appearance, performing a few numbers from the spring production of “Sound of Music,” which debuts tonight in the MacDonald Auditorium.
Pat Chambers, PTSA president, presided over the evening, quickly going through the PTSA monthly agenda and installing the new board.
While enjoying dessert, this year’s honorees were presented with their awards. Honorary Service Award recipients were Tammy Alderman from the school’s music department; students Shelby Denton and Amanda Schwartz; teacher Brian Landisi; and assistant principal Sungsook Kim. Mary Pinola, who established the Mary Pinola Educational Endowment Fund to help with youth-driven projects, and the CV Chamber of Commerce were also presented with HSAs.
Former administration staff Dolores Kelley, who recently retired after many years of service to the school, was presented with the Continuing Service Award.
The Golden Oak Service Award was given to Teri Harter. A CVHS alumnus, she was obviously moved during a video presentation of her 35-year relationship with the school.
Beginning as a student in the 1970s and then shepherding her own children through the school, Harter was called a “children’s champion” for her seemingly never-ending work on the PTSA, school library and wherever else her talents were needed.
Harter’s recognition was bittersweet as she will be leaving CVHS; her youngest child is graduating this year.
As pleased as all of the award recipients were in receiving the honors from the PTSA, each expressed the driving force for the work they do: the students.
Perhaps the sentiment was best stated by former student, now foreign language teacher Brian Landisi: “I have the coolest job.”
