Senator Portantino Honored by PTA Council of PUSD with Honorary Service Award
For Immediate Release: May 24, 2023
Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400
Senator Portantino Honored by PTA Council of PUSD with Honorary Service Award
Pasadena, California – This week the Pasadena Unified School District PTA Council honored Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) and nine outstanding public school supporters during on Founders Day. Senator Portantino received the Elected Official Honorary Service Award for his long-time support of K-12 public education and for championing policies that improve learning outcomes for children. In addition to the Senator, Laura Diaz Allen (Pasadena Education Network Parent Engagement Director) and Begonia Bautista (Former PUSD District English Learner Advisory Committee Chair) received the PTA Honorary Service Award. Day One received the Golden Oak Award, Kitty Cahalan received the Continuing Service Award, and Dr. Lawton Grey (Muir High School Early College Magnet Principal) received the Outstanding Administrator Award. The PTA Very Special Person Award was given to Luciana Lazalde Soto (Outgoing Council Historian), Michaela Block (Outgoing Council VP, Leadership), Araceli Guillen-Tuerpe (Outgoing Council VP, Cultural Arts), and David Way (PTA Outgoing Treasurer).
“I was pleased and honored to join an outstanding group of honorees who are making a positive difference in public education and improving the health and wellbeing of our students,” stated Senator Portantino. “These terrific public school champions have contributed to the betterment of our students and schools. As I have said for many years, if you want something done right, go to the PTA. I am deeply appreciative of this honor and proud to be a PTA member.”
Senator Portantino has been a longtime advocate of public school education. Since being elected to office, he has championed policies that place student wellbeing and success at the forefront of California’s legislative agenda – including later start times for high schools. Often, he partners with the California PTA on education policy that has benefited our students. This year, the Senator’s legislative agenda includes proposals for expanding behavioral health services in schools, mental health education and training for students and teachers, screening for risk of dyslexia, addressing language barriers for IEP students, and improving emergency safety procedures for students with special needs.
Senator Portantino is a product of public schools and as the father of two public school educated daughters, he is a long-time PTA member. The Senator has collaborated on many initiatives with local PTAs, First District PTA and the California PTA.
“We view Senator Portantino as a true partner in public education,” said Scott Harden, President of the PTA Council of PUSD. “He has always been a valuable PTA partner and supporter, and his tireless efforts to improve the lives and educational outcomes of students here at home and across his district have been felt and deeply appreciated.”
Since its founding in 1915, the PTA Council of PUSD has made a positive impact for families in Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre. With their leadership, volunteerism and passion for advocacy in all PTA units at the public schools of Pasadena Unified, the PTA Council has helped expand opportunities for all children and their families, especially those who need it the most.
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