Senator Portantino Honored by Clark Magnet High School PTSA with Honorary Service Award
For Immediate Release: March 9, 2023
Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400
Senator Portantino Honored by Clark Magnet High School PTSA with Honorary Service Award
Glendale, CA – This week the Clark Magnet High School (CMHS) PTSA honored Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) and seven outstanding public school supporters. Senator Portantino received the Elected Official Honorary Service Award for his leadership on policies that improve learning outcomes for children and for his long-standing support of K-12 public education. In addition to the Senator, Amir Ghavam and Armond Khodagulyan (CMHS Teachers), community member Andre Ordubegian, and Team 696 (First Robotics Team at CMHS) received the Very Special Person Award. Yeranuhi Paronikyan (CMHS Teacher) received the Honorary Service Award, and Violet Mardirosian received the Outstanding Teacher Award. Lena Kortoshian, former principal of CMHS was given the Golden Oak Service Award.
“All of the honorees are outstanding supporters of public education and have contributed to the betterment of our students and schools,” stated Senator Portantino. “I congratulate them for making a positive difference for the health and wellbeing of our children. I’ve said it for years, if you want something done right, go to the PTA and ask for help. I am proud to be a PTA member and to be in a position to advocate for children. I am deeply appreciative of this honor.”
Senator Portantino has been a lifelong advocate of K-12 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. 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. He has also advocated for establishing a dishwasher grant program for K-12 schools to address the state’s single-use trash and waste crisis – an idea initiated and championed by the GUSD and Glendale environmentalists.
Senator Portantino is a product of public schools as the father of two public school educated daughters, is a long-time PTA member, and an All Star member of every GUSD School PTA. Glendale Council PTA serves and represents the schools of the Glendale Unified School District. GCPTA serves as the governing body that oversees the activities of twenty-four school unit PTAs and serves the Units in their pursuit of PTA programs by providing training and facilitating the flow of information from PTA. Senator Portantino has collaborated on many initiatives with local PTAs, First District PTA and the California PTA.
“Senator Portantino’s dedication to our students, campus, and education is unparalleled, as he always strives to attend and support. Tonight, it is our privilege to recognize him for all his efforts,” said Diana Sadoyan, Clark Magnet’s PTSA President. “Honorary Service Awards are a unique way for PTA units, councils and districts to publicly acknowledge both individuals and organizations for outstanding community service to children and youth in a community.”
Anderson W. Clark Magnet High School is located in the Glendale Unified School District. Clark Magnet is an award-winning, four-year specialized school offering a blend of rigorous curriculum and emphasizing science, mathematics, and advanced technologies.
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