Glendale High presents service awards

Glendale High School’s PTSA presented Honorary Service Awards, led by President Sydney Swainston, to 10 recipients for their dedication to community, students and education at Monday’s meeting.

Also announced were the 2011-2012 slate of officers leading the PTSA in the coming year. They are President Karen Veloz, First Vice President - Director of Programs Dawn Landery, Second Vice President - Director of Parent Involvement & Membership Patty Schermer, Third Vice President - Director of Ways and Means Sydney Swainston, Recording Secretary Rachel Imperio, Treasurer Karen Spencer, Historian Irene Sarian and Auditor Laura Keen.

WILSON MIDDLE SCHOOL

President Hilda Hovsepian reported that Wilson’s PTSA has approved $7,500 in funding to assist with needed programs and equipment thanks to PTSA members, staff, parents and students who participated in fundraising activities.

A PTSA meeting and election of officers will be at 6 p.m. today in the school library. The nominating committee, headed by chairwoman Dina Calis, is thanked by Hovsepian for their work in creating the slate of 2011-2012 board members. Appreciation is also extended to Wilson administration, staff, PTSA board and chairmen and volunteers for all their time and effort.

Upcoming Wilson events are an open house at 6:30 p.m. March 10; Choral Spring Concert at 6 p.m. March 23 in the auditorium; and the annual visit of Japanese students March 22 and 23.

VERDUGO WOODLANDS

The PTA’s second annual “got heart?” Blood Drive and Bone Marrow Registry was a success, reports Janet Lazier, PTA president. Fifty-one units of blood were donated and 12 people took the test to join the National Bone Marrow Registry. This year’s drive was held in honor and in memory of Haig Diradourian who lost his battle with cancer in December. Haig was the 23-year-old son of Verdugo Woodlands staff member Searvart Diradourian and her husband, Richard.

Kindergarten Registration begins today.

Kindergarteners and first-graders will see a performance by Kuniko Japanese Mime/Music on March 14, said Deb Beyer, Cultural Arts Assembly chairwoman. Kuniko Yamamoto entertains students by telling myths and fables from ancient and modern Japan. Traditional music, handcrafted masks, stylized movements and a touch of magic are all used to create a balance of illusion and reality, Beyer said.

The Spring Family Food Drive is March 21 to 25 to help families in the community. Collection of non-perishable food (no glass items) will be from 7:45 to 8:05 a.m. in front of the school. Launa Penza and Nora Montoya are Food Drive co-chairwomen.

It’s Survivor Challenge time! Shalini Singh, chair, is busy getting ready for this action-packed fundraiser on April 1. Students annually look forward to participating on one of four teams and completing an obstacle course to raise money for Verdugo Woodlands.

Mark calendars for April 16 when the Father/Daughter Dance runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Dads’ Club. Lolly Gallup and Ella Boghossian, event co-chairwomen, are organizing a fun night out for dads and their daughters.

Edna Karinski covers the Glendale High cluster PTA. Email Ekarinski@aol.com.