IPSF, PTA join forces to recognize outstanding parent volunteers and leaders

Each year around this time, the Irvine Public Schools Foundation co-hosts a luncheon to recognize some of the most dedicated parent volunteers in IUSD. While the event usually culminates with one overall winner, a pair of volunteers has earned the top award for 2012.

Rosalyn Reasor and Ron Elter, who established the Timberwolf 5K Run/Walk fundraiser and have managed the event for the past three years, were surprised with the joint-honor on June 7 at the IUSD Volunteer of the Year Awards luncheon, which is hosted annually by IPSF and the Irvine Unified Council PTA. Forty volunteers were recognized at the ceremony, which drew more than 140 attendees to the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center in Irvine. In addition to Reasor and Ekter, who secured a $700 grant for Northwood courtesy of IPSF, grade-level awards were presented to Victoria Loera of Woodbury Elementary School, Satomi Connelly of Sierra Vista Middle School and Jennifer Krause of Woodbridge High School. The latter honorees received $400 grants for their schools. Meanwhile, the Irvine PTA also presented a handful of awards in recognition of outstanding service to children and youth. Hiram Aviles received the PTA’s Very Special Person Award, Sandy Lester earned the Honorary Service Award and Kathleen Sarangay took home a Continuing Service Award along with members of the Irvine Prevention Coalition’s Underage Drinking Task Force. The Golden Oak Award, the PTA’s highest honor, was presented to two recipients this year. Linda Lang Pierce was recognized for her many years of service to Irvine schools and the community, and IPSF was also awarded for its 16-year commitment to enriching education in Irvine. Speaking of IPSF, the foundation was presented with a $5,000 donation at the luncheon courtesy of the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center and the Irvine Chinese School.