Hero Of The Heart Honored In Los Alamitos

LOS ALAMITOS, CA — Dave Locke was honored by the Los Alamitos Unified School District as a 2018 Hero of the Heart for volunteer efforts on behalf of students and schools. According to the district, Locke has spent hundreds of hours working to improve the lives of children and youth and to help make the District a wonderful experience for students and families.

Superintendent Dr. Sherry Kropp said the annual award recognizes those who “go above and beyond to give
of their time, resources and talents to the benefit of all kids in addition to their own.”

Locke, who has two children in district schools, was previously honored by McAuliffe Middle School as its
2017 Hero of the Heart for his assistance with school activities, including dances, student socials, carnivals
and back-to-school night events.

Locke has since expanded his involvement to helping the district explore the feasibility of issuing a facilities improvement bond, Kropp said. He has served on the district Operations Steering Committee, the PTA board, the high school Baseball Booster organization board and assisting the Los Alamitos Education Foundation in its efforts to support the schools.

“It doesn’t matter who I talk to, everyone thinks the world of him and the work he does on behalf of our
young people,” Kropp said.

At a meeting of the school board, President Dr. Jeff Barke presented Locke with a certificate honoring his
“extraordinary dedication and exceptional service to students.”

“It’s an honor for me to award him the Hero of the Heart,” Barke said, “because he represents the greatness in
our community and its incredible support for our district and the children of our district.”

Locke thanked the board and praised “the wonderful teachers and administrators we have in this district. They make volunteering worthwhile.”

Contribution by Robert Ostmann

LAUSD Photo: Mrs. Karen Russell (Board Member), Mrs. Megan Cutuli (Board Member), Dave Locke (Hero), Dr. Sherry Kropp (Superintendent), Mr. David Boyer (Board Member.)