Los Alamitos High School Parents Keep Choir Humming

LOS ALAMITOS, CA — In other action, the board recognized two Los Alamitos High School parents as Heroes of the Heart for their outstanding service in support of the school’s champion show choir program.

“When it comes to Kurt and Karen Katchigan,” said Los Alamitos High Principal Dr. Brandon Martinez, “volunteering for choir program has become a way of life that epitomizes dedication and passion.”

The Katchigans have been provided critical support for the 600-student program for four years, Martinez said.

Kurt has served as choir booster treasurer and financial secretary. Karen coordinates acquisition of all choir sweatshirts, jackets and other spirit-wear as well as arranging travel, costumes and food during choir competition season. The couple also has played a major role in planning and organizing the annual multi-school Extravaganza choir event on campus and also donate the use of their business truck to transport equipment to choir competitions, Martinez said.

“They are always behind the scenes making sure things run smoothly for kids,” Martinez said.

Choir Director David Moellenkamp praised the Katchigans kindness and positive spirit and said their hard work and support for the past four years “have truly been a gift. We are forever grateful for their willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done.”

In accepting the honor, Karen Katchigan said they couple realized “that our kids are with us only a short amount of time. Now our last one is going off to college. We feel honored to be here and to do this for our kids — two biological ones but really hundreds that are part of our family. To receive this honor for doing something that we truly loved is amazing.”

Kurt Katchigan added, “If you can be involved at school with your kids you’ll get way more back in rewards than you put in. If you give 10 percent, you get back 2,010 percent.”

Los Alamitos Unified School District Photo: Left to right, Los Alamitos Superintendent Dr. Sherry Kropp, Los Alamitos High Principal Dr. Brandon Martinez, Karen and Kurt Katchigan and Los Alamitos School Board President Meg Cutuli