Monte Vista Elementary Celebrates Founders Day

On Thursday Feb. 17, the 114th anniversary of the founding the very first parent-teacher association, Monte Vista Elementary School celebrated its own history of parent involvement and volunteerism. 

In a country-western inspired theme, past PTA presidents, principals, teachers, and award recipients joined together to celebrate with and honor current PTA members. 

Current Glendale PTA president Elizabeth Manasserian and Glendale School Board member Joylene Wagner joined in the festivities.  Roger Sondergaard was scheduled to emcee the event, but he had an emergency appendectomy on Monday that prevented him from attending a PTA celebration at Rosemont on Wednesday, where he was to receive a continuing service award. 

Nobody expected Sondergaard to attend the Monte Vista event only three days after surgery, but to everyone's surprise, he showed up in full western apparel and fulfilled his emcee duties in his own inimitable way.

The evening began with a beautiful flute duet of Pachelbel's Canon in D, performed by Annie Blood and Sasha Monterosso, accompanied by Katie White on the piano. 

The PTA then handed out its Very Special Person awards, which are given to persons or businesses in the community who have directly enriched Monte Vista.  This year there were four  recipients: Christie Kim, owner of ; Bruce Kober, for his involvement in the Monte Vista Orchestra program; for its help in fundraising; and the Golden family who recently put in a sidewalk in front of their home for the safety of children who walk past the Golden's house on their way to school. 

Entertainment was provided by Center Stage Productions, a competition dance team founded by Monte Vista alumni Susan Norton.  The team, which includes several current Monte Vista students, performed a country western dance set to the Charlie Daniels' classic song The Devil Went Down to Georgia.

Another PTA award, the Honorary Service Award, is given to individuals or organizations in special recognition of outstanding service to children.  This year six people were honored with this award.

Jane Montorosso received her award for her countless hours of time working with Monte Vista's orchestra.  Kevin Cordova- Brookey was recognized for his volunteer efforts as an involved parent, member of the PTA and current president of the Monte Vista Educational Foundation.  Sixth grade teacher Susan Lee received her award in recognition of her service at the school, and second grade teacher Sue Mirau was honored for the 22 years she has spent in education. 

Past Monte Vista PTA president Stephanie Shintaku was honored her countless hours spent in numerous PTA positions, not only at Monte Vista but also at the district and council levels.  The final recipient was retired teacher Shirley Sycamore, who taught for 40 years and who also spent many years as the chorus director and was also involved with Monte Vista's musical theatre.

The evening ended with a surprise award to Roger Sondergaard, who was presented with the continuing service award.  This award gives special recognition to individuals who have a long history continued service to students in our community.  Sondergaard is involved in many different committees, programs and events at Monte Vista, and he specifically devotes much of his time to fundraising and recreation activities for students.

At the conclusion of the night, the proposed slate of PTA board members for the 2011-2012 school year was announced.  The candidates are: President Rebecca Harvey; 1st V.P. (Programs) Laurie Dunkin; 2nd V.P. (Head Room Rep) Kevin Cordova-Brookey; 3rd V.P. (Ways & Means) Kirstin Hofhine; 4th V.P. (Hospitality) Dhrupali Bharuka; 5th V.P. (Membership) Jessica Sheen; Secretary Leanne Levine; Treasurer Patricia Bitetti; Asst. Treasurer Denise Gick; Auditor Kristen Yu; and Historian Chemayne Mesnik.

Voting will be conducted at the PTA meeting on  March 3.  The Monte Vista PTA expresses its gratitude to these parents for volunteering.  Their interest in the school, staff, and students are truly appreciated.