Rosemont Middle School Celebrates a Golden Anniversary

More than 100 members of the community gathered at on the evening of Feb. 16 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Rosemont PTA. 

Guests were greeted by fabulous music from the Rosemont jazz band and by the sweet aroma of flowing chocolate fountains.  

Rosemont's assistant principal, Ron Sowers, was the master of ceremonies, and he regaled the audience with stories of how much things have changed at Rosemont and the rest of the world over the past 50 years. 

One of the most touching moments of the evening was the reading of a letter from Martha Farmer, who served as Rosemont's first PTA president in 1960.  Ms. Farmer is now 90 years old, and she was regrettably unable to attend the event.  She wrote the letter specifically for the 50th anniversary celebration, and she asked that it be read in her absence, stating that she will always have fond memories of her time in PTA at Rosemont.

Rosemont's current PTA president, Monna Johnson, was presented the Continuing Service Award by the California State PTA.  This is one of three awards the state PTA hands out each year to recognize the efforts of parents or educators who have devoted substantial time to helping students.  

Johnson has served as Rosemont's PTA president for the last two years.  She has brought a wealth of new ideas to the school during her tenure, and her volunteer efforts in the community have been astounding.  Her emphasis and passion is bringing arts into the classroom, and she was instrumental in enhancing the "Meet the Masters" program at local elementary schools as well.  

Roger Sondergaard was also honored with a Continuing Service Award for the time he has spent coordinating after-school sports programs and other activities. An emergency appendectomy prevented him from receiving his award in person.  Instead, Sondergaard listened on the speakerphone as his son, Carsten, and daughter, Tyra, accepted the award on his behalf.

Laura Rivera, a Rosemont teacher with more than 21 years of experience in education, received another of the state PTA awards known as the Honorary Service Award. 

One of Rivera's former students, A.J. Absy, presented the award to Rivera and expressed his admiration for her ability to inspire students to "go for their dreams."  Absy noted Rivera's extensive volunteer work with Shiners Hospital Burn Center, and the countless hours she spends as president of Rosemont's Builders Club. 

In her acceptance speech Rivera acknowledged the importance of education in her life and expressed her gratitude that she and all 10 of her siblings were able to attend college and enrich their lives with the lessons they learned both in and out of the classroom. 

Four Rosemont drama students--Matthew Collins, Matthew Schetina, Alexander De Roche and Gregory Camperos--entertained the audience with a humorous skit before presenting an Honorary Service Award to their drama teacher, Carla Riehl. 

Riehl is also the founder of the "Got Faith" club on campus, and she volunteers countless hours of her time giving guidance and direction to club members. 

The final award of the evening was an Honorary Service Award to Odette Hairpetian, who works in Rosemont's front office.  Hairpetian's fellow office staff members Susan Stefun, Margie Fester and Assunta Capra serenaded her as they presented her award. 

At the conclusion of the evening's festivities, the proposed slate of PTA officers for the 2011-2012 school year was announced and as is follows:

• President–Usha Archer,  
• First vice president, programs–Wendy Hart
• Second vice president, hospitality--Yanira Wolcott
• Third vice president,donations–Christine Pehar
•  Fourth vice president, volunteers–Dee Reik
• Recording Secretary–Denise Pearson
• Corresponding Secretary--Molly Hwang
• Historian–Tracey Black, 
• Treasurer–Monna Johnson
• Auditor–Anne Beachy-Kemp