Big Hearts, Big Impact: Celebrating Service at the 96th Annual San Marino PTA Founders’ Day

On the evening of March 25, 2026, the San Marino community gathered at Huntington Middle School for a heartfelt celebration of service, leadership, and dedication at the San Marino Council of PTAs 96th Annual Founders’ Day Honorary Service Awards, themed “Big Hearts, Big Impact.” The event honored outstanding individuals and organizations whose unwavering commitment continues to enrich the lives of students across the San Marino Unified School District.

Honoring a Legacy of Service

Founders’ Day, established in 1910, commemorates the vision and advocacy of PTA founders Alice McLellan Birney, Phoebe Apperson Hearst, and Selena Sloan Butler. Since its founding in 1897, the PTA has championed the well-being, education, and equity of children nationwide.

San Marino’s own PTA roots date back to the early 1930s, beginning at George S. Stoneman School and Huntington Middle School. Over the decades, the PTA has grown into a powerful partnership between families, schools, and the district, one that continues to shape the educational experience of every child in the community.

Celebrating Impact Through Awards

Each year, Founders’ Day serves as a moment to reflect and recognize those who embody the spirit of service. The evening featured four distinguished award categories:

• Honorary Service Award (HSA): Recognizing exceptional service to children and youth
• Continuing Honorary Service Award (CHSA): Honoring long-term, ongoing contributions
• Very Special Person Award (VSP): Celebrating meaningful service within individual school communities
• Golden Oak Service Award (GOSA): The highest honor, recognizing extraordinary and lasting impact

2026 Honorees: A Community of Difference-Makers

The 2026 recipients represent the very best of San Marino’s volunteer spirit:

San Marino Council of PTAs

• Golden Oak Service Award: C. Joseph Chang
• Continuing Honorary Service Award: Dr. Jacqueline Chuang
• Continuing Honorary Service Award: Lisa & David Wang

San Marino High School

• Honorary Service Award: Jennie McNulty
• Honorary Service Award: Jerry Shen

Huntington Middle School

• Very Special Person Award: June Gonzalez
• Honorary Service Award: Ellie Helmy

Carver Elementary School

• Honorary Service Award: Andrew Chan
• Honorary Service Award: Annie Tang

Valentine Elementary School

• Honorary Service Award: Faye Kumjian
• Honorary Service Award: Alisa Yingling

These honorees were celebrated not only for their individual achievements, but for the collective strength they bring to the San Marino school community through compassion, leadership, and tireless volunteerism.

A Prestigious Recognition: The Golden Oak Service Award

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Golden Oak Service Award, the most prestigious honor bestowed by the PTA. As noted by SMUSD Superintendent Dr. Linda de la Torre, this award has been presented only 20 times since its inception in 1992, underscoring its significance.

The 2026 recipient, C. Joseph Chang, joins an elite group of community leaders whose contributions have created a profound and lasting impact on the welfare of children and youth. His dedication extends beyond individual schools, reflecting a deep commitment to the broader San Marino community.

A Night of Gratitude and Inspiration

The Founders’ Day celebration was more than an awards ceremony; it was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together with purpose and heart. The theme “Big Hearts, Big Impact” resonated throughout the evening, capturing the spirit of generosity and service that defines San Marino.

As the program concluded, one message was clear: the strength of our schools lies not only in academic excellence, but in the people who give their time, energy, and love to support the next generation.

Congratulations to all the 2026 honorees—and thank you for making a lasting difference.