HomeCity Government NewsSan Marino PTAs Honor Their ‘Rock Stars’

San Marino PTAs Honor Their ‘Rock Stars’

San Marino’s ‘Rock Stars:’ PTA Honorary Service Award recipients, front row, from left, Daphne Stewart, Alice Song, Jaime Gertmenian, Donna Balbin, Sylvia Koh, Janis Wong & Pana Gelt; back row, from left, Krishna Rao, Debi Cribbs, Tommy Wong, Bernard Lim, Stephen Choi, Coach Mike Hobbie, Hal Suetsugu, Bob Wicke, Skip Josenhans, Bob Horgan & Maurice Saldebar were recognized on Tuesday, March 1 in the Huntington Middle School auditorium. Katie Chin Photo
San Marino’s ‘Rock Stars:’ PTA Honorary Service Award recipients, front row, from left, Daphne Stewart, Alice Song, Jaime Gertmenian, Donna Balbin, Sylvia Koh, Janis Wong & Pana Gelt; back row, from left, Krishna Rao, Debi Cribbs, Tommy Wong, Bernard Lim, Stephen Choi, Coach Mike Hobbie, Hal Suetsugu, Bob Wicke, Skip Josenhans, Bob Horgan & Maurice Saldebar were recognized on Tuesday, March 1 in the Huntington Middle School auditorium. Katie Chin Photo

There were 14 people and one group honored at the 86th Annual Founder’s Day Awards with the theme “Saluting Our Rock Stars” on Tuesday, March 1 at Huntington Middle School. These PTA Honorary Award recipients were first nominated and then selected from each San Marino Unified School District site and council level.

“Each year the San Marino PTA Council hosts this event to recognize its three founders – Alice Birney, Phoebe Hearst and Selina Butler – and to celebrate their legacy by honoring our hard-working volunteers who have donated their time, effort and dedication,” PTA Founder’s Day Co-Chair Renee Olson said.

“Congratulations to these volunteers as we acknowledge them for their outstanding service to our children and our community,” PTA Founder’s Day Co-Chair Liz Lichtman said. “They are truly rock stars.”

PTA Council Level

Stephen Choi
The PTA Council Very Special Person Awardee was Stephen Choi. Before working with the San Marino Unified School District, he was with NP Technology Systems, where he had oversight responsibilities as an Internal Connections Service Provider and worked with schools, libraries and non-profit organizations. In 2004, he was hired by SMUSD and in 2015 was promoted to chief technology officer. Choi is responsible for the implementation of the After-School-Tech Academy, which provides high quality professional development for teachers, administrators and staff. Currently, Choi is working on his Doctorate of Education at USC. He works closely with the San Marino School sites and PTAs. Choi is married to Ann and they have one child, Calvin. Even though she has witnessed him quietly responding to work emails during designated family time, Ann Choi says she admires her husband’s dedication and patience in an ever changing area, and appreciates his willingness to provide direction where needed to support the San Marino community.

Pana Gelt
This San Marino native was presented with the PTA Council Continuing Service Award. She is no stranger to receiving PTA Honorary Service Awards. In recognition of her many contributions as a volunteer, Gelt received her first Honorary Service Award from Valentine in 2010. She served as PTA president and parliamentarian on the Executive Board. She also served as PTSA president and parliamentarian, and is currently third VP at the high school. She served as PTA council president, along with her other responsibilities, and PfA treasurer. She has not slowed in her contributions and has agreed to be Grad Night chair for next year’s senior class. This energetic volunteer also continues to serve on the Lacy Park Board, Spiritual Care Guild, Children’s Guild and is an active member of her church. Gelt is married to Brian and they have three boys. During her boys’ younger years, She oversaw the accounting for San Marino Toy & Book Shoppe before moving into the volunteer sector. Brian Gelt said he admires his wife’s uncanny judge of character and thinks she is incredibly awesome and always fun.

San Marino High School Grad Night’s “Old Guard”
Bob Horgan, Skip Josenhans, Bernard Lim, Tommy Wong and Ping Lit were lauded for their years of volunteer contributions to a long-standing San Marino High School tradition. These five honorees have created camaraderie among those who help with the construction, design and oversight of every senior class graduation celebration. The “Grad Night Chairmen,” as they dub themselves, are responsible for the continuation of the Grad Night legacy that was started almost three decades ago as a way to keep graduates safe while celebrating their big night. As with all grassroots projects, Grad Night has evolved into a community-wide endeavor that brings in more volunteers each year. Skip Josenhans remembers the 2001 Grad Night – themed “The Magic of Mardi Gras” – being especially memorable because they added special effects, changed the lighting and got a “rockin’ DJ.” They all agree that every year’s theme is exciting to work on, and they are always pleased with the end product. Ultimately, to the Chairmen, it is about making memories and creating a night that the kid’s will never forget.

San Marino High School – SMHS Honorary Service Awards

Janis Tanji Wong
Wong’s PTA involvement dates back to her Carver years as Parent Party co-chair, Carnival co-chair, vice president of Ways & Means, historian and 5th Grade Activities. She has been PTA Council corresponding secretary, room rep and Volunteer Fair chair. At San Marino High School, Janis was 2015 Grad Night chair, Girls Basketball Booster president and Instrumental Music Boosters president. This year, she is organizing the high school golf fundraiser to be held on March 21, and is still very involved in Music Boosters. Wong is married to Victor, and has a daughter, Sara, and a son, Ethan. Wong is a consultant for non-profit organizations and has over 25 years of experience in marketing, development and strategic planning within both the non-profit and private sectors. Victor Wong said he admires his wife’s conviction to make things better, and her willingness to devote endless time, energy and resources to helping the kids in this community.

Bob Wicke
Wicke has been involved with SMCAA basketball, San Marino National Little League, and this year helped carry the high school football team to the CIF Championship as San Marino High School’s Football Booster president. He was co-chair of the Measure E parcel tax campaign and president of San Marino Tennis Foundation, along with overseeing Boy Scout Troop 359 in the role of assistant scoutmaster. Wicke is married to Karen and has three sons, Arthur, Mark and Christopher. All three children currently attend San Marino High School. Wicke attended Notre Dame for college and UCLA for his MBA. He was a special assistant to Mayor Richard Riordan from 1990 to 1993, and is currently a director with Deloitte Consulting. Karen Wicke said family and friends share a common admiration for her husband’s high moral and ethical standards, his objectivity and commitment to doing the right thing.

Mike Hobbie
Hobbie, otherwise known to many as “Coach” is the beloved head football coach at San Marino High School. He led the SMHS Varsity Titan Football team to the 2015 CIF-SS Central Division Champions title this school year as well as to the state championship in Sacramento. Hobbie, originally from Atlanta, Ga., coached Pony League Baseball and became president of the league at 20 years old. That team went to state playoffs. When one of his daughters didn’t have an organized sport for her age, he started a community soccer league. The league still exists. He started a Pop Warner Football League in Sarasota, Fla. where the field is named in his honor. He has coached baseball, basketball, tennis and wrestling too. Hobbie is married to Suzanne, who teaches freshman biology, and is a mentor to his grandson, Bear. His family said Hobbie never waivers on his principles of hard work and discipline. He derives gratification from watching his players become the best they can be.

Huntington Middle School – HMS Honorary Service Awards

Krishna Rao
Rao has led two Girl Scout Troops, organized Red Ribbon week for the last four years, was Partnership for Awareness Program Chair and has been Partnership for Awareness president for two years while also volunteering for NCL Juniors. Besides her community volunteering, Rao has been involved in her children’s educational experiences at home and at school. At Valentine, she participated as 3rd vice president of Membership and was both a computer and library volunteer. At Huntington, she was sixth grade dance co-chair, a Hauntington Breakfast volunteer and Staff Appreciation luncheon contributor. She derived so much joy from being Open House chair that she did it for two years. Rao and her husband, Dr. Purush Rao, have three children: Omkar, Shanthi, and Anjali. She attended Medical School, and after focusing on her education, found parenting her three kids was a full-time career. Rao’s family admires her ability to take on any situation and remain calm. They said her “Can Do!” attitude is an inspiration to all of them.

Maurice Saldebar
Saldebar has volunteered for AYSO Region 214 as commissioner for three years, along with having served as Opening Day coordinator and Turkey Tournament director. He signed up to become the San Marino National Little League Softball commissioner, manager, coach and tournament chairperson. Saldebar has also been involved in the PTA volunteer-wheel as a 6th Grade Dance co-chair, and stage manager for Huntington’s “Sound of Music,” “Music Man” and “Fiddler on The Roof” musicals. He was SMHS Lady Titans Softball Booster president, treasurer and banquet coordinator while his older daughter Lindsay was at the high school. His younger daughter Margot is an active middle schooler. Saldebar is admired most for his dedication to his daughters and involvement in both their lives. He has a strong sense of service to the community, and lends his support where he can.

Hal Suetsugu
Suetsugu’s volunteer contributions reach many sectors of this community. He has been a parent representative on the School Site Council, and has a seat on the City of San Marino Park and Recreation Commission, where he helped plan the existing bike routes in the city. Suetsugu readily accepted when asked to be a trustee on the San Marino Schools Foundation, and is an active volunteer for the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center. His PTA involvement began at Carver where he helped procure for the Carver Parent Party and helped sell Scrip for the Enrichment Fund. At Huntington, he was Hauntington Breakfast VIP chair, and Middle School Orchestra Booster chair. Suetsugu is married to Linda and has two children, Taylor and Rylan. Suetsugu works as a city and transportation planner where his area of expertise lies in project development and funding.

Suetsugu’s family admires how deeply he cares about the welfare of children. He is particularly interested in finding ways to improve their learning environments, both structurally and aesthetically. In fact, Suetsugu’s motto is, “Be part of the solution; not the problem.”

Carver Elementary School – Carver Honorary Service Awards

Debi Cribbs
Cribbs was raised in San Marino and current Carver Elementary Principal Liz Hollingsworth was Cribbs’ fourth grade teacher. She is a second-generation recipient; her mother, Donna Mann, received the award in 1988. As a Carver parent, Cribbs has been PTA vice president of Programs and Calendar, executive vice president, Carnival co-chair, vice president of Ways and Means, Parent Party Committee member and is presently organizing the PTA 5th grade activities which include the end-of-the-year festivities. Cribbs has worked as an administrative assistant for Swinerton Management & Consulting, the health aide at Carver, and is currently the Carver School secretary. She is very active as a member of the City Club, San Marino National Little League, and San Marino Community Athletic Association, where she oversaw registration for 3 years. Her husband, Greg, admires how unselfishly Cribbs gives to her family and the community, and remains completely engaged in every moment with her sons, Cole and Clay. He believes she is absolutely amazing and is second-to-none.

Donna Balbin
Balbin is a trustee of San Marino Schools Foundation, a volunteer for San Marino National Little League, a member and volunteer at St. Edmunds Church, a member of Pasadena Children’s Guild, and volunteers her legal skills at the Alliance for Children’s Rights. Her PTA involvement includes co-chair of the Carver Book Fair, Annual Fundraiser, and Parent Party, along with serving as recording secretary, vice president of Ways and Means, parliamentarian, yearbook photographer and editor and room parent. Balbin has also served as Huntington’s vice president of Ways and Means, Hauntington Breakfast ticket co-chair, and PTA Council Founder’s Day co-chair in 2013. She is married to Jim, and has three children: Alyssa, Zack and Josh. Balbin hails from New York City, where she received her law degree. After taking the New York Bar Exam, she moved to California to clerk for the Chief Judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court. Balbin then went into private practice. Jim Balbin said his wife is beautiful inside and out. He said she is brilliant in so many aspects of her life, and loved and admired by her adoring family.

Sylvia Koh
Koh is Carver Elementary’s PTA president. She volunteers her time as Chinese Liaison, has served as PTA treasurer and Carnival treasurer, financial secretary, vice president of Membership, executive vice president and room parent. While busy raising her two children, she has managed to stay very involved in the community and at Carver. Koh is involved in the San Marino National Charity League, NCL Juniors, Chinese Club and School, Partnership for Awareness, Girl Scouts and the American Cancer Society. Koh is married to Peter and has two children, Nina and Marcus. Her family admires Koh’s optimism, can-do spirit, and devotion to supporting the San Marino community and schools. Koh was born in Shanghai, China and lived in Hong Kong as a teenager. She received her accounting degree from USC, and kept up her skills working as an auditor.

Valentine Elementary SchoolValentine Honorary Service Award

Jaime Gertmenian
Gertmenian is actively involved in numerous capacities with Valentine’s PTA. She has been room parent, co-chair of the 2015 Parent Party and on the Executive Board. She also served as Parent Party co-chair at Huntington Middle School this year. Gertmenian is married to Peter and has three sons: Ryan and twins Bennet and Colin. She is from Ketchikan, Alaska. Before dedicating her spare time to volunteer responsibilities, Gertmenian served as vice president of Human Resources and Administration for North America, Catellus Development Corp. Her husband, Peter, admires her big heart, and her ability to always make time for family, friends and community.

Alice Song
Song has been involved in a variety of volunteer opportunities for the past eight years. Her contributions have been in art, computer and curriculum labs, in addition to chairing the Art Festival and Lunar New Year. She has served on the Fall Fair, Parent Party and Book Fair committees, as well as Huntington’s Hauntington Breakfast and Parent Party. She is currently 2nd vice president on Valentine’s Executive Board. Song and her husband Scott are busy raising Scott Jr. and Sidney. Song moved to Southern California from the Bay Area to start a career in the entertainment industry as a design director for ABC, E Entertainment and Rhythm and Hues. She created graphic identities for major networks in the U.S., and most notably, Cosmopolitan Television in Europe. Scott Song and family said they most admire Alice’s honesty, straightforward attitude, and level of commitment. She is always willing to help no matter the size of the commitment.

Daphne Stewart
Stewart was Valentine PTA treasurer for two consecutive years, a room parent, Science Fair chair multiple years, and a Brownie Troop leader. She graduated from Berkeley with honors, before completing a year of post grad work and spending time as a journalist in Costa Rica. Eventually, she attended medical school at Columbia, where she met her future husband, Matt. After medical school, she moved to Los Angeles where she continued to achieve great success in completing her internship at USC, a residency, fellowship and master’s degree with UCLA, and eventually worked at Cedars Sinai Medical Center as a Bone Marrow Transplantation specialist. She simultaneously had an academic career at UCLA. Stewart and her family moved to San Marino in 2008. Stewart continues to volunteer teach at UCLA. She and Matt have three children, Sawyer, Charlotte and Piper. Matt Stewart admires how his wife gives more than her all, and is selfless while caring for him and their three children, and patients at her office. He said her energy is endless.

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