The Huntington Middle School PTA recently announced recipients of the organization’s “Halo Awards,” which were established to recognize exceptional parents, teachers and staff who have given outstanding contributions of time and talent to HMS.
Jacqueline Chuang
Chuang is a hardworking pediatrician and volunteer who has been a part of all things HMS seven years. If the school has it, she’s run it — from Parent Party to Hauntington Breakfast, from choir booster chair to PTA president and a variety of PTA executive board positions.
Throughout the pandemic, she’s guided the school with calm advice and a can-do spirit. She never hesitates to lend a hand. She does it all without needing the spotlight.
Zeina Daoud
Daoud has served in many roles at HMS. She is a busy real estate executive but nevertheless has found the time to serve in multiple PTA executive board positions, including parliamentarian, treasurer and auditor. She has volunteered her time on the Parent Party Committee, the HMS Reopening Task Force Team and the COVID Compliance Team. She is currently serving as 8th-Grade activities chair. Her youngest child attends HMS.
Coach Shawn Gonzales
“Coach Shawn,” as he is known, spends endless hours as the cross country and track coach at HMS, teaching students how to be the best athletes they can be, as well as requiring the utmost in sportsmanship from them. He is always welcoming, and his positive attitude gives students the confidence to challenge themselves in trying new things. He gives freely of his time at school and PTA activities and has gone above and beyond in his role as an instructional aide in helping students return to the classroom after the learning disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Stefanie Killackey
Killackey is a volunteer who has given the HMS community a sense of fun and normalcy in 2020 and 2021, despite the challenges of the past few years. She co-chaired the 2021 Outdoor Movie Night spring fundraiser, which involved much pivoting and working with the L.A. County Health Department. She did it all again as co-chair of the 2021 Hauntington Breakfast, where she managed to seamlessly blend safety with fun. She’s also given her time in multiple PTA executive board roles and on many PTA committees.
Catherine Newton
Newton is a busy pediatrician and mom of four children at four different schools —HMS, SMHS, Carver Elementary and St. Edmunds Preschool. She is a committed volunteer at all of them as well as a variety of community organizations. Yet, she has never shied away from donating her time and planning skills in taking on big projects at HMS. She recently co-chaired the HMS spring fundraiser called “Fox Games” and co-chaired the 2020 safer-at-home Hauntington Breakfast. She has helped with the HMS musical and served on the 2019 CA Healthy Youth Act Curriculum Review Committee as well served on many other HMS committees and events. Also, she will be co-chairing this year’s Hauntington Breakfast for a second time.
Coach Jean-Gharry Pierre
Affectionately known as “Coach J.P.” around campus, he has left his mark on many HMS students, teaching them dedication and sportsmanship on the football field, as well as on the basketball court. He coaches both junior varsity flag football and varsity boys basketball and is a force of positivity for all students, always there to build them up and lend a hand at PTA activities, including the recent “Fox Games.” In addition, he has been invaluable in assisting with the post-pandemic back-to-classroom transition as an instructional aide.
