Several measures of secrecy are used to keep the recipients of the Los Alamitos Unified School District PTA’s annual Honorary Service Awards from finding out that their names will be called at the annual breakfast event.
Several measures of secrecy are used to keep the recipients of the Los Alamitos Unified School District PTA’s annual Honorary Service Awards from finding out that their names will be called at the annual breakfast event.
This year, those measures seemed to work well, as four individuals appeared surprised, and emotionally taken aback, to find that their efforts for the past year had earned them recognition from their fellow staffers and volunteers who work in service of the students of the district, at the Grand Event Center in Long Beach on May 19.
The district-wide awards went to teacher Robert Ostmann, LAUSD Board member David Boyer, LAUSD Superintendent Dr. Sherry Kropp and parent-volunteer Jody Roubanis. Roubanis was also a presenter and presided over the event. Roubanis announced and introduced Ostmann as he was called to the podium to receive his award.
“Over the years, Bob has worked relentlessly to keep students in school, help at-risk students succeed in class, as well as prepare them for productive adult lives,” Roubanis said as she introduced Ostmann.
Ostmann is currently the only teacher at Laurel High School and has also taken on two college-prep English classes for ninth graders at Los Alamitos High. The classes are geared toward helping struggling students.
Ostmann also works as the district’s videographer, helping out with production of projects such as the video yearbooks, the “Every 15 Minutes,” drunk driving awareness program and the district’s Advance project that highlights accomplishments within the district.
Boyer was then announced and introduced by Kropp, who called Boyer creative and innovative in his efforts on the Board of Education. Boyer was given a PTA Honorary Service Award.
“He has made a significant impact on improving the lives of our students, their educational experiences, and the building of Los Alamitos Unified as a culture that embraces the entire district community,” Kropp said of Boyer.
Boyer has served on the board for 10 years. He was instrumental in getting bond measures past to help improve the school, build the new track and field facility at the high school and improve the athletic rooms. Boyer credited the PTA for doing so much for students and the schools and noted that the community as a whole keeps all those involved in the district on their toes.
“The passion of the parents can be the toughest part, but I’ll take passion,” Boyer said.
After introducing Boyer, it was Kropp’s turn to be put on the spot as Roubanis called her name as PTA Honorary Service Award for Outstanding Administrator of the Year. Roubanis noted that Kropp has been with the district since 1985, as a teacher, assistant principal, principal for both high schools and assistant superintendent, among other assignments with the LAUSD. Kropp took over as superintendent in 2011.
“Dr. Kropp’s drive, personality, and skill have made her an amazing superintendent and a great asset to our school district,” Roubanis said. “Because she has been with us for so long, she seems to know everything about our school district.”
Roubanis said that Kropp has a quality of leadership that allows people in the district to be effective in their jobs. She also noted Kropp’s openness and honesty about decisions that are made and how they hope they will help students.
“There is no question that she has very high standards for herself and others, and what she gets back from administrators, staff, teachers, and students, is excellence,” Roubanis said.
An old adage states that “turnabout is fair play,” and Roubanis was reminded of that shortly after introducing Kropp, as she was called back to the podium to receive a PTA Honorary Service Award. District PTA Board Member Theresa Blankenstein introduced Roubanis, calling her an amazing parent volunteer during her years in the district.
Roubanis has served as the President of the Hopkinson Elementary School PTA and was the President of the Los Alamitos PTA this year.
“Jody is special and deserving of this award because she not only performs her role with dedication, but she is also an exemplary leader,” Blankenstein said.
Roubanis was instrumental in raising $50,000 for a MIND Research Institute ST Math program for the district, as well as advocating for traffic improvements at intersections near schools. Roubanis has agreed to remain the PTA President for next year as well.
“It’s truly an honor to be able to serve in this way,” Roubanis said.