Students recognized for work

[MosJan]

Students recognized for work

Four from Glendale high schools went above and beyond in helping others.

 

 

By ALECIA FOSTER

 

NORTHWEST GLENDALE -- When Meline Martirosian heard about a holiday toy drive for needy elementary school students, she immediately jumped at the chance to help.

"I remembered my struggle," she said.

Martirosian and her family had a hard time making ends meet -- let alone having extra money to buy toys or other extras -- when they first moved to Glendale from Armenia about six years ago.

Wanting to help, the Glendale High School senior donated 50 toys -- bought with her own money and that collected from co-workers.

Her act of selflessness caught the attention of school leaders and the Glendale Host Lions Club, which at a luncheon Wednesday recognized Martirosian and three other high school seniors for being outstanding students.

Hoover High senior Nancy Trinidad was recognized for her work in several campus organizations and her initiative in getting things done.

Last year, she helped organize a peace march after Hoover student Raul Aguirre was stabbed to death in front of the school. She also organized a dance to raise money for a terminally ill student.

"Nancy didn't just talk about it she did it," said Heidi Applebaum, an assistant principal at the school.

Crescenta Valley High student Brian Landisi also has been active in school activities -- from student government to the school paper. He recently put together a video for the funeral of former CV student Roberta Happe, who was murdered several weeks ago.

Beside doing well in school, Clark Magnet student Lois Song has been an active volunteer and member of her church -- singing in the choir and helping with other programs there.

"I like to work with kids so I volunteer at a lot of schools," she said.

While the day was devoted to students, the Lions Club surprised Glendale High Assistant Principal Leroy Sherman. He received the Good Guy Award from Lions member Dick Holway for all the work he has done with the students, including the holiday toy drive.