Duarte Education Foundation’s Annual Fundraiser slated Oct 11

On Saturday, October 11th the Duarte Education Foundation will be holding their annual fundraising dinner “Under the Tuscan Sun” at Cooper Auditorium at the City of Hope. Live entertainment, live and silent auctions will add to the excitement of the evening. 100% of the proceeds will be going directly to the Music Matters program. Our goal for this year is to earn $50,000 for musical instruments for our elementary schools. Tickets for the event can be purchased at our website duarteedfoundation.org or by contacting the DEF by email at musicmatters@duarteedfoundation.org.
This year we are proud to honor the following individuals. Each one has made a positive and lasting impact on the students of the Duarte Unified School District.

Tina Carey has dedicated countless hours as an active volunteer in our community for several years. She currently serves on the City of Duarte Economic Development Commission, the Duarte Community Coordinating Council, as a Board of Director for the Duarte Chamber of Commerce and the Foothill Workforce Investment Board. Tina owned Mystic Sisters Bookstore in Monrovia, hosted a cable access TV show, and was involved as a Vice Chair for the Duarte Route 66 Parade, and as the “Captain of Captains” for Duarte’s Relay for Life.
Tina has a passion for the youth of Duarte as demonstrated by the with her involvement in the Kiwanis Club, ACT-SO mentor and mentorship programs at MIT, and coordinating the school supply and food drive for Foothill Unity on behalf of her employer, Miyachi America Corporation. Her professional distinctions include: former Vice Chair of the Literacy Network of Greater Los Angeles, graduate of UCLA Anderson School of Management’s Executive Program, and recipient of Medal of Excellence from Women at Work in Pasadena, CA.

Levon Yotnakhparian, affectionately known as Mr. Y, has been the man behind the scenes in the City of Duarte since 1995. Starting at Duarte’s public access TV station, DCTV, as a station manager. He most often is found behind the lens for city council meetings, concerts in the park, and just about every major event in the city. As video producer of the parade Mr. Y gave his video production student the opportunity to have hands on experience in the field by working on this production for the past 19 years. In 2001 he received the Civic Services Award at the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast in recognition for his dedicated volunteer hours donated to the affairs of the city of Duarte.

In 1997 he started teaching ROP video productions at Duarte High. Mr. Y continues his dedication to video and now also serves as a photography instructor as well. As a soccer coach, he started the girls’ soccer team at DHS in 2010. In 2010 Mr. Y also took his dedication to empower our youth by joining SkillsUSA where he led his students to compete in TV productions, photography, digital cinema, and broadcast teams. In 2013 his News Broadcast team won the gold medal at the California state competition and represented the State of California in the national competition held in Kansas City, MO. This April his news broadcast team took silver at the state level.

Brad Patterson is the man that has kept Duarte schools in shape and developing for the future. As the Chief Facilities Officer for the DUSD for the last ten years Brad has overseen the $22 million Measure E construction projects including major remodels at Duarte High, Northview Intermediate, Maxwell Elementary, and upgrades to the audio visual for the Performing Arts Center.
Brad has ensured that our schools are technologically superior, have reliable transportation, properly maintained. Additionally he has participated in employee negotiations and is viewed by his colleagues as a trusted leader. Brad, also a U. S. Army Veteran, currently resides in Azusa and is the proud father of two daughters, Michelle 34 and Jenny 31.
Dr. Rasheedah Frasier Gates – Duarte Teacher of the Year was inspired by her mother to set life goals that include her recent achievement of her doctorate degree. Dr. Gates started as a substitute teacher in 2001 and is using her skills as the Teaching and Learning Coach at Royal Oaks. Rasheedah is a strong role model and she is always eager to delve deeper by keeping herself abreast of new strategies and working with her team to support all students.
Dr. Gates is known for embracing her work and her students with “her whole heart.” Rasheedah shares this passion to with her husband, two children and will be welcoming another child soon.

Ginny Jones – Duarte’s Classified Employee of the Year. In 1988 Ginny has started a long and illustrious career for DUSD as a sub proctor, and is currently working as an Account Technician. Her involvement with Duarte’s students is something she loves as demonstrated by her participation in the PTA and numerous events throughout the community. Ginny was recognized for the work she did in providing escorts to students so that they could get to after school sports practices safely.

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