The local Kiwanis Club has named Mike Leininger as the 2017 La Cañadan of the Year. Leininger will be honored on Wednesday, April 25, at a luncheon held at Van de Kamp Hall at Descanso Gardens.
Leininger has been an active La Cañada Flintridge community volunteer since moving here 30 years ago. When he was hired by the La Cañada Unified School District, he realized that getting involved as a volunteer in this small town would be key to building relationships and making connections. This was an easy path to pursue as his wife and daughters became immersed in LCF, too.
Leininger grew up in Long Beach, graduated from Wilson High School in 1969, and received an NCAA scholarship to play football at the University of Utah. He earned his master’s degree at Pepperdine while teaching science, PE, and coaching football and baseball in Bellflower. He completed his doctorate’s degree in education at the University of La Verne while serving as assistant principal at La Cañada High School. He went on to become the principal of LCHS and then assistant superintendent — which provided many opportunities to serve his community as a representative of the school district as well as a volunteer with various organizations before and after school hours.
Leininger retired with 40 years of experience as an educator/administrator and has spent the last five years actively involved as a leader and worker for many of his volunteer passions. He has been president of the La Cañada Noon Kiwanis Club, served as a board member of the Community Center of La Cañada and has also served on the LCF Tournament of Roses Committee, the LCF Chamber of Commerce, the LC Coordinating Council, St. Bede Consultative School Board and steering committee, and Interfaith Baccalaureate committee. Those who really know him well admire his dedication to neighbors, friends and his cherished family.
Leininger will be honored at a special luncheon provided by the Kiwanis Club on Wednesday, April 27, at 11:30 a.m. at Van de Kamp Hall at Descanso Gardens. Members of the public are invited to attend and join in honoring this outstanding citizen. Reservations are required and must be made by Friday, April 20. Call (818) 790-9901.
