One could sense the joy in the room as the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada recently held its Terrific Kids event, recognizing 18 local sixth-grade students at a special luncheon.
The event, hosted by the Kiwanis members at the La Cañada Congregational Church, drew nearly 100 attendees. Selected from their classrooms, it was the first time all the recipients from La Cañada Elementary, Palm Crest Elementary and Paradise Canyon Elementary Schools were able to celebrate together. Joined by their family members, the students were applauded for displaying character traits such as good citizenship, kindness and positivity.
Kiwanis of La Cañada President Joe Radabaugh said, “This is one of my favorite days of the year. It is such a wonderful tradition to recognize and celebrate so many ‘Terrific’ local La Cañada kids.”
Program Coordinator Nancy Leininger added, “We are happy to commend these amazing students who strive to do their best to make the world a better place.”
A few weeks ago, Kiwanians Nancy Leininger, Michael Leininger and Tom Slaughter visited each school to announce the honorees and present them with certificates at their rallies or classrooms. Established by Kiwanis International worldwide, “Terrific” stands for Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Responsible, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive, and Capable.
Those who attended the Terrific Kid festivities included Mayor Rick Gunter, City Councilmembers Keith Eich and Terry Walker; LCUSD Governing Board Members Joe Radabaugh and Octavia Thuss, former Board member Kaitzer Puglia; LCUSD Superintendent Wendy Sinnette, LCUSD Associate Superintendent Anais Wenn, La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Pat Anderson, LCF Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board and Terrific Kids Coordinator Michael Leininger, City of LCF Parks and Recreation Commissioner Jeanne Hobson, and former mayor Don Voss.
If you are interested in learning more about the Kiwanis of La Cañada and would like to attend a meeting that includes featured speakers, email president@lacanadakiwanis.org or go to lacanadakiwanis.org.
First published in the January 4 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
