Photos courtesy Rebecca Duffield photography
Twenty-six young women from La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Glendale, Los Feliz and the surrounding area will be honored by the Glendale Chapter of National Charity League Inc. at the 73rd annual Senior Presentation Ball, to be held at the Sheraton Universal Hotel.
The Senior Presentation Ball is a tradition for the Glendale chapter, highlighting and thanking the Class of 2024 for their estimated 5,360 hours of community service.
The young women, or Ticktockers as they are known, began their NCL journey in seventh grade, working with their mothers, called Patronesses, to support the chapter’s philanthropic partners. Over the years, the class volunteered at American Red Cross, Arroyos and Foothills, Ascencia, Door of Hope, La Cañada Tournament of Roses, Operation Gratitude, Pasadena Humane Society, Twelve Oaks Senior Living, Union Station, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, YWCA of Glendale, the chapter’s annual rummage sale and more.
“The Senior Presentation Ball celebrates the culmination of the Ticktocker’s six years of community service, leadership development and cultural experiences, which are the pillars of our program. Chapter members, families and friends are delighted to recognize the Ticktockers’ accomplishments, volunteer service and the mother-daughter bond that is the cornerstone of NCL. They have truly embraced the spirit of NCL and we look forward to their exciting and successful futures.”
The chapter presidents are Michelle Demonteverde and Krysty Leckrone.
The Ball will include a welcome from Ticktocker Gabriela Rubalcava, president of the Class of 2024 and from Grade Level Adviser Kelli Kunkle-Day. The class has chosen the theme, “A Night to Remember,” with an accompanying theme song “At Last” by Etta James. The evening will include the presentation of each Ticktocker, the father-daughter waltz, the Senior Service Award and a farewell toast. The chairs of the Presentation Ball are Monica Ordubegian and Stacy Sartor, along with the class committee chairs Joy Ashby and Mia Husfeld.
The mistresses of ceremonies for the Ball will be the, Class of 2024 past Grade Level Advisers Liz Schwalbach, Kristen Creighton, Michelle Demonteverde, Lori Strauss, Alison Stewart and Moira Bollert.
The Glendale Chapter of NCL Inc. was first organized in 1942 and became a chartered chapter of National Charity League Inc. in 1958. It works with more than 20 local philanthropies, supporting them with hands-on service. Through the mother-daughter relationship, National Charity League Inc. develops strong women leaders serving and impacting communities today and for generations to come. To learn more, visit nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/glendale/.
COLLEEN BOLLERT
Colleen’s best NCL memory is preparing and eating dinner with the residents at Door of Hope, where she was able to bond with and support many young kids and brighten up their days with a delicious meal. She has learned through NCL just how much she enjoys being involved in her community and helping those around her.
She attends Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, where she is on the varsity track and field team and the varsity golf team. She is also a board member of the Student Mission Committee, a Flintridge Sacred Heart Business Club board member, and a member of both the Honors Council and the Forensic Science Club.
Colleen is the daughter of Moira and Joe Bollert.
WILLA CATHERINE CHANDLER
Willa’s favorite NCL activity was taking meals to Door of Hope because she has cherished connecting with the families there. Her NCL membership has kept her very active, and through it, she has found a deep love of service.
Willa attends Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, where she has played on the varsity golf team since freshman year. Willa has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten and has completed her Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.
She is the co-founder of Challenge Los Angeles, a faith-based service group focused on helping the unhoused communities of Los Angeles.
Willa’s future plans will always include charity work, fundraising for individuals in need and for cancer prevention.
She is the daughter of Michelle and Mac Chandler.
HALEY ELIZABETH CLARK
Haley’s favorite NCL activity was tutoring and playing with the kids at Sycamores. She loved spending time with them and making long-lasting memories. She also learned about leadership through planning events that benefitted the Ticktocker class.
Haley attends La Cañada High School. She enjoys hanging out with her family and friends, going to the beach, and playing a variety of sports. In the fall she will be attending Cornell University to be part of their women’s volleyball team.
At Cornell, Haley will be studying business with a specialty in hotel administration. In 10 years, she would like to live a happy life with a a good job and great friends.
She is the daughter of Karen and John Clark.
KAITLYN ELISE CREIGHTON
Kaitlyn has enjoyed working at the Door of Hope Summer Carnival, because it mixes two of her favorite things: family and philanthropy. She has met amazing people through this activity and always looked forward to the event. She has learned through NCL that she enjoys helping those in her community, meeting new people and growing with her Ticktocker class.
She attends La Cañada High School, where she is a member of the California Scholarship Federation, president of the Athletic Leadership Council and president and captain of the women’s track and field team. One of her most recent memorable experiences was running at the Nike Outdoor Track and Field Championships last June.
She is the daughter of Kristin and Gregory Creighton.
KADYN JANSEN DAY
Kadyn’s favorite philanthropy activities were tutoring at Sycamores, cooking large breakfasts at Union Station and hosting Birthday Bingo at Ascencia.
Kadyn was able to pursue a life-changing internship this past summer with the Arroyo & Foothills Conservancy’s Environmental Science and Biology program, in partnership with Occidental College.
She pursues numerous interests as a student leader at La Cañada High School, as an illustrator and muralist, an active volunteer, live-music lover and a dedicated captain and water polo player for her high school and club teams.
Kadyn is particularly proud of the club she co-founded four years ago, Ascencia for a Better Future, which is focused on donating sustainable hygiene kits.
She is the daughter of Kelli Kunkle-Day and John Day.
REBECCA LYNN DEMONTEVERDE
The most rewarding experience of Rebecca’s NCL years was Operation Gratitude because she loved to help with the care package assembly line and meet other NCL members from other chapters.
Her best memory is the Fashion Show and cheering on her fellow Ticktockers.
Rebecca attends Maranatha High School, where she serves as a school ambassador and president of the American Second Language Club. She is a member of the equestrian and track and field teams. Rebecca also participates in National Honors Society and the California Scholarship Federation.
If Rebecca could send a message to her younger self, it would be to: “Keep doing what you love and make the most of every moment.”
Rebecca is the daughter of Michelle and Sam Demonteverde.
LAUREN MARIE HALLEY
Lauren’s favorite NCL activities have been making paracord bracelets and assembling care packages for Operation Gratitude.
Her best NCL memory is volunteering at Sellebration, because she was able to meet new people while doing something great for charity. She also enjoyed the NCL journey with her mother, who taught her patience and persistence.
Lauren attends Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy and is in the National Honor Society.
Lauren enjoys swimming and has swam for both Flintridge Sacred Heart and the Rose Bowl swim teams. Most recently, she became a lifeguard through the Rose Bowl certification program.
Lauren cares deeply about the environment and plans to pursue an education and then a career in environmental science.
She is the daughter of Shelley and Douglas Halley.
MARISSA LEE HALLEY
Marissa’s favorite NCL memories are tutoring young kids at Sycamores because she was able to share her love for learning with them, and making gift bags for her NCL little sisters, because it was a great opportunity to bond with the NCL class.
She attends Flintridge Preparatory School, where she is the co-president of Tutors 4 Change, a club focused on tutoring children in various subjects, with math being her favorite.
Marissa is an all-around athlete who loves musical theater. As the starting libero for the Flintridge Prep volleyball team, she helped to bring her team to the CIF playoffs for two years straight.
She is the daughter of Shelley and Doulas Halley.
KAITLYN HU
Kaitlyn’s favorite NCL activity has been helping at Door of Hope’s child care program because spending time with the kids was rewarding and unpredictably entertaining. She also has great memories of volunteering at Door of Hope’s Harvest Festival.
Kaitlyn attends La Cañada High School. Her extracurricular activities include being the All-Squad captain of the Pep Squad, her role as a Posse Foundation Scholarship finalist and being a volunteer in the English Teaching Service for Overseas Youth, a program hosted by the Taiwanese government dedicated to teaching Taiwanese children how to speak, read, and write English.
In 10 years, Kaitlyn would like to have a successful career where she can still do the activities she loves.
She is the daughter of Stacy Lee and Stephen Hu.
ADDISON NICOLE HUSFELD
Addison’s favorite philanthropy was Sellebration. It holds a special place in her heart because she served alongside her mother and sister.
Addison takes pride in her commitment to volunteering with NCL, earning the Hourglass Award for 100 hours of service. She has also held many leadership positions, including president of her class, recording secretary and chair of various social activities.
Currently attending La Cañada High School, Addison’s childhood passion for cheering has flourished through four years with Pep Squad. She serves as vice president of the Pasadena Humane Club, member of California Scholarship Federation and achieved her Bronze and Silver Awards for Girl Scouts.
In college, Addison plans to major in business, then pursue commercial real estate.
She is the daughter of Mia and Carl Husfeld.
RAYA CAMILLE KOENIG
Raya is inspired by commitment and helping others. Raya won NCL’s Merci award, twice, for most hours volunteered in a year, and is the recipient of the 2022 United States Presidential Service Award.
Her favorite NCL activities are playing with the children while babysitting at Door of Hope and spending time with the residents of Twelve Oaks.
Raya attends The Waverly School and sings and plays bass in two rock bands. The past two summers she volunteered at the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office and was a junior counselor at Camp Ocean Pines in Cambria.
Raya will attend the University of Oregon, majoring in anthropology and minoring in criminology.
She is the daughter of Joy Asbury and Andrew Koenig.
ELLE LECKRONE
Elle’s favorite NCL activity was Bingo Night with the Twelve Oaks and Ascencia residents. She enjoyed calling the various games and the way the residents had fun as they became more and more excited and competitive.
Elle attends La Cañada High School, where she has been captain of the varsity softball team for the last two seasons. Elle also teaches younger students how to pitch and hit.
Elle is a member of the LCHS Key Club, the California Scholarship Federation, and the National Association of High Schools Scholars. She also volunteers with Friends Indeed at the First Congregational Church.
In the fall, she will be attending Sacred Heart University to play softball.
She is the daughter of Krystine and Thomas Leckrone.
CARTER JO MURPHY
In 10th grade, Carter joined NCL’s babysitting program at Door of Hope shelter. Inspired by her experience, she founded and runs the Door of Hope Club at La Cañada High School.
Carter has been a six-year member of the LCHS Concert Choir, a four-year member of the varsity Pep Squad and is a member of both the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars.
Carter writes, sings and produces her own music, having studied songwriting at the Berklee School of Music and The Colburn School in Los Angeles.
She will major in music industry and production, then pursue a career as a songwriter, producer and pop star.
She is the daughter of Dr. Beth Carter and Dr. Michael Murphy.
KATE MARGARET NAPPI
Kate enjoyed interacting with many interesting people she met while volunteering with National Charity League.
Her favorite NCL activities were preparing and serving dinner at Union Station and leading crafts activities at Twelve Oaks Senior Living.
Kate attends La Cañada High School, where she is a member of both the golf and lacrosse teams. She also spends a great deal of time in the ceramics studio.
She is extremely passionate about animal activism, which led her to become president of the Pasadena Humane Club. She is able to hone her business skills and her compassion through the presidency of this club.
Kate is planning a future as an entrepreneur.
She is the daughter of Tiara and Dominic Nappi.
OLIVIA MARIE NELSON
Olivia’s favorite activity with National Charity League was working in the kitchen at Union Station, because she enjoyed making and serving food to the homeless community. Her best NCL memory was attending the Pali Mountain weekend where she created fun memories with her mom and all the other 2024 Ticktockers.
Olivia attends La Cañada High School, where she has been a member of the softball team since her sophomore year.
After high school, Olivia plans to attend a four-year university and major in marketing.
When Olivia leaves for college, she hopes to keep her good relationships with her siblings, since she will no longer be able to see them every day.
She is the daughter of Marissa and Dan Nelson.
CHLOE GAYLE NUSSBAUM
Her favorite National Charity League activity was tutoring the children at Sycamores.
She loved getting to know them and helping them with their homework. This was an opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives by helping them learn and grow. Through NCL, she developed leadership skills, and discovered the satisfaction and happiness of making a positive impact on her community.
Chloe attends La Cañada High School, where she is on the volleyball team. In the fall, she will be studying kinesiology and serving as a member of the volleyball team at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. She also keeps busy with camping, wake surfing, relaxing at the beach, and traveling.
She is the daughter of Wendy and Brent Nussbaum.
OLIVIA JONG HAE PARK
Olivia’s favorite NCL activity was tutoring the children at Hathaway Sycamores, where she loved and appreciated the company of the kids she worked with regularly.
She attends Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, where she is president and co-founder of its Women in Business Club, a board member of Students Engaged in Environmental Discussion club, and a member of the Academic Decathlon Team. Olivia also volunteers at an after-care center in South Central called A Place Called Home, and serves as a Teen Leader for the Confirmation and Youth group at her church.
In ten years, Olivia would like to be living in New York City, working as a marketing executive.
She is the daughter of Rose and David Park.
AVA LYNN RADABAUGH
Ava’s favorite NCL Activity was volunteering with Twelve Oaks Senior Living, where she was able to create an impactful, inspiring relationship with the residents. Ava also served as president of the Ticktockers in her Junior Year.
She attends La Cañada High School, where she is the co-founder and leader of her school’s Model UN team. When not at school, she enjoys sketching, creating ceramics, playing club soccer and working at a local restaurant.
Ten years from now, Ava would like to have an advanced degree from a prestigious university. She plans to eventually live somewhere abroad, and use her education to make a difference in a changing world.
She is the daughter of Tina and Joe Radabaugh.
ISABELLE GRACE RISHA
Isabelle has enjoyed working with the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy, because she loves connecting with nature and doing her part to support local biodiversity.
Isabelle attends Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, where she serves as ASB president, captain of the varsity basketball team, captain of the ComedySportz improv team, and a member of the National Honors Society. She was also president of the Young Writers Society, editor-in-chief of their literary magazine, and on the Campus Ministry Leadership Team. She manages her busy life with the love and support of her three older sisters.
An avid reader, her favorite book is Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations,” because it teaches the important lesson of living with authenticity.
She is the daughter of Elizabeth and Janah Risha.
GABRIELA RUBALCAVA
Her favorite NCL activity was the recent mother-daughter hike to the Hollywood sign to enjoy the beautiful view with her mother and fellow 2024 Ticktockers. Throughout her years at NCL and her participation in its many philanthropic activities, Gabriela has learned what it means to be a good participant and a good leader.
Gabriela attends Immaculate Heart High School, where she has immersed herself in numerous musical activities, including songwriting, playing the guitar, producing her own songs, and performing in the musicals and plays the school presents.
In 10 years, Gabriela hopes to be doing what she loves—traveling the world with a successful career in the music industry.
She is the daughter of Monica and Alfonso Rubalcava.
ALINA RINGO SAENZ
Her favorite NCL activity was making care package boxes at Operation Gratitude.
There was always such a positive atmosphere there and she loved singing along with the other volunteers to all the old songs they played.
Alina attends La Cañada High School, where her favorite subject is sports medicine. She has also been a part of the school’s choir program for all six years.
Outside of school, she likes to spend time with the La Cañada Presbyterian Church youth group, where she leads a small group of younger girls in bible study. She is also a swim instructor and coach at the La Cañada Country Club and enjoys working with young students.
She is the daughter of Jennifer Ringo and Edwin Saenz.
MILLA SANCHEZ-REGALADO
Through NCL Milla has developed a deeper appreciation for giving back. Her favorite philanthropic activities have been preparing meals at Union Station and time spent with the children and families of our many charities. These communal acts of service hold special significance as she’s shared this special time and bond with her mother.
For over seven years, Milla has been immersed in the world of theater arts, gracing the stage in sixteen productions. She will graduate as an International Honors Thespian from South Pasadena High School. Milla has also dedicated 12 years to Girl Scouts, achieving both Bronze and Silver Awards, showcasing her commitment to leadership and service.
This fall Milla will attend a four-year university, working toward a career in education.
She is the daughter of Kimberly and Ryan Sanchez.
AMANDA MCHUGH SCHWALBACH
Every time Amanda made care packages at Operation Gratitude, she was so proud seeing the final number of boxes she packed as they stacked up and were shipped out to first responders. It lets her visualize that her service was going to impact someone else.
Amanda attends La Cañada High School where she is captain of the colorguard team and editor-in-chief of the school newspaper. She also serves as vice president of the Pasadena Humane Club and is a Girl Scout and a Girl Scout Summer Camp counselor.
Amanda plans to attend college in the fall and then pursue a career in supply chain or project management.
She is the daughter of Elizabeth and Mike Schwalbach.
LAUREN RILEY SCHWALBACH
Operation Gratitude has always been a favorite philanthropy, because Lauren loved stuffing teddy bears and making care packages for the first responders and soldiers who are keeping our country safe. Her best NCL memory is the fashion show. She said it felt amazing to be on stage, have people cheer her on and feel so supported by friends and family.
Lauren attends La Cañada High School, where she is president of the marching band, as well as a colorguard team captain. She is also the yearbook photo editor and a lifelong Girl Scout.
In 10 years, Lauren would like to be pursuing her passion working in the design field while surrounded by family and friends.
She is the daughter of Elizabeth and Mike Schwalbach.
LEAH JANE STEWART
Leah enjoyed volunteering for the many events at Ascencia Homeless Shelter. She loved working with the people there and enjoyed being able to get to know many of them over time.
Leah attends La Cañada High School. Her school activities include studying digital art and ceramics. She also works locally as a children’s gymnastics coach.
Her favorite quote is “Find out who you are and do it on purpose” from Dolly Parton. She loves this quote because the message is so important, especially coming into this new chapter of her life.
Leah plans to pursue higher education studies in biology and then embark on a career in the health care field.
She is the daughter of Dr. Alison Stewart and Mr. Ian Stewart.
ANABELLE MARIA STRAUSS
Anabelle’s favorite NCL activity was Sellebration. She knows how much work goes into this chapter-wide event. The chance to watch the community find essentials they needed within their budget made all the work worthwhile.
Anabelle attends La Cañada High School, where she has been a member of the Pep Squad for four years. She is also the president of Study Buddies, a club that tutors elementary school students.
Her role models are her sisters, Olivia and Emily. Being the youngest child, Anabelle has watched them grow up and accomplish all their goals, which she finds to be so inspiring.
They are her best friends, and she loves experiencing life with them.
She is the daughter of Lori and John Strauss.
First published in the February 29 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
