Wendy Sinnette – Focus
Wendy Sinnette! Her 24-year tenure with the La Canada Unified School District represents a lifetime of service that has fundamentally shaped the character and desirability of our town. Her journey from PCR Principal in 2002, then LCHS 7/8 Principal, and lastly our Superintendent for 15 years has been marked by a consistent “students-first” philosophy. Wendy’s leadership has elevated our public schools to a level of national prestige that serves as a cornerstone of our community’s identity. Her efforts have resulted in numerous “National Blue Ribbon” and “California Distinguished School” honors for our campuses. Wendy’s excellence was recently recognized on a regional scale when she was selected the “LA County Superintendent of the Year.” She was also named “Woman of the Year” in 2025 by Congressman Judy Chu and the Chamber’s “Educator of the Year” twice. Other honors include the PTA’s Founders Day Service & Continuing Service, and Golden Oak Awards. Under her guidance, LCUSD was recently ranked by Niche as the #1 public school district in California (out of 466) and #7 in the US (out of over 10,000). Our students consistently perform at the top of key standardized test measures – 98% of our students consistently graduate. Our property values have never gone down under her tenure. She has protected student mental health by leading the chard on so many critical initiatives (eg. Challenge Success, PBIS work, RTP’s, DEI, Positive Coaching Alliance and so much more!). She played a critical role in the successful effort to transfer Sagebrush territory from GUSD to LCUSD, in support of “One City/One School District” community objective, which goes into effect next fall.
However, it is her community-centered leadership during crisis that truly defines her. Wendy navigated the District through the complexities of the Covid-19 pandemic and was one of the early school districts who opened up the schools and, more recently, the devastating Eaton Fire. In a profound act of selfless service, Wendy postponed her planned retirement following the fire to ensure continuity, despite her own home being impacted by the fire. She stayed to personally oversee outreach, counseling, and financial support for affected students and families proving that commitment to our town transcends her professional obligations. During these tough times, including budget crisis, she is there as the face of the District, staying late and on weekends working countless extra hours of personal time. Wendy also attends community and school events such as the Educational Foundation Gala and Boosterfest, and speaking off hour at stockholder meetings. She traveled on personal time to Sacramento and LA County Office of Education headquarters to advocate for the Sagebrush territory transfer. She attends after-hour fundraising events for our schools and works to help with bond and parcel tax campaigns. As a member of the local Kiwanis Club, she supports our youth via Kiwanis student organizations at the schools. No surprise, she was just named “La Canadan of the Year” last month.
Just want to share with you what a couple of her nominators personally said about Wendy: “Having worked with Wendy as a volunteer, committee member, and school board member, I have witnessed her lead with unmatched honesty and kindness. Even those who may disagree with a specific policy respect her judgment, because they know it is rooted in genuine care for our children.“ Another said: “She has weathered tough situations with grace and strength and the resolve that we can get through difficult times. She has been a role model of what true leadership looks like and is truly a servant advisor. A superintendent is a hard job, as you have so many people you are trying to appease every day. Yet Wendy is reachable to parents and truly listens with her heart and continues to put student needs first, even when that is the hard thing to do.“ We are truly blessed to have had such a capable individual serving our schools and greater community for all these years. Her impact is undeniable – she has influenced the lives of over 22,000+ students! She’s a big reason La Canada is heralded as one of the best places in California to raise a family. I am extremely honored to present the Les Tupper Community Service Focus Award to Wendy Sinnette.
Brenda Gant – Individual
Brenda Gant’s volunteerism spans civic organizations, education, faith-based outreach, scholarship programs, business engagement, cultural exchange, and community celebrations. Few individuals demonstrate such breadth. Even fewer sustain it over decades. She reflects leadership, meaningful impact and a deep commitment to the well-being of our community.
Currently serving as VP and Wine & Roses Chair of the La Canada Tournament of Roses Association, she continues to step into roles that require diplomacy and vision. Also a Historian and a committed “Floratique Worker,” she supports the legacy and labor behind our city’s most cherished tradition – our New Year’s Day Rose Parade float.
Brenda’s impact with the Community Scholarship Foundation of the Foothills is equally profound. She has served 3 terms as President, 5 terms as Treasurer and served on numerous committees including Scholarship Awards and the Distinguished Persons Award Luncheon. She plays an active role in Bingo and other fundraising efforts for the organization.
Within the La Canada Junior Women’s Club, her leadership continues as two terms as President and one year each as Secretary & Historian, where she chaired both the 50th & 55th Anniversary celebration of the club. As Inspiration Chair, she composed original essays for meetings, bringing thoughtfulness and meaning to the club’s work. She even represented the Club by marching in the 2020 Rose Parade. Beyond titles, she has rolled up her sleeves for Meals on Heels, which involves preparing meals for Union Station homeless, craft days, and holiday celebrations at Five Acres, a place that caters to children experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges that cannot be safely managed in a home environment. Brenda also assists at Ronald McDonald House events, and helps with the creation of blankets and hygiene kits for those in need.
Seventeen years as an ambassador for the LCF Chamber of Commerce, she regularly greets members at mixers and supports Chamber events, including the Fiesta Days Parade Committee. Her service extends further: member of La Canada Sister Cities Organization, Steering Committee member of the Islamic Congregation of La Canada Flintridge since 2006, where she helps organize the annual community event “Iftar” (an evening meal to break the daily fast during Ramadan) that builds bridges across cultures; and Secretary of the local American Field Service (AFS) chapter, supporting intercultural exchange and global understanding.
Her involvement in our schools is equally notable. At LCHS, she supported the water polo program by creating and moderating a team Facebook group for parents to coordinate travel, events, photos and communication. Brenda volunteered her time painting the pool deck, staffing the snack shack, and assisting wherever needed. She also moderates a La Canada Flintridge Parents Facebook group, an important communications hub for local families, ensuring respectful informed dialogue.
Even beyond La Canada, her service reflects credit upon our community as she is currently president of the Caltech Women’s Club, extending her leadership to neighboring communities. And in a lighter but inspiring moment of distinction, she appeared as a contestant on Jeopardy, demonstrating the intellectual curiosity and courage that characterize her approach to life. Since 2006, she has consistently said “yes” to leadership, responsibility, and service. She brings organization where there is complexity, energy where there is need, and heart to everything she does. Her mother Mary, who is here tonight, is a past recipient of this same award, so the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
For her unwavering commitment, proven leadership and her profound and lasting impact on La Canada Flintridge, I am proud to present the Les Tupper Community Service Individual Award to Brenda Gant.
Jane Neely – Individual
After her family moved to our town in 1960, and while raising two children, Jane Neely quickly immersed herself in service. She saw a need in the city for young stay-at-home and working mothers, who wanted to grow their friendship base and organize projects that would benefit the community. This prompted her to found “La Canada Junior Women’s Club” in 1969 and become its first president. The group supports women and children in need. In their second year they held a “Foreign Car Show” benefit for the initial construction of Verdugo Hills Hospital. Through the Juniors she helped create a preschool vision screening program to identify amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye,” in young children. That screening program benefitted countless families and truly changed lives. Jane also brought creativity and heart to civic education. She single-handedly designed a “Safety Bug” costume and personally gave demonstrations to local students promoting safety awareness while making learning, engaging, memorable, and fun. When the La Canada Juniors approached its 50th anniversary, Jane reached out two years in advance, encouraging reconnection with past members, organizing a reunion, and fostering renewed commitment to volunteerism. For more than 57 years, the Club has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local organizations and countless hours working on hands-on projects.
Jane was also an active member of the La Canada Flintridge Newcomers Club and various school PTA’S, demonstrating early on her commitment to families and youth. Additionally, she led and supported initiatives benefiting numerous philanthropic organizations throughout our city. She joined the La Canada Thursday Club in 1982 and later took a hiatus and rejoined in 2005, and served on many committees and the Board, as well as regularly assisting with their annual fundraising event. The Club also helps local youth to further their education by providing annual scholarships.
Jane has dedicated herself to telling stories of others. In the ‘80’s, she began a 40-plus year career as a journalist for the former La Canada Valley Sun newspaper. She not only reported in the hard news section but was also the paper’s society and entertainment editor. Jane also wrote a weekly column of local happenings called “Chit Chat from Here and There.” When the Valley Sun went out of business in 2020, Jane still played the part of “Ye Olde Towne Crier” and is now the editor for the monthly “La Canada Flintridge Neighbors” magazine and also writer of the cover’s “Family Feature” section. She seeks out unsung heroes, shining a light on volunteers, educators, youth leaders, and civic servants, who otherwise might go unrecognized.
As a side note, Jane also shares a remarkable literary accomplishment. With fellow La Canada neighbor and author Ben Abril, she wrote the text and editing of his book “Images of a Golden Era,” and it was presented in 1987 by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of LA to Pope John Paul II during his historic visit to California, and now resides in the Vatican archives.
Jane is a nine-year member of the Healing Arts Committee of USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, whose purpose is to enhance the hospital’s environment and provide a “refuge” through art, during diagnosis and treatment. The committee selects the art that is hung in the hospital halls and rooms. It also supports what is known as an “Art Cart,” where prints of featured artists are given to patients to take home upon release from the hospital.
Speak with Jane for even a few moments and you will feel her passion for the written word and the arts. She is, in many ways, a walking archive of the very best of La Canada Flintridge – its history, its people and its heart. Her decades of dedication have enriched the civic, cultural and social fabric of our city in remarkable ways. Even in her 88th year, she continues to write, mentor, promote and inspire others to give back. Jane’s lifelong contributions to our town make her a truly deserving recipient of the Les Tupper Community Service Individual Award. Congratulations Jane Napier Neely for your extraordinary years of volunteerism.
Ethan Anderson – Student
Our first student honored tonight is Ethan Anderson, who is a senior at LCHS. One of his nominators said: “I have had the privilege of watching Ethan grow from a young middle school student into an exceptional leader whose character, resilience and commitment to service, exemplify the spirit of this award. In observing his contributions across many different community settings, he has been a dependable, hardworking presence, who truly understands what it means to lead and serve.” What an outstanding compliment!
Ethan is the kind of leader who not only shows up, but he also elevates every effort he touches. Whether setting up for Kiwanis Club events, checking in guests, or doing the heavy lifting and helping with cleanup for the LCF Tournament of Roses, or assisting with YMCA community events, Ethan works with quiet efficiency, initiative and maturity beyond his years. For the past four years, he has come to the Foothill Community Scholarship Foundation Senior Awards ceremony to lead other volunteers and show them what needs to be done for set up. He returns to help with breakdown. With Ethan, you give him a task, and he gets it done and teaches the younger students what to do. He is a “boots on the ground” volunteer who never hesitates to build, clean, organize or asks “what more can I do.” His leadership as president of the LCHS Youth Charity Club, aka YCC, reflects this same hands-on dedication. Under his guidance, the club supported “Sycamore for a Better Life” program, through school supply and toy drives, and has provided tutoring to students at lower-income schools.
His service to youth extends through athletics as well. Ethan has spent his summers coaching at both the Spartan Basketball and All-Star Camps and has volunteered as a coach in the Spartan Community Basketball recreational league. His reliability, patience and work ethic make him a positive role model for younger athletes. At LCHS, he further contributes as College and Career Center leader, visiting the classrooms to help peers navigate the challenges of the college application process.
What sets Ethan apart is not only his service, but the remarkable determination and maturity he brings to everything he does. He consistently seeks opportunities to grow, challenge himself, and broaden his perspective. A powerful example of this was his decision to join a Filipino-American basketball team for a tournament in the Philippines – traveling abroad, adapting quickly to a new environment, and competing alongside teammates he had only met a day before. His willingness to step outside his comfort zone and excel in unfamiliar situations, speaks volumes about his character.
Ethan is a young man of integrity, compassion and grit – someone who serves not for recognition, but because he truly wants to make a difference. His contributions to his school and greater community are meaningful, consistent and deeply felt. He arrives with a smile on his face and does whatever is needed to complete the job. And as one of his peers said to one of the Coordinating Council members, “Ethan is one of the nicest people I have ever met.”
It is with the highest confidence and admiration that I present the Les Tupper Community Service Student Award to Ethan Anderson.
Jessica Eggleston – Student
Jessica Eggleson is our only female student recipient and a junior at LCHS. On the leadership front, Jessie is involved in many clubs and organizations. She was selected by the California Girls State-American Legion Auxiliary as a delegate to represent LCHS at the State Leadership Conference this past year. In 9-11th grade, she was a part of HOBY – Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership – and represented LCHS at the State Leadership Conference and as a student ambassador at the World Leadership Congress in Chicago. She is active in the YMCA Youth & Government and has authored a “Bill” selected to represent the Foothill Delegation at the Model Legislature and Court Conference in Sacramento. She is Founder and President of “LCHS Leaders of Today”- a club that creates curriculum, discussions, activities and speakers to develop student leadership skills.
On a local government level, she has been selected as Chief Intern for our own La Canada Mayor, and this summer will be shadowing City Manager Dr. Dan Jordan and Asst. City Manager Arabo Parseghian as well. She will spend a week in July shadowing the City Manager of Sacramento, and attend US Academy West Point for a summer leadership program in June. She is Secretary of the LCHS Filipino Club, on the LCHS Technology Committee, ambassador for LCHS College & Career Center, member of LCHS Speech & Debate Club, VP of the LCHS American Sign Language Club, teaching students signs and deaf culture.
At school she is very active in sports having been Team Captain and Assistant Coach for Pole Vault, and holding records and winning “Most Valuable Athlete” awards over her HS career. She has been invited to train with pole vault coaches at both UCLA and USC. Her second sports team is volleyball, where she has been 3 years on the JV team. She has been team captain and a liaison between referees and coaches, activity planner and mentored 34 players. She has won “Most Valuable Defensive Player” award and a “Leadership” award. In 10th grade she founded the LCHS Beach Volleyball Club. As if that is not enough, she is also has worked with La Canada Junior Theater, managing props, costumes, sets, child actors and also a proud member of SAG-AFTRA.
However, saving the best for last, her most compassionate cause is a very personal experience. Jessie had helped care for her grandmother in her home for 3 years and was so inspired that she started using the same ideas and techniques she learned from that experience to help others in our community now facing dementia and related illnesses as they age. Jessie founded the “LC Friends Who Care” organization which provides respite care for caregivers by creating and leading activities in homes of community members with dementia. She was invited to speak at the Everson Clare store on Foothill Blvd at their “Learn & Linger” series, about her experience. She gives support and advice to women in the “sandwich generation,” those who are caring for aging parents AND children at the same time. There were very few dry eyes in the room as she spoke. The attendees were truly blown away by her maturity and intelligence on this matter, that is likely not so interesting to most self-absorbed teenagers her age. She not only makes regular private visits to the elderly, but also assists at the monthly “Caregiver Nights Out” held at our local YMCA. On the school campus, she is treasurer and social media director of “LCHS Best Buddies Club,” that plans weekly games and craft events for student peers with disabilities. And, on a related but academic note, she recently had a research proposal accepted to the 23rd annual “Neurotech Convention” in Anaheim, where she will present on the “Effectiveness for EG Brain Mapping and Neurofeedback Training for Individual with Neurophysical Conditions.”
Jessie has quite a resume, but what is truly remarkable is that she serves those regularly who are often forgotten or not understood. And with all the leadership skills she is obtaining, this well-rounded, compassionate young woman has a bright future ahead. She is truly deserving of this honor. It is my pleasure to present the Les Tupper Community Service Student Award to Jessica Eggleston.
Tyler Trimble – Student
Senior LCHS student Tyler Trimble exemplifies the purpose of service through sustained, self-initiated community service, meaningful leadership and a demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of young people in our city and beyond. His service record reflects not only dedication and compassion, but also initiative, innovation, and the ability to build partnerships that create lasting community impact.
Tyler is the founder and driving force behind “Gear Up for Success,” a student-led nonprofit he created to collect and redistribute gently used sports equipment to young athletes who otherwise would not have access to high-quality gear. He designed the program from the ground up- researching needs, establishing collection systems and forming partnerships with local baseball and softball organizations to host annual equipment drives throughout the year. Through his leadership this program has supported children in underserved communities, ensuring that cost never prevents a child from participating fully in sports.
In spring 2025, Tyler expanded the mission of his nonprofit in response to the devastating Altadena fires. He organized a target collect and delivered equipment directly to Altadena Little Leage families who had lost their homes and belongings, restoring a sense of normalcy for children navigating trauma and displacement. His ability to mobilize resources quickly and compassionately demonstrated maturity, empathy and a deep understanding of community need.
Tyler’s service extends well beyond his nonprofit work. From freshman through junior year, he volunteered as a mentor and assistant coach with La Canada Baseball Softball Association, an organization in town since 1965, serving more than 600 children and families annually. He dedicated significant hours each season to supporting practices, guiding younger players, and modeling sportsmanship and teamwork. His presence on the field has been a steady source of encouragement for children who look up to him, and his reliability has made him a trusted partner to coaches and families.
Within LCHS, he has continued to demonstrate leadership and service through multiple roles. He has been an active member of ASB mentoring younger students, served as Key Club VIP, and currently holds the position of Senior Class Treasurer. In each role, he has contributed to schoolwide events, service initiatives and student engagement, consistently showing initiative, accountability and a commitment to strengthening the school community.
Tyler’s work ethic extends into his personal commitments as well. He holds a part-time job at a local ice cream shop, balancing work responsibilities with academics, athletics and service. He is completing his 10-year baseball career as a member of the LCHS varsity baseball team, where he continues to model dedication, teamwork, and perseverance for younger athletes. He was co-captain of the team 2 years and named 2023 “MVP” and 2024 “Pitcher of the Year.”
Despite his extensive commitments, Tyler maintains a rigorous academic course load and holds a GPA above 4.0, demonstrating discipline, time management and a strong sense of personal responsibility. His impact is both tangible and lasting. The fact that he was nominated last year, but not selected, he was encouraged to reconsider this year, which reflects the continued growth, expanded service and deepened leadership he has demonstrated.
Tyler is a student who sees a need and builds a solution. He leads with humility, compassion and purpose and his contributions reflect the highest ideals of this award. I am proud to present the Les Tupper Community Service Student Award to an exceptionally deserving candidate Tyler Trimble.
Kiwanis Club of LC – Organization
Since 1948, the Kiwanis Club of La Canada has been a constant and unwavering force for good in our community. With the deep commitment of its volunteer members, the Club continues to serve students, families and those in need with both consistency and heart. The Club’s legacy of service is rooted in leaders who believe that investing in young people would transform a community.
One such Kiwanian, Ed Moulton, profoundly cared about children and service. He brought more than 108 members into the La Canada club. He created the Soap Box Derby program and the beloved Travelogues for the locals and initiated the “Terrific Kids” program in 1994, recognizing our elementary school children. He served as Club President in 1959 and our Division 3 Lt. Governor in 1989, and received virtually every Kiwanis honor available. To memorialize his impact the Board unanimously embraced the creation of the “Ed Moulton Endowment Fund,” which remains strong today and continues to fund leadership education scholarships for the youth of our community – a living testament to long-term sustainable service.
Each president over the years has built upon a strong foundation while thinking creatively about new ways to serve. Their willingness to innovate has strengthened the club’s impact year after year. Through the Club’s weekly meetings, they feature educational and community-focus speakers, conduct business, strengthen fellowship, plan meaningful initiatives, foster awareness, and respond to the needs of our youth and community. The organization revitalized both 7/8 Builders Club and LCHS Key Club after going dormant during the Covid lockdown, growing student membership from zero to more than 100 in four years. It reflects the intentional cultivation of leaders at the middle and high school levels. The Club further invests in youth through its “Key Leader” program, equipping students with leadership skills grounded in service. In addition, three new K-Kids club were chartered within the LCUSD elementary schools to instill service values at the earliest ages and also continued the Terrific Kids program, celebrating students who model kindness and character in the classroom. The Club also provided $12,000 in scholarships to LCHS graduating seniors.
Some of their many activities are: The “La Canadan of the Year” event, honoring individuals who exemplify lifelong community service; ongoing financial support of local nonprofits including Union Station Homeless Services, Home Again LA, Ascencia House, The Bailey Center, the YMCA of the Foothills Tree Lot program, The “Foothill Family Making Season Bright” campaign, the Veteran Holiday Donation Project, sponsorship of the La Canada Softball/Baseball Association, sustaining LCF Tournament of Roses by feeding the float builders and volunteers, participation in the national “Kiwanis One Day” service projects, and La Canada Flintridge Sister Cities organization having the privilege of hosting the a luncheon to welcome the visiting students from Villanueve de la Canada, Spain, in a spirit of friendship that focuses positively on La Canada Flintridge.
Most recently, following the devastation of the Eaton Fire in nearby Altadena, the club implemented a three-phase assistance plan to support educators and staff of our school district who were directly affected by the fires. Through collective generosity, the club raised $13,500 in direct relief. But they were more grateful when they were awarded a matching grant from the Kiwanis District Fund Disaster Relief Assistance program and were able to provide $1,000 each to assist 27 educators, who were directly affected by the fires. Fundraising efforts have been equally innovative and community-building. The annual “Golf Ball Drop” is moving into its third year and the second “Benefit Art Auction” raised funds for scholarships and community initiatives. The members give generously of their time, talents and resources – consistently and without expectation. The Kiwanis Club demonstrates longevity, compassion and meaningful impact.
I am proud to present the Les Tupper Community Service Organization Award to the Kiwanis Club of LC.