DOWNEY - Robin and Karin Kirkpatrick, representing Downey High School, and Lorena Eaton Morales, representing Warren High, were recognized as parents of the year for 2010 by mayor Anne Bayer at the July 27 city council regular meeting, in conjunction with National Parents Day which is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July, by virtue of a joint resolution in 1994 of the 103rd Congress.National Parents Day, stated co-coordinator Katrin McCarthy, who along with fellow coordinator Martha Michael has staged the annual presentation for the past eight years, is a day set aside to "recognize and support the important role of parents in the lives of their children and the culture of our nation. It is an occasion to honor those who support the parents in that role." Certificates of recognition were presented to the honorees by Bayer and, by proxy, by representatives of Assemblyman Hector e la Torre and Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard. Nominated by the DHS principal's office for their "many hours of volunteer work for activities benefiting young people" and for their work in the booster club for football and lacrosse, the Kirkpatricks were cited as "an inspiration to others by their dedication to their children and raising them as people of good character." Karin was said to have served the Downey Council of PTA for many years and has received its highest volunteer recognition, the Golden Oak Award, while Robin has served as a Little League volunteer coach and been instrumental in "supporting an ever expanding lacrosse program." Nominated by the WHS principal's office and the department of special education, Morales was selected as outstanding parent of the year for her dedication to her three children, one of whom has special needs. She was praised as a "wonderful parent, a mediator between the concerns of parents and staff, and one who helps to communicate and share information to build a positive learning environment for children with autism and those around them." The encomium for Lorena continued, "It is this kind of selfless giving by these parents that shall inspire others and encourage a bright future for our children, community and nation." A suggestion was made to include participation by parents who impact Columbus High School. McCarthy, who works as a sales person with the Eagle Eye Gallery located at the World Trade Center in Long Beach, said such will be the case next year. She is the wife of former Downey councilman and mayor Keith McCarthy. Michael is currently vice-president of the Downey High PTA.

********** Published: August 12, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 17