Distinguished Person Award

DISTINGUISHED PERSON 2022 Suzie johnson

Suzie Johnson has served the La Cañada Flintridge community for many years. In 1998, she was President of the PTO at Lighted Window Preschool, now Lighted Window Early Learning Center. In 2003, she became the preschool’s director and has led it for over 20 years.

Suzie guided the preschool through the pandemic, ensuring children's, families’, and staff's safety while providing creative support. She knows each child by name, celebrates their growth, and supports their challenges.

Beyond early childhood education, Suzie has been active in the PTA at Paradise Canyon Elementary, served as Cheer and Football Mom at La Cañada High School, and contributed to the La Cañada Junior Women's Club and Miss La Cañada Flintridge Royal Court. She remains dedicated to supporting local families.

DISTINGUISHED PERSON 2021 Dennis and Linda Fors

Dennis and Linda Fors have been dedicated La Cañada Flintridge volunteers for decades. Dennis’ stellar leadership of the Kiwanis Club included serving as interim President, while Linda, a member, led philanthropic efforts and engaged weekly. During the COVID lockdown, Dennis helped the club stay connected, and Linda established outreach opportunities. They played a key role in launching the Annual Trails Game with the LCF Trails Council, forming task forces, recruiting members, and actively participating. Their efforts have strengthened the club and expanded its membership. Though they don’t seek credit, they celebrate the power of collaboration. Their partnership is an inspiration, ensuring continued positive impact in the community.

DISTINGUISHED PERSON2019 DR. MICHAEL & NANCY LEININGER

Mike and Nancy were meant to be together. They attended the same schools and graduated from the University of Utah with education degrees. As teachers, they shared a passion for creating engaging classrooms. While raising their daughters, Carrie and Anne, they actively volunteered in PTA, Girl Scouts, Junior League, and church. Dr. Mike became Assistant Principal of La Cañada High School in 1987, Principal in 1995, and moved to the District Office in 2005. Nancy, a beloved 2nd-grade teacher at Palm Crest Elementary, was known for her kindness. In retirement, they remain dedicated volunteers, uplifting students at all levels. In honor of their service, a scholarship in their name will be awarded to a student committed to school and community service.

Distinguished Person 2018 Erik Ovanespour

Erik opened La Cañada Printefex at 20 and, in 2023, celebrated its 25th anniversary. He built a business serving local non-profits focused on kids and education. Erik personally oversees each project, ensuring top quality and client satisfaction. A lifelong La Cañada resident, he attended preschool and graduated from LCHS. Printing runs in his family—his father, brother, and godfather all own print shops. Now a printing partner with Xerox and Epson, he uses cutting-edge technology. “I am blessed,” Erik says. “My clients have become my friends, and I still love what I do.”

Distinguished Person 2017 Wendy Wyatt

Wendy was honored for her paramount contributions to FCSF! FCSF was started in 1968 by community volunteers and has been operating in much the same way since. Wendy joined FCSF in 2004 and soon became president. Under Wendy’s leadership, she took teamwork, collaboration, and continuity to a new level for six years, increased membership, and generated new fundraising ideas.

Under her guidance, the visibility of our Foundation within the community grew, which allowed our fundraisers to contribute vastly more to the scholarship funds, thereby allowing FCSF to award more scholarships to deserving high school students in the Foothill Communities.

Distinguished Person 2016 Wes Seastrom

Volunteering runs deep in the Seastrom family. Wes’s mother, Jo, helped establish CSF in 1964 and served in various leadership roles alongside her husband, Don. They instilled a strong commitment to community service in their sons, Wes and Craig. Wes continues this legacy, actively participating in civic and professional organizations. After Don’s passing in 1991, Jo founded the CSF Memorial Scholarship, later renamed the Don and Jo Seastrom Memorial Scholarship by Wes and Craig. Wes values recognizing hardworking students who prefer to pursue a vocational education rather than a traditional one. He is proud of the hard-working student who chooses a different path to success.

Distinguished Person2015 Paul Craig

Paul Craig, RN, JD, joined Keck Medicine of USC in May 2004 from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. He played a key role in expanding the ambulatory network after USC acquired Verdugo Hills Hospital. At USC Keck Verdugo Hills, he oversaw operations, drove organizational improvements, and led system integration. His work included implementing a select insurance network, managing the Keck Medicine International Medicine Program, and onboarding practices for the USC Medical Foundation. He also helped secure a $25,000 USC Foundation grant for CSF. Craig is a member of the American Society of Healthcare Risk Managers, the American College of Healthcare Executives, and the Society of Human Resources Management.