“I think very few true volunteers are looking for recognition for their efforts. Being able to volunteer is a great gift in itself,” Cheri said at the time. “I always feel that I’m receiving so much more than I’m giving. However, to be a Woman of the Year in Santa Clarita is an amazing honor.”
In 2012, Cheri was named the “Woman of the Year” by the Los Angeles County 5th Supervisorial District and Commision for Women, and in 2017 she was named the “Volunteer of the Year” by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal.
Then, in 2019, both Cheri and Don were named the recipients of the “Silver Spur” community service award by College of the Canyons for their involvement in higher education.
Two Honored For Their Role In Supporting Saugus High Shooting Victims
Saugus High School Principal Vince Ferry and Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital social worker Elizabeth Tarantini were recognized for their “outstanding work and amazing contribution” to the victims and survivors of the Saugus High shooting.
On Thursday, officials with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Victim Services (BVS) presented awards to Ferry and Tarantini in separate ceremonies.
“(I’m) very humbled,” Ferry said. “I’ll take the award, but only on behalf of the entire Saugus community.”
Ferry and his staff worked in the weeks and months following the tragic shooting on Nov. 14, 2019 to ensure that returning students and survivors were able to connect to any mental and emotional health resources that they may have needed.