Violet Richardson Award - Previous Winners

Our 2011 Violet Richardson Award Winner: Estrella Sainburg

At the time she received this award, Estrella was a Junior at La Canada High School.  During her Sophomore year, she began volunteering at the Community Center of La Canada-Flintridge as a T-ball coach.  Since that time, she has become one of the most consistent volunteers at the Community Center.  Estrella realized what a gem the Community Center is, and her aim became to make the Center a more appealing place for High School students.  To this end, she has helped organize numerous activities and fundraisers for the Center.  Congratulations, Estrella!

Our 2010 Violet Richardson Award Winner: Kaitlan Reininger

At the time she received this award, Kaitlan Reininger was a senior at Crescenta Valley High School. She volunteers with the Christian Assembly Church Day Laborer Outreach Program. Kaitlan says, This program is a place where faith, hopes and dreams can be shared, and stories of struggle can be heard." The program offers the workers support and compassion during the hard times of separation from their families. Kaitlan has received much gratification knowing that she has touched the lives of other people. Kaitlan is proud to be of Mexican and European descent, and her goal is to be the first person in her family to graduate from college. Congratulations, Kaitlan!

Our 2009 Violet Richardson Award Winner: Talene Savadian

At the time she received this award, Talene Savadian was a student at Hoover High School and a volunteer at the Burbank Public Library. Talene says, “I volunteer not to build a resume, but to build myself.” Talene has volunteered since fourth grade, and since seventh grade, she has volunteered over four thousand hours, many of those at the Children’s Room of the Burbank Public Library. She has inspired six other young people, including her brother, to volunteer their time, as well. Talene is grateful that volunteering has made her a more optimistic, compassionate and giving person. Congratulations, Talene!

Our 2008 Violet Richardson Award Winner: Holly Stevens

At the time she received this award, Holly Stevens volunteered with the Virgil Middle School's Builders Club. Virgil Middle School is in a very low-income area of Los Angeles. Holly established the Builders Club from scratch, persuading the 6th through 8th grade students to participate in the service organization by speaking in front of each classroom. The club has planted several gardens on the school campus, held several work days to clean up the school, and has increased student morale, pride and spirit. Congratulations, Holly!