Diamond Awards Overview
Every year, the Diamond Awards recognize outstanding Glendale Unified School District alumni whose achievements reflect excellence in Visual & Performing Arts, Science & Technology, and Health & Wellness. Through a community nomination process, GEF invites submissions honoring graduates who have made significant professional, entrepreneurial, philanthropic, or early career contributions. Award recipients are selected by a committee of community leaders and celebrated at the annual Diamonds Gala, with proceeds supporting impactful programs across GUSD schools.
CONSIDERATION FOR NOMINATIONS
1) Nominee must have graduated from a Glendale Unified School District High School
2) Deadline for submission are in the spring.
NOMINATION FORM SECTIONS INCLUDE
1) Providing general information about the nominator and nominee
2) Selecting an award nomination category
3) Providing a description of how the nominee has made significant contributions in one of the following categories:
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Distinguished Achievement in the Arts
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Distinguished Achievement in Science and Technology
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Distinguished Achievement in Health & Wellness
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Paragon Diamond Award – an individual who has demonstrated Entrepreneurial/Innovation excellence
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Premier Rose Diamond Award – an individual who has distinguished service and/or philanthropic efforts
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Hope Diamond Award – an individual who has made significant achievement early in their career
THE PROCESS
The GEF Selection Committee, comprised of business, education, and community leaders, will review all nomination forms and select the award recipients to be honored at the Diamonds Gala on May 1, 2026.
Click brooch for Nomination Form
2025 Diamond Awardees
2024 Diamond Awardees
2021
Andrew Hayhurst, Distinguished Achievement in the Arts, Crescenta Valley High School, 2007
Maria Sahakian, Distinguished Achievement in the Arts, Hoover High School, 1997
Stephen Gomperts, Distinguished Achievement in Science & Technology, Glendale High School, 1988
Frank Sinatra, Distinguished Achievement in Health & Fitness, Glendale High School, 1963
Suzanna DeRosa, Hope Diamond Award, Glendale High School, 2003
Elena Bolbolian, Paragon Diamond Award, Hoover High School, 1997
2020
Jennifer Berry, Distinguished Achievement in the Arts, Glendale High School, 1984
Marineh Tchakerian, Distinguished Achievement in Science & Technology, Hoover High School, 2020
Peter Navolanic, Premier Rose Diamond Award, Glendale High School, 1963
Ani Zadorian, Hope Diamond Award, Hoover High School, 2001
2019
Dwight Stones, Distinguished Achievement in Health & Fitness, Glendale High School, 1971
Gene “Chip” Stone, Premier Rose Diamond Award, Glendale High School, 1975
Louie Sadd, Paragon Diamond Award, Clark Magnet High School, 2001
Angela M. Sanchez, Hope Diamond Award, Hoover High School, 2009
2018
Ralph Winter, Distinguished Achievement in the Arts, Glendale High School, 1970
Doug Dall, Distinguished Achievement in Science & Technology, Crescenta Valley High School, 1971
Phyllis Campbell, Distinguished Achievement in Health & Fitness, Hoover High School, 1943
Ara Mahdessian, Paragon Diamond Award, Clark Magnet High School, 2003
Vahe Kuzoyan, Paragon Diamond Award, Clark Magnet High School, 2003
Armen R. Panossian, Hope Diamond Award, Glendale High School, 1994
2017
Patrick McLaughlin Nemechek, Distinguished Achievement in Health & Fitness, Crescenta Valley High School, 1978
Christine Walters, Premier Rose Diamond Award, Glendale High School, 1982
Ardy Kassakhian, Hope Diamond Award, Glendale High School, 1994
2016
Michael Hull, Distinguished Achievement in Health & Fitness, Crescenta Valley High School, 1963
Philip S. Lanzafame, Premier Rose Diamond Award, Crescenta Valley High School, 1978
Judy Thomsen, Distinguished Achievement in Science & Technology, Crescenta Valley High School, 1972
Susan Hunt, Sapphire Award
2015
David Black, Distinguished Achievement in Science & Technology, Clark Magnet High School, 2004
Yasmin K. Beers, Premier Rose Diamond Award, Hoover High School, 1988
Harry Hull, Paragon Diamond Award, Hoover High School, 1971
Sev Ohanian, Distinguished Achievement in the Arts, Hoover High School, 2005
2014
Paul Ignatius, Paragon Diamond Award, Hoover High School, 1928
Ron DePompa, Premier Rose Diamond Award, Crescenta Valley High School, 1974
Shant Sahakian, Hope Diamond Award, Hoover High School, 2003
John Wayne, Honorary Award, Glendale High School, 1925
Mary Boger, Premier Rose Diamond Award, Hoover High School, 1963
2013
Patrick McClenahan, Distinguished Achievement in the Arts, Hoover High School, 1976
Dr. Donald Prothero, Distinguished Achievement in Science & Technology, Glendale High School, 1972
Paul Fejtek, Distinguished Achievement in Health & Fitness, Hoover High School, 1988
2012
Ron Underwood, Distinguished Achievement in the Arts, Hoover High School, 1971
Dr. Varoujan Gorjian, Distinguished Achievement in Science & Technology, Hoover High School, 1987
Tom Holmoe, Distinguished Achievement in Health & Fitness, Crescenta Valley High School, 1978
2011
Harvey Mason Jr., Distinguished Achievement in the Arts, Crescenta Valley High School, 1986
Dr. Leland Hartwell, Distinguished Achievement in Science & Technology, Glendale High School, 1957
Dr. Deb Rinder, Distinguished Achievement in Health & Fitness, Glendale High School, 1982
Paul Raggio, Paragon Award, Colonel USA Retired, Hoover High School, 1973
Matt Zakarian, Premier Rose Diamond Award, Crescenta Valley High School, 1979
Nadia El-Fakih, Hope Diamond Award, Clark Magnet High School, 2006
