By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

On Friday afternoon at its annual golf tournament, the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce presented scholarships to five Crescenta Valley High School students: Teleya Blunt, Lauren Curtis, William Lunt, Lucine Rickey and Eric Peterson.

The presentation was woven into a morning of golf at Scholl Canyon Golf Course. Foursomes arrived at the course, enjoyed donuts and coffee (provided by breakfast sponsor The Donut Guy Realty) or fresh fruit and water. After a 7:30 a.m. putting contest, it was time for players to climb aboard golf carts for the 8:30 a.m. shotgun start.

In addition to vying for trophies in a variety of categories, golfers had the chance to win big prizes. At hole number five, Bob Smith Toyota had a 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid waiting for the golfer who made a hole in one; at hole number eight Chris Aristo of State Farm Insurance had $10,000 for the hole in one golfer; and at hole number 12 a $500 VISA card was ready for a lucky winner. (No one made that elusive hole in one.)

But for the golfers it was all about hitting the links. Temperatures, which reached 95 degrees at noon, had not yet reached those scorching heights in the morning. At noon, golfers headed back to the main area to enjoy a barbecue lunch and trophy presentations.

Former CV Chamber president and current board member Leonard Ghazarian organized the golf tournament.

“Overall I was very happy with the support from all the participants, volunteers and sponsors,” he said. “We were able to give out scholarships to five CV students, and they also received certificates from local and state offices. We will also be donating proceeds to the Desi Geestman Foundation. The participants had a great time on the golf course, and were catered to a delicious barbecue lunch. We are looking forward to doing it all again next year.”

In addition to Chamber president Mike Riley, dignitaries who were on hand to present certificates acknowledging the students’ accomplishments included State Senator Anthony Portantino, Assemblymember Laura Friedman, GUSD Superintendent Dr. Vivian Ekchian, CVHS principal and Chamber board member Christine Benitez, and board of education member Jennifer Freemon.

The event that featured golf, scholarships, lunch, prizes and more ended around 1:30 p.m. with plans for a similar event in 2023. The money raised will be used to further the outreach efforts of the Chamber and the Desi Geestman Foundation.

“The Chamber is grateful to all its members, the board of directors and Mr. Ken Biermann, our committee chair, for his efforts in coordinating this annual event for our local high schools and the deserving recipients of these scholarships,” said Chamber president Mike Riley.

To see more information about the scholarships and golf tournament, visit www.crescentavalleychamber.org.

       
State Senator Anthony Portantino