Senator Anthony J. Portantino received an Honorary Service Award from the First District PTA. Portantino, a PTA member, has been a lifelong advocate of K-12 public school education. He worked closely with the First District PTA throughout his years in office. Portantino is the father of two daughters, one who completed her K-12 education in public schools and the other a current 10th grader in a public high school.

“It is an honor to receive the Service Award from my friends at First District PTA. First District has some of the strongest children’s advocates in the state representing well-organized PTAs from across the San Gabriel Valley. I look forward to continuing our collaboration that puts the interests of our children first,” said Portantino.

First District PTA stretches across the foothills of the greater San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County. First District provides support, leadership, and communication services to over 270 school PTAs and 22 local PTA Councils, collectively representing more than 80,000 parents, teachers, students and community leaders.

“First District PTA has been proud to partner with Senator Portantino on a number of local initiatives including SB 328 for the late start of middle schools and high-schools. We know Anthony shares our passion for public education and joins us in wanting every child to reach their potential,” said Sandy Russell, First District PTA president. “We were excited to honor such a well-deserving person with our Honorary Service Award.”

Portantino was recognized for his efforts to increase K-12 funding, mental health services, and suicide prevention and advocacy for LGBT students. Last year, Portantino and First District PTA partnered on a town hall in support of SB 328 and the First District PTA helped getting the California PTA to sponsor the bill.