Celebrate CLASP 2025
2025 marks the twentieth year since Claremont After-School Programs (CLASP) was formed through the merger of the Claremont Tutorial Center at Vista Valle Townhomes with the Claremont Youth Wellness Center operating at Saint Ambrose Church. The annual Celebrate CLASP party held on November 9th recognized the service of seven tutors who have been with us 15 years or more—from the very beginnings of the program. Michelle Bligh, Interim President of Claremont Graduate University hosted over 200 guests in the garden of the CGU President’s House.
Board president and emcee Jack Mills noted that in its 20 years, CLASP has survived lean budget times, the great recession of 2008, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the loss or turnover of esteemed board members, staff and volunteers. He welcomed Congresswoman Judy Chu, Claremont Mayor Corey Calaycay and City Council members Sal Medina and Ed Reece, Claremont Unified School District Board President Kathryn Dunn, and Declan Floyd, district director representing Assemblymember John Harabedian, each of whom presented certificates of merit to our honored tutors. In commending work CLASP does and the legacy of the seven tutors, Declan Floyd stated: “you are not in the education business, you are in the inspiration business.”
We extend our sincere thanks to the individuals and organizations who sponsored Celebrate CLASP 2025 and the many volunteers who made the event possible especially:
The party planning committee, chaired by Cindy Sullivan and Nancy Ambrose with Sonja Dominguez, Penny Garris, Robin Leonhard, Carol-Lee Marshall, Jack Mills, Arlene Pirolo, Rhonda Prout, Karen Rosenthal, Greg Shapton, Mary Stoddard, Teddie Warner, and Denise Zondervan
Executive Chefs Teddie Warner and Penny Garris with gourmet chefs not already mentioned above: Maury Feingold, Bev Jack, Julie Lloyd, Barbara MacKenzie, Kevin Ward.
Designer Rhonda Prout who made beautiful centerpieces to raffle off; and
Musicians Michael Ryan and Ken Soderlune.
To see more photos from this wonderful event, click here.