Two local leaders were recognized for their work and presented with the One Hart award on Wednesday evening during the William S. Hart Union High School District’s governing board meeting.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s Senior Deputy Stephanie English, who is retiring effective the end of March, was presented with the One Hart award by trustee Erin Wilson.
Trustee Aakash Ahuja presented the second One Hart award of the evening to Santa Clarita Mayor Pro Tem Patsy Ayala.
Before Wilson presented English with the recognition, she shared English’s extensive resume in community involvement throughout her 20-year career.
“Her character and leadership have inspired her peers and consistently challenges those around her to do more for their community. Her legacy is one of service, compassion, and meaningful impact on youth and families across our community,” Wilson said.
English is someone “people go to when things need to get handled,” Wilson said and added that “with her retirement around the corner, her absence will undoubtedly be felt in the community.”
“This is a really humbling honor. It’s been so great to work with all of you so closely over the years. I really appreciate everything we’ve done together. We’ve accomplished a lot,” English told the board after receiving the award. She also applauded the Hart district board for its work and thanked the board members for the acknowledgement.
Trustees then individually showed their gratitude toward English for her community involvement and advocacy.
Ahuja then announced Ayala as the evening’s second recipient of the One Hart award during Wednesday’s meeting.
Ayala was elected to the Santa Clarita City Council in 2024, “but her service to this valley began long before that title,” Ahuja said. “Over the years she has become a trusted bridge between local government, families, schools and many communities that make up our valley.”
Ahuja then shared different accomplishments Ayala has achieved throughout her professional career and community involvement. “Patsy Ayala is someone who shows up,” Ahuja said.
Ayala thanked the board for the recognition and said she will continue to advocate for the Hart district at the local level and, “I will continue supporting,” she said. She then credited the Hart district for her children’s success.
“In many families we have that,” Ayala said and thanked the board for the continued effort in shaping students and helping them succeed with their diverse programs.
Governing board members then congratulated Ayala for the recognition.
“People like her and Stephanie and others that work hard … make this place a great place to live,” governing board President Joe Messina said. “Thank you for all your hard work.”
The One Hart award recognizes staff, students and community members who exemplify the Hart district core values, which are: caring, creativity, community and courage.
