It is not always when a school administrator is recognized for their dedication and hard work in school and community affairs. On March 14, Clark Magnet’s assistant principal Lena Kortoshian was honored as a “Friend of the Armenian Community” by the Armenian American Chamber of Commerce. The award acknowledged Kortoshian’s continued success as a school administrator, teacher and indispensable part of Clark.

The Chamber of Commerce held its 15th Year Anniversary Gala at the Hilton Hotel in Universal City. The program honored several women of the Armenian American community in the fields of business, government, law enforcement, literature, education and community service.

Kortoshian expressed her appreciation for the evening ceremony. “I had a wonderful time celebrating with my family and friends,” Kortoshian said. “It was great having them there with me during this milestone.”

Kortoshian earned her Bachelor of Arts degree and her teaching credential in 1988 and completed her studies at CSUN with a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Policy Studies in 1998. In 1986, she became an instructional assistant at R.D. White Elementary School and began her career in education. She has been a teacher at Toll Middle School, Glendale High School, as well as an Assistant Principal at Hoover High School, winning several awards such as the Hoover Hero award.

In July of 2007, Kortoshian became the Mathematics Administrator at the Los Angeles County Office of Education for three years. In 2010 Kortoshian returned to Glendale Unified School District and currently serves as assistant principal for Clark Magnet High School.

Kortoshian continues to play an integral role in Clark. She is responsible for supervising staff and students, monitoring intervention programs, organizing state testing, and she is involved with each department, ensuring school-wide success.

When asked what her most memorable moments have been in her career, Kortoshian said, “When students and parents return and share their success stories. This is, afterall, what it is all about.”