Citizen of the Year
By Joann Groff  joann@theacorn.com

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers HONORED TO BE HERE-- James Bozajian listens while Kevin Cordasco, 11, thanks the Calabasas mayor for naming him the city's Citizen of the Year.

Despite the list of impressive accomplishments boasted by the city of Calabasas during the past year, the most revered moment of the 10th annual State of the City address came when 11-year-old Kevin Cordasco was named the city's Citizen of the Year.

Kevin, well known in the community for his fight against cancer, accepted the award with eloquence and grace and brought tears to the eyes of many of the attendees.

"It's a bad thing, but at the same time, it's the start of something new, something amazing for me and my family," the boy said. "From August 2006, when I was in the worst condition of my life, up until now, on one of my best days I've ever had, it's outstanding the outpour of support for my family and I."

Kevin, who was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in March 2007, said he'd like other kids to visit Children's Hospital on field trips so they can see the young cancer patients.

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers SITTING PRETTY- Clockwise from lower left, Linda Gall, Mary Hamre, Renee Scholes, Jeanne Sbardellati and Trish Paulsen at the Las Virgenes Unified School District Office.

"There are some really healthy kids that have no idea how lucky they really are," Kevin said. "I just want some of the kids to see that and think, 'Boy, I'm lucky to be in the state I am now.'"

Outgoing Mayor James Bozajian called Kevin a role model and a "source of inspiration."

"Kevin is a very special young man who epitomizes the word courage," Bozajian said. "Kevin's mantra, which he uses to help him get through this difficult time in his life, consists of three powerful words: courage, strength and believe. Courage to accept the fact that he has cancer and to fight it, strength to handle the many hospital stays he must undergo, and believe that he will persevere and beat cancer for good."

Kevin's family was honored and many rushed to meet the boy after his speech.

"All of us have setbacks in our lives, inconveniences which are temporary sources of irritation, frustration or annoyance," Bozajian said. "The next time we get caught up in those moments, it might do us well to remember Kevin."

Also in his speech, Bozajian talked about the city's many accomplishments over the past

"There are so many really neat things out there," boardmember Dave Moorman said. "(The new technology) will be provided anytime for anytime learning," he said.

Terilyn Finders, a board member who participated in the discussion via telephone conferencing, said she'd like to use technological advances to make "parents powerful partners."

In a subsequent interview, Paulson said the biggest challenge facing the district in terms of technology is funding.

"We are very fortunate to have the support of the cities," Paulson said. "Without their generosity and continued support, we would not be able to make progress."

"Teachers in LVUSD are excited about using technology and hope to have even more access to technology and more training and support as they implement technology enriched curriculum," she said.