Harry Bettencourt Award
The Harry Bettencourt Character Award recipient has distinguished themselves by their exemplary character and service to the organization. This award recognizes a regular or life member of exceptional character, integrity and kindness who has contributed significantly to the leadership development of students, teachers, and/or administrators. The recipient demonstrates a welcoming, open spirit with an emphasis on empathy, humor, and selflessness. The goal of this award is to highlight the dedicated individuals who continue to give, without recognition, throughout their careers.
One winner will be chosen by each Area Council (A-G) and be submitted to the President and the Executive Director by the Area Coordinator no later than the Winter Board Meeting. Board members serving on the CADA Board are ineligible to receive the award during their tenure.
2025 CADA harry bettencourt Award Recipients
AREA A: tamara givens, Granite Bay High School
Tamara Givens started teaching English in 1989 and has been the Activities Director at Granite Bay High School since 1999. She loved serving on the Area A Council for 10 years and has received the Area A Service Award. She was also honored to receive the Bob Burton Spirit Award, as Bob was one of her first mentors. She was the 2016 Warren Shull High School Activity Director of the Year, and has been a member of CADA for almost three decades, presenting at the CADA State Convention, and at Area A Student and Adviser Conferences.
Tamara has worked hard to create a culture of inclusivity and help mold students of character in her program, and is grateful to have the best job at her school--and maybe in the world! She reminds her students that they are some of the largest influences in how their peers experience and remember high school and treasures the memories she has made in the classroom, at events, at CADA, and outside of the classroom. She loves teaching leadership principles and advocating for the value of electives in helping students find their passions.
Receiving the Harry Bettencourt Character Award is so special because Harry was always so kind, supportive and welcoming at every CADA Convention. It is an honor to help carry on his legacy.
Area b: derek padilla, El Camino High School
Derek Padilla has dedicated his life’s purpose toward empowering the community in which he was raised. For the past 28 years, he has been a CADA member striving to instill within his students the principles of servant leadership. Derek continues to mentor other teachers and activities directors in his local area and advises his current successor at El Camino High School.
When Derek initially joined the world of activities, he met Harry at CADA conventions and found he was always willing to share his passion for service. The positive impression left upon Derek allowed him to find a home among the unique souls of CADA.
In addition to serving on the area council, Derek has been recognized with the Area B Service Award and inducted into the CADA Hall of Fame. Derek appreciates being a member of the CADA family and thanks all its members for this honor.
AREA C: no 2025 winner
AREA D: linda Ayerza, retired
Linda Ayerza began her journey with CADA in 1987 when asked to "fill in" as Activities Director at Adolfo Camarillo High School. She remained in that position for seventeen years. She was amazed what students could do! With the help and encouragement of two CADA Activities Directors, Tom Parizo and Dick Bellman, Linda became involved with the Area D council and continued to grow as a leader and educator. She was fortunate to serve for seven years as the Area D Coordinator. After thirty nine years in education, Linda retired in 2011. She continues to serve on the Area D Council.
Linda has been recognized with the Area D Service Award and the CADA Hall of Fame Award.
Linda felt a special connection with Harry. He knew two of her cousins. One as a colleague and the other as a student. He worked with and was a good friend of a favorite cousin, Laurette. They shared many stories, all of them funny and colorful! He an administrator when another cousin, David, attended Monte Vista High School. These stories, too, made them both laugh, but for an entirely different reason!
Harry's friendship was priceless. He was always there if she needed him as a mentor and friend. She misses him at covention where he was always ready with a welcoming hug and warm, friendly smile. Linda is honored to receive this award.
AREA E: robin lee-ramirez, retired
Robin Lee-Ramirez has spent an incredible 40 years pouring her heart and soul into supporting student leaders, athletes and students at Garfield High, Roosevelt High and Marshall High Schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Throughout her journey, Robin wore many hats- serving as the Leadership/Student Government teacher, Senior Class sponsor, Counselor, Athletic Director, and eventually retiring as the Assistant Principal in charge of Activities and Athletics at her beloved alma mater, Marshall High. But even after retirement, her commitment hasn’t wavered; she remains active on the Board of Directors for the Marshall Alumni Association, tirelessly working to secure scholarships for graduating seniors and for over 30 years, has been the driving force behind Grad Nite at Disneyland.
Robin’s deep passion for CADA is truly unmatched as this year marks her 48th convention as a dedicated member! She has served as the Area E Coordinator and had the honor of being CADA’s President in 2001-2002. Robin has been inducted to CADA’s Hall of Fame, received an Area Service Award and in 2020 was the recipient of the Jack Moore award.
Her heart is full of gratitude and humility as she reflects on being selected by Area E for this award. What makes it even more meaningful is her personal connection she had with Harry, with whom she had the privilege of working closely over the years. To call him a part of her CADA family is a true honor.
AREA F: patricia holt, retired
CADA as you know is an amazing group of people to learn from, share creative ideas, and interact with on all levels. Before Patricia retired she enjoyed serving as an area F council member, area F coordinator, summer camp staff, state convention staff, and CASL state convention helper and presented at all these, as well as, at NASC. Patricia can still be found substituting for friends and interacting with students every week.
Patricia describes her feelings about receiving the Harry Bettencourt Award as humbling and inspiring.
Over the years Patricia was often found in the CADA state convention registration area, working behind the scenes because she asked Harry if he needed anything. To Patricia,
Harry Bettencourt was like Abraham Lincoln because he valued honesty, kindness, humility, integrity, leadership, and responsibility. Patricia is deeply honored to receive this very wonderful award dedicated to Harry.
AREA G: merra navarro-del a cruz
Check back for an updated bio soon!
Past harry bettencourt Award Recipients
AREA A |
AREA B |
AREA C |
|
| 2025 | Tamara Givens | Derek Padilla | No Winner |
| 2024 | Patty Judge | Mike White | Mark Dutra |
| 2023 | Steve Southard | Joanne Liard | Mark Vincent |
| 2022 | Linda Cooper | Ola King-Claye | Lauretta Eldridge |
| 2021 | Ron Jones | Monique Walton | Genel Hodges |
AREA D |
AREA E |
AREA F |
|
| 2025 | Linda Ayerza | Robin Lee-Ramirez | Patricia Holt |
| 2024 | Phalba Thomas | Janet Roberts | Kevin Fairman |
| 2023 | Margaret Noroian | Debi Weiss | Connie Weeks |
| 2022 | Bob Collins | Richard Noblett | Michael Pattison |
| 2021 | Chuck Noroian | Don Dagne | Tiburcio Garcia |
AREA G |
|||
| 2025 | Merra Navarro-Del a Cruz | ||
| 2024 | Lauretta Eldridge | ||
| 2023 | Kodi Crow | ||
| 2022 | TJ Carr | ||
| 2021 | Carol Cultrera |
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