Swenson returns for Stairway honor
Former Samo orchestra director of 17 years Joni Swenson received the Stairway Honor Award for her dedication to the Samo music department during the 71st annual Stairway of the Stars concert. From left to right: Sue Himmelrich (Santa Monica Mayor), Richard Tahvildaram-Jesswein (Board of Education Vice President), Lana Negrete (City Council), Joni Swenson, Tom Whaley (SMMUSD Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator), Ben Drati (Superintendent), Jennifer Smith (Board of Education) and Laurie Lieberman (Board of Education). See Stairway of the Stars feature on page 12.