Junior League of Pasadena Announces Recipient of the 2016 Nancy Reed Payne Achievement Award

The Junior League of Pasadena, Inc. (JLP) is proud to announce the recipient of this year’s Nancy Reed Payne Achievement Award. In 1995, the award was created to recognize and honor Sustaining members who have made an exceptional contribution to the JLP and the community throughout their Junior League careers.

This year’s award will be presented at the JLP’s Simply Speaking benefit luncheon to Sustaining member Sharon Thralls, a woman with a long list of outstanding accomplishments as a member of the JLP and beyond. Sharon has been supporting the community through her dedicated volunteer service for more than 40 years, and has been a member of the Junior League of Pasadena since 1978.

Sharon is thrilled to receive the award and has so many stories to share at Simply Speaking, but had this to say ahead of time: “My years as an active in the League provided me with two of my most treasured gifts. First, in the 1970s and early 1980s, the League introduced me to numerous talented and caring women who have become cherished, lifelong friends. And, second, the League gave me training so that I could endeavor, as a volunteer, to strive to improve the lives of poor children educationally, medically and recreationally throughout the Pasadena area and beyond. Also, I knew Nancy Payne and it is my privilege to receive an award named in her honor.”

From 1978-1984, Sharon was a founding member of the Board of Directors at Kidspace Museum, a children’s hands-on museum created by the Junior League of Pasadena. She simultaneously served on the Board of Governors at Parsons School of Design and the Board of Directors for the Junior League of Pasadena. From 1983-1984 she served as President of the JLP, administering a 7 person Executive Committee and a 47 person Board of Directors. Prior to her JLP Presidency, she had an impressive career within the JLP in positions including Community Vice President and Chairperson of the Advisory Planning Committee.

Sharon’s impressive resume also includes numerous other board positions, including Mayfield Senior School (2003-2011), Citrus Valley Health Partners (2000-2012), Descanso Gardens (2000-Present), St. Philip the Apostle School (1990), Alverno High School (1995-2002), Patron Saints Foundation (1995-2013), Pasadena Educational Foundation (1981-1989), San Marino Schools Foundation (1985-1989), Five Acres (1989 to 1994). Over the years, she has served on even more committees within these organizations and many others.

“Congratulations to Sharon! She was instrumental in helping Alverno High School establish a strong Board of Trustees with the vision necessary to bring the school into the 21st century. For that, we will be ever grateful.” Julia V. Fanara, Head of School, Alverno High School

The award will be presented at the Junior League of Pasadena’s annual Simply Speaking benefit luncheon on Saturday, April 30th at the San Gabriel Country Club (350 E Hermosa Dr, San Gabriel). The event will also feature a silent auction, keynote address by Meaghan Rose, CEO of RocksBox, and presentation of the Community Impact Award to Akila Gibbs, Executive Director of the Pasadena Senior Center. To purchase tickets to Simply Speaking, visit www.jlpasadena.org/estore. Proceeds from the event go toward the JLP’s programs supporting business, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills for women in the community.

About Junior League of Pasadena, Inc.

Founded in 1926, the Junior League of Pasadena is a non-profit organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective leadership of trained volunteers. The organization believes that nurturing children through family support builds a stronger community. Past projects have included Madison Elementary School, Kidspace Museum, and the Pasadena Senior Center. To receive further information, please contact the Junior League of Pasadena at 626.796.0244 or visit their website at www.jlpasadena.org.