Pasadena Educational Foundation Honors Jane Kaczmarek at “Celebrating Our Schools” Event

The Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) honored award-winning actor and committed advocate for public education and the arts Jane Kaczmarek during its annual “Celebrating Our Schools” event on Tuesday evening. Held in the Pasadena City Hall Courtyard, the event, titled “IMAGINE 2024,” featured an interactive student showcase highlighting the outstanding students and remarkable programs of the Pasadena Unified School District.

Kaczmarek, a Pasadena resident who serves as a mentor, philanthropist, and PEF Board Member, was overcome with emotion as PUSD students dedicated a musical performance to her. 

The student cast members, some of whom had graduated and returned from college for the event, had previously performed with Kaczmarek in a public performance of “Into the Woods” staged by PUSD students and the Pasadena Playhouse at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in January.

The PEF event, attended by hundreds, began with an introduction by Pasadena Unified Alum Mayor Victor Gordo, who attended Madison Elementary, Wilson Junior High, and Pasadena High School.

“To all members of the Pasadena Educational Foundation and all of you who are involved in supporting our schools here in Pasadena, I say thank you on behalf of all residents of Pasadena, on behalf of my neighbors, my family, and my friends. I say thank you for supporting our next generation of leaders here in Pasadena,” Gordo said.

PEF Executive Director Patrick Conyers emphasized the importance of the programs and initiatives that shape the district’s educational landscape, saying, “Tonight, we celebrate the remarkable programs and initiatives that shape the educational landscape of our district, from the student Think Tank to Building Empathy. These programs empower our students to amplify their voices, preparing them for success.”

Conyers presented Kaczmarek with the Foundation’s Exemplary Service Award in recognition of her dedication and support.

In her emotional acceptance speech, Kaczmarek reflected on her own public school education and the impact it had on her life and career. 

“I’m the proud product of a public high school and a public land grant college, the University of Wisconsin,” she said. “I was curious. I’m curious about everything.”

Kaczmarek also emphasized the importance of service, quoting Marion Wright Edelman: “Service is the rent we pay for living, and the higher your educational or financial gifts, the higher your rent.” She described how this philosophy led her to start a foundation called Clothes Off Our Back, which raised over $4 million for children’s charities by selling ‘celebrity finery.’

Praising the vitality and activism of PEF’s staff and board, Kaczmarek highlighted some of the Foundation’s initiatives that have enriched students’ lives, such as teacher grants that funded a thriving costume shop program. She also spoke glowingly of a sold-out production of “Into the Woods” staged by PUSD students in collaboration with the Pasadena Playhouse.

“Strong schools build strong communities and strong communities build strong schools,” Kaczmarek declared. “And as we might say back in Wisconsin, holy cow, there ain’t a better community around than Pasadena.”

She concluded her remarks with a call to action, encouraging the audience to embrace service and support public education.

“If Abraham Lincoln in the middle of the Civil War could dedicate himself to the importance of public education, then I’m encouraging all of you to shower yourself and the glad grace of service and join me by picking up a shovel and planting a tree and providing shade for the generations to come.”

PEF Board President Luisa Rengifo-Estrada and newly-appointed Pasadena Unified Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco also spoke at the event. 

PEF, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting PUSD for over 50 years, focuses on building strong community partnerships to support public schools. The Foundation provides essential resources and enrichment opportunities to every public school student in its service area, supporting a wide range of programs, including arts, music, health centers, gardens, and STEM programs.

In addition to the annual “Celebrating Our Schools” event, PEF supports teachers and schools through various initiatives, such as teacher grants, field trip grants, college scholarships, and summer internship stipends. The Foundation also collaborates with community partners to provide expertise, funding, resources, and volunteer opportunities to support educational programs and activities.