Dr. Ilene W. Straus has been awarded the Golden Oak Service Award for her dedication in supporting the welfare of all the children at Lincoln Middle School and in the community.
Former principal of Lincoln and Santa Monica High schools, Straus was honored at a Founder’s Day and Staff Appreciation breakfast held at Lincoln on Valentine’s Day. The Golden Oak was given by Lincoln’s PTSA, and is the California State PTA’s most prestigious award, given to few recipients.
While Dr. Straus was principal at Lincoln Middle School, her program achieved numerous accolades including twice achieving California Distinguished School status, National Blue Ribbon School designation in 2000 and the Disney Spotlight School of the Year in 2001. A plaque will be permanently placed on the grounds at Lincoln Middle School, recognizing her and this tremendous honor.
In addition, Dr. Straus received a State Assembly Resolution:
“…Whereas, Dr. Ilene Straus’s impact on the intellectual, moral and social development of several generations of past, present and future residents of Santa Monica, California has been significant in ways that are immeasurable and heart-felt…Resolved, That the California State Assembly joins Assemblywoman Julia Brownley in thanking Dr. Ilene Straus for all her dedication and leadership regarding the education and well-being of the students of Lincoln Middle School and Santa Monica High School in Santa Monica, California.”
Dr. Straus herself is a proud graduate of the public schools of California including Shenandoah Elementary (as is the Mirror’s publisher), Webster Junior High and Hamilton High School, as well as UCLA and USC.
