Honesty still best policy Honesty still best policy (February 27, 2004)

Community of Character individuals named
by Teresa C. Brown

Recognizing the Community of Character trait honesty, five people were honored Feb. 18 at the Foothill High School library.

With Pleasanton Unified School District Superintendent John Casey presenting certificates, those recognized included students Zoe Hagfeldt, Kim Tilton and Jenny Nelson, school district employees Nestor Aragon and Jerri Long, and the late civic leader Warren Harding.

For the three students, two separate incidents demonstrated their honest character. Hagfeldt, an eighth-grader at Harvest Park Middle School, found a large amount of cash, which she gave to Principal Jim Hansen rather than keeping it for herself.

For Tilton and Nelson, high school teammates competing in the East Bay Athletic League golf championship, through a series of mistakes, the EBAL title hung in balance between the pair. The first mistake gave Tilton the title, but she reported the error, which caused her to be disqualified, giving Nelson the title. Nelson, however, upon learning that her score was also recorded wrong, refused the title. Tilton's disqualification was ultimately reversed, giving her back the title.

Aragon, a custodian at Horizon High School, was recognized for finding and returning a diamond promise ring that a student had reported missing that afternoon. The owner of the ring had presumed the ring was lost and would not be found.

PUSD public information officer Jerri Long, a district employee since 1967, was nominated for her countless volunteer hours with Make a Difference Day, the Celebration of our Country Fourth of July event and the Museum On Main Street historical society. Long has earned the respect of her colleagues and others in the community for what they said has been her fairness and honesty.

Late civic leader Warren Harding was honored for his lifelong community contributions. Jo Harding accepted the award for her husband, who died in September. Harding served as mayor for two terms, hiring Pleasanton's first city manager. He served on the City Council from 1960-68.

Harding was a Boy Scout scoutmaster for more than a decade and was the third Pleasanton person awarded the Silver Beaver award, which recognizes exemplary leadership. He was an elder for his Presbyterian church and taught high school Sunday school. He was also one of the founding members of the Balloon Platoon.

The Community of Character recognitions are jointed awarded by the school district, the city and the Chamber of Commerce. Throughout the school year, individuals exemplifying specific character traits have been recognized. During March-April, individuals will be honored for the trait of respect.

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