By Daily Press staff
The local chamber of commerce celebrated education last week Hollywood-style. The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce held its ninth annual Education Celebration at the Le Merigot Hotel and Spa. The chamber was a prominent supporter of the passage of “Measure S” in June’s election, which enabled the Santa Monica/Malibu School District to hire new educators.
The education celebration featured comedian and TV personality John Larroquette. A four-time Emmy winner for “Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series,” Larroquette is best known to television audiences as Assistant District Attorney Dan Fielding, a role he played on NBC’s “Night Court.”
In his latest TV role in “Happy Family,” he plays an exasperated dentist and father whose newly adult children can’t seem to grasp the concept of leaving the family nest. Larroquette welcomed all of the new teachers and administrators with entertaining stories of his own school teachers and the impact they had on his life and career.
The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce has long been committed to making the city a life-long learning community. By actively promoting and encouraging businesses to support and participate in the educational system, the chamber is helping to make the connection between academic studies and real-world applications.
“The education celebration is a great way to introduce new educators to the leaders in our business community,” said Kathryn Dodson, executive director of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce. “The event provides a unique opportunity where teachers and business people can create an important dialogue for sharing ideas about education and the workplace, while acknowledging the many ways in which teachers make a difference and shape the lives of our children — the leaders of tomorrow.”
Through the support of US Bank and chamber members, more than 150 educators from public and private schools, pre-K through Santa Monica College, attended last week’s event.
The Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1925, advocates and represents business interests and issues affecting the community.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 1, 2003. Read the original PDF.