Monrovia resident and recently retired Citrus College photography instructor Darrell Carr was honored as a "Community Dignitary" on Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Duarte Education Foundation's annual fundraising event.
"Darrell has been a dedicated volunteer for many years, helping students to achieve their goals and encouraging them to excel academically," said Superintendent/President Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D. "He is truly deserving of this special recognition."
Carr, a Citrus College alumnus and 23-year photography instructor, previously coached basketball at Duarte High and served as a faculty member at Monrovia High for 13 years. He began teaching full-time at Citrus College in 1990 before retiring in September.
"It is quite an honor to be recognized," said Carr, who mentors Duarte High School students in photography through the Duarte Education Foundation. "Teachers are in the business of helping others and I think we, as professionals, are all bound to go above and beyond the call of duty; for me, it's helping underprivileged children learn something they otherwise wouldn't have."
Carr is also the founder of the Justin Carr Wants World Peace Foundation, which he and his wife established after their only child, Justin, died from an undiagnosed heart condition, called idiopathic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (IHC). The organization's mission is to raise awareness of IHC and provide funding for youth to attend camps, participate in after-school mentoring programs and study visual and performing arts.
"Darrell's desire to help the youth of this community is truly inspirational and commendable," said Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees President Susan M. Keith. "He is such a positive role model, and I congratulate him on this well-deserved honor."
- Brad Haugaard
