Manhattan Beach USD Superintendent Bev Rohrer awarded one of city’s highest honors
Manhattan Beach Unified School District Superintendent Bev Rohrer (third from right) celebrates receiving the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce Rose and Scroll Award. (left to right) Manhattan Beach Councilmember Wayne Powell, Manhattan Beach Unified School Board President Ida Vanderpoorte, Manhattan Beach Assistant City Manager Lindy Coe-Juell, MBUSD Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, Steve Romines and Nancy Hersman. Photo by Terry Comber
Last Thursday, the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce honored Rohrer at its 69th Annual Installation dinner at the Manhattan Beach Marriott, presenting her with the most prestigious award of the Rose and Scroll for her contributions to education and volunteer services. The award came a month before Rohrer’s retirement from the district and a lifelong career in education.
“I do not know where to begin in expressing my surprise and deep appreciation for the honor…,” Rohrer said in a statement. “I am very aware of many past recipients and to join such a fine representation from our community fills me with pride and respectful humility.”
A committee of past Rose and Scroll winners selected Rohrer from a pool of eight nominees who have performed both local and regional community services.
“It goes to somebody who goes above and beyond in the community,” said Kathe Reiken, chamber vice president.
Reiken said there was a notably large number of nominations for Rohrer.
“We had a lot of good nominees, but it was pretty much hands down this year,” Reiken said.
The Chamber of Commerce first presented the Rose and Scroll in 1954, making it the longest-standing Manhattan Beach business recognition award, according to Reiken.
In addition to serving as a school district superintendent, Rohrer – who holds a doctorate in education from USC — has worked as a teacher and youth activities director. She served on the board of directors for the Volunteer Center, South Bay Salvation Army and various other volunteer organizations. Rohrer has also been the recipient of the Manhattan Beach Volunteer of the Year Award.
One of Rohrer’s most notable accomplishments was helping form the Greater South Bay Education Coalition (GSBEC), an education advocacy group trying to change policies in Sacramento.
Also Thursday, resident Marisa Scarda was honored with the Volunteer of the Year award. Fresh Brothers Pizza in Manhattan Beach received the small business award and Chevron won the large business award for community service and outreach. The Chamber also announced Charles Gale will be the new chair of the organization. ER