Children’s Champion Award
Maria D’Angelo
Founder & President, The Children’s Lifesaving Foundation

Please click to watch Maria’s honoree video.

Maria has been our partner for over 25 years. She sends thousands of LA’s BEST students to her outdoor enrichment summer camp in Malibu, hosts amazing holiday parties and provides kids with backpacks full of supplies at the start of the school year. We are grateful to her for helping our kids expand their horizons.

Educational Leadership Award
Alvaro Cortés
Senior Executive Director LAUSD Beyond the Bell Branch

Please click to watch Al’s honoree video.

Al has been leading Beyond The Bell for 13 years and is an education leader in the afterschool field. We are inspired by his commitment to ensuring that all children have access to high quality enrichment programs. Thanks to Al’s efforts, LA’s BEST helps students thrive in school and in life.

Outstanding Alumni Award 
London Brown
Dancer, comedian, and actor, best known for starring on the HBO series “Ballers”

Please click to watch London’s honoree video.

London was born and raised in Los Angeles, attended LA’s BEST at Manchester Avenue Elementary and attributes his time in LA’s BEST to helping inspire him to pursue a career in the arts. London helped host the annual Community Jam for Peace and visited with our students at his alma mater where he encouraged them to follow their dreams.