The Jodi Improta Award

For the graduating senior who best embodies the legacy of Whitney teacher Jodi Improta. Ms. Improta joined the Whitney faculty in 1985 and was the theatre teacher for 36 years. Even after retiring, she is still an almost constant presence on campus, covering classes for other teachers when they are busy or sick, and supervising set design and costuming for every stage production performed at our school. By the end of this year, she will have directed or helped produce her 150th show at Whitney, including fall and spring plays, district middle- and high-school musicals, Bottom Locker Productions directed by upperclassmen and performed by underclassmen, and the annual Summer Theatre Camp. Ms. Improta grew up in Cerritos and attended Artesia High School, and is an actor and accomplished musician, performing with her husband at area venues each month.