Library is named for board member

Kathryn A. Turner is honored as she battles Lou Gehrig’s disease.The Laguna Beach High School library, which had been nameless, will now have Kathryn A. Turner’s name above its doors.

In an emotional event which drew around 65 attendees, Thursday’s naming ceremony at the high school offered thanks to a beloved community member.

“I’m thrilled and humbled by this,” Turner said.

Turner, who has lived in Laguna Beach for over 31 years, has been serving on the Laguna Beach Unified School District for 11 years.

Known for her selflessness and dedication to education, Turner is currently receiving praise for her bravery in dealing with Lou Gehrig’s Disease, which has affected her over the past year.

A gathering in the library, which was decked out with white tablecloths and balloons anchored by books bound with gold ribbons, created an opportunity for people to express gratitude as a microphone was passed around the room.

“She has inspired a transformation in thinking,” school board president Robert Whalen said.

“I’ve seen your leadership skills and you’re wonderful,” principal Nancy Blade said.

After the cover was removed from the official plaque of dedication to Turner, the entire student body came out to greet the honoree.

As hundreds of students lined the upper and lower levels of the courtyard, the applause was thunderous.

The concept of the library being named for Turner has been deemed more than appropriate by those who know her.

“K [as she was known] worked in the library at her high school; she’s probably read all the books here,” Bivens Hunt, Turner’s partner of 13 years said.

High school librarian Lillian Jones is thrilled to have the library named for Turner.

“It’s as if we were waiting for the perfect person to name it for,” said Jones.

20060106isn1opncDAN BEIGHLEY / COASTLINE PILOT(LA)Kathryn Turner beams as the Laguna Beach High School library is named in her honor at a school assembly Thursday.