Saugus High School Principal Vince Ferry and Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital social worker Elizabeth Tarantini were recognized for their “outstanding work and amazing contribution” to the victims and survivors of the Saugus High shooting.

On Thursday, officials with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Victim Services (BVS) presented awards to Ferry and Tarantini in separate ceremonies.

“(I’m) very humbled,” Ferry said. “I’ll take the award, but only on behalf of the entire Saugus community.”

Ferry and his staff worked in the weeks and months following the tragic shooting on Nov. 14, 2019 to ensure that returning students and survivors were able to connect to any mental and emotional health resources that they may have needed.

Ferry poses with his family and Teter. Photo by Michael Brown/KHTS News.

Additionally, Ferry has worked with the families of Gracie Muehlburger and Dominic Blackwell, two students who lost their lives in the shooting, to ensure that the lives of their children would not be forgotten. Murals for both Gracie and Dominic have been created on the Saugus High campus, and the two students’ names are set to be added to the signage of Central Park.

“We hear the words ‘Saugus Strong,’ and to me, this award demonstrates the strength of our community,” Ferry said.

After presenting the award to Ferry at Saugus High, BVS officials went to Henry Mayo to present Tarantini with an award of her own.

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“Minute after minute, hour after hour, I worked side by side with Ms. Tarantini,” said Nadine Teter, victims service representative for the BVS. “Professionally and compassionately, Ms. Tarantini’s humanity was evident. I watched the tears fall down her cheek.”

Tarantini played a “critical role” in notifying the families of the victims that their children had died, and later was instrumental in protecting the privacy of and later advocating on behalf of those families.

“As a helping and caring professional with high ethical standards, she had no qualms about questioning authority when it was the best interest of the victims,” Teter said. “She continues to speak up and fight for the rights of the families.”

Tarantini poses with Teter and Zepedadiaz. Photo courtesy of Austin Dave.

Traditionally, officials with the BVS nominate individuals and organizations who have made a difference in the lives of victims of crime as part of Victim Rights Week in April. These nominations are then submitted to a committee who then selects the honorees. 

Ferry and Tarantini were nominated and ultimately selected for their work and contributions in supporting the victims and survivors of the Saugus High shooting. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the BVS was unable to honor the two and present them with this award during the 2020 Victims’ Rights Week. 

Despite being unable to hold the traditional ceremony for the pair, Teter and BVS Assistant Program Administrator Ismael Zepedadiaz travelled to Ferry and Tarantini individually Thursday to present their award certificates.

“In recognition of dedicated service and contributions to assisting crime victims of the Saugus High School shooting on and after November 14, 2019, achieving justice for victims, and advancing victims’ rights for the benefit of all citizens of Los Angeles County,” the certificate, which was signed by all five members of the county Board of Supervisors, reads.

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