The William S. Hart Union High School District recognized longtime Santa Clarita community leaders Denise Lite and her husband, John Lite, with the district’s prestigious ‘One Hart’ Award during Wednesday night’s governing board meeting – marking the first time a couple has individually received the honor together.

The award honors community members who exemplify the Hart District’s core values of community, caring, creativity and courage through service and leadership. 

During the presentation, Hart District Trustee Dr. Akash Ahuja highlighted the couple’s years of volunteer work, nonprofit leadership and dedication to supporting local families and youth throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.

Ahuja introduced the couple, calling them examples of individuals who have contributed “their time, passion and energy for the benefit of our community.”

John Lite was recognized for his leadership with the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley, where he currently serves as board president. Ahuja noted his years of volunteer service coaching youth sports, mentoring students and helping families through his insurance and financial services business.

Denise Lite, a local divorce attorney, was honored for her years of nonprofit and community involvement, including serving on several local boards and helping lead major fundraising efforts benefiting women battling cancer in Santa Clarita, “Bras For A Cause.”

Together, district officials said the couple has continuously supported children, families and nonprofit organizations across the valley, both financially and through hands-on volunteer work.

“Receiving this award as a couple is truly special, because John and I are a team in all things,” Denise Lite said. “What makes Santa Clarita truly special is not just the countless organizations doing the work, it’s the people behind those organizations.”

Denise Lite told KHTS Radio being recognized together made the honor even more special because no other couple has previously received the One Hart Award side-by-side.

“I don’t think any other couple has ever been recognized together for the One Hart Award, and so that, I think, makes it truly special and unique,” she said.

She also praised the Santa Clarita community for its culture of volunteerism and generosity.

“The spirit of giving here in Santa Clarita is unmatched,” Lite said. “I mean, where else can you go to a different charity event every weekend for 52 weekends in a row? We feel blessed to be a part of this community and to be able to have fun and contribute and help..”

The couple reflected on what the recognition meant to them personally.

SCV Boys & Girls Club

“It’s an honor to receive this and be recognized,” John Lite said. “Being part of the Boys and Girls Club has just been a tremendous opportunity for myself, and to watch the kids grow and flourish and see what we do for them every single day is amazing.”

John Lite also said sharing the moment with his wife made the award even more special.

“She’s an amazing person, just tremendous accomplishments, and I’m so proud of her as well,” he said. “It’s just wonderful to be standing here with her tonight.”

Denise Lite said the recognition also represents the many volunteers across Santa Clarita who quietly give back without expecting recognition.

“There’s so many people in Santa Clarita who do so many things who go unrecognized,” she said. “They just have a spirit of giving and a loving heart… so this represents them.”

The couple also spoke about why they continue dedicating time to community service in Santa Clarita.

“We have something special out here,” Denise Lite said. “Every single person that I’ve met has been warm, welcoming, giving. It’s a great place to live.”

John Lite added that the close-knit nature of the Santa Clarita Valley continues to inspire their volunteer efforts.

“When you give and you serve with other giving people, you’re also making new relationships,” he said. “To be able to build those relationships, meet new people and just give back to people is tremendous.”

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