Diamond Bar 2013 Community Heroes Celebrated

They are known around town for their propensity for giving.

However, during Thursday's celebration of Diamond Bar Day at the Los Angeles County Fair, the three 2013 Community Hero award recipients were on the receiving end of what city officials said was much-deserved recognition.

City officials, political leaders, and the Pomona Fairplex honored Dr. Tony Torng, Bea McMillan, and Atharshna Singarajah.

Torng, who serves on the Diamond Bar Planning Commission, also gives his time to various local nonprofits that include the Diamond Bar Chinese Association, Friends of the Diamond Bar Library, and Los Angeles County Fairplex, as well Mt. San Antonio College and Diamond Bar High School.

"It's a great honor for me to be here today," Torng said. "It's really a great honor to serve the community."

McMillan was recognized for her more than 40 years of community involvement.  An active member of St. Denis Parish for 35 years, she also has served as a precinct inspector for all local and national elections, secretary for Mt. Antonio College relay events, and cuddler of ICU babies at the Citrus Valley Medical Center.

"This is a special day," she said.

Singarajah, a Diamond Bar High School alum, was lauded for the hundreds of volunteer hours she has contributed to Diamond Bar.  Some of her activities this year have included helping to collect donations for veterans and their families through the Folds of Honor program, selling bracelets as a fundraiser for Hurricane Sandy victims, and giving time to the Canine Companions program.

The teen thanked her family and credited Mayor Jack Tanaka and his wife Wanda for serving as her mentors and advisers.