November Superintendent’s Superstars

Arden D. Parnagian and Gemma Dalena Wood are both 16-year-old juniors at San Joaquin Memorial High School and created a project called Comfort Clutches by AG. A is for Arden and G is for Gemma. They have been friends for more than five years and both wanted to do something to give back to their community and serve other teenagers. Along with their project, they participate in sports, co-curricular activities at school and various service clubs. Arden is continuing her second year of varsity soccer and Gemma is continuing her third year of varsity lacrosse.

Valley Children’s Hospital is a place that their families have supported for years and close to their hearts. For teenage patients, it can be lonely and scary because there’s no control of their lives. Through Comfort Clutches by AG, Arden and Gemma want to spread joy and hope that creates a feeling of independence for every teen patient. With that in mind, their clutches include a customized pouch that they design and make, a gift card from Amazon/Target, a gift card for Door Dash/Uber Eats and comfortable, fuzzy socks. Teens can shop or order food, which gives them a sense of normalcy.

In the past year through the generous support of family, friends and the community, Arden and Gemma have distributed 100 clutches to teenagers at Valley Children’s Hospital. Next year, they hope to deliver 150 clutches!