NEWBURY PARK : Foundation Names 2 as Citizens of the Year

A high school teacher and an alert resident who helped deputies capture robbery suspects have been named citizens of the year by the Conejo Future Foundation.

Daniel P. McDermott of Newbury Park teaches social studies at Westlake High School using innovative approaches such as the “magic pen.” One student was having trouble, so he gave her one of his old ballpoints.

“It’s already been to college; it’s got all the answers in it already,” he said to the student, who did better on her next test.

Also being honored is Robert D. Sneed of Thousand Oaks, who gave sheriff’s deputies an accurate description of four men who robbed an electronics store in January. The description of the suspects and their car helped authorities make a quick arrest in the case.

Future Foundation officials planned to present Sneed and McDermott with plaques and certificates at the foundation’s spring membership social Friday in Westlake Village.

“I’m really flattered,” said McDermott, who said his father extended a visit from Iowa for two weeks in order to attend the ceremony.