Top of their class

Angelique Flores

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- Ten students at St. Bonaventure School were

honored Tuesday with the Mayor’s Award.

These youngsters have not only worked hard this trimester, or even

only this year. These achievers have made the school’s honor roll list

every trimester from fourth- through eighth-grade.

“They’re wonderful children who understand the importance of

education,” said Sister Carmel Lynch, school principal.

At a competitive school where the academic curriculum is rigorous,

making the honor roll isn’t easy.

“It’s a commitment,” said Jill Horvath, honor roll volunteer

coordinator.

To make the honor roll, students must have no less than two Bs in

their academic subjects, no less than a B in other classes, and high

citizenship marks as well.

The students honored were Kevin Brake, John Greiner, Jessica Hoffman,

Blythe Horvath, Ryan Klucken, John Kustura, Chloe Martin, Leah Perry,

Erin Pikula and Nicole Verderber.

For these children, the hard work and dedication comes naturally.

“We’ve worked hard all year,” said 14-year-old Erin.

But she and other students say “it just happens.”

Whether the students realize the hard work they put in their education

or not, the staff and parents do.

“We are extremely proud of them,” Lynch said, who added that she is

pleased these students stay well-rounded, keep busy outside of the

academic realm with sports, volunteer work, student council and church

activities.

A total of 148 children at the school made honor roll this trimester.

The school began the annual Mayor’s Awards last year to honor longtime

achievement.