Honorable mentions

Suzie Harrison

Laguna Beach High School Honors Convocation is a time to recognize

outstanding senior class members. It’s a tradition that started in

1936 with the Ebell Club of Laguna Beach having the distinction of

awarding the first scholarship. Wednesday at the awards it was

obvious that the growth of the program is significant every year.

Seventy-seven scholarships were awarded in 1997 and on Wednesday

there were 109 for a total of $160,000.

At a reception earlier in the evening, retiring Laguna Beach High

School community service and scholarship coordinator Chris Krach was

honored and received a standing ovation.

“I’m not leaving Laguna Beach, I was born and raised here,” Krach

said. “I thought it was time to spread my wings in Santa Barbara. I

can physically be away, but my heart is in Laguna.”

She was touched when it was announced that there has been a

scholarship created in her name to be awarded to the student who most

embraces Krach’s dedication to community service.

“This [Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Foundation] is the

most amazing organization I’ve ever worked with and has done such

fantastic work in our community,” Krach said.

She expressed that her involvement with the scholarship foundation

over the last four years has been fun, rewarding and hard work.

“Donors, you make this happen, without the donors we would not

have the organization, it’s such a wonderful tribute,” Krach said.

She said it will be a wonderful evening to reward and honor the

seniors at Laguna Beach High School.

“Thank you, I will remember you and keep you all dear to my

heart,” Krach said.

The reception was also for donors, presenters and past scholarship

recipients.

Kathleen Blackburn has been awarding students with the Camron

Blackburn Memorial Scholarship in honor of her daughter since 1981.

“It’s such a wonderful thing that the students really appreciate;

I’m still in touch with many of the girls who have won over the

years,” Blackburn said. “It’s an indication of our community, how

much the community is caring and supportive, particularly in light of

what happened recently.”

The Festival of Arts Foundation is responsible for giving

significantly to the scholarship foundation. Fran Hudzinski, director

of administration for the festival and scholarship committee member,

was seated at a table with board member Ann Webster, who is chair of

the festival scholarship committee and foundation President Scott

Moore.

“We provide the majority of the funding for the scholarship

program, which is also supplemented by donations of Festival of Arts

members,” Moore said. “The amount this year for freshmen is $12,700;

the students are able to come back three subsequent years and apply

each year. It’s really a great program.”

The giving arm of the festival was established in 1954 and has

been giving scholarships in the arts at the honors convocation ever

since.

“It’s a wonderful group of kids, you should see how enthusiastic

they are and they love what they are doing,” Webster said. “I am so

encouraged that these kids want to get ahead in the arts.”

Hudzinski echoed the sentiments of many.

“It’s not only the scholarship money, but also it’s the moral

support of the community,” Hudzinski said.

Kimberly Bixler Leeds, who is vice president of California

Choreographers Dance Academy, is a past festival scholarship

recipient and spoke about the difference it made in her life.

She received a scholarship in dance and for writing. Bixler Leeds

said that the scholarships got her through school and was a

confidence booster. She appreciated that they believed in her and her

ability to achieve what she set out to do.

“Giving to our youth is giving back to the community at large,”

Bixler Leeds said. “It helps mold our world of tomorrow to ensure

that our future, as well as the graduates’ is a bright and positive

one.”

“By believing in these aspiring students, we are empowering them

to be the leaders, to have the confidence, to affect positive change,

wherever they may go by serving their communities,” she continued.

“To that effect, you who are giving so generously tonight are

stewards and nurturers of a positive future for all.”

* The Coastline Pilot will run the complete list of scholarship

winners next week.