* Corona del Mar High School’s cheerleaders...

* Corona del Mar High School’s cheerleaders took first place at the

“King of the Bleachers” cheer competition at UC Irvine’s Bren Events

Center Feb. 13.

The varsity, junior varsity and freshman teams came together,

forming a 31-member team and performed a difficult routine of stunts,

tumbling and cheers.

* Ashley Bayer of Corona del Mar was honored in the 28th annual

edition of the Dean’s List for the 2004-05 academic year. Bayer is a

student at Pepperdine University. The National Dean’s List is the

largest national recognition program and publication honoring

high-achieving college students. Students become eligible for this

honorary award through their schools’ dean’s lists, if they have a B+

grade point average, or if they are in the top 10% of their class.

* Costa Mesa’s Debbie Magnusen, founder of Project Cuddle, was

awarded the Excellence in Community Leadership award at Leadership

Tomorrow’s Alumni Reception and Awards Presentation held at the

Center Club in Costa Mesa on Feb. 24.

The Excellence in Community Leadership award is presented to a

person or persons who best represent leadership in the community,

regardless of affiliation or position. This nomination may come from

the board, alumni or other outside organizations, such as the

chambers of commerce or the city councils.

Magnusen was honored for her work with Project Cuddle, an

organization dedicated to preventing pregnant women from abandoning

their babies.

* Marine Corps Cpl. Luis M. Pena Perez, son of Marielena Perez of

Costa Mesa and Roberto Pena of Hesperia, was promoted to his current

rank while serving with Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Wing

Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Base, Camp

Pendleton.

Pena Perez was promoted based on sustained superior job

performance and proficiency in his designated specialty.

Pena Perez is a 2001 graduate of Estancia High School and joined

the Marine Corps in October 2002.

* NEIGHBORS spotlights achievements in the community. Please

direct noteworthy information to Lindsay Sandham

by fax at (714) 966-4679, or send e-mail to lindsay.sandham

@latimes.com.