Awards event honors local best, brightest

Some siblings have a competitive streak, and others constantly try to outdo each other, but not twins Kenneth and Stephanie Wong.

The 17-year-old seniors at Corona del Mar High School are not only hardworking academics, but they’re also best friends. Thursday both were honored along with 30 other area high school students during the 45th annual Scholarship Awards Breakfast presented by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.

The breakfast at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach honored the top students at Corona del Mar and Newport Harbor high schools for their contributions to the academic and athletic worlds.

“It’s such an honor to be part of this group and to meet other students who have accomplished so much,” Stephanie said. “Just to be able to represent our school is an honor, and I appreciate all the people that helped us get to where we are.”

The pair were the only siblings to receive the honors Thursday, and Kenneth said both were used to working hard together.

“I’m thrilled that we can both share this and that she’s here with me today,” Kenneth said.

Kenneth is considering attending USC, UCLA or Washington University in St. Louis, while his sister has committed to attending Washington University. She said she would like to attend UC Davis for graduate school and study veterinary sciences.

Corona del Mar Principal Fal Asrani and Newport Harbor Principal Michael Vossen presented the awards, teasing each other in a playful banter to color the schools’ friendly rivalry.

When Asrani had student Michael Childress announce “I’m going to be attending USC, so fight on,” Vossen jokingly replied “I always love that as a former Bruin.”

Newport Beach Mayor Don Webb and representatives from the Orange County Supervisor’s office and State Assemblyman Van Tran’s office were also on hand for the ceremony that awarded students with a number of plaques and mementos including a personalized laundry bag.

“It’s an absolute necessity for college,” joked Stanford Green who emceed the event.

Newport Harbor student Kelly Curtis said she was honored to be among the students at the breakfast, many of whom post grade-point-averages well above 4.0 and plan to attend Ivy League schools.

Curtis said she is choosing between Southern Methodist University, USC and UC Berkeley. She said she was ready to leave for college but will miss Orange County.

“It’s sad because I’m having to leave home and say goodbye to all my friends, but I’m excited about studying things I’m interested in,” she said.

Corona del Mar student Peter Berg said he felt honored to participate in the ceremony and looks forward to attending Stanford in the fall.

“This is definitely one of the highlights of my high school career,” he said with a big smile.

Green said he is continually impressed by the caliber of students who participate in the Scholarship Breakfast and wished all the students well.

“When I hear the incredible achievements of these young folks, it just leaves me awed,” he said.