Speak Up Newport announces winners

Newport Beach high school students Michelle Atkins and Arielle Little are this year’s winners of Speak Up Newport’s college scholarships, the group has announced. Speak Up Newport, a community forum on Newport Beach issues, gives out $1,500 scholarships each year in memory of activist Dorothy Hardcastle, one of the group’s original members.

Atkins, a senior at Corona del Mar High School, was recognized for her community involvement. She served as president of the school’s French club, played varsity tennis and volunteered for the cancer fundraiser Relay for Life and the drunk-driving awareness program Every 15 Minutes. She plans to attend UC Berkeley.

Little, who will graduate from Newport Harbor High School, has written for the school newspaper and helped organize a blanket drive for the needy and the school’s AIDS Walk team. She also founded a student Rotary club and participated in four sports. Little will attend UC Berkeley.

— Alicia Robinson