Students praised at scholarship breakfast

When Quinn Yanaga’s mother taught her to knit, she probably assumed it was a good skill to have, benefiting her daughter in a number of ways, not to mention the pleasure she would find in doing it.

Yanaga’s mother probably never thought it would help her daughter get into college, but that’s what happened.

Quinn, 17, was one of 32 students honored at the 2008 Academic All Stars breakfast that praised the top 15 scholars at Newport Harbor High and Corona del Mar high schools. The students were honored for not only their academic achievements, but their community service as well. There were 32 scholars because of a tie in the academic standings.

“It’s a unique way to help the community,” Quinn said of her knitting. The Newport Harbor senior has knitted about 200 hats during the last four years and sent them through her church to individuals in need at Skid Row, Mexico and Romania.

Quinn knew what to expect at the breakfast that features each school’s principal announcing the student winners and bragging about their accomplishments because her brother had also won the honor in the past.

“I think they did a great job with this event,” Quinn said.

She is still undecided on where she wants to go to college, but she has her pick between UCLA and UCI. UC Berkeley dominated the choice of school for many, but UCLA was also popular.

“It means that I have taken advantage of what high school had to offer,” said Corona del Mar student Paul Bioche who is planning on attending UCLA to study electrical engineering.

Students were congratulated by local legislators and city council members at the event and received advice from the Newport-Mesa Unified School District Supt. Jeffrey Hubbard in his opening remarks.

“Don’t forget to thank your parents,” he said, while acknowledging educators, friends and others.

DANIEL TEDFORD may be reached at (714) 966-4632 or at daniel.tedford@latimes.com.