Students receive monetary honors

Their high school careers may be over, but the accolades keep pouring in for 12 Newport-Mesa Unified students.

The former high school seniors will be awarded tonight with $62,000 in scholarships from the Balboa Bay Club’s philanthropic group, the 1221 Club.

The awards presentation will be at 5:30 p.m. in the club’s private dining room.

The 12 students were nominated by their teachers, principals and counselors. After each written nomination was submitted, the club confirmed the information in the nominations.

David Wooten, the president of International Bay Clubs, said $461,000 has been given to students to date. The 1221 Club was founded more than 10 years ago by the owner of International Bay Clubs, Beverly Ray Parkhurst, along with a group of female members who wanted to give back to their community.

Club officials said each student has displayed impressive scholastic, athletic and community service achievements; comments from their schools are displayed below.

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Daniel Ward

Corona del Mar High School

First-place winner, $20,000 scholarship

“Daniel is a quiet and dignified young man who has stepped up and taken advantage of the various opportunities to help contribute to the school and community. Daniel has achieved a grade-point average of 4.412 and is in the top 1% of his class. Daniel is a go-getter, who takes charge easily and is recognized as a leader of almost any group he is part of. Daniel has published his first book of poetry, ‘The Path,’ and was recognized by the Newport-Mesa Unified School District board for his talent and hard work that accomplished this. Daniel is universally liked by his peers and staff alike. Daniel will be furthering his education at Cornell University. We wish him the very best as he successfully transitions to college.” — Principal Fal Asrani

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McKenna Archer

Newport Harbor High School

First-place winner, $20,000 scholarship

Principal Michael Vossen described McKenna as an influential person whom people will look to for positive direction and change. McKenna has achieved a GPA of 4.338 and stands out as a top-ranking senior. McKenna not only has a demanding academic schedule, but she also participates in a demanding gymnastic schedule. McKenna has accepted admission to Cornell University to continue her education and to be part of the university’s gymnastics team. Her school wishes her continued success.

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Jacob Wachman

Estancia High School

Second-place winner, $5,000 scholarship

Principal Phil D’Agostino said Jacob has not only excelled academically at Estancia with a GPA of 4.333, he is committed to excellence that is also displayed through a variety of co-curricular activities. Jacob is a water polo, cross country and volleyball player for the school. He has been a student leader through his volunteer work with the Saints Simon & Jude and Adams Elementary county fairs. Jacob has accepted admission to Loyola Marymount University to explore the business, marketing and film fields. His school offers congratulations to such an outstanding young man.

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Sandra Im

Costa Mesa High School

Second-place winner, $5,000 scholarship

According to Principal Edward M. Wong, Sandra Im is a leader and has dedicated much of her time in serving her school and community. Sandra is an outstanding student who has a GPA of 4.28 and is ranked second out of her senior class. Sandra has served as a member of the Make a Wish Club, Key Club, Varsity Tennis, Asian Club, National Honor Society and Yearbook Club. Sandra is a hardworking and focused young woman, with a charming personality that stands out in a crowd. Sandra will attend UCLA, where she plans on studying linguistics. They wish her the best of luck in her new adventures.

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Kevin Cox

Corona del Mar High School

$5,000 E. Morris Smith Balboa Bay Club Governors Scholarship

School counselor Allison Lent said it is clear that Kevin Cox is sincere, intellectually committed and extremely hardworking. Kevin has a passion to do well in school, rowing, extracurricular activities and in his involvement in clubs on campus. He is a poster boy for the ability to maintain balance between academics and sports. Kevin has proved to be very successful in earning substantial and competitive grades and a GPA of 4.161. Kevin is successful in rowing and was invited to join the U.S. champion heavyweight boat to row in the Henley Royal Regatta, one of largest regattas in England. Kevin will be joining the crew team and attending Princeton University in the fall. Congratulations Kevin!

Other Recipients

Seven other deserving students will receive $1,000 scholarships.

?Samareh Afrasiabi, Corona del Mar High School

?Sarah Hammarlund, Newport Harbor High School

?Daniel O’Neil, Estancia High School

?Michelle Parsons, Estancia High School

?Lauryn Randall, Costa Mesa High School

?Alexander Rios, Newport Harbor High School

?Ethan Simonoff, Costa Mesa High School