COMMUNITY & CLUBS:Kiwanis recognizes student excellence

As the school year came to an end, the Kiwanis Club of Costa Mesa recognized excellence among students at many Costa Mesa schools.

At a recent club meeting, members of the club’s service leadership committee — Jim Bonar, Wayne Crawford, Jeff Dimsdale, and Anis Wakim, ably assisted by Ann Bonar, Lilian Crawford, Buzz Kostlan and Kent and Nancy Mueller — presented awards to 37 students who have made notable contributions to the community through the United K program.

All the students received certificates. Six exceptional leaders received “Above and Beyond” coffee mugs.

The club also recognized our two longtime Key Club advisers and Estancia Assistant Principal Britt Dowdy, our Key Club liaison.

Before presenting the awards, guest speaker Randy Golden, a longtime Kiwanis, Circle K, and Key Club member and Key Club regional adviser, addressed the students about continuing in the Kiwanis family and addressed the parents about becoming involved. He also promoted student officers who have just completed their terms and installed new officers.

Several special guests were in attendance, including Lt. Gov.s Alan Anderson and Amy Pham (Circle K), Costa Mesa adviser Amelia Perez and her husband Eduardo, and Kiwanian and Estancia Principal Phil D’Agostino.

Recognized from Costa Mesa High School were Ariana Douk, Jasmine Mathieson, Rumman Razzak, Drake Brunette, Alexandra Garcia, Sandra Im, Vien Le, Daniel Moreno, Calvin Vu and Jason Wang.

Recognized from Estancia High School were Maggie Kawano, Chelsea Leon, Shannon Parsons, Abby Koff, Shea Kopp, Vidya Ramdath Marahaj, Sara Stratton Service, Diana Antonio, Danielle Atwood, Jennifer Corona, Jacqueline Johnston, Meagan Kunert, Oscar Lara, Yolitzin Manon, Michelle Parsons, Bradley Reitler, Anne Rivera and Jacob Wachman.

Orange Coast College students honored were Dan Howard, Hannah Joharchi, Jason Mott, Rebecca Nguyen, Cayleen, Micki Chernyk and Hai Vo.

Receiving scholarships were Katie Brazier, Costa Mesa; Chelsea Leon and Shannon Parsons, Estancia; and Laura Meatzie, Micki Chernyk, Hannah Joharchi and Hai Vo, Orange Coast College.

Receiving Builders Awards were Ashleigh Bergkvist (Big Heart Award), Alyssa Delacio (Citizenship Award), Cami Galant (Generosity Award), Anthony Gomez (Responsibility Award), Ethan Hahn (award for Most Helpful), Destinee LaRose (High Energy Award), Spencer Lindsay (Leadership Award), Michelle Rasmussen (Friendship Award), Michelle Stanila (award for Most Confidence), Berenice Tellez (Extra Effort Award), Nathan Toledo (Attendance Award) and Xena Zwirner (Creativity Award).

Awards were also presented to club advisers Amelia Perez, Costa Mesa; Britt Dowdy, Estancia, and Michelle Geracitano and Tess Lindsay, Builder Club.

50th Annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast

The Kiwanis Club of Costa Mesa can use your help with its annual pancake breakfast.

The club raises funds to help children throughout Costa Mesa. It provides scholarships to high school and college students, offers student leadership development, assists needy families, helps many programs in schools and holds many community service projects in Costa Mesa.

The club will serve approximately 3,500 people at the pancake breakfast at Costa Mesa High School on AYSO Picture Day on Saturday, Sept. 29, and it is seeking donations and business sponsors.

The club is looking for businesses to provide supplies. In addition, companies can be a placemat sponsor for $60 if committed before Aug. 17, and for $75 after that date. Donors will get recognition at the event.

For more information, contact Jeff Dimsdale at (949) 929-1201 or by e-mail at [email protected].

WORTH REPEATING

From the Thought for the Day as provided by Greg Kelley of the Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council:

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is.”