Four local students were honored for their exemplary academics and commitment to community excellence at a Manhattan Beach Coordinating Council Scholarship Luncheon Nov. 20 at the Belamar Hotel in Manhattan Beach. 

Bella Camacho from Grand View Elementary School, Denzil Tintut from Manhattan Beach Middle School, Justin Wallender from American Martyrs School and Duke Mahr from Mira Costa High School were introduced and recognized for their accomplishments. 

The next Scholarship Luncheon will be held on Jan. 15 at 11:30 a.m. This year's luncheons have been reformatted to include the recognition of elementary school students, said Martin. Luncheons also feature updates from local government and key community organizations, including the City of Manhattan Beach and the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Other luncheon dates are March 19, 2015, and April 16, 2015. The 2015 scholarship recipients will be announced May 21 during a special Blue Zones Project-themed reception (4-5:30 p.m.) hosted by Beach Cities Health District.

The MBCC’s mission is to establish a forum to promote networking, communication and information exchange among agencies, organizations and individuals, and to provide recognition to local students. The Council relies on sponsors for support, and awards scholarships to seniors in high school at the end of the school year.