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Manhattan Beach Coordinating Council Honors April Students of the Month

Apr 20, 2023 09:52PM ● By Jeanne Fratello

Manhattan Beach Coordinating Council student award winners for April 2023, from left to right: Cody Nutting, Ashley Calderon, Julianna Shaby, Elijah Reed, Mikayla DiMartino, Neil Kenney, and Ava Brunner.

The Manhattan Beach Coordinating Council on Thursday hosted a special luncheon to honor its April students of the month from Manhattan Beach schools.

This month's group of honored students included: 

Elijah Reed - 5th grade, Pennekamp Elementary
Julianna Shaby - 5th grade, Pennekamp Elementary
Neil Kenney - 5th grade, Meadows Elementary
Mikayla DeMartino - 5th grade, Meadows Elementary
Cody Nutting - 8th grade, American Martyrs School
Ashley Calderon - 8th grade, Manhattan Beach Middle School
Ava Brunner - 11th grade, Mira Costa High School

Pennekamp teacher Ian Jones said that Elijah Reed, who recently won first place in a science fair, is an extraordinarily dedicated student. "He has a work ethic beyond anything I've ever seen for a fifth grader," said Jones. 

Pennekamp teacher Megan Howard introduced Julianna Shaby as a hard worker and serious scholar. "She shows great integrity, perseverance, and grit when faced with a challenge," said Howard. (Shaby's grandfather from Brazil also attended the ceremony, prompting host Suzanne Hadley to remark that this was "possibly the farthest anyone had ever traveled for a Manhattan Beach Coordinating Council luncheon.")

Meadows teacher Michelle Legaspi described Neil Kenney as "an old soul" and a pleasure to have in class. "He has a bright future ahead and it is an honor to teach and learn from him," she said. 

Meadows teacher Barbara Gregorio praised Mikayla DeMartino for her persistence in working through difficult lessons. "She is always putting in the hard work, especially when it is difficult and she does not give up. Have you even seen fifth grade math?" 

(DeMartino, when given the opportunity to speak, thanked her teachers: "They're definitely the kind of teachers that would make a kid want to become a teacher," she said.)

American Martyrs teacher Dianna McKennon introduced Cody Nutting as "a walking Google," who is a fountain of information. "He's a student and a young man of service - he has integrity, and he has character," she said. 

Manhattan Beach Middle School teacher Kelly Rodono said that Ashley Calderon is a strong student who is always "the first student to raise her hand" when called upon for an answer. Calderon, who is hearing impaired and who speaks Spanish at home, has done amazing job of "code-switching" between English, Spanish, and sign language, added Rodono. "She has found her way through all of the obstacles of not just being a teenager but learning to advocate for herself."

And Mira Costa High School teacher Felise Shapiro said that Ava Brunner is a student who helps out with her peers and gives "100 percent" in every class. Citing a long list of organizations that Brunner has been involved with, Shapiro added, "She gives a voice to students who don't have a voice."

In addition to being recognized by the Manhattan Beach Coordinating Council, each student also received a certificate of commendation from California Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, California State Senator Ben Allen, and the Manhattan Beach City Council.


Manhattan Beach Coordinating Council


The Manhattan Beach Coordinating Council is a local group that promotes networking, communication and information exchange among agencies, organizations and individuals; and  provides recognition to local students.

The group honors students at luncheons in November, January, March, and April. At the group's May luncheon, it awards scholarships to Mira Costa High School seniors.

The students honored at the luncheons are selected by their schools and teachers. Scholarships for Mira Costa seniors are chosen by the MBCC Board.

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