Elise Myers - American Martyrs School

Blaise Gaydosh - American Martyrs School

Brooklyn Miller - American Martyrs School

Emily Becker - Manhattan Beach Middle School

Ava Nicols - Mira Costa High School

Each student received certificates of commendation from the Manhattan Beach Coordinating Council, the city of Manhattan Beach, and local elected leaders.

American Martyrs teacher Julie Imrie praised Elise Myers for her "unwavering dedication" to excellence and academic growth." Myers, a soccer player, "should be commended for her intellectual curiosity and her ability to juggle athletics and academics," added Imrie.

American Martyrs teacher Sarah Yoder introduced Blaise Gaydosh as an expert Rubik's Cube solver, yo-yo artist, and drummer - and thanked him for always reminding his teachers and peers of "the pure joy of learning." "Your curiosity has made our classroom a vibrant place for learning," Yoder told him. 

American Martyrs teacher Taylor McCarthy said that Brooklyn Miller is a "sensational student who brings joy and smiles into every classroom." "The class has learned so much thanks to her courage and curiosity," added McCarthy, who called her "the queen of positive energy."

Manhattan Beach Middle School science teacher Tanya Sanchez praised Emily Becker as a "go-getter and model student," especially in the sciences. "Her ability to find humor in challenging situation is both admirable and contagious," added Sanchez, who noted that Becker will often chant "Women. In. STEM!"

Mira Costa High School Vice Principal Kimberly Price gave a sentimental introduction of Ava Nicols because Price had been Nicols' first grade teacher at Pennekamp. "She is a compassionate, driven, and community-oriented individual," said Price, noting that Nicols is an award-winning writer and co-editor of Mira Costa's newspaper La Vista, as well as president of Mira Costa's South Bay Food Initiative group. "Students like Ava don't come around very often," added Price.