The Manhattan Beach Coordinating Council and its community partner organizations presented $24,500 in scholarships to graduating Mira Costa seniors at a luncheon this week.

Eight students were selected from a total of 117 submissions. Students were chosen for a combination of academic achievements, community service, and personal growth.

The MBCC Scholarships, each totaling $3,000, were awarded to four students. Those students, and the universities they plan to attend, include:

Ora Ben-Shaul: Indiana University; majoring in business

Charles Farber: Georgetown University; majoring in government

Henry Michael: Boston College; majoring in business

Arya Nathan: University of Wisconsin; majoring in computer science

The event also honored four other students receiving scholarships from community partners. Those students, and the universities they plan to attend, include:

Eva Asiddao: New York University; majoring in global liberal studies. Recipient of the Joyce Davis Scholarship ($3,000)

Liliana (Kai) Brennan: UC Irvine; major undeclared. Recipient of the Desolation Wilderness Scholarship ($5,000)

Anthony Rakota: Rutgers University; majoring in criminal justice. Recipient of the MBPOA Officer Martin Ganz Memorial Scholarship ($1,500)

Elizabeth Witherell: Duke University, majoring in marine science and conservation. Recipient of the Surfrider Foundation Scholarship ($3,000)

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 Manhattan Beach students from elementary, middle school, and high school at luncheons in November, January, March, and April. It also holds a May luncheon to award scholarships to Mira Costa High School seniors.