The Manhattan Beach Coordinating Council honored eight Mira Costa High School seniors as recipients of its 2026 scholarships during a luncheon held last week. The organization awarded a total of $24,500 in scholarships to students recognized for their exceptional academic achievement, personal growth and dedication to their community.

The Manhattan Beach Coordinating Council is a longstanding community organization dedicated to fostering communication and collaboration among local agencies, organizations and residents while recognizing student achievement throughout the city. Each year, the organization honors Manhattan Beach students at elementary, middle school and high school levels through a series of luncheons, with the May luncheon dedicated to awarding scholarships to graduating Mira Costa seniors.

Four students received the Manhattan Beach Coordinating Council Scholarship, a $3,000 award presented to graduating seniors pursuing higher education at leading universities across the country.

Alistar Keskinel will attend University of California, Los Angeles to study music and film.

Marc Adams will attend Southern Methodist University to study economics.

Jade Arellano will attend University of Southern California to study architecture.

Zoe Flam will attend Smith College to study engineering.

In addition to the MBCC scholarship recipients, four students were recognized with scholarships sponsored by community partners.

Michaela Navarette received the MBPOA Officer Martin Ganz Memorial Scholarship and will attend McGill University to study international relations.

Andrew Jang received The Resilience Scholarship and will attend University of California, Davis to study agriculture and environmental science.

August Waterson received the MBCC Joyce Davis Memorial Scholarship and will attend University of Texas at Austin to study communications and film.

Patrick Bindler received the Surfrider Foundation South Bay Environmental Scholarship and plans to pursue a career in marine biology.

The luncheon concluded with a community raffle featuring prizes and gift cards donated by local businesses. Proceeds from the event will directly support future scholarships for Manhattan Beach students.