Thousands of scholarship dollars were donated to high achieving students from local organizations.
By Seth Rubinroit / Special to The Malibu Times
Not even the allure of watching a televised Los Angeles Lakers NBA finals game could keep a standing-room-only crowd from attending Malibu High School’s Senior Awards and Scholarship Program June 8 in the MHS auditorium.
Selected members of the class of 2010 were honored for their achievements during high school and presented with scholarships.
“These students represent the best that Malibu High has to offer,” Principal Mark Kelly said. “They have all worked hard, participated in community service and overcome obstacles.”
Kaitlin Johnson, Carsten Kohrs, Sean Needle, Luke O’Malley, Ben Robbins, Jack Robbins, Sam Rubinroit and Jennifer Tartavull were announced as valedictorian candidates for achieving a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
Gianna Fote earned the Principal’s Leadership Award, which recognizes a student who combines academic excellence and exemplary leadership. Fote was also honored with the Exemplary Achievement in Science Award, American Legion Scholarship, Malibu Woman’s Club Scholarship and Kiwanis Club of Malibu Shark Award for Scholar Athletes.
“We have a list of Gianna’s achievements that is 37 pages long, and I plan on reading them all,” Gene Bream, Middle School Social Studies faculty member, said jokingly to the audience.
Sam Rubinroit was also frequently recognized on stage. Rubinroit earned The Malibu Times Outstanding Citizen Award, along with Flora Greeson, for demonstrating concern for the plights and needs of the community. Rubinroit also received the American Legion Scholarship, Malibu Surfside News Journalism Scholarship and Malibu Woman’s Club Scholarship.
Twin brothers Ben and Jack Robbins were both recognized by the Department of Science. Jack won the Special Achievement in Biological Science Award, and Ben won the Special Achievement in Physical Science Award. Jack also earned the Kiwanis Club of Malibu Shark Award for Scholar Athletes, and Ben received the Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue Scholarship in Memory of Ori Greenberg.
Kaitlin Johnson earned the Exemplary Achievement in Journalism Award, Louis Leithold Scholarship and Community Service Award.
Kelcie Meyer, the Associated Student Body vice president, received the Exceptional School Service Award, Community Service Award and Rotary Club of Malibu Scholarship.
Thirty-five students were honored with the President’s Award for Educational Excellence for achieving a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher and a combined SAT Reasoning score of 1900 or above or an ACT score of 28.
Overall, thousands of scholarship dollars were donated, including multiple scholarships from the American Legion, Malibu Woman’s Club and Optimist Club.
“The number of scholarships given tonight shows the commitment of the community to our students,” Principal Kelly said.