The Malibu High School Class of 2005 graduated June 23 with a full stadium of proud parents, relatives and friends attending ceremonies to cheer them on their success.
Out of the 171 graduates, 59 percent are planning to attend four-year colleges, 37 percent are planning to attend two-year colleges or technical schools, while a handful are planning to work or travel, and one graduate will join the military.
This is Malibu High’s 13th graduating class.
The Malibu Times Citizenship Award
Juliana Ball graduated from Juan Cabrillo Elementary School this year. Her teacher, Susan Young, wrote, “She sets a shining example of tolerance and friendship toward all students at our school. She is able to look inside a child and see the good and gifts in everyone. She is our leader in sympathetic understanding and the meaning of true friendship. Every community should have a student like Juliana Ball.”
Tyler Peterson served the past year as student body president at Webster Elementary School. His teacher, Kristina Cook, wrote about Tyler, “Seldom do you meet a person who exemplifies so many of the characteristics of citizenship. Tyler consistently shows initiative in all that he does… He works hard to lend a helping hand to all. Tyler is an exceptional student, classmate, friend and citizen within the Webster community.”
Carol Yang graduated from Malibu Middle School this year. She is an outstanding scholar and tutors other students in math after school. Carol sets an excellent example for her peers concerning respect, making good decisions and honoring differences. She will continue her academics next year at Malibu High School.
Kate Bartick created the “Heart to Heart Foundation” as a response to last year’s tsunami disaster. She coordinated a fundraiser in which remembrance bracelets were sold. It raised more than $1,200. Through the program, children of disasters will receive teddy bears to console and sooth them through the difficult times. Kate’s fifth-grade teacher at Juan Cabrillo Elementary School wrote, “Kate is a shining example of citizenship and caring in the Malibu community.”
Tessa Wenzel is helpful to her classmates and teachers at Our Lady of Malibu. She is the first to ask someone to join the group. As a quiet leader, she has a positive influence on those around her. Tessa’s eighth-grade homeroom teacher wrote, “With her hard-working attitude and gentle personality, she embodies the kind of person we all strive to be. It is because of these qualities that I, as well as all of her teachers, have found her to be a pleasure to work with and a privilege to know.”
Evan Anthony has been a leader at Point Dume Marine Science Elementary School throughout his time there as a student council member and through community service. As a fifth-grader this year, Evan served as chief commissioner for the student council. In this role, he organized all the student council commissions. Evan also served in Peace Patrol, giving up his recess to help with the younger grades. Evan’s teacher, Kelley Didion, wrote, “He is a young man of great integrity, a role model for both his peers and younger students at our school.”
Tyler McCormick has been associated with Malibu High School’s chapter of Operation Smile, which raises money to pay for reconstructive surgery for children and young adults, since she was a freshman. As a sophomore, she became the president of the organization, which blossomed under her leadership. Tyler was also active with Best Buddies and student government. She excelled academically and was awarded with a scholarship by Bank of America for her excellence in English. Tyler will attend Barnard College in New York City in the fall, where she will continue her involvement with Operation Smile.
Cody Setzer, who graduated this year from Colin McEwen High School, recently received the Bank of America Achievement Award in the field of fine arts. His school principal, Eugene Wilson, wrote that Cody is a multitalented young man who excels in academics and fine arts. Wilson also wrote, “Perhaps it is an indication of his proficiency and personality that he is popular and respected by both faculty and students alike…Cody’s natural proclivity to helping others makes him the perfect candidate for receiving The Malibu Times Citizenship Award.”
Senior Awards
Service Awards
Exceptional Leadership – Sam Bishop
Exceptional School Service –
Camden Vilkin
Exceptional Community Service –
Melissa Caridad
Principal’s Leadership Award – Kitty Smith
The Malibu Times Outstanding Citizen Award – Tyler McCormick
Academic Awards
Exceptional Academic Progress –
Tyler Beach
Exceptional Academic Dedication –
Patricia Cerna
President’s Award for Achievement –
Riley Grazer
Valedictorian candidates
Elizabeth Beryt
Beau Campbell
Paget Kagy
Luka Oida
Eva Post
Kelly Stewart
Commended National Merit Scholars
Samantha Posey
Kelly Stewart
Kelly Wortham
Robin Yang
MHS Department Awards
Art – Daniel Willis
Drama – Samantha Posey
Drama, Technical – Lia Sumpter
English – Trevor Schack
English as a 2nd Language – Rose Byrnes
Foreign Language – Danielle Horn
Journalism – Robin Yang
Math – Matthew Mesher
Music, Instrumental – Louis Cole and Luka Oida
Music, Vocal – Kitty Smith
Photography – Jasmine Guivi and Sean Scopinich
Physical Education – Kristen Whittemore
Science – Nick Rollins
Social Science – Mitchell Levy
Yearbook – Beau Campbell and
Jasmine Guivi