The Malibu Times Citizenship Awards were established in 1987 to acknowledge students who have demonstrated concern for the rights and needs of others in their community; they are not based on academic achievement alone.
Faculty from their respective schools nominated the following students:
Sara Mohr, Malibu High School
Senior Sara Mohr is an impressive student, talented musician, athlete, East Malibu’s Junior Miss and dedicated environmentalist with an unwavering individualism. During her time at Malibu High, Mohr has tackled numerous advanced placement courses, all while maintaining a perfect attendance record. She plays first clarinet in the school orchestra, jazz band and pit orchestra and runs track and cross country.
A cause close to Mohr’s heart is the preservation of the environment. As a member of the Student Environmental Association of Malibu High, she redesigned the logo and rebranded the organization. She writes for the Sunset Mesa-ge, Sunset Mesa’s monthly newsletter, to educate the neighborhood on how they can help protect the environment. At school, Mohr has served as president of the Student Environmental Association for three years and implemented a recycling program on campus. She also regularly hosts an e-waste collection and collaborated with organizations to ban plastic bags in Malibu.
Mohr is also known for her strong sense of self. She does not give in to social pressures, preferring to stand behind her own thoughts and beliefs. In terms of a career, Mohr is choosing between becoming a forensic anthropologist or an environmental engineer.
“Sara is a young woman who blends creativity, humor and strong analytical mind with a sense of ethics, morality and compassion,” Malibu High School college counselor Ah Young Chi said of Mohr.
Maxwell Gorelick, Malibu High School
Max Gorelick, a senior at Malibu High, is a hardworking student and talented musician who serves as a role model to his fellow students. He has filled his class schedule with the most demanding coursework available, setting the bar in the school’s advanced placement classes. Gorelick’s teachers often speak of his disciplined work habits, intellectual capacity and sincere contributions to the learning environment. In addition to academic achievements in the classroom, he is noticed for his honesty and kindness in the community.
Outside the classroom, Gorelick enjoys playing music. He plays a number of musical instruments, writing and producing his own music as well. The talented guitarist was selected to perform with legendary musician David Crosby, of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, at a community concert.
At school, Gorelick’s maturity, intelligence and creativity make him a role model for younger and older students alike. The younger students look up to him while the older ones respect him.
“He is a young man of tremendous character,” Malibu High School principal Mark O. Kelly wrote of Gorelick.
Chelsea Bostwick, Our Lady of Malibu School
Chelsea Bostwick is an admirable, well-liked student and athlete who dedicates her time to bettering her community. In the classroom, she is known for her resourcefulness, creativity and intelligence, qualities that drive her to maintain her high grade point average.
Bostwick is a natural leader and organizer, both on campus and off. In academic projects she takes the reins, helping her peers understand difficult material. She also helps organize community service projects, including fundraising events for the graduating eighth grade class.
Bostwick is also involved in numerous sports and athletic activities, and she strives to produce her best work on the field, in her community and in the classroom. Her natural leadership and energetic demeanor make her an admired student and peer.
“She has demonstrated outstanding leadership and maintained a clear sense of purpose,” Our Lady of Malibu Catholic School Principal Suzanne Ricci wrote of Bostwick.
Olivia Thonson, Point Dume Marine Science Elementary School
Olivia Thonson is a student dedicated to improving her community and helping those in need. At Point Dume Marine Science Elementary School, she has been involved in the Community Service Commission for the past three years. Her involvement with the commission has allowed her to take steps towards bettering her community and the lives of others.
Thonson is currently the chief commissioner of the school’s student council and has served previously as the co-commissioner and member of the council. Her natural leadership and sense of empathy have helped her become a respected member of her community.
In her work with the Community Service Commission, Thonson has helped raise funds to build a school for international service-learning program Pennies for Peace, which gives less fortunate children an opportunity to learn. She has also raised money to purchase computers for School on Wheels and to help move a homeless family into an apartment for the Children’s Lifesaving Foundation. The budding philanthropist’s work continues beyond the school year, as she dedicates personal time to help others.
“Her deep sense of empathy and commitment to those in need make Olivia Thonson a model citizen,” teacher Margo Dunn wrote.
Moorea Morrison, Webster Elementary School
Webster Elementary fifth grader Moorea Morrison is an outgoing, dependable and friendly girl in addition to being a responsible student and skilled athlete. She is known for her good citizenship qualities, such as truthfulness and loyalty, as well as her reliable punctuality. Morrison also displays the qualities of a leader through her modesty, self-control and overall friendliness toward others.
As a thoughtful and responsible person, Morrison is concerned with helping those around her. She shows a selfless interest in spending time with her close-knit family, and spends time in efforts to better her school and community.
Being a skilled athlete has led Morrison to conduct herself with sportsmanship at all times. She is respectful to her friends and classmates, sharing her talents and interest with her peers.
“She is a wonderful representative of all the character traits that are expected in an exemplary Malibu citizen,” teacher Karen Verham said of Morrison.
Delaney Murdock, Webster Elementary School
Delaney Murdock is a hard-working, good-natured, determined student who strives to help others. In the classroom, she is frequently offering to lend a helping hand to her peers and teachers. Those around her frequently recognize her positive and conscientious attitude.
Murdock has displayed a great concern for helping those less fortunate. After a field trip to the Museum of Tolerance, where the students learned about the tragic events in Sudan, she became determined to find a way to help. Murdock tried to organize a fundraiser at her school, only to find she was not allowed to have one. Instead of giving up, she tried again next semester and helped coordinate a large bake sale with her friends at Pepperdine University for the people of Sudan.
Her teachers and friends alike admire Murdock’s determination and caring attitude.
“A good citizen is also one who leads by example by working hard, being kind, and making good choices,” teacher Kristina Cook wrote. “Delaney does all these things and more, and is incredibly deserving of the Citizenship Award this year.”
Sonny Thatcher, Juan Cabrillo Elementary School
Sonny Thatcher is a fifth grade student known for his selfless attitude and strong individualism. He is always willing to set his own needs aside in favor of helping his classmates.
In addition to his will to put the needs of others before his own, Thatcher is consistently true to himself. He prefers to stand up for his own beliefs, rather than follow the pack. Thatcher’s friends, family and teachers admire his gentle nature, kindness and caring demeanor and those around him call him an inspiration.
-By Carly Erickson