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. Each year, The Malibu Times recognizes these local students for their dedication to their schools and the community.
Faculty from their respective schools nominated the following students:
Evan Anthony, Malibu High School
Senior Evan Anthony is a hard-working and well-rounded individual who serves as a model for his fellow students. As an athlete, musician and student at Malibu High, he has played football and baseball, played two instruments in the wind ensemble program and taken on more challenging coursework from year to year, with a four-year cumulative unweighted grade point average of 3.8. Anthony will attend Tufts University in Medford, Mass. in the fall, where he will play on the football team.
“I have been most impressed with his determination to succeed in our demanding curriculum of college preparatory classes,” Malibu High counselor Luke Sferra wrote of Anthony. “He has consistently shown the ability to work very hard to achieve.”
In addition to his talents on and off the field, Anthony displays many admirable character traits. His nomination letters describe him as humble and thoughtful, as well as perceptive and empathetic. As someone who values loyalty and commitment, he prefers to see things through to completion, always finishing what he starts.
Anthony was also a key player in helping bring field lights to Malibu High School so the athletic teams would have the ability to play night games. He attended and participated in numerous meetings, and utilized his determination to help make the field lights a reality for his fellow students.
“Evan is one of those students who quietly goes about his business, accomplishing his own personal goals while projecting a powerful model of a good citizen,” Sferra wrote. “Our campus has been enriched because of his actions.”
Carolyn Pushaw, Malibu High School
Carolyn Pushaw is an intelligent and determined student with a perfect 4.0 unweighted grade point average and aspirations of serving in the armed forces. Ranked first in the Malibu High senior class of 182 students, Pushaw will attend Harvard University in the fall, where she plans to participate in the Navy ROTC program. In addition to her academic skills, Pushaw is confident and self-aware, with a quick-witted sense of humor. All these qualities contribute to her ability to serve as a leader, namely as Leading Petty Officer of her Sea Cadet unit, where she has been given numerous awards for her leadership.
“Carolyn exudes leadership through her confidence and leads by example,” Malibu High college counselor Ah Young Chi wrote of Pushaw. “She is outgoing mentally and physically tough; she is a competent leader while being able to serve as an integral part of a team.”
Growing up with a father who worked as a visiting professor at a variety of universities, Pushaw has traveled extensively. During these periods of travel, she was home-schooled, leading to her determined work ethic, independence and love of learning. Pushaw’s nomination letters describe her as someone who loves learning about everything she can from sports to astronomy. A particular area of interest is military history. She first decided she wanted to join the Navy at the age of 12 after learning about famed British naval hero Horatio Nelson.“She is outgoing and has a positive energy around her at all times,” Chi wrote of Pushaw. “She uses her sense of humor to make others laugh, while at the same time not being afraid to laugh at herself. She is a leader in the classroom, the school’s newspaper staff, her basketball team and her Sea Cadet unit.”
Mason Alford, Viewpoint School
Mason Alford serves as a model student in the community through his high grades, athleticism, musical talents and community service. His academic achievements include taking four Advanced Placement classes his senior year and three during his junior year. Alford was one of only three students in AP Spanish Literature, the highest-level Spanish class at the school. To improve his Spanish skills, he spent time in Costa Rica during the summer of his sophomore year.
“Mason knows good things come with time and recognizes the benefits of hard work and patience,” Alford’s teacher wrote.
Outside the classroom, Alford plays the guitar, including at church, where he leads hundreds of church-goers in musical worship every Sunday. He is also one of the co-captains of the cross country team and plays first base for the varsity baseball team. Alford enjoys surfing and rock climbing, and he even co-founded a surfing club and a rock climbing club at school to share his passion with his peers.
Alford also contributes his time to helping others. Each year, he goes with his church to build homes in Baja California, and he participates locally with Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, he is a member of the S.O.S. program and provides meals and conversation to those in need in Malibu every Thursday.
“Mason shows care and concern for others and wants to make a difference,” Alford’s teacher wrote.
Claire Williamson, Our Lady of Malibu School
Claire Williamson is an active member of her community, participating in student government and a variety of school activities. She also excels in the classroom, earning high grades and displaying natural leadership.
“Claire is an extraordinary young lady who exemplifies the word citizenship,” Williamson’s homeroom teacher, Regina Gillespie, wrote. “In class, she has proven to be a responsible person who is able to successfully develop and implement a plan of action.”
Williamson is an active member of the California Junior Scholarship Federation. She volunteers for many school-sponsored activities and projects in an effort to aid the community. Through her volunteer work and involvement in student government, Williamson is a model citizen and clear leader.
“What I admire about her is that she has maintained a clear sense of purpose,” Gillespie wrote. “Her drive and abilities will truly be an asset to her future endeavors.”
Eve Boetel, Juan Cabrillo Elementary School
Eve Boetel is a student who achieves high marks in her academics and shows a selfless concern for others. She goes beyond what is required of her to help her classmates. Through her determination to aid those around her, Boetel displays a natural understanding of altruism. She serves as a model community member and student who those around her can strive to emulate.
“Eve is a student who is meticulous in every detail of her academic performance, but her willingness to go above and beyond in caring for others distinguishes her from her peers,” Boetel’s teacher Susan Baltrushes wrote. “She has devoted countless hours, week after week, to working with our students with different abilities, displaying a sensitive understanding far beyond her years.”
Kaia Gerber, Point Dume Marine Science School
Fifth-grader Kaia Gerber is an exceptional student who sets a high standard for herself and excels in every subject in the classroom. In addition to her academic achievements, she also sets a positive example for her fellow students through her character traits and excitement for learning. Gerber shows a concern for others at school and in the community. She is always willing to lend a helping hand to her classmates, as well as those in need in the community.
“She is always on the lookout for somebody that needs help,” a fellow student wrote of Gerber.
At school, Gerber is active in the PDMSS Service Coalition. Her ideas and involvement with the group have helped raise funds and awareness for the Children’s Lifesaving Foundation.
“Her enthusiasm for learning, her positive demeanor and her compassion for others make Kaia a valuable member of our community,” Gerber’s teacher Kris Jennings wrote.
Amy Perna, Webster Elementary School
Amy Perna embodies many characteristics of a model citizen. She is hard-working, empathetic, honest and serves as a role model for her classmates through her example. Each day in class, Perna sets goals for herself and does her best to achieve them, always giving 100 percent. Her nomination letters describe her as someone who is honest and trustworthy, and as someone who can be counted on. Whether inside the classroom or on the playground, Perna is conscientious and caring toward others.
“She is thoughtful, kind and considerate toward her peers, and also welcomes new people with an open heart,” Perna’s teacher Kristina London wrote.
In addition to working hard on her schoolwork, Perna is also involved in school clubs, including Junior Great Books and Math Club. Outside of school, she enjoys being a competitive swimmer.
“She is well-rounded, dedicated [and] a great citizen in her community,” London wrote.
Tanner Rubin, Webster Elementary School
Tanner Rubin brings a strong work ethic to everything he does, whether it be in the classroom, on the playing field or helping out in the community. At school, the fifth-grader displays an excellent attitude toward academics, working hard each day to complete his assignments to the best of his ability.
“He exerts himself to make sure every learning experience is meaningful to him,” Rubin’s teacher Karen Verham wrote. “His consistent efforts have brought exceptional results.”
Rubin’s determination also carries over outside the classroom. While playing sports, he is committed to being the best player he can be for his team, no matter which sport he’s playing. His hard-working, team-player attitude makes him an asset to his coaches and fellow athletes.
Rubin’s nomination letters describe him as someone who always does the right thing. As an honest person, he is someone others can look up to. Further, he possesses a strong sense of humility and is quick to make sure everyone gets the credit they deserve.
“He is an exemplary Webster student, athlete and friend, and we’re proud to have him represent us,” Verham wrote.
—Carly Erickson