The Malibu Optimist Club hosted its annual Youth Appreciation Week breakfast last Thursday at Pepperdine University. The event was attended by 100 people, including the 24 student honorees. Optimists, school principals and family guests also attended the event, which was chaired by Optimist Bonnie Lockrem and emceed by Optimist Ken Kearsley.
The breakfast, sponsored by Pepperdine, honored students for their citizenship. After breakfast, students were escorted by Deputy Jake of the LA County Sheriff’s Department to Malibu City Hall, where they received congratulations from members of Malibu City Council.
This year’s awardees include: Our Lady of Malibu: Ama Allan, Harry Culhane, Ashlyn Kunerth and Frankie Manera; Juan Cabrillo: Yadany Alavez, Niki Farrahi and Makenzie Mulligan; Point Dume Marine Science School: Monique Aldrich, Harmony Jaret and Lola Weber; Webster: Brooke-Lynn Handel and Josie Lerner; Malibu Middle School: Sophia Chaisson, Kennan Hotchkiss and Russell Kish; Malibu High: Mary Jo Corleto, Wes Davis, Maya Eliahou, Hannah Gruedemann, Jacob Leonard, Mikaela Larkin, Taylor Mathews, Matthew Rafeedie and Claire Thomsen.Â