Mar Vista High School Class of 2013 seniors and their families attended a ceremony in the New Gym Thursday to celebrate exceptional students for receiving awards and college scholarships ahead of their graduation Tuesday.
Among notable recognized at the ceremony, Karina Lopez received the The Gates Millenium Scholarship, an honor given to 1,000 students nationwide every year. The scholarship ensures her education will be paid for by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation until she graduates college. Lopez plans to attend UC Berkeley and wants to be a doctor.
Congratulatory medals were given to the Class of 2013 Valedictorian Joseph Ongaco and Salutatorian Alton Jones.
Five students were recognized for proving themselves proficient in two languages by taking Advanced Placement tests. Biliteracy diplomas will be awarded at graduation.
Among approximately 340 graduates, 36 plan to attend a California State University school, 25 plan to attend a University of California school and 215 plan to attend a community college, according to the school's counseling office.
31 plan to join the Armed Forces.
With seven different awards, Katherine Dumangas was recognized as a top scholarship recipient. She was followed closely by Ivan Medellin who was recognized for receiving six scholarships.
For maintaining a grade point average above 3.0, 21 students were awarded honors diplomas.
The U.S. Marine Corps honored four students with scholarships, including Jerzy Barbato and Ashley Harbin for distinguished athlete awards.
Several scholarships named after Mar Vista High School alumni and Imperial Beach organizations were also handed out.
Named after a former Mar Vista High School music teacher, The Don Truesdail scholarship was awarded to Julen Rodriguez.
The Josh Madigan Memorial Scholarship is awarded to swimmers with outstanding scholastic achievement and citizenship. Reilly Landry was this year's winner.
Imperial Beach Jungle Ball Association
Ivan Medellin and Robert Tschakert
Optimist Club of Imperial Beach scholarship
Ivan Medellin
Imperial Beach-South Bay Kiwanis Club
Mariko Nakawatase and Karina Lopez
Imperial Beach Women's Club
Katherine Dumangas and Karina Lopez
Sweetwater Women's Club
Katherine Dumangas
Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Ladies Auxiliary
Samantha Brians and Hannah Montz
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Award
Mariko Nakawatase
J.D. Bud and Vonda Webb Foundation Scholarship
Gabriel Gonzalez
Thespians Scholarship
Kathleen Budd
Outstanding Drama Student
Sarah David
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