Congressman Kevin McCarthy Merit Award Recipients Announced for Kern County

April 22, 2010

Washington D.C. – Today, Congressman McCarthy announced the recipients of the Congressman Kevin McCarthy Merit Award:

· Mr. Wesley Elrich – Bakersfield High School

· Mr. Brian Austin – Centennial High School

· Mr. Richard Vieyra – East Bakersfield High School

· Mr. Omar Gonzales – Foothill High School

· Miss Brittany Reed – Frontier High School

· Miss Amelia Nommensen - Frazier Mountain High School

· Miss Kaitlin Toerner – Golden Valley High School

· Miss Morgan Solorio – Highland High School

· Miss Jaimie Olle – Kern Valley High School

· Miss Joanne Bae – Liberty High School

· Miss Maria Kristina Caluag – Maricopa High School

· Miss Mackenzie West – North High School

· Mr. David Hernandez – Ridgeview High School

· Miss Rosalinda Cortez – South High School

· Miss Harman Rahal – Stockdale High School

· Miss Jordan Mead – Taft Union High School

· Miss Kathleen Chung – Tehachapi High School

· Mr. Tyler Davisson – West High School

· Miss Laurie Barnes – Bakersfield Christian High School

· Mr. Eric Andrew Whittington – Garces Memorial High School

"This award is intended to honor the achievements of our communities' best and brightest, recognizing their positive achievements and inspiring all of our students to work toward their goals," said Congressman McCarthy. "By coming together and recognizing these students, I believe we help to create a positive community environment that supports the hard work of the next generation's leaders."

Earlier this year, high school principals were invited to select one outstanding graduating senior per school to receive the Congressman Kevin McCarthy Merit Award. The Congressman Kevin McCarthy Merit Award was created to recognize outstanding high school students who have demonstrated academic excellence, exemplary school citizenship, volunteerism, community service, involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership skills, and have earned a 3.5 GPA or higher.

Award Presentation Ceremony:

Friday, May 7, 2010

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office (Board Room)

1300 17th Street, City Centre

Bakersfield, California