Congressman McCarthy Announces 2012 Merit Award Recipients for East Kern and Lancaster

May 22, 2012

Congressman Kevin McCarthy today announced the recipients of the 2012 Congressman Kevin McCarthy Merit Award for East Kern and Lancaster.

"This award is not only about outstanding academic achievement; it is also meant to honor the character of these students, as well as the positive values they uphold," said Congressman Kevin McCarthy. "Today, we recognize the hard work and dedication that these exemplary young men and women have demonstrated in their scholastic and community endeavors. I look forward to watching these young leaders continue to succeed in the future."

The recipients are:

• Mr. John Graham – Lancaster High School

• Miss Rachel Thomson – Desert High School

• Miss Guillan Leonardo – Rosamond High School

• Miss Natalia Ramirez – Mojave High School

• Miss Amy Williams – California City High School

• Mr. Samuel Woodman – Sherman E. Burroughs High School

• Mr. Joshua De Vore – Desert Christian High School

• Miss Veronica Cruz – Paraclete High School

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