Congressman McCarthy Announces Kern County Merit Award Recipients

Washington D.C. – Today, Congressman Kevin McCarthy announced the recipients of the 22nd Congressional District of California Merit Award:

• Miss Allison Wiener – Bakersfield High School
• Miss Kelsey Linford – Centennial High School
• Mr. Jake Jacobus – East Bakersfield High School
• Mr. Eric Mercado – Foothill High School
• Mr. Michael Golich – Frontier High School
• Miss Mayra Estrada – Golden Valley High School
• Mr. Matthew Dustin Rodgers – Highland High School
• Miss Jessica Tyack – Kern Valley High School
• Miss Lynsey Fringer – Liberty High School
• Miss Janeth Medina – Maricopa High School
• Mr. Nathaniel Ketelhut – North High School
• Miss Brianna Gonzalez – Ridgeview High School
• Mr. Joseph Towe – South High School
• Mr. Evan Szablowski – Stockdale High School
• Miss Kalyn Valentine – Taft Union High School
• Miss Olivia Tanner – Tehachapi High School
• Miss Sarah Urata – West High School
• Mr. Vincent J. Oddo – Bakersfield Christian High School
• Miss Kathleen Riola – Garces Memorial High School

“The Merit Award honors the achievements of our communities’ best and brightest, and recognizes their positive achievements and inspires 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 22nd Congressional District of California Merit Award. The Merit Award was created by Congressman McCarthy 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.

Merit Award Presentation Ceremony:

Friday, May 8, 2009
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office (Board Room)
1300 17th Street, City Centre
Bakersfield, California