Newport Beach Foundation announces first class of high school scholars

Funded by its board members and other community leaders, the Newport Beach Foundation scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors from Corona del Mar High School and Newport Harbor High School. These individuals demonstrate leadership, commitment to improving the Newport Beach community and have an interest in returning to Newport Beach after their next phase to share their talents.

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Photos courtesy of Newport Beach Foundation

Ryan Bartz, Corona de Mar High School scholar

The inaugural class of Newport Beach Foundation Scholars are:

–Ryan Bartz, Corona del Mar High School

–Tara Zadeh, Corona del Mar High School

–Miles Marquez, Newport Harbor High School

–Annie Somers, Newport Harbor High School

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Tara Zadeh, Corona de Mar High School scholar

“I see the scholarship as a way to highlight and support those students who are extraordinary and who we, as a community, want and need to remain in Newport Beach as a way to ensure Newport Beach continues to be a leader in business, civics and innovation, and not just a vacation destination,” said Antonella Castro, vice chair of the Newport Beach Foundation.

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Miles Marquez, Newport Harbor High School scholar

Despite the challenges brought on in 2020, the program received 50 quality applications, and the Foundation awarded four scholarships as opposed to the initially planned two. The scholarships were broken down to two $2,500 recipients and two $1,000 recipients. Awardees must attend the Spring class session of the Distinguished Citizens Program (DCP). Their participation in the DCP grants them personal access to the City of Newport Beach’s civic and business leaders. Following completion of the Spring class, Newport Mayor Brad Avery will present a certificate of completion and a pin, and the Newport Beach Foundation Scholars will receive their monetary award.

Annie Somers, Newport Harbor High School scholar

These students all exhibited unique leadership qualities and commitment to others, heading their sports teams, volunteering, leading the student protest to reopen in-person learning, serving as a mentor to others while overcoming personal challenges and all while achieving academically.

The Newport Beach Foundation is a nonprofit philanthropic organization strengthening the current and future community leadership through education, research and advocacy thereby enhancing the quality of life for all residents and visitors. For more information and to get involved, visit www.nb-foundation.org.