Girls Inc. announces scholarship winners

Girls Inc. of Orange County held its Scholars and Awards Reception at the Costa Mesa Community Center last week.

The following are the categories and the names of the girls who won:

2012 Girls Inc. Lucille Miller Wright National Scholars: Marissa Chavez, Rancho Alamitos High School, $2,500 scholarship; Alicia Marquez, Estancia High School, $2,500 scholarship; Cristiam Marquez, Estancia, $2,500 scholarship; Edith Esparza, Costa Mesa High School, $15,000 scholarship; and Vanessa Singh, Canyon High School, $15,000 scholarship.

Excellence in Self Expression Award: Dharaa Upadhyaya, first place ages 12 to 14, $100 stipend for her drawing “Together We Can!” and Miranda Ashly Lewis, first place ages 15 to 18, a $100 stipend for her work “A bright future with Girls Inc.”

Donna Brace Ogilvie Poetry Awards: Olivia McFayden, honorable mention ages 6 to 8 for “Sky”; Emilu Cohen, first place ages 6 to 8, $100 stipend for “Monkey Bars”; Skylynn Gonzalez, first place ages 9 to 11, $100 stipend for “Family”; and Jenna Shapiro, first place ages 15 to 18 with a $750 scholarship for “Silence in Spaces”

Strong, Smart and BoldSM Young Woman Award: Monigue Molina, ages 9 to 11, and Isabella Rosado, ages 12 to 14

Strong, Smart, and BoldSM Alumna Award: Arlene Catalan

Excellence in Management Staff Leadership: Kimber Simons, operation services director

Excellence in Program Staff Leadership: Kimberly Harnish, children and family services manager

Excellence in Board Leadership: Gena Reed, president emeritus, board of directors

—Staff Reports

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