Kiwanis awards scholarships to area students

Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley has awarded scholarships to the following 2007 high school graduates:

Andrew Garcia of Apollo High School will attend Moorpark College and plans to major in business. He led a project that raised money to help educate children in Afghanistan this past year. His parents are Danny and Debbie Garcia.

Jessica Hernandez of Apollo High School plans to attend Moorpark College and major in animal training and photography. For her community service she fostered kittens and found appropriate homes for them. Her mother is Suzanne Hernandez.

Jeff Chuang, a Simi Valley High School graduate, will attend UCLA and plans a career in medicine. He has participated in peer tutoring and Key Club. He is the son of ChyiWoei Chu.

Jessica Reyes of Simi Valley High School will attend Pierce College. She plans to work with children. Her community volunteer experience was at the Institute of Equestrian Therapy and also as part of the Teachers of Tomorrow program. Nancy and Tony Reyes are her parents. Stasi Harrell is a Royal High School graduate who will attend USC and major in print journalism or predentistry. She worked on many service projects, including Special Olympics bowling, senior citizens, Relay for Life team captain, peer tutoring and Key Club. Her mother is Nancy Harrell. Samantha Russell of Royal High School plans to attend Western Washington University and major in marine biology and biochemistry. Her community involvement included her church youth group, choir and confirmation mentor, and high school Key Club president. Her parents are Jay and Deanne Russell.

The Kiwanis Scholarship Committee consisted of Keith Barker, Ellie Kokotos, Roberta Leap and Mary Martin.