Kiwanis gives Hope of America awards

The Simi Valley Kiwanis Club recently presented the 2007 Hope of America Award to students in 25 Simi Valley public schools and five private schools.

Awards are given to students in grades six or eight. Students are selected for outstanding leadership ability, ethical and moral character, achievement in academic studies, and a promise of future success and service to their community.

The award winners are Megan Sharpe of Abraham Lincoln, Genevieve Pollock of Arroyo, Haley Kohn of Atherwood, Hailey Kreitzman of Big Springs, Courtney Schwab of Crestview, Maggie Oaks and Daniel Schaffer of Garden Grove, Danny Alvarez of Hollow Hills, Keilyn Recheck of Justin, Katherine Lin of Katherine, Byron Rietveld of Knolls, Larissa Less of Madera, Amelia Wilber of Mountain View and John Peachey of Parkview.

Also Austin Stepelton of Santa Susana, Natalie Rodriquez of Simi Elementary, Cassidy De Witt of Sycamore, Gabrielle Biasi of Township, Trevor Newton of Vista, Erica Nadler of White Oak, Grace Melvin of Wood Ranch, Tim Gutierrez of Hillside, Kaitlyn Lykins of Sinaloa, Frank Fleming of Valley View, Stephanie Schussman of Good Shepherd, Drake Blaisdell of Grace Brethren Elementary, Tanner Reibenspies of Grace Brethren High, James O'Neil of Pinecrest and Sara Meis of St. Rose of Lima.