Shirley Wild: Kiwanis Club of Bixby Knolls/North Long Beach 2026 Student Awards Luncheon

The Kiwanis Club of Bixby Knolls/North Long Beach gathered for a luncheon at The Grand on June 2 to once again honor exceptional local middle school students for their scholarship and standout citizenship — the 29th years it’s done so.

The event was organized by Secretary Roger Leue, with seamless support from Assistant Chair Marco Marano, bringing together families, educators, and Kiwanis members to applaud young people.

President Myra Kremen presented three $2,000 Key Club Scholarship Awards, celebrating the achievements of the outstanding young leaders: Camila Gomez and Ashley Ramirez ofJordan High School, along with Olivia Cruz of Rancho Dominguez Preparatory School. Each received recognition for their dedication to academics, service, and leadership. Gomez willbe heading to Cal State San Jose, Ramirez to Cal Poly Pomona, and Cruz to Cal State Long Beach.

Forty-two middle school students from Hamilton Middle School, Hughes Middle School, Lindbergh STEM Academy, Perry Lindsey Academy, Colin Powell Academy, St. AthanasiusSchool, and St. Barnabas School were honored for their character and commitment to their school communities. Each were introduced by their principals or assistant principals.

Special guests included Salvador Madrigal from the Long Beach Unified School District office; Shannon Johnson from the Fifth City Council District office; Jo Etta Little from the Eighth City Council District office; also a representative from the Ninth City Council District office. More were, Commissioner Hailes Horacio Soto of the Los Angeles County CitizensRedistricting Commission; and Tom Underwood and Marian Saffrey from the Cal Heights Neighborhood Association.

Seen at the scene: Scott Ostergren, Marco Marano, Roger Leue, David Lalonde, Myra Kremen, Tony Diaz, Carey von Gremp, and Janice Guevara.

By Shirley Wild | [email protected] | Press-Telegram
PUBLISHED: July 19, 2026 at 6:30 AM PDT