Kiwanis Club of Costa Mesa recognizes Estancia HS and Costa Mesa HS athletes
COSTA MESA, Calif. — Each month, the Kiwanis Club of Costa Mesa recognizes and honors exceptional Scholar-Athletes from Estancia High School and Costa Mesa High School. The award recipients are not only leaders on the field, court, or pool, but also in the classroom.
On October 20, 2022, these stellar Scholar-Athletes were honored in a special Kiwanis award ceremony, meeting in person for the first time in over 2 years.
Estancia High School
Naomie Quinonez: Senior, Cheer, GPA: 3.11
“Naomie Quinonez is a four-year senior cheerleader and one of our co-captains. She is a great mentor to the younger cheerleaders, a confidant with her peers, and a wonderful friend to all. She’s a quiet leader who is always willing to step up when asked. Naomie is also part of Link Crew on campus and is someone whose smiling face we in cheer look forward to seeing each and every day. We are so proud of her and cannot wait to see all that she accomplishes in the future.” – Coach Alexis Hawlish
David Bautista: Senior, Football, GPA: 4.05
“David is a senior wide receiver this year. David was chosen because of his hard work on and off the football field. He has a 4.05 GPA. He is taking AP Calculus, ERWC, Econ and, most importantly, my Health class. On the field, he has 20 receptions for 145 yards. He hopes to get into UCSB next fall. His other collegiate choices include Oregon, UCSD and UCI. David is an exceptional young man who was on the team last year, but did not see the football field due to a torn ACL during his Junior year. This year he has made an impressive comeback, both on the field and in the classroom. We are extremely proud of David representing Estancia High School.”-Coach Mike Bargas
Matteo Evans: Junior, Water Polo, GPA: 4.29
“Mateo is an outstanding student-athlete that demonstrates leadership and promise in all avenues of his educational journey. Mateo is currently receiving A’s in his 5 AP classes. It is incredible to see a young man manage his academic courses and be a dedicated athlete. Mateo is our captain of the water polo team as a Junior. He leads our team by example; never misses practice, gives 100% in every game, and motivates his teammates. His commitment to the team and his education do not go unnoticed.”-Coach Amber Peters
Costa Mesa High School
Natasha Ruiz: Senior, Volleyball, GPA: 3.5
“Natasha was selected because of the hard work she puts into the classroom and into her sport. More importantly the quality of her character is what make Natasha unique. She cares for her teammates, shows up every day to work hard , and leads through example. Our program is better because Natasha is a part of it.”-Coach Jillian Rifkin
Gagan Bhopal: Senior, Tennis, GPA: 4.4
“I’m very happy that Gagan Bhopal is a recipient of the Kiwanis Athlete of the Month award this quarter. She is a four year player in the CMHS Girls Tennis program and plays the integral role as Varsity Captain this year, and It has been my pleasure to be her Coach. I have coached Gagan these past two years and have witnessed how she has matured into a confident, accomplished leader, both on the tennis court and off of it. She gives 100% every practice and for every match, and serves to inspire, motivate, and support her fellow players, especially the younger members of the team. For all that she has contributed to Girls tennis, Gagan is a straight A student holding a cumulative GPA of 4.4. She is a member of the NHS and Girl Scouts as well as President of the Mock Trial Club and Co-President of the GSA Club. Her accomplishments extend to serving the community by volunteering with young children and the less fortunate. Gagan has all the great qualities it takes to achieve everything that she sets her mind to and her future looks very bright!”- Coach Low Taylor
David Calix: Senior, Football, GPA: 3.5
“David Calix sets the standard for student-athletes at CMHS. His hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed with both his teachers and coaches. David has managed to achieve a 3.5 GPA and is Captain of the CMHS Football Team. David will also be competing in Wrestling during the winter season and plans to go far in CIF. He has a plan to go to Santa Ana College where he wants to wrestle and continue to play football. From there, David plans on transferring to a four-year university. Our coaching and teaching staff are extremely proud of David Calix.”- Coach Gary Gonzalez
Wes Brazda: Senior, Water Polo, GPA: 4.0
“Wes Brazda is a team leader that everyone looks up to. Not only does he excel in the pool, but he carries a 4.0 GPA in the classroom. He is currently ranked 14th nationally with 87 goals and 42 steals. Wes is the catalyst of the team and adds that spark that is needed to kick it into another gear. Wes holds himself to a higher level and is shows in his work ethic and dedication.”- Coach Cody Serrano
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