Kiwanis Club of Costa Mesa honors local scholar-athletes
COSTA MESA, Calif. — On October 19, 2023, the Kiwanis Club of Costa Mesa recognized and honored these exceptional Scholar-Athletes from Estancia High School and Costa Mesa High School in an awards luncheon. The award recipients are not only leaders on the field, court, or pool, but also in the classroom. These are the Scholar-Athletes of the Month for September and October 2023.
Estancia High School
Brooklyn Hawlish: Senior, Cheer, GPA 4.0
“Brooklyn is a 4-year cheerleader and a 2-year Varsity Cheer captain at Estancia with an unmatched ability to lead on the mat and on the sidelines. She has been cheering for over 10 years with the local Pop Warner program and is one of our most experienced cheerleader. Brooklyn has a talent of finding a need and filling it, and solving problems. We have 100% faith in her to complete any task given to her and to keep her teammates in line, all while cracking jokes or performing some random strange dance moves. She has no fear of speaking her mind when a situation is unfair or not right. She has received the Future Leader award from her peers at every banquet since her freshman year. Not only does Brooklyn jump at every opportunity to participate in community service, but she was also one of 4 recipients for the community activism pin last year. Brooklyn is smart and responsible academically and currently has a 4.0 GPA. Nearly all of her teachers at Estancia know her on a first name basis and has great things to say about her. She is nurturing, loving, kind, sensitive, hardworking, determined, silly, and a beautiful young woman on the outside but more importantly on the inside. Her ability to overcome and persevere in all the trials she’s faced continually impresses her coaches, and we can’t wait to see her take on her dreams as she moves out of state for college next fall.” -Coach Alexis Hawlish
Trey Sanchez: Senior, Football, GPA 4.0
“Trey is a four-year player and current captain for Estancia High School Football. This year, Trey enjoys playing both sides of the football field on offense and defense. He has thus far had 7 receptions for 122 yards, 2 touchdowns, 21 tackles, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. Trey has become a leader on and off the gridiron, and many players look to Trey for guidance and inspiration and that is part of the legacy he will leave. He has also earned the respect of the coaches and staff. Off the field, Trey enjoys being part of Estancia’s EMA program, spending time with his friends and family, and being involved with his church. He has the pleasure of having a twin sister at Estancia who is also a student- athlete. Trey intends to pursue a career as a firefighter in the near future. We are extremely proud to have had Trey in our football program and wish him the best. Congratulations.” -Coach Mike Bargas
Riley Witte: Senior, Football, GPA 3.8
“Riley is one of Estancia’s finest athletes and is entering his fourth year as a two-sport player in football and baseball. This is his second year as the starting quarterback and team captain for football. This year, he has amassed 953 passing yards, 115 rushing yards, thrown eleven TD’s and rushed for six TD’s. Rylie has been a solid leader on the field and his hard work is finally paying off. Perhaps more impressive than his stats on the field is his off the field success, with a 3.8 GPA. Next year, he hopes to pursue a career in the construction industry, and perhaps take over the family business. Rylie has a magnetic personality and has shown great loyalty to the program and his teammates. He enjoys hanging out with his friends and attending sports events with his family. We are proud to have him lead Estancia Football this 2023 season. Congratulations.” -Coach Mike Bargas
Costa Mesa High School
Sydney Ngo: Senior, Girls Golf, GPA 4.0+
“Sydney is an exceptional golfer and a well-rounded student athlete. She has represented Costa Mesa in CIF four years in a row, which is a testament to her consistently high level skill and dedication to excellence in golf. Sydney is consistently a medalist in competitions and is among the top performers in her category. She demonstrates her commitment to academics carrying over a 4.0 GPA every year, an important aspect of being a student-athlete. Serving as the captain of the golf team for two years highlights her leadership skills and her ability to inspire and lead her teammates effectively. Sydney is respected by both her teammates and opposing team players as well as coaches, and she is a role model and a positive influence in her sporting community. Sydney Ngo is an outstanding individual who excels not only in golf, but also as a leader and contributor to her community.” – Coach Marlon Liotta
Vanessa Castillo: Senior, Girls Volleyball, GPA 4.0
Vanessa has been selected as one of our captains by her teammates. She consistently works hard each and every day, asks questions, and strives to get better. Trust is so important. This is a player I know I can trust, and who will represent the school well. She will be there for her teammates and will give it everything she can. She helps run our social media account and communicates with her teammates. Currently she has straight As, while taking on difficult AP classes. Vanessa is part of our ASB as well. She is a leader in sports, academically, in the classroom and our school community as whole. We are lucky to have people like Vanessa in our volleyball program. – Coach Jillian Rifkin
Brett McDonough: Senior, Football, GPA 3.0
“Brett McDonough has been an integral part of Costa Mesa’s Varsity football team. He has showcased his leadership skills both on the field and in the classroom. Brett is a humble, hard working, and quiet leader who leads by example. He has had to become a vocal leader in times of need. He is always the first one on the field and last one off, asking questions to the coaches and being engaged. He is looking to join the Marines after he graduates from Costa Mesa High School in June. Congratulations to Brett and his accomplishments throughout his four years at CMHS.” – Coach Gary Gonzalez
Wes Brazda: Senior, Boys Water Polo, GPA 4.0
Wes is a four-year varsity water polo player. I have the opportunity to coach Wes since he was 7 years old in club water polo. He currently leads the team in goals and steals, and is a leader on the team and on campus. He also excels in academics and has been involved with ASB for 3 years. Wes has stepped up into a leadership role, as the glue piece of the team, making sure athletes are on time to practice, and when other team members have an issue or problem, they can go talk to him first and he can help solve the problem. I couldn’t be more proud of the man he’s become and I can’t wait to see where he goes in the future.” – Coach Dustin Serrano
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