By Lookout Staff

June 6, 2012 -- The 90-year-old Rotary Club of Santa Monica handed out more than $8,500 in scholarships at its monthly luncheon June 1.

During the event, which was held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica, the scholarship money was divided among 11 students chosen “based upon a combination of academics, community service and school activities,” Rotary Club officials said.

“Santa Monica is fortunate to have so many academically talented and community minded students in the area who have a shared goal of personal growth and civic responsibility,” said Sharon Perlmutter Gavin, who co-chairs the club's Scholarships/Awards Committee.

Among those honored was Santa Monica College (SMC) student Heather Adams, who won the $1,000 Nick Holt scholarship, named for a former Rotary Club vice-president.

SMC students Isabella Gabrovsky and Elisabeth Jennings each received the $750 Archie Morrison Scholarship.

Santa Monica High School was also represented. Yan Li, Lizette Mendez and Brian Kong, all SAMOHI students, were each presented with $1,000 scholarships, in honor of past Rotary Club presidents Russell Hart.

Anahid Julieta Girbal from St. Monica High School, Mason Kukuczka-Carnow from Olympic High School, and Antonio Rhee from New Roads High School also were each awarded $1,000 scholarships.

It wasn't just the big kids who got to play, either.

Inaara Hashim from John Adams Middle School and Chandler David of Crossroads Middle School each got a $100 Citizenship Award.

In addition, each of the honorees had a chance to meet with their benefactors at Friday's luncheon.

“The applicant pool was very competitive," Gavin said. "It was a welcome challenge to select such deserving students.”

The students were selected by a committee appointed by the Rotary Club Board of Directors.

Currently, the Rotary Club Foundation has more than $550,000 in assets, and has donated more than $300,000 to local charities and organizations, according to club officials.

Rotary Club of Santa Monica meets each Friday at 12 p.m. at the Riviera Country Club, 1250 Capri Dr., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272.

For more information call 310.917.3313 or visit www.rotaryclubofsantamonica.org.