Editorial

Teenage years are difficult. But throughout their four years of high

school, Newport Beach’s top 32 seniors made it look as if it was easy to

get a 1,400 on the SAT, play trumpet in the school band and score that

winning touchdown.

And as if they had any spare time between studies, sports and a social

life, many of these ever-active teens also volunteer at local charities,

helping underprivileged children with their homework and playing piano

for senior citizens.

They have been honored extensively in the last few months as they prepare

to complete their illustrious high school careers. And this week, their

local community took part by recognizing 15 Newport Harbor High School

students and 17 Corona del Mar High School students as Academic

All-Stars.

Much-deserved accolades were bestowed upon them at the 39th annual

Scholarship Awards Breakfast this week.

The bunch was impressive, to say the least. They boast grade point

averages that we didn’t even know could get so high -- 4.17, 4.24 -- have put in their valuable time at myriad charitable organizations and are

choosing between universities like Harvard, Yale and Stanford.

As students, they not only survived the grueling academics, but excelled

in their classes. They faced peer pressure -- looked it in the eye and

stared it down -- and decided to be leaders and not followers. They

juggled the importance of academics with sports, at which most of them

have also excelled. And they also found time to emerse themselves in

school spirit. Have fun. Be kids.

They have made their community proud.

And now, these high school seniors have reached a precarious transition

in their lives. They hover, clinging to the securities of childhood while

reaching for the ambitions of adulthood.

Judging from what they have accomplished so early in their lives, we’d

say that their futures look bright.

And because of that, so do ours.