Kieran Malik
By Remy Bailard
Arts Editor
Kieran Malik sings her way to being nominated for Student of the Year. Malik has been involved with the Costa choir program through her years at Costa participating in several of the productions that the choir program has put on. In addition, Malik is co-president of the student-directed a capella group known as Coterie.
“I feel so honored,” Malik said. “It means so much to me to know my teachers think highly of me because I’ve loved their classes and I owe them so much.”
After looking back on her years at Costa, Malik says that her favorite memory was being able to return to school in person this year. She continuously pours her heart and soul into the Costa community and is passionate about all of the classes that she takes, according to Malik. She plans on majoring in linguistics and political science in college.
“I’m proud of the effort I’ve put into both the programs I’m involved in, but also my everyday classes,” Malik said. “I love learning, and I’ve had such a wonderful experience connecting with my classmates and teachers.”
Andrew Liu
By Raven Ramsey
Theme Editor
Andrew Liu says he likes to keep busy, as he is a part of the chamber and symphony orchestras, Math Club, the National Art Honors Society and Science Olympiad. With his busy schedule, Liu rarely has free time, so when he does, he enjoys spending his time outdoors taking short walks or going on hikes to clear his mind.
“A lot of my free time primarily consists of practicing copious amounts of violin and working on origami sculptures,” Liu said. “I also really enjoy learning random math and physics concepts, too.”
Liu discovered he was a finalist for Student of the Year award after receiving an email with a finalist questionnaire. Despite taking a large role in the Costa community, Liu never made it his goal to be recognized for his actions.
“I never actively sought out to become a finalist,” Liu said. “I simply did what I wanted to do. All I can really do is unconditionally be myself. I seek to be a genuine human being, and I guess my accomplishments are a reflection that this type of lifestyle works and is sustainable.”
Nicolas Lee
By Raven Ramsey
Theme Editor
Nicolas Lee is being recognized in the Costa community for his contributions to the campus, as well as his dedication to always being open to learning new things. During school hours, Lee likes to spend his time with his Cyber Patriots Club, Science Olympiad Club, as well as studying biotechnology.
“I remember I received an email from [math teacher Jason] Robertson explaining I had been nominated for Student of the Year,” Lee said. “To me, this award signifies excellence at Mira Costa in academics and student activities.”
When he is not in school, Lee can still be found making a difference in his community, doing things like programming, reading and listening to music and podcasts. When he goes to college, Lee plans on majoring in computational biology, as he believes this field has a lot of potential and would give him the opportunity to address complex health problems.
“I am grateful for all of the wonderful instructors I had at Costa,” Lee said. “They entertained my questions and encouraged me to pursue my interests beyond the classroom. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Natalie Collicutt
By Emily von Buttlar
Features Editor
Natalie Collicutt’s various commitments in and outside of school land her at the top of the pyramid. Collicutt is currently a varsity cheer captain, editor-in-chief of Costa’s yearbook and the president of Together We Tutor Club. She has been a part of cheerleading since she was a freshman and has been editor-in-chief for the yearbook for the past two years. At Together We Tutor, she and the other members of the club tutor middle school students in math at a charter school in Inglewood.
“I was super honored and humbled to be chosen among the top five nominees,” Collicut said. “[It] was super exciting, and it felt super good, and it was very rewarding.”
Within Costa, she is also a part of Link Crew and National Honor Society (NHS). Outside of school, Collicutt spends her extra time volunteering, coaching and being a referee with American Youth Soccer Organization. In past years at Costa, she has tried to go to various sport, ASB and art events, such as band, orchestra and choir concerts. In college, she plans to major in architecture and environmental sustainability.
“I love talking with my teachers; I think over the last four years in high school I’ve tried to make good connections and always be respectful in class,” Collicut said. “I was not expecting this award at all; it was super exciting because I didn’t even know the voting was happening,” Collicut said. “I was freaking out because I just wasn’t expecting it. I was super happy that my teachers recognized me in that way.”
Audrey Lee
By Emily von Buttlar
Features Editor
Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) enthusiast Audrey Lee has been an active student in Costa orchestra, water polo and various other clubs, while encouraging more girls to be a part of STEM classes due to a gender imbalance. Lee is the president of the Math Club, Science Olympiad Club, Mock Trial Club and Robotics Club. She is also a member of the Cyber Security Club and president of Orchestra Student Leadership. Outside of school, Lee plays violin in the American Youth Symphony, a college orchestra in Los Angeles. She also participates in Beach Cities Robotics, a joint robotics team between Costa and Redondo Union students.
“It was definitely a surprise,” Lee said. “All the stuff that I did wasn’t for the purpose of trying to look good. I have a lot of passion for STEM, and I was just trying to learn as much as I can and in leadership to help people learn about STEM.”
One of the main things Lee has accomplished has been fixing the gender imbalances in STEM at Costa. According to Lee, this is a prevalent issue that needs to be fixed when girls are growing up, and high school is a big part of that. Throughout her years as a Costa student, she has seen an increase in the number of girls who are interested in these classes.
“Through the past few years, we’ve seen a gain in the number of people who are interested in [STEM] and participate and stay throughout the year,” Lee said. “I think encouraging people to take that leap and start something new, I would say that is my biggest accomplishment.”
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