In a year filled with the unexpected, one thing has been constant: the rigorous pursuit for excellence among Carpinteriaâs most ambitious teenagers. Among this cohort of exceptional Carpinteria young people are three seniors, Laura Flores, Isa Alarcon and Luke Williams, who have been selected as finalists for Jr. Carpinterian of the Year, an honor bestowed annually to one graduating senior by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce.Â
Flores, Alarcon and Williams have excelled in academics, sports and civic engagement, and each will receive a scholarship from the chamber. The student named Jr. Carpinterian of the Year will receive a $4,000 scholarship and each of the two finalists will receive $1,500 scholarships.Â
Housing and Development Newsletter
Alarcon has been accepted to 14 universities so far and plans to attend New York University to pursue a degree in criminology.
“I am beyond honored to be recognized as a Girls Inc. National Scholar,” said Alarcon. “I have been involved with Girls Inc. since the seventh grade, and at that time Girls Inc. was my safe space playing a vital role in improving my mental health and encouraging me to pursue my career and academic goals.
“My intent growing up was always to become a role model and inspire my younger cousins, so I appreciate this award greatly knowing that I am impacting girls and women all around me.”
Housing and Development Newsletter
“I immediately felt comfortable at Girls Inc. because I found a safe place to learn about my sexuality and discuss my mental health, Alarcon said. Its approach to mental health, the mentorships I’ve received through one-on-one conversations, and the group check-ins are resources that have uplifted me.”
Local business owner and author Jenny Schatzle, creator of Bond Fitness (formerly the Jenny Schatzle Program), was tapped as the keynote speaker. She energetically jumped on stage donned in white athletic shoes, which she said she needed as her speaking style was to be comfortable and move around a lot.