Les Miller Outstanding Student Awards

To get into the breakfast honoring the top students in Costa Mesa this morning, a 4.0 grade-point average just won’t cut it. These students shattered the 4.0 scale while they mastered community service, athletics and other skills to be honored as the best students at Costa Mesa schools.

The 29th Annual Les Miller awards at 7:15 a.m. this morning at the Costa Mesa Hilton showcase the top students from Costa Mesa, Estancia, Monte Vista, Back Bay and Orange Coast Middle College high schools, as well as the top athletes and students from Vanguard University and OCC.

The top students at each school receive the Les Miller award, named after the first principal of Costa Mesa High School and one of the founders of the banquet that began honoring students in 1979 on behalf of the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce.

The first awards honored the top four students from Costa Mesa and Estancia and 35 people attended the breakfast, said Hank Panian, an original member of the committee who created the awards.

Now the event attracts about 125 guests and not only honors the top four students from both Costa Mesa High School and Estancia, but includes a salute for all students in the top 5% at both schools.

“Once you see the biographies of these young people, I am glad I don’t have to compete with them,” Panian said.

Daniel Tedford

COSTA MESA HIGH SCHOOL

Elliot Sneen

Activities: Participated in drama for three years, Math Engineering Science Achievement, Madrigal Choir for four years, competed in varsity tennis for four years and has served as junior class vice president, Associated Student Body first vice president and captain of the tennis team. Off campus he has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Elliott plans to attend Sonoma State University, majoring in business, music and theater.

GPA: 3.63

Carlos Perez

Activities: Played in the marching band, advanced band, jazz band and drumline. Much like his school activities, when he is off campus, he has participated in numerous band tournaments. Carlos plans to attend Fullerton College before transferring to Cal State Fullerton to complete his music studies.

GPA: 3.10

Tracey Wagner