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# Two Santa Monica students honored as KABC 'Cool Kids' for community service
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/022405-story-20050224-4/
- Published: 2005-02-24T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T06:10:00.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Community, Santa Monica, #archive-import, Homeless

*By Daily Press staff*

There are two “cool kids” in our midst. Santa Monica students Ivy Kuperberg and Michelle Mahanian were honored by Greenlight Financial Services and KABC for their contribution to the community. The students each received $1,000 educational scholarships on Feb. 5 at a luncheon at KABC studios.

“Cool Kids” is a program designed to recognize extraordinary students between the ages of 14-18, who are performing what are considered exceptional services for their community.

Kuperberg was chosen to be a “Cool Kid” for her extensive volunteer work at several local charitable organizations, including Sojurn Services for Battered Women and children; Upward Bound House — a homeless shelter; and Camp Holiday Trails, where she was a camp counselor, helping kids with illnesses enjoy the experience of summer camp.

Kuperberg was also recognized for her participation on Santa Monica High School’s cross country team and symphony orchestra. She is currently a freshman at Rice University.

Mahanian was chosen for founding a program called “Music to Heal.” The program enables instrumental and choral musicians from various high schools to perform for patients in hospitals and rehabilitation shelters, bringing joy to those who are suffering or ill. Additionally, Mahanian also has demonstrated overall academic excellence with a GPA of 4.25 and ranked fourth in a class of 500 at Palisades Charter High School.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 24, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/022405.pdf?ref=smdp.com)