Berkeley Mayor's Awards Celebrate Student Achievement

Students from Berkeley High School, B-Tech and Independent Studies won awards, applause and accolades as recipients of the Mayor’s Annual Student Awards May 22.

The event recognizes achievement five categories: citizenship, community service, sportsmanship, fine arts, and academics.

The program began a decade ago when community leader Salvador Murillo began searching for a way Berkeley might honor the accomplishments of students who often fall under the radar. Murillo pitched the idea to then-Mayor Shirley Dean, along with a check to pay for the first event.  Mayor Tom Bates embraced the idea and has carried on the program for the past six years.

See the Photo Gallery.

Each year, the event has grown. This year honors were bestowed upon more than 225 high school students at UC Berkeley’s Pauley Ballroom. 

The students, in turn, feted parents, springing to their feet in a standing ovation.