Graduation season is fast turning into summer as high school students turn the tassel and face the sometimes uncertain world of applying and paying for college. For two local graduates, this was made just a little bit easier when they won the essay contest held for attendees of Real Life Church. Sponsored by the Santa Clarita Valley Auto Dealers Association, the contest sought to honor those students with strong leadership and character qualities.

This year’s winners are Josh Kimball of Canyon Country and Audrene McMahon of Stevenson Ranch. Kimball has attended Real Life since it began in 2000 and spent many years volunteering in the Children’s Ministry and Production departments. McMahon has attended Real Life since 2009 and been an active volunteer in both the Children’s Ministry and the Junior High Ministry.

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Each received a $1,500 scholarship to the college of their choice from the SCV Auto Dealers Association. Don Fleming, president of the Association, is a friend and associate of Real Life lead pastor, Rusty George.

“Both students have shown exceptional qualities in leadership and will represent our church and community well in their futures,” said Steve Meyers, Student Ministry Pastor.

Kimball will attend Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego in the fall, and McMahon will attend Westmont College in Santa Barbara.

Real Life is a non-denominational church planted by Shepherd of the Hills Church, Porter Ranch. Real Life seeks to “help people find and follow God” in Santa Clarita and the world. The Student Ministry department hosts a service especially for high school and college students, called GENERATE, which meets Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, click here.