Twenty-two graduating high school seniors were celebrated at Santa Barbara National Charity League’s (NCL) annual Senior Recognition event in Santa Barbara.

National Charity League members, wearing evening gowns, lean in for a group photo. (Courtesy photo)
The 2024 NCL Senior Class has accumulated a total of 5,899 hours over the past six years, supporting local nonprofits. (Courtesy photo)

The theme of the event was A Hollywood Story, and about 450 friends and family attended to recognize the girls’ service and leadership in the community over the past six years.

The 2024 NCL Senior Class has accumulated 787 hours this year and a total of 5,899 hours over the past six years, supporting some 20 local nonprofit organizations.

NCL’s mission is to foster the mother-daughter relationship through an ongoing commitment to philanthropy, culture and leadership.

Kristine Sperling NCL chapter president, opened the evening by pointing out the challenges these seniors have navigated, including the devastating debris flow of 2018 and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Graduating San Marcos High School senior Summer Dolotta was honored as senior speaker, having accumulated the highest number of NCL community service hours for the class of 2024 since joining in 2017.

Dolotta talked about her experience, highlighting her role in creating a new philanthropy partnership with the Garden Court retirement community.

The evening included a fashion show featuring the senior and junior classes modeling styles from various local boutiques; individual senior presentations; a philanthropy slide show; and a VIP dance.

NCL expressed its appreciation to Sperling; Senior Recognition co-chairs Melinda Werner and Lynne Early; choreographer Julie Walsmith; SBCC Beauty College; and local boutiques Angel, Montecito, Wendy Foster, State Street, Wendy Foster Sportswear, Miss Behavin’, Whiskey & Leather, Dylan Star, Loveworn, Lovebird Boutique, Maison K, Evangelina Boutique, The Lotus Boutique, and Sands Boutique.