Congratulations to Mira Costa High School alumna Rachel Hang-Rothman, who has been named a 2026 Milken Scholar, earning a $10,000 award in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement, leadership, community service, and perseverance.

Rachel is one of just 10 college-bound students from across Los Angeles County selected for this prestigious honor. In addition to the financial award, Milken Scholars receive lifelong access to college advising, career counseling, internship assistance, community service opportunities, and other resources designed to support their academic and professional journeys.

During her time at Mira Costa, Rachel turned a personal challenge into an opportunity to explore a new passion. After an e-bike accident forced her to step away from competitive tennis, she founded the Fashion Narrative Club, creating a space for students to explore the role fashion plays in personal identity and society. She also served as co-vice president and networking chair of Mira Costa’s Entrepreneurship Insights Club and participated in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy and Manhattan Beach Youth Council.

Rachel’s commitment to serving others extends throughout the broader community. She developed fashion education programs for young people through the Richstone Family Center and Indivisible Arts, creating curricula, organizing fashion shows, and raising funds to support underserved youth. She later expanded the program to the Redondo Beach Teen Center and is working toward establishing her own fashion nonprofit and organizing clothing drives.

An AP Scholar with Distinction, AP Capstone Diploma candidate, California Seal of Biliteracy recipient in French, and member of both the National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation, Rachel will attend Cornell University to study business and plans to pursue a career as an entrepreneur.

We are proud to celebrate Rachel and this incredible achievement as she begins her next chapter. Congratulations, Rachel!