Before the time for world traveler Rick Steves, left, to present a lecture as part of the Town Hall Lecture Series, senior Ricky Lopez, center, and junior Nick Avery, right, take a chance to interview Steves at the William Saroyan Theater’s lobby, Oct. 20.

Teachers from high schools across the San Joaquin Valley were encouraged to submit names of seniors with high academic achievements to qualify for the Town Hall Merit Award Program through the Town Hall Lecture Series. Journalism adviser Greg Stobbe nominated Lopez for this honor. The program is meant to recognize and reward academic excellence.

Along with students from eight other schools, Lopez’s name was called in recognition by Town Hall Education Co-chair Joan Schoettler from the podium before Steves’ lecture. A $500 scholarship will be awarded to one senior during the April Town Hall lecture, April 20.

For more information on the Town Hall Lecture Series, read the Oct. 13 article, Rick Steves to give Town Hall lecture. For more photos of Steves, check out ‘Living out of a Suitcase.’