Joseph Dara-Abrams, son of Joseph and Benay Dara-Abrams of Los Altos, has been selected for membership in both the Phi Beta Kappa Society and Sigma Xi, the national honor society of students who have demonstrated research potential in a field of pure or applied science. He is a senior cognitive studies major at Carleton College in Northfield, Minn.

Kevin Stanek of Los Altos has been awarded one of two annual Barbara Emerich Scholarships by the Sixth District PTA, of Santa Clara County. Stanek, who graduated from Mountain View High School in June, received the $750 prize for his academic achievements and community service. While an MVHS student, he volunteered as a teacher’s assistant for special needs children at Arbor Bay Preschool, was a member of the MVHS Peer Mediation program, tutored Spanish-speaking students at Castro Elementary School and served as a mentor for the conflict mediation program at Oak Elementary. He also played varsity tennis.