WHAT: The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first Rising Star of the Month event for the 2023-24 school year Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 8:00 A.M. The Chamber has partnered with MiraCosta College this school year who will host and sponsor the monthly breakfasts honoring exceptional seniors from the five local high schools in the San Dieguito Union High School District.
The honorary program recognizes five high school students who have demonstrated character, integrity, love of learning and involvement in school and community, and/or have overcome challenging life circumstances without compromising their education. Each month during the school year, additional San Dieguito Union High School students will be celebrated at a recognition breakfast. All Rising Star students will all have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship which will be awarded in May, 2024 at the Encinitas Chamber’s annual Salute to Education event.
WHO: The Encinitas Chamber’s Rising Stars being honored are Dorothy Monahan from Canyon Crest Academy, Kimball “Kimo” Oh from La Costa Canyon High School, Mariana España from San Dieguito High School Academy, Lauren Chemtob from Sunset High School and Erik Shamsedeen from Torrey Pines High School. Their families and local city officials will be in attendance, as well as Encinitas Chamber of Commerce CEO Sherry Yardley, Encinitas Chamber of Commerce Board members and San Dieguito Union High School principals and district officials.
WHEN: September 6, 2023
8:00 A.M. – 9:00 A.M.
WHERE: MiraCosta College San Elijo Campus
3333 Manchester Avenue
Conference Room #1131
Cardiff, CA 92007
MiraCosta College is the Rising Star of the Month Event and Breakfast Sponsor. The Cottage Encinitas is a Scholarship Donor. Gift donors include Gelato 101 Encinitas, The Baked Bear, Sambazon, Ki’s Restaurant, Broad Street Dough Co., Chick-fil-A, Cox Communications, Raising Cane’s and the Community Resource Center (CRC). Go to https://encinitaschamber.com/
San Dieguito Academy – Mariana España
“Mariana will be a first-generation college student for her family,” said Principal Cara Dolnik. “She has taken advantage of every opportunity given her by enrolling in AVID and multiple AP classes. She has shown a willingness to get involved and develop her leadership skills by becoming a Link Leader to welcome incoming SDA freshmen, taking part in RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards), and taking a leadership role in our AVID Club. She is a welcoming and helpful young lady whose goal is to become a teacher. Her spirit and dedication make her a Rising Star!”
Sunset High School – Lauren Chemtob
“Lauren has stood out as a person of character and integrity since she first arrived at Sunset as a freshman,” said Principal Rick Ayala. “She has a level of maturity that is uncommon for teenage students. Whether it’s in the classroom or as a representative of the school in extracurricular activities, Lauren serves as a model for other students to follow. She leads by example, and students and staff recognize and admire the way she carries herself. Lauren is also very personable and it’s easy to get to know and like her. Students like Lauren make everyone’s job at Sunset even more enjoyable and a lot easier because you can always count on her to do what’s right. Lauren has been a Rising Star for a long time, but she’s still moving up and her future is bright.”
Torrey Pines High School – Erik Shamsedeen
Canyon Crest Academy – Dorothy Monahan
“Dorothy is a highly involved student at CCA,” said Principal Brett Killeen. “She is a co-anchor for CCA -TV and is a member of the Envision Conservatory Drama.”
La Costa Canyon High School – Kimball “Kimo” Oh
