The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce held its fifth Rising Star of the Month event for the 2023-24 school year on Feb. 7. The chamber has partnered with MiraCosta College’s San Elijo campus this school year who hosts and sponsors the monthly breakfasts honoring exceptional seniors from the local high schools in the San Dieguito Union High School District.
The honorary program recognizes 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 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.
The Encinitas Chamber’s Rising Stars honored were Sheila Menon from Canyon Crest Academy, Cordi Henigan from La Costa Canyon High School, Lochland McStravick from San Dieguito High School Academy, Ginger Sage from Sunset High School and Maya Alam from Torrey Pines High School. Their families and local city officials were in attendance, including Matt Rubel, representing Senator Catherine Blakespear; Robson Winter, representing Assemblymember Tasha Boerner; San Diego County Sheriff Captain Christopher Lawrence; Encinitas Chamber of Commerce Community Relations and Membership Director Carol Knight; Encinitas Chamber of Commerce Board members and San Dieguito Union High School principals and district officials were also in attendance.
Meet the students:
Canyon Crest Academy: Sheila Menon
“Sheila Menon is an exemplary leader who is an effective advocate for the student voice,” said Principal Brett Killeen. “She excels as a student in our academic and arts programs, including our Conservatory Program in Theater Arts, but she has also been a key change agent in promoting Diversify Our Narrative, an organization aimed at making curricular experiences for students inclusive. She is organized, professional, committed, and passionate about making a difference in our world, and she is a great listener. She has presented in front of the Board of Trustees and our staff at CCA, and, perhaps this is the greatest praise we could give her - she's a terrific teacher!”
La Costa Canyon High School: Cordi Henigan
“Cordi is extremely involved in school - through academics, clubs, and Band,” said Principal Justin Conn. “She is an IB Candidate at LCC as well.”
San Dieguito Academy: Lochland McStravick
“Loch possesses a rare combination of academic excellence, commitment to leadership and dedication to the community,” said Principal Cara Dolnik. “He served as SDA's ASB President, leading initiatives that fostered an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. His empathy coupled with his introspective nature lends to his thoughtful, kind and ambitious nature. Over his high school tenure, he has shown he can adapt to evolving circumstances and lead with genuine enthusiasm and optimism. Loch is sure to make an impression in the future!”
Sunset High School - Ginger Sage
“Ginger Sage is a star in so many ways and her resiliency and strength through challenging times serve as an inspiration for others,” said Principal Rick Ayala. “She has always been an outstanding student, but it’s her growth as an individual that sets her apart from many of her peers. Ginger has evolved into a strong and confident young lady who is eager to tackle any obstacle she faces with gusto and determination. Through hard work, she has paved a path for herself that is lined with success. Ginger is proud of her journey and she is ready to conquer her future. She is excited about the next steps in college and there is no doubt more success is coming her way. Congratulations, Ginger!”
Torrey Pines High School – Maya Alam
“Maya is an incredible example of what it means to be a Rising Star at Torrey Pines High School,” said Principal Rob Coppo. “Coming from an immigrant family, Maya has come to embrace the importance of human connection. She is an advocate for social justice, involved with Mock Trial, founder of the South Asian Student Union, volunteer at Casa Amistad, and an athlete. Aside from her volunteer work she has many academic successes including perfect scores on her last 5 AP exams.” — Encinitas Chamber of Commerce news release
This story originally appeared in Encinitas Advocate .
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