Encinitas 'Rising Stars' Honored During Chamber Of Commerce Event

ENCINITAS, CA — Five Encinitas students were honored during the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce's first Rising Star of the Month event of the school year.

The event recognized Mariana España from San Dieguito High School Academy, Erik Shamsedeen from Torrey Pines High School, Dorothy Monahan from Canyon Crest Academy, Kimball "Kimo" Oh from La Costa Canyon High School, and Lauren Chemtob from Sunset High School.

The Rising Star program is a monthly breakfast that honors seniors from the five local high schools in the San Dieguito Union High School District. The students have "shown a promise and passion for community leadership and involvement, and embody outstanding qualities such as integrity, a commitment to their education, and the ability to overcome adversity," according to the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce.

The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce partnered with MiraCosta College this school year to host and sponsor the monthly breakfasts. The students were recognized Sept. 6 and joined by their families, school officials and government officials, including Encinitas Deputy Mayor Joy Lyndes, sheriff's Capt. Christopher Lawrence, and Fire Chief Josh Gordon.

All Rising Star students will have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship that will be awarded in May at the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce's annual Salute to Education event.

Photo caption: Shannon Bradley, representing Congressman Mike Levin from California's 49th congressional district, presents the San Dieguito Union High School District's Rising Stars certificates of recognition. L to R: Shannon Bradley, 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.