The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce’s 27th annual Salute to Education took place May 23 at founding sponsor Rancho Sante Fe Security Systems, Inc. headquarters. Each year, the event highlights outstanding achievements in education by teachers and students from public and private Encinitas schools. Awards for the students and teachers were presented by the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce, Encinitas Mayor Tony Kranz and representatives of congressional, state and county offices. This year, for the second time, select Rising Star high school students received a scholarship at the event.
Twenty-two students and 19 teachers were honored. Recognition and awards for the students and teachers were presented by Encinitas Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Richard D. Marks, owner of Rancho Sante Fe Security Systems and founder of Salute to Education Denise Mueller, Encinitas Mayor Tony Kranz and representing Congressman Mike Levin: Shannon Bradley; representing Senator Catherine Blakespear: Matt Rubel; and representing Assemblymember Tasha Boerner: Ross Tritt. City of Encinitas Councilmember Joy Lyndes, District #3, and San Dieguito Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Anne Staffieri were also in attendance.
The Rising Star seniors that received scholarships are (reports on the students from their schools):
CANYON CREST ACADEMY: Sheila Menon – Salute to Education Honoree and Rising Star Scholarship Recipient
“Sheila is an exemplary leader who is an effective advocate for the student voice. She excels as a student in our CCA 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 has presented in front of the Board of Trustees and our staff at CCA.”
LA COSTA CANYON HIGH SCHOOL: Michael Christensen – Salute to Education Honoree and Rising Star Scholarship Recipient
“Michael’s community involvement is beyond compare. He has started numerous clubs focused on community service – including the JustServe club at LCC. He has led beach clean-ups, worked with elementary youth, and is always looking for ways to make his school and his community better. Michael spent time this past summer in Washington D.C. working on a healthy school lunch initiative. He truly does it all.”
SAN DIEGUITO ACADEMY: Ruben Duarte – Salute to Education Honoree and Rising Star Scholarship Recipient
” As President of the Hispanic/Latinx Club at SDA, Ruben has had far reaching influence with cultural and community events celebrating our students including the Quinceañera Fashion Show and Car Show as part of the Cultural Heritage Festival. His involvement in the SDA Music community, both as part of the Jazz Band and as part of the student band Powder, demonstrates his well-rounded talents Mustangs are well known for. Ruben plans to continue his community involvement after graduation and will be a leader in creating safe and welcoming environments for all involved.”
SUNSET HIGH SCHOOL: Kaede (KADE) Ward – Salute to Education Honoree and Rising Star Scholarship Recipient (Unable to Attend)
“Kaede is an outstanding young man and he has definitely made his mark at Sunset. He has not only excelled academically, he also made positive contributions to the school community with his extracurricular work. Kaede’s positive attitude, excellent work ethic, and efforts to support others serve as a model for others to follow. He treats every student and staff member with kindness and respect and he has all of the traits you would want in a leader. Kaede is a rising star who undoubtedly will continue to shine as he moves on to bigger and better things after high school.”
TORREY PINES HIGH SCHOOL: Kyra Dominguez – Salute to Education Honoree and Rising Star Scholarship Recipient
“Kyra Dominguez is a remarkable student leader who has made a significant impact on the TPHS community by advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion on campus. In her leadership roles in the Black Student Union, the AVID club, Link Crew and the rugby team, Kyra fosters an inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds feel welcomed and valued. Kyra is deeply invested in her education. She not only seeks to get the most out of her own high school experience, she actively takes steps to ensure others have an amazing experience, too–both current and future Falcons alike!”
The Chamber thanks its founding sponsor Rancho Santa Fe Security Systems and Rising Star sponsors MiraCosta College, The Cottage Encinitas, California Coast Credit Union, Encinitas Rotary Club, the Encinitas Historical Society and EDCO., and its community partners Minuteman Press Encinitas for helping to provide printing, Board & Brew for providing food and Business Blossoms for providing carnations to all honorees. —Encinitas Chamber of Commerce news release
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