The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce held its fifth Rising Star of the Month event for the 2024-25 school year on Feb. 5. The Chamber again partnered with MiraCosta College’s San Elijo campus which hosts and sponsors the monthly breakfasts honoring exceptional seniors from the local high schools in the San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD).
The honorary program recognizes high school seniors 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, SDUHSD students are celebrated at a recognition breakfast. All Rising Star students have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship which will be awarded by the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce at their annual annual Salute to Education event on May 15, according to a news release.
The Encinitas Chamber’s Rising Stars honored were Stefan Grossfeld, Canyon Crest Academy; Riley Platenberg, La Costa Canyon High School; Joel Perez, San Dieguito High School Academy; Lia Doaniass, Sunset High School; and Gary Ying, Torrey Pines High School. Their families and local officials were in attendance, including Diana Kutlow representing Senator Catherine Blakespear; Robson Winter representing Assemblymember Tasha Boerner; Luke Shaffer, City of Encinitas Councilmember District #1; and Encinitas Chamber of Commerce CEO Sherry Yardley.
Meet the students:
Stefan Grossfeld, Canyon Crest Academy
“Stefan, a former Pacific Trails Middle School student, discovered a sense of belonging during a visit to Canyon Crest Academy (CCA),” said Principal Brett Killeen in the news release. “Our welcoming staff and community left a lasting impression, inspiring him to foster that same inclusivity throughout his time at CCA. Stefan’s commitment to making others feel welcome is demonstrated through his involvement in JumpStart, Homeroom, Student Senate, and varsity golf and soccer teams.”
Riley Platenberg, La Costa Canyon High School
“It is hard to imagine how Riley manages to schedule out her day with all of her responsibilities and activities,” said Principal Justin Conn in the news release. “In addition to taking an extremely advanced course load, and achieving remarkable grades, Riley is a leader on our national championship-level dance team, and an integral part of our CIF flag football team and soccer team. She is the definition of school involvement and she takes on all of her duties with joy and grace.”
Joel Perez, San Dieguito High School Academy
“Joel has experienced tremendous growth throughout his high school tenure, showing his dedication to being a successful leader with a bright future,” said Principal Cara Dolnik in the news release. “As part of AVID for four years, he took on academic challenges to push himself in his learning. He showed his perseverance in retaking classes as needed to ensure he did his absolute best. He took on a leadership role this year in helping his counselor start a Guys Support Group to create a safe space for open conversation to support younger students. In sharing his experience, he encouraged other students to create goals to overcome their own challenges. He is a role model for responsibility and compassion for all.”
Lia Doaniass – Sunset High School
“Lia’s arrival at Sunset was spurred by unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances, yet she has made the most of her situation and she is a force of positivity and optimism on campus,” said Principal Rick Ayala in the news release. “Lia has immersed herself in the culture of our school and she leads others by example and also with her voice. She is actively involved in activities on campus that serve to benefit other students and she is well respected by her peers and the staff. Lia wants to make the world a better place and she has definitely enhanced the Sunset experience for all of us.”
Gary Ying, Torrey Pines High School
“Not only is Gary a curious, thoughtful student with a real passion for learning, but he is also a kind, empathetic classmate,” said Principal Rob Coppo in the news release. “His boundless energy and positivity are infectious, and he brings a thoughtful and curious mind to every discussion. He’s a leader among his peers and a source of inspiration, consistently striving for excellence while maintaining a warm and supportive attitude toward those around him. He is the kind of person who would literally do anything for his classmates. In fact, his physics teacher had to remind Gary to take a moment to finish his own work before walking around the room helping his classmates understand the material.”
MiraCosta College is the Rising Star of the Month event sponsor. Scholarship and donors are MiraCosta College, California Coast Credit Union, Ting and AT&T. Gift donors include Broad Street Dough Co., California Coast Credit Union, Chick-fil-A, Chipz Happen, Community Resource Center, Gelato 101 Encinitas, MiraCosta College, Red Door Escape Room, Sambazon Acai Bowls and Ting. Cardiff Reef Café provided the delicious breakfast. Go to www.encinitaschamber.com/events/rising-star/ for more information on how you can donate and be a part of enriching and uplifting the community.