Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Honors Its Rising Stars
Recently the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce held a breakfast honoring a very special group of Carlsbad’s young people who were named the Rising Stars of the Month for October. This monthly event brings the community together to recognize high school seniors who have displayed exceptional character by overcoming challenges in their lives to make a difference in their homes, schools, and communities.
The force behind this new program is the Chamber’s President and CEO, Bret Schanzenbach. “There are many students in our community who face great adversity, but they find ways to be successful and to give back by helping others. We felt that it was important to recognize these exceptional students.”
Sage Creek High School’s Samantha Low was introduced by principal Jesse Schuveiller. “Samantha exemplifies our school motto ‘Be You. Be your B.E.S.T.’ as a true leader and person of integrity who takes the initiative to advocate for environmental issues.” The president of SCHS’s Environmental Club, Samantha has taken the lead on local and global climate change issues, and has organized campus activities around the worldwide climate strike, all with her positive attitude. Rachel Merino-Ott, her AP Literature teacher, says, “Samantha speaks with consideration and deliberation. She believes in the power of citizens’ voices to bring about change, whether it is advocating for a water bottle refill station on campus, or joining the protestors in Hong Kong.” Samantha plans to study Environmental Science at the University of San Diego, saying, “I want to speak out for action against the devastating effects of climate change to the best of my ability, always asking, ‘Are we there yet?’”
When Alex Gregorio Lopez arrived in Carlsbad from Guatemala three years ago he spoke no English. Raised by his grandparents, he did not see his parents for many years But he learned to persevere and developed a strong work ethic to get good grades. Alex is now taking challenging courses at CHS and a dual enrollment class at MiraCosta College—all while working full time. On top of that, he finds time to volunteer to help homeless people. “I want to thank my grandparents and the teachers at my school for being there for me. I am going to study International Business at MiraCosta College, and then serve my country in the Marine Corps.” Alex’s ELD teacher, Phil Martinez, told of a moving presentation Alex made to his class. “Your dreams can come true, too,” he told his classmates. ”No matter how hard you have to work to reach your goals, you have to keep trying.”
Earlier, in September, the first Rising Stars breakfast honored three other outstanding students. Carlsbad High School student Ana Laura Flores was nominated by her teacher Lauri Britton, who says, “Ana Laura is an outstanding person, student, and soccer player. Although she has had some personal obstacles, she does not let this hold her back from taking challenging courses, mentoring younger students, and earning the highest grades. She is focusing on doing her best in high school, and preparing to attend Sonoma State University.”
Sage Creek High School Counselor Megan Corazza nominated Hayat Abdelwehabh for “her soft-spoken leadership, compassionate soul, and academic diligence.” She was a child who spoke no English when her family immigrated to Carlsbad from Ethiopia. She is now an academically successful student, aspiring to be the first in her family to attend college. Ms. Corazza says, “Hayat is an active member of the AVID program, helping 9th & 10th-grade students with their homework and supporting them with her positive encouragement and genuineness.”
Also nominated as Rising Stars in September were Olivia Stephens, a student at La Costa Canyon (LCC) High School. Sophia Hart from Pacific Ridge School and Aaliyah Rivas from LCC were nominated in October.
“What I love about all of these kids is that they serve as role models and mentors to other students at school,” said Schanzenbach. “They may have gotten knocked down a notch, but they stayed on track and took the next step. And they made an impact.”
