Five local students were honored in the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce Rising Star of the Month Program

The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce hosted their Rising Star of the Month program on January 12th at event sponsor Piña Encinitas in the Moonlight Plaza Shopping Center. The honors breakfast recognized five 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, according to a news release.

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 that will be awarded in May 2023.

Encinitas Rising Stars honored were Daria Sopot of Canyon Crest Academy, Elizabeth “Gracie” Mineiro of La Costa Canyon High School, Lena Daitch of San Dieguito High School Academy, Veronica Hughes of Sunset and Irini Ampelas of Torrey Pines High School ( who could not participate in the event due to a flight cancellation). Their families and local officials were in attendance, as well as Encinitas Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sherry Yardley, Encinitas Chamber of Commerce board members, and City and San Dieguito Union High School principals and officials.

This month’s Rising Star sponsors included event sponsor Piña Encinitas, breakfast sponsor MiraCosta College, and scholarship sponsors Encinitas Rotary Club, e3 Consulting and Premier Martial Arts. Gift donors included Mr. Moto Pizza, Cox, Blenders Eyewear, Concept Surf Shop, MiraCosta College, Chick-fil-A, Broad Street Dough Co., Community Resource Center (CRC), Raising Cane’s and 101 Republic. Go to encinitaschamber.com/events/rising-star/ for more information.

“Daria is an incredibly thoughtful, bright and independent young woman,” said Brett Killeen, principal of Canyon Crest Academy. “As Arts Host on CCA TV, Daria brought such warmth, sincerity, and excitement to her role. Her open-minded and friendly spirit travels far beyond the screen, and she can be found on campus, greeting everyone from peers to staff with a big smile . Many at CCA can speak of Daria’s passion, tenacity and talent, but what really sets her apart, as we can all see so clearly, is her heart.”

Elizabeth “Gracie” Mineiro, LCC

“Gracie is an omnipresent presence on the LCC campus,” said Justin Conn, principal of La Costa Canyon High School. “She helps others as a leader in our PALs program and is a fixture in comedy, sports and theater productions. She brings joy to the classroom through her humor, wit and kindness.”

“Lena loves being involved in school and has been a vibrant servant leader in the ASB/Leadership class for the past four years,” said Cara Dolnick, Principal of San Dieguito High School Academy. “She works hard behind the scenes to help support and build others by planning and implementing school-wide events and activities. She is kind, compassionate, and values ​​diversity and inclusion. Lena is also a leader in our Culinary Arts program; as Associate Chef she benefits from mentoring other students in the classroom and coordinates the production of food for school-wide events. She is reliable, responsible and proactive in her work. She is a special student who is a role model for others!

“Veronica represents everything you want from your students,” said Rick Ayala, principal of Sunset High School. “She models consistency in everything she does. Veronica shows up every day with a positive attitude and produces high quality work in all her classes. Her teachers rave about her level of commitment and character. Veronica is a gift to Sunset, and she makes it a better place.”

Irini Ampelas, Torrey Pines (not pictured due to flight cancellation)

“Irini Ampelas is a wonderful part of our TPHS community, embodying kindness, caring for others and thoughtful leadership,” said Rob Cappo, principal of Torrey Pines High School. “Irini is what student teachers dream of having in their classroom – she uses her time wisely, participates in class discussions, works well with everyone she is paired with, advocates for herself and is always willing to help her classmates. Irini’s maturity and personal demeanor makes her a leader in the TPHS Associated Student Body (ASB). Her giving nature has been evident since a young age. In addition to being a caring and supportive member of her family and community, Irini has raised money for health organizations and for , who experience homelessness.” — News release from the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce