Bret Schanzenbach
President & CEO
Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
In September, 2019 we launched our Rising Star of the Month program to honor local area high school seniors for demonstrating character, integrity, love of learning, involvement in school and community activities and the ability to overcome challenging life circumstances without compromising their education. Throughout the school year, nearly 40 high school seniors from six different high schools were recognized for making a difference in their home, school and community. And, we are pleased to announced that six of our Rising Stars were acknowledged this week with $1,000 scholarships as our Rising Stars of the Year. I would like to introduce them to you.
Aaliyah Rivas (La Costa Canyon High School) was a four-year participant in her AVID program at LCC. She is passionate about working with kids and wants to help all kids experience school as their “favorite place.” Her list of community service activities is quite extensive. She will attend MiraCosta College in the fall and plans ultimately to be an Elementary School Teacher.
Edward Gardner (Carlsbad High School) was the Salutatorian for his graduating class. While at CHS Edward initiated a program called “Best Buddies”. Each week the club members would spend time with special needs students to create an environment of inclusion so that all students could feel welcome on campus. He wants to expand his legacy of “giving back” by attending Dartmouth in the fall and studying Economics. Edward hopes to run a nonprofit to assist them on the business side so they can continue their great work.
Luis Jofre (Carlsbad High School) just moved to Carlsbad last year. He had lost his mom not long before he had to leave his homeland in Venezuela. But despite not knowing the language or culture, he got involved in his high school right away. He never let his obstacles hold him back with school. He plans to attend MiraCosta in the fall, then transfer to a UC School and study Business Administration.
Samantha Low (Sage Creek High School) was the Valedictorian of her graduating class at Sage Creek. She has a passion for the environment. Samantha wants to dedicate her life to protecting our world and making a difference. She also believes in balancing social justice with environmental justice. In the fall she will attend UCLA and study Environmental Science with the hope of going into Environmental Health as a career.
Sofia Hart (Pacific Ridge School) was Student Body President at Pacific Ridge her senior year. When she was younger, she experienced bullying for her race, which has led her to become a staunch advocate in working for those who are underprivileged and in promoting cross cultural relations. She plans to study International Relations at USD and intends to become either a teacher or a nonprofit leader.
Mary Fangman (Pacific Ridge School) is passionate about trying to encourage people “to do right in the world.“ She was a major contributor to Pacific Ridge’s Mock UN program. This drive for justice has led her to focus on Political Science or Economics at St. Olaf College in the fall. Ultimately, she plans to attend law school and become a Child Advocate Attorney to help those who need to escape domestic violence and abuse.
Congratulations to all our Rising Stars of the Year. We look forward to seeing your star shine brightly in the future and we hope you bring your light to Carlsbad and San Diego North County.