The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce recognized dozens of students and teachers from schools across the community during its 29th annual Salute to Education ceremony on May 7, including awarding eight $1,000 scholarships to previously honored high school seniors.
Held in partnership with Rancho Santa Fe Security Systems, the annual event honored 24 students and 18 teachers, according to a Chamber news release.
The scholarship recipients were selected from the Chamber’s Rising Star program, which recognizes students who have overcome personal challenges while demonstrating academic achievement and leadership. The eight seniors receiving scholarships this year were Joely Klaristenfeld and Ben Du of Canyon Crest Academy, Shiri Adato of La Costa Canyon High School, Jason Gallant, Dirsa Hernandez Gregorio and Lluvia Marcial Del Angel of San Dieguito High School Academy, and Jiwon Ryu and Sadaf Barekzai of Torrey Pines High School.
The event also recognized students from elementary and middle schools in and near Encinitas, including The Grauer School, Oak Crest Middle School, Earl Warren Middle School and several campuses within the Encinitas Union School District and San Dieguito Union High School District.
Awards were presented by representatives from congressional, state, county and city offices alongside Chamber leadership.
The event was co-hosted by Carol Knight, chief executive officer of the Chamber, and Denise Mueller, chief executive officer of Rancho Santa Fe Security Systems. Chamber Board Chairman Michael Glenn also participated in the presentations.
“The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce extends its congratulations to all honorees and thanks the educators, families, sponsors, and community leaders who continue to support student success and educational excellence throughout the region,” the organization stated in its news release.
-
All teachers honored by the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce on May 7, pictured left to right: Julie Bassler, Oak Crest Middle School; Lizzy Woods, La Costa Canyon High School; Amy Masuda, Earl Warren Middle School; Jason Moldovan, Diegueño Middle School; Katie Andan, La Costa Heights Elementary School; Crystal Ojeda, Encinitas Country Day School; Ricky Ruiz, Ocean Knoll Elementary School; Kristie Mahin, El Camino Creek Elementary School; Erica Bulis, Paul Ecke Central Elementary School; Tom Hopper, The Grauer School; Hanna Byrne, Flora Vista Elementary School; Samantha Kerr, Park Dale Lane Elementary School; Heidi Martin, Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School; Amy Price, Ada Harris Elementary School; Sabrina Santolalla, Capri Elementary School and Christina Filia, Canyon Crest Academy. (Encinitas Chamber photo)
-
All students honored by the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce on May 7, pictured left to right: Back Row: Rising Star Scholarship Recipients Jiwon Ryu, Torrey Pines High School; Jason Gallant, San Dieguito Academy; Lluvia Marcial Del Angel, San Dieguito Academy; Shiri Adato, La Costa Canyon High School; Joely Klaristenfeld Canyon Crest Academy; Ben Du, Canyon Crest Academy and Salute to Education Student Ben Volk, The Grauer School. L to R: Front Row: Tyler Kelting, Park Dale Lane Elementary School; Addie Piccotti, Capri Elementary School; Maddie Friedrichs, Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School; Sandra McLellan, Earl Warren Middle School; Anna Sokoloff, Ada Harris Elementary School; Reece Adams, Ocean Knoll Elementary School; Casey Lange, La Costa Heights Elementary School; Trent Horne, Mission Estancia Elementary School; Sasha Chokshi, Flora Vista Elementary School; Rising Star Scholarship Recipient Dirsa Hernandez Gregorio; Rishi Sharma, Diegueño Middle School and Matthew Mauer, El Camino Creek Elementary School. Not pictured: Rising Star Scholarship Recipient Sadaf Barekzai, Torrey Pines High School. (Encinitas Chamber photo)
-
Encinitas Chamber of Commerce Rising Star 2026 Scholarship Recipients, pictured left to right on May 7: Encinitas Chamber of Commerce CEO Carol Knight; Encinitas Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Michael Glenn; Rising Star Scholarship Recipient Jiwon Ryu, Torrey Pines High School; Lluvia Marcial Del Angel, San Dieguito Academy; Jason Gallant, San Dieguito Academy; Shiri Adato, La Costa Canyon High School; Dirsa Hernandez Gregorio, San Dieguito Academy; Joely Klaristenfeld Canyon Crest Academy; Ben Du, Canyon Crest Academy; Encinitas Chamber Board Member Roueida Matin; Encinitas Chamber of Commerce Board Member Gabe Rebelo and Encinitas Chamber of Commerce Board Member Beth Friel. Not pictured: Sadaf Barekzai, Torrey Pines High School. (Encinitas Chamber photo)
-
Encinitas Chamber of Commerce CEO Carol Knight (left) and Rancho Santa Fe Security Systems CEO Denise Mueller co-host the Chamber’s 29th annual Salute to Education event on May 7. (Encinitas Chamber photo)
