Friday morning in the Morris B. Vance Community Room at the Vista Civic Center was the scene of a catered breakfast for a number of high school students from various schools in Vista. Parents, school administrators, teachers, community and civic dignitaries, friends and guests honored the scholarship recipients of Vista Chamber of Commerce Rising Star of the Year awards. This year the Chamber was able to award monetary amounts to each student who applied.
The early morning event began with a welcome by Vista Chamber of Commerce CEO Rachel Beld who thanked those in attendance for being at the event to honor the high school seniors. This is the 9th year the Chamber has awarded scholarships to graduating seniors who have been recognized as Rising Star winners and who have applied for the scholarships. Rachel pointed out that Vista is the first Chamber to begin the Rising Star program in San Diego County. The program originated at Temecula Valley High School in 1992, when Sally Meyers brought the program to the Temecula Chamber.
Vista School District Dr. Matt Doyle led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and then said a few words about the importance of the program and also encouraging the students to return to Vista when they graduate from college to bring their enthusiasm and expertise back to Vista. Rachel pointed out that the Chamber has recognized 48 Rising Stars during the year at monthly breakfasts and she thanked Dr. Bronner’s Magical Soaps for sponsoring the breakfast this morning. This year the Chamber has awarded $24,000 to the 17 applicants for the scholarships. The Rising Star Program Sponsors were also recognized – Tri-City Medical Center, Watkins Wellness, Cal State San Marcos, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, Dr. Matt Doyle, J&R Auto Body and Paint, Joe Green and Green Team Realty, Tory Walker and Tory R. Walker Engineering, Nick Ljubic Memorial Scholarship Fund, North County Daily Star, Santa Fe Dental, Kiwanis Club of Sunrise Vista and Vista PEO Chapter. Rachel also thanked a number of dignitaries in attendance from Vista City Council and the City of Vista, the Vista Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Vista Unified School Board of Trustees, County, State and National political offices. Former Vista Mayor Judy Ritter was also in attendance. Vista Mayor John Franklin thanked those in attendance and also reiterated the hope that many of the graduates would return to Vista after their college degrees were completed.
The Rising Star Scholarship Award winners were then announced. A representative from each of the high schools gave a short presentation about the winner and some of the winners gave a short acceptance, including their future plans after graduation, after the award was presented.
Award of Merit – $750 scholarships
Melissa Soria – Major General Raymond Murray High School
Harmanpreet Singh – Guajome Park Academy
Tevon Sesay – Guajome Park Academy
Mya Beecher – Guajome Park Academy
Distinguished Female Award – $1,000 scholarship
Kimberly Delgado – Vista High School – attend U.C. Santa Barbara majoring in social work
Nikolas Ljubic Awards – $1,000 to $1,500 scholarships
Brittany Martinez Martinez – North County Trade Tech High School – attend Palomar Jr. College then a medical school majoring in ultra-sound technology
Samantha Schwalbe – Mission Vista High School – attend Cal State Long Beach majoring in sports psychology
Liam Jones – Vista High School – attend Cal State San Marcos then run the family business
Evan Fogel – Vista High School – attend either U.S.D or Univ. of Arizona majoring in aerospace engineering
Jacqueline Jacobo – Guajome Park Academy – attend U.C.L.A. majoring in political science
Rising Stars of the Year – $2,000 scholarships
Khalif Kamil – Mission Vista High School – attend U.C.L.A. majoring in psychobiology
Hieu Kelly – North County Trade Tech High School – attending Mira Costa College majoring in computer design and machinery
Javiyah Moliga – Vista Visions Academy – Mira Costa College majoring in nursing
Ezra Oshima – Rancho Buena Vista High School – Chico State Un. majoring in musical theatre
Josephine Ortega – Major General Raymond Murray High School – Mira Costa College then Cal State San Marcos majoring in elementary education
Simarpreet Kaur – Guajome Park Academy – U.C. Riverside majoring in political science and administrative studies
Michelle Aguilar – Vista High School – Palomar Jr. College then transferring, majoring in Business economics
If you or anyone you know might be interested in sponsoring this special program contact the Vista Chamber of Commerce at 760-726-1122.
