The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce celebrated four exceptional high school seniors from the San Dieguito Union High School District at this month’s Rising Star of the Month Breakfast, held Dec. 3 at MiraCosta College’s San Elijo Campus.

Now in its fourth year, the Rising Star program recognizes local seniors who demonstrate character, integrity, leadership, and perseverance—qualities that make them true role models in their schools and community. Since the program began, 98 students have been honored, with 17 scholarships awarded. Honorees are recognized monthly throughout the school year, with all Rising Stars invited to apply for scholarships that will be awarded at the Chamber’s Salute to Education event in May 2026, according to a news release.

“Every month, these students remind us why investing in young people matters,” said Carol Knight, CEO of the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce, in the news release. “Their stories of resilience, service, and leadership inspire our entire community, and we are honored to help support their futures.”

December 2025 Rising Star Honorees:

Joely Klaristenfeld: Canyon Crest Academy“Joely is an incredibly humble but high-achieving student at Canyon Crest Academy,” said Assistant Principal Jaime Garman in the news release. “She has maximized her high school experience by participating in CCA-TV and our Recording Arts pathway. She has served as a leader on her cross-country team, fostering an inclusive and supportive culture. She showed amazing determination recently, competing in the rain at the CIF championships, where she placed 3rd overall, and our team won the CIF championship. She is a terrific human being and is a great model for our school’s values; we are very proud of her!”

Shiri Adato: La Costa Canyon High School“Shiri has done it all at LCC,” said Justin Conn, principal in the news release. “She is heavily involved in our incredible theatre company, leads other clubs on campus, and has an impeccable academic record. More importantly, Shiri is a person of incredible character and integrity who leads by example in the classroom and beyond. Her joy of learning is contagious.”

Yanira Morales: San Dieguito Academy“Yanira is a remarkably selfless, mindful, and empathetic student whose character is defined by a deep desire to listen and help people with emotional problems, guiding her interest toward a major in sociology and a career in social work,” said Interim Principal Robert Shockney in the news release. “Her resilience is a source of immense pride, demonstrated by her ability to push through personal hardships, including past academic struggles, to achieve success and a strong work ethic. This drive led her to take on leadership roles, such as being co-president of the Having a Voice club and secretary of the AVID club, where she embraces the ‘good type of pressure’ that motivates productivity and allows her to positively influence younger generations. She balances her academic interests, which currently include a fascination with the social science aspect of microeconomics, with creative outlets like running, singing, and reading fantasy books to gain new perspectives.”

Jenny (Jiwon) Ryu: Torrey Pines High School“Jenny is a special student,” said Principal Rob Coppo in the news release. “What stands out is her spirit. Jenny leads with curiosity, humility, and a genuine desire to make the world a better place. She founded and leads our Biology Olympiad Club not because she wanted a title, but because she wanted other students to discover the same sense of wonder in science that she feels. She volunteers weekly at Scripps Green Hospital, represents her culture at Balboa Park, and offers her musical gifts as a violin soloist at her church.”

The chamber partnered with MiraCosta College ~ San Elijo again this school year which is host and sponsor of the monthly breakfasts. Families, school officials, elected representatives, and community leaders joined the chamber in applauding these students’ achievements, the news release stated.

For more information on the Rising Star program or to learn how you can support student scholarships, visit encinitaschamber.com/events/rising-star.