On June 1 the Escondido Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundation celebrated the 21-22 Rising Star scholarship recipients from Escondido’s seven high schools.
Joining the celebration were Mayor Paul McNamara, Deputy Mayor Tina Inscoe and Councilman Mike Morasco as well as Tom Stinson from Marie Waldron’s office and Adrienne Cisneros -Selekman representing Supervisor Jim Desmond.
The Rising Stars program has grown from seven scholarship awards in 2018 to 18 awards this year—including the new Rorie Johnston award named for the Chamber’s previous CEO who established the program in Escondido five years ago.
After introductory remarks from High School District Superintendent Anne Staffieri, the Foundation Board of Directors presented scholarships to 18 deserving Escondido youth.
Classical Academy HS
Gracie Penny $1,000
Valeria Deoderline $500
Lamar Webb $500
Del Lago Academy HS
Valerie Urban $1,000 Rita Sauceda $500
Escondido Charter HS Samantha Palmerin $1,000 Joshua Castaneda $500 Michael Eguche $500
Escondido HS
Kenya Jackson $1,000 Madalia Garcia $500 Alisa Kliushina $500
Silvia Orozco $500
Orange Glen HS
Bhiyu Guendulian $1,500
The Rorie Johnston Award
Roxanna Ferrer Rios $500
San Pasqual HS
Leila Loya $1,500
Kelly Salmons $500
Valley HS
Julian Ahilon $1,000
Eric Martinez $500
Escondido Rising Stars Scholarships are awarded to students with academic, philanthropic and leadership potential who have struggled through some of life’s most challenging circumstances without compromising their academic success. Since 2017, through the generous support of local individuals and sponsors, Rising Stars Scholarships have helped high school seniors who have already made a significant difference in their homes, schools, and communities with perseverance, commitment, and passion. These are Escondido students who care to get involved, share innovative ideas, and have big plans for the future, but also need our help.
The Rising Star Scholarships honor soon-to-graduate seniors from the Escondido Union High School District, which is composed of Escondido High school, Valley High School, San Pasqual High School, Orange Glen High School, Del Lago Academy of Applied Science and two charter high schools; Escondido Charter High School and Classical Academy Charter High School. These students can receive a $500 to $1,000 scholarship to increase opportunities to continue their academic and vocational aspirations.
Past scholarships have been awarded to students who have experienced foster care, homelessness, chronic illness or death of a sibling or parent, and other significant physical and emotional challenges. Yet, with the help of supports at their Escondido high schools, these students have succeeded and taken on leadership roles through their own character and drive. Rising Star Scholarships are paid directly to each awardee’s selected college, university or training program to assist in continuing their academic journeys and careers. Many scholarship recipients are the first in their family to have an opportunity for higher education.
The Escondido Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, is now seeking more sponsors to grow the number of deserving students they can help in the coming year. They invite you to attend their next scholarship presentation and breakfast (which lasts about 1-1/4 hours) to hear from the students themselves, and the principals and teachers about the many obstacles each student has overcome and the significant impact he/she has made. “Together we are creating a community of Rising Stars that are changing the future,” said a Foundation member.
If you have any questions or would like to sponsor a very deserving Escondido High School student, contact the Foundation at: Escondido Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundation (ECCCF)
ecccharitablefoundation@gmail.com