March Rising Star Suraya Knott Surprised with a New Car

We are thrilled to share an inspiring update about one of our past Rising Stars, Suraya Knott, who recently received a life-changing gift—a new car! Suraya, who was honored earlier this March by the Escondido Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundation, has continued to exemplify the resilience and determination that defines the Rising Stars program.

Suraya’s story was recently featured in a CBS 8 news article titled “Car donated to Escondido teen who faced many challenges“, where she opened up about the hardships she has overcome and the incredible support she has received from the community. Growing up with an unreliable vehicle, Suraya often worried about her safety and ability to continue pursuing her dreams. Thanks to the generosity of the Escondido Police Officers Care Foundation, Rotary After 5, and the Rising Stars program, Suraya now has a reliable 2016 Toyota Camry to help her along her journey.

For those who want to hear Suraya’s moving Rising Stars speech and learn more about her journey, we’ve embedded the video below. We hope it inspires you as much as it has inspired us. As Suraya continues to chase her dreams, including her goal of becoming a 911 dispatcher, we wish her all the best. We know she will continue to rise, no matter the obstacles in her path.