RISING
STAR
Oceanside Students Recognized as Rising Stars by Local Business Community
Three stars were visible in the morning sky on Nov. 2 when the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce recognized seniors from three Oceanside high schools through its inaugural Rising Star student recognition program. The students, selected by their school’s educators, embody the mission of the program: “Convening the business and education community to honor Oceanside seniors for rising above adversity by demonstrating character, integrity, school and community engagement that make our city shine like a star.” Scott Ashton, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce’s CEO and event emcee, said they are hosting the Rising Star program as part of its larger workforce development initiative. “Through this student recognition and providing higher education scholarships, we are focused on engaging with our K-12 educational partners to ensure a strong workforce pipeline for our Oceanside business community,” Ashton said.
Julissa, Vanessa, Gia
The breakfast at El Corazon
34 | Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Journal
Senior Center featured speakers such as Mayor Esther Sanchez (pictured top right) and Superintendent Dr. Julie Vitale. Event sponsors and members of the Oceanside chamber’s board of directors attended. Representatives for elected officials presented each student with a certificate of recognition. KUSI and The Patch covered the event. The event highlight, however, was when the honorees individually addressed the audience. Introduced by her principal, Skyler M. Garrahy, Julissa Beltran Ramos from Oceanside High School was the first to speak and it was clear to all that she has risen above her challenges. She spoke poignantly of her traumatic home life and being “forced to grow up at the age of 9” but she gave credit to her mother for starting a new life. Although she struggled academically and emotionally, Julissa said she found her voice. She said she is grateful for her struggles because she has grown resilient despite them and has found hope and a purpose for her life. Julissa’s plans are to enter medical school and to study emergency medicine. Her mother listened carefully at the table to her daughter’s words of strength and courage, and then shared a loving tribute through an interpreter. Gianna Stafford from El Camino High School was described by her principal, Eileen Frazier, as making a transformation from a quietly defiant student involved in unhealthy relationships, to a student who was mature, focused, and confident. When asked what brought on this change, Gia simply said she wanted a better life and had goals she wanted to achieve. Now, Winter 2022 | www.oceansidechamber.com
