Four SDUHSD Students Honored as Rising Stars

Encinitas Chamber recognizes exceptional high school seniors for integrity, leadership, and community service

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce celebrated four outstanding high school seniors from the San Dieguito Union High School District at its February Rising Star of the Month Breakfast. The Rising Star program honors local students who demonstrate integrity, community and school involvement, love of learning, and the ability to overcome challenges without compromising their education.

Why it matters

The Rising Star program aims to recognize exceptional students who serve as role models in their schools and communities. By highlighting these students' achievements, the Encinitas Chamber hopes to inspire other young people to strive for excellence and make positive contributions.

The details

The four February 2026 Rising Star honorees were Ben Du from Canyon Crest Academy, Mason Jones from La Costa Canyon High School, Sindy Morales from San Dieguito Academy, and Anthony Kim from Torrey Pines High School. Each student was recognized for their academic accomplishments, leadership skills, and community involvement.

  • The Rising Star program has been running for four years, with 102 students honored and 17 scholarships awarded so far.
  • The February 2026 Rising Star Breakfast was held on February 4, 2026.
  • The Chamber's Salute to Education event, where scholarships will be awarded to Rising Stars, is scheduled for May 7, 2026.

The players

Encinitas Chamber of Commerce

The local chamber of commerce that runs the Rising Star program to recognize exceptional high school students in the San Dieguito Union High School District.

Ben Du

A student at Canyon Crest Academy who was honored as a February 2026 Rising Star for his integrity, leadership, and community involvement.

Mason Jones

A student at La Costa Canyon High School who was honored as a February 2026 Rising Star for his academic achievements, leadership, and commitment to tolerance and kindness.

Sindy Morales

A student at San Dieguito Academy who was honored as a February 2026 Rising Star for her academic excellence, community service, and dedication to supporting her fellow students.

Anthony Kim

A student at Torrey Pines High School who was honored as a February 2026 Rising Star for his exceptional artistic talent, innovative thinking, and technical ingenuity.

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What they’re saying

“Ben Du, CCA's ASB executive president, models our school's vision for our students to be 'Creative, Confident, Accepting, and Future-Ready' with integrity and distinction.”

— Britt Killeen, Principal, Canyon Crest Academy (News Release)

“Mason is an exemplary student who has developed tremendously over the course of his four years at LCC. He is a crucial member of our AVID program's student leadership team and a voice on campus for tolerance, respect, and kindness.”

— Justin Conn, Principal, La Costa Canyon High School (News Release)

“Sindy Morales is a standout candidate for the Rising Star Program because she combines academic excellence with a genuine commitment to her community. As a second-year Peer Assisted Listener (PAL), she provides vital emotional support to fellow students.”

— Dr. Kelly Gilbert, Interim Principal, San Dieguito Academy (News Release)

“Anthony Kim is a standout Rising Star whose achievements blend exceptional artistic talent with innovative thinking. His ability to turn academic research into real-world impact reflects a rare combination of creativity, leadership, and technical ingenuity.”

— Rob Coppo, Principal, Torrey Pines High School (News Release)

What’s next

The Chamber's Salute to Education event on May 7, 2026 will award scholarships to the Rising Star honorees.

The takeaway

The Encinitas Chamber's Rising Star program celebrates the next generation of community leaders, highlighting students who excel not only academically, but also in their character, service, and positive impact on their schools and neighborhoods.