Eight high school seniors from four San Dieguito Union High School District campuses were recognized for academic achievement, leadership and community involvement during the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce’s Rising Star Student Recognition Breakfasts in October and November.

The chamber honored four students Nov. 4 during its third breakfast of the 2026-27 school year at MiraCosta College’s San Elijo Campus in Cardiff. They were Genevieve Freiwald of Canyon Crest Academy, Emily Ginsberg of La Costa Canyon High School, Nikki Minasian of San Dieguito High School Academy and Hailey Godinez of Torrey Pines High School.

“These students represent the very best of our community,” chamber CEO Carol Knight said in a Nov. 12 news release. “Their accomplishments extend well beyond the classroom.”

Freiwald was recognized for leadership in student government and athletics, as well as her interest in biotechnology and food science.

“Known as ‘Genergy’ for her infectious positivity, Genevieve combines academic curiosity with compassionate leadership,” Canyon Crest Principal Brett Killeen said in the chamber’s announcement. Freiwald is an Associated Student Body leader and volleyball captain.

Ginsberg, an International Baccalaureate diploma candidate at La Costa Canyon, was recognized for advanced mathematics, autism research and creating an adaptive dance program for people with disabilities.

“She created an adaptive dance program promoting inclusivity, particularly for individuals on the autism spectrum, and hopes to expand it nationwide,” Principal Karen DuBerke said. Ginsberg has also presented autism research to UCLA.

At San Dieguito Academy, Minasian serves as president of the Creative Writing Club, founded the Glee Club and participates in school and community theater.

“Nikki balances a challenging advanced course load with leadership, school involvement and a passion for theater,” Advanced Placement teacher Rebecca Gallow said. Minasian plans to pursue journalism and the arts.

Godinez, a Torrey Pines video production student, works as a videographer, editor and interview anchor for the school’s Falcon Vision broadcast program. She also mentors younger students and, as a varsity cheerleader, leads the Sparkle cheer team for students with disabilities.

“Hailey leads with empathy, resilience and dedication across academics, athletics and media arts,” Principal Kelly Gilbert said.

Students honored during the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce’s October Rising Star recognition breakfast gather with chamber and city officials on Oct. 7. From left are Encinitas Chamber of Commerce CEO Carol Knight; honorees Ethan Leem of Canyon Crest Academy, Tyler Blackledge of La Costa Canyon High School, Sarah Charles of San Dieguito High School Academy and Timothy Chang of Torrey Pines High School; and Encinitas Mayor Bruce Ehlers. (Courtesy photo)

October honorees

The chamber also recognized four seniors during its Oct. 7 breakfast at MiraCosta’s San Elijo Campus: Ethan Leem of Canyon Crest Academy, Tyler Blackledge of La Costa Canyon High School, Sarah Charles of San Dieguito Academy and Timothy Chang of Torrey Pines High School.

“These four students exemplify the qualities that define a Rising Star,” Knight said in the chamber’s Oct. 12 news release. “Their leadership, compassion, perseverance and commitment to their schools and communities give us tremendous hope for the future.”

Leem, president of Canyon Crest’s School Site Council, helped develop the school’s Student Learning Outcomes and has worked on using artificial intelligence to preserve Maasai Indigenous history in Kenya and Tanzania.

“A humble leader and thoughtful listener, he empowers others to make a difference in our world,” Principal Brett Killeen said.

Blackledge was recognized for his academic accomplishments, athletics and volunteer work at La Costa Canyon. He serves as president of his Teen Volunteers in Action chapter and founded LCC4C, a philanthropy club that has organized fundraisers for the local nonprofit Fill-A-Belly.

“Tyler embodies the Maverick spirit through his strong work ethic, intelligence, kindness, leadership, and philanthropy,” Principal Karen DuBerke said.

Charles, a San Dieguito Academy senior, was recognized for academic curiosity, literary analysis and independent learning.

“Sarah is insightful, interesting, and thoughtful,” Assistant Principal Matthew Bruno said. “She takes school seriously, learns for the sake of learning, and has a wicked sense of humor for someone who probably doesn’t get enough sleep.”

Chang, a Torrey Pines senior, serves as president of the Peer Tutoring Club and participates in the school’s Link Crew mentoring program. He has also worked with graduate students and professors in a local research laboratory, pursuing an interest in food science.

“As President of the Peer Tutoring Club and a dedicated Link Crew leader, Tim looks for ways to lift up those around him,” Assistant Principal Nathan Molina said.

Recognition program and scholarships

Now in its fifth year, the Rising Star program recognizes graduating seniors who demonstrate character, integrity, academic commitment, school and community involvement, or the ability to overcome challenging circumstances while continuing their education.

According to the chamber, the program has recognized 123 students and awarded 25 scholarships since its inception. Eight $1,000 scholarships were awarded during the 2025-26 school year.

Students at both ceremonies received certificates from the offices of U.S. Rep. Mike Levin (D-49th District), state Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-38th District), Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-77th District) and San Diego County District 3 Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer. Encinitas Mayor Bruce Ehlers attended both events and addressed the honorees.

The chamber presents Rising Star in partnership with the San Dieguito Union High School District. MiraCosta College hosts and sponsors the program, with additional support from San Diego Gas & Electric and scholarship sponsors Victor and Jeanne Orphan through the San Diego Foundation.

Students recognized throughout the school year are eligible to apply for scholarships to be presented at the chamber’s annual Salute to Education ceremony, scheduled for May 13, 2027.

Additional information is available at encinitaschamber.com/rising-stars.

This report was partially written using artificial intelligence, then updated, edited and fact-checked against source material by North Coast Current staff. View our AI policy on the About Us page, and read more in a column by our publisher.

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