OCEANSIDE, Calif. — It takes someone special to shine like a star in the face of adversity. In this Zevely Zone, I headed to Oceanside to meet four high school standouts.
Every month, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce honors high school seniors who are 'Rising Stars'. To become a Rising Star in Oceanside, every student gets a seat at the table.
"We've struggled with so much and lived on the streets for a while," said Evelyn Mendoza from Pacific View Charter School. She overcame financial hardship and health challenges.
"We should always do our best, we should always work hard if we can dream it we can achieve it," said Evelyn.
"I am so thankful for you," said Mayor Esther Sanchez. The first female mayor of Oceanside spoke to the four high school seniors. The teens were honored not for grade point averages and accolades but for overcoming life's biggest challenges.
"Believe in yourself because we believe in you," said Mayor Sanchez.
Alondra Mendoza Carballo was forced to leave Nicaragua because of social unrest.
"Life is like tapestry of challenges," said Alondra. Through tears, Alondra, from Oceanside High, spoke about a childhood filled with poverty which she survived thanks to the love of her parents.
"Their guidance has shaped me into the person that I am today, independent, sorry, capable of making wise choices and an outlook of positivity," said Alondra.
Positivity was the common thread of all four seniors.
"At the age of nine I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease," said Abby Walley from Surfside Educational Academy. Abby thrived despite a life-threatening disease. At El Camino High, Edgar Hernandez-Sebastian avoided gang life and instead invested 300 dollars to launch his own barber business.
"I understand that sometimes the world is against you, or you just can't do it no more or you want to take the easier route than challenge yourself, but I believe all that comes in life good and bad... it helps us with character," said Edgar.
So, here they gathered to celebrate the good and next generation of Rising Stars. "I don't think of myself as scared or useless," said Evelyn. "I will make my dreams happen, thank you." Every Oceanside 'Rising Star' can apply for a scholarship.
Twenty-eight students have received nearly $60,000 in the past two years. For more information about the program click here.