Celebrating Oceanside’s Rising Stars

RISINGRISING STARSTARSTAR

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. The breakfast at El Corazon 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,

with improved grades and outlook, Gia is a part of the Associated Student Body and has taken control of her own destiny. As she stood at the lectern and thanked her teachers and counselors, Gia stated that she had plans to join the Navy and then go into nursing, as she wants to make a difference, help others, and give back to her community. Her mother read a note from Gia’s father which said, “always remember on your hardest days, no matter what, as long as you have a fight and a fire within you, you can achieve anything. Don’t limit your challenges, challenge your limits always.” Vanessa Mendoza from Surfside Educational Academy was introduced by principal Eric Frandsen as an effective communicator and on a mission. Frandsen said, “The Surfside team is proud to celebrate Vanessa in receiving this well-deserved recognition.” School counselor Anna Rhine went on to describe Vanessa as a hard worker, a serious student concentrated on her studies, earning college credits in her hospitality class, and most notably a leader among her peers. Vanessa humbly spoke about difficulties finding her way in traditional high school. She was failing her classes and was discouraged until she was placed at Surfside. Recognizing her teachers and school staff as part of her success, Vanessa is looking forward to a working during the summer months and enrolling in MiraCosta College’s nursing program. The Rising Star program is presented by Tri City Medical Center and Genentech and sponsored by San Diego Gas & Electric. At the end of the school year, the Rising Stars are eligible to apply for scholarships. Ashton added, “We would like to thank Genentech for their generous $20,000 scholarship sponsorship which will help more of our Rising Stars to reach the stars!” If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the scholarship fund or purchase a ticket to attend the next monthly event, visit https://risingstaroceanside. square.site/.

Special thanks to Oceanside-Camp Pendleton Patch for the event photos

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Coastal Academy: Award-Winning Public Schools Supporting Parent Choice

North San Diego County is fortunate to have many great public schools offering flexible program options to serve the diverse needs of students. As we look to the future and the likely requirement of mandatory vaccinations for students to attend in-class instruction at school, many parents are searching for alternatives to traditional, on-campus learning modalities. While public schools in our region have recently begun offering virtual education options, Coastal Academy (TK-8) and Coastal Academy High School (9-12) have provided students with independent study and homeschool programs in Oceanside and the surrounding areas since 2003. They are a part of the award-winning Classical Academies organization that provides rigorous academics, small class sizes, and an acclaimed character education program. Their uniquely designed program encourages students to explore their interests, accommodates individual learning styles, and prepares students to reach their maximum potential by becoming thinkers, communicators, and achievers. Parents and guardians play a meaningful and active role in their children’s education by working alongside credentialed teachers to promote learning, explore their community, and encourage student success. In addition to high-quality academics, both campuses offer award-winning Musical Theater programs and robust music and art programs, including Marching Band. Coastal Academy High School provides CIF Sports, ASB, cheer, dance, clubs,

Prom, and Homecoming and can blend the best of independent study and the typical high school experience. While the future remains uncertain, Coastal Academy and Coastal Academy High School offer academic choices. Both schools are tuition-free and offer the ability to create custom schedules for each student. New students are welcome to apply now, and Fall enrollment begins in December. For more information about homeschooling and our independent study programs, visit www.classicalacademy.com.

Reach 30,000 Oceanside Homes and Businesses!

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Daryle Howard, First Command Financial Services

The Oceanside Chamber is happy to recognize First Command Financial Services as our Member of the Quarter. First Command’s Financial Advisor Daryle Howard has been an active member participating in a number of Chamber events and committees and makes the most of the company’s membership. He was instrumental in securing a sponsorship for the annual military event, Operation Appreciation in August.

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Howard retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 after a 20-year career in the United States Marine Corps and understands the challenges and opportunities associated with life in the military. He is committed to helping service members and their families get their financial lives “squared away.” First Command Financial Services was founded in 1958 by a retired Air Force officer for the specific purpose of improving the financial well-being of military professionals and their families. Today, more than 500 First Command Financial Advisors across the country and abroad, many of whom also served, are committed to the company’s Mission of “coaching those who serve in their pursuit of financial security.”

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Oceanside International Film Festival Kicks Off in February

Established in 2009, the Oceanside International Film Festival is the longest running festival of its kind in North County San Diego. OIFF is an opportunity for independent filmmakers to have their work publicly screened in the heart of the thriving Oceanside art scene. It also gives attending moviegoers a chance to experience both local and international cinema in a locale known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and unique artistic community. The Oceanside International Film Festival brings the best of cinema & moderated industry discussions from around the world to our thriving downtown area. This includes films of all genres and mediums, legacy titles of a classic nature, special presentations enhanced with a live musical re-score and anniversary celebration screenings. The festival continues to welcome honored names of Hollywood, from Academy Award winning performers, cast and crew, to Walt Disney pioneers, and the emerging artists of tomorrow. A more recent staple of the festival has been highlighting the locally produced TNT drama series, Animal Kingdom, which have included members of the show’s cast & crew on stage for sold out in-depth discussions. Simply put, OIFF has been an equal promoter of works shot within Oceanside and with artistic voices heard far beyond the city itself. OIFF takes place in Downtown Oceanside, which has been recognized as one of 14 Cultural Arts Districts by the State of California. Adding to this, the festival has the honor of being represented as one of 3 major artistic pillars of our Oceanside District. With that, we invite you all to our 11th Annual event, kicking-off our second decade of supporting independent film & those who create them. OIFF 2022 will run Tuesday February 22nd through Sunday February 27th at The Historic Brooks Theatre. Visit osidefilm.org & follow us on social media @osidefilm for more information. See you at the movies!

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By Giselle Gharchet Kaur

Marketing and Events Manager and Kundalini Yoga Instructor Life’s unexpected circumstances can sometimes create a plot twist in our lives; however, learning and understanding fundamental tools can not only help keep us on track, but can lead us to a more harmonious path. Founder and owner of Angels & Gurus, Vanessa Sat Siri Kaur, is from Turkey and began her spiritual journey in Germany. It was there where she had her kundalini awakening and discovered her own angelic gifts. She began regularly practicing kundalini yoga which continued to magnify her abilities to assist many of her students in achieving peace, health and prosperity. She continued her training and obtained certifications in kundalini medicine, physical therapy and yoga, Qigong, breathwork, Feng Shui, reincarnation and hypnosis therapy. During one of her most powerful spiritual awakenings, she got a calling and a vision that included the salt water and mystical guides that called her to come to California. In 2020, Vanessa moved her yoga studio from Germany to South Oceanside. Shortly after opening her business, the pandemic and lockdown began making it difficult for any business owner to stay afloat. However, Vanessa remained to be a pillar

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