As we endure the high winds and perhaps the loss of electricity this week, we are still grateful for what we have and who we meet along the way.

Today, I am most grateful to have met seven more of Escondido's RISING STARS. The high school seniors whom we honored today came from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. All of which have made them incredible vessels of encouragement, humility and kindness. The word that best describes today's honorees is CHANGE. 

These are young men and women who have overcome life changing events. Students like Cody and Hung, who moved halfway around the world to be enveloped by a new language and culture. Or Wendy and Jairo who are quiet and unassuming, yet are a strong voice for others. Or Jose and Ricardo, who found their strength by caring for others as the men in the family. And Lauren, who is a remarkably vibrant woman with a contagious smile, in spite of the many setbacks in her life. Each of these students could have easily been lost in the eye of the storm of life. Instead, they have embraced their past and are determined to make a new future for themselves and those who are part of their journey. 

"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."  Jimmy Dean

Valley HS, Ricardo Ramirez - Del Lago Academy, Wendy Medina - Escondido HS, Hung Vu - Orange Glen HS, Jairo Garnica  - Classical Academy, Cody Schaefer - Escondido Charter HS, Jose Penaloza  - San Paqual HS, Lauren Maggio.

Rorie Johnston

CEO & President