I recently attended the virtual awards ceremony for six outstanding graduating "Rising Stars" from 6 local high schools.  I was so impressed with their accomplishments and the future plans of these students.  .

Throughout the year, nearly 40 high school seniors from the six schools were recognized monthly for demonstrating character, integrity, love of learning, involvement in school and community activities and the ability to overcome challenging life circumstance without compromising their education.  The six final winners received $1000 each to go toward their higher education.  

They were all so impressive; some to highlight were:
 
A student who will go to Dartmouth College where he will major in business education with a concentration in developing  programs for non-profits.  His concentration is non profits dealing with at risk and special needs children.  He was very involved with the Best Buddies program in high school which pairs an older student with a younger one with special needs to help him or her through school.  

A young woman who was class valedictorian and who is going to major in environmental studies at UCLA (which has a wonderful program in the field).  Environmental studies are so important - we certainly need to take care of Mother Earth and manage our resources better than we are at this time.

I was also very impressed with the young woman who was student body president at her school and who is going to the University of San Diego to major in international justice.  We are one world and we need to think that way and take care of everyone who inhabits this earth in a fair and just way.  

​Other "Rising Star" students are going to major in cross cultural relations, early elementary education and child advocacy and ethical business with environmental awareness.

All in all, it was a very impressive group of students with very lofty goals.  I feel good that we are developing leaders like this and look forward to what strides they are going to make for the future of our world.