The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce recognized Caroline Zhang (12) as a recipient of the November Rising Star of the Month award to honor her display of “exceptional character, leadership and a commitment to learning and community” on Nov. 5. Zhang received the award for her achievements as School Site Council Chair, founder of several clubs including the Kantian Economics Club and varsity girls’ basketball athlete. She also started the Love Relay project, an awareness campaign focused on recognizing parents’ love for their children and encouraging students “to reciprocate [their] parents’ love” in meaningful ways through the Kantian Economics Club, which prioritizes moral conduct over superficial gain. This project originated from Zhang’s close relationship with her mother. 

“She loves me unconditionally,” Zhang said. “I’m from a single parent family, [so] I know how hard it was for my mom to support me emotionally and financially, as well as [keep] her life together [while] working.”

The Kantian Economics Club is based on the Kantian “philosophical belief that all decisions should be made based on moral duty or universal logic,” which applies to choices made in ethical business practices and in life. 

“We went to more than a dozen restaurants, and [students participated] in a school-wide competition…[to] design a perfect day with their mom,” Zhang said. “We also did TikTok live streaming over the summer that fostered discussions on how people [can] love their parents.”

The program expanded through social media platforms to students in Canada and Greece, celebrating dads, grandparents and teachers. Though Zhang organized and led this initiative, she was not alone in her journey. Moving to the school in her junior year from Murrieta, Calif., and Beijing before that, Zhang received support from her Advanced Placement Psychology teacher Lynn Leahy and assistant principal Angela Guerrero. 

“All of them [supported me] tremendously,” Zhang said. “Like, I honestly… feel like they were like … mothers to me.”

This support has not only made a positive impact on Zhang, but also on the staff who supported her.

“As a student, Caroline is exceptional,” Leahy said. “She works hard, is dedicated to her learning and always seeks understanding. As a person, she is so inspiring … I am so lucky I got to be her teacher. She has taught me so much.”

Opportunities at school gave Zhang the opening to involve herself in the community. In addition to the Kantian Economics Club, Zhang is involved in the Crypto Trading Club and Stand-Up Comedy Club. Caroline “felt welcomed by everyone,” making her transition to the school much smoother.

“This kindness really inspired me to create opportunities to welcome new students and love everyone in our community,” Zhang said. 

Vinci Ji (12) became good friends with Zhang during their English Language 11 class together. Ji described Caroline as a “good friend” with “great passion and hope.” This sentiment is echoed among the people around her. To Leahy, Zhang is the “kind of person that reminds you life is about being your best, even on the bad days.”

“She earned this [award], and I am so grateful to be a part of Caroline’s story,” Leahy said.