Gary Ying (12) received the February Rising Star Award at a ceremony hosted by the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 5. The award recognizes SDUHSD students who made a significant impact on their community while demonstrating strong academic achievement, such as academic dedication, principled behavior and generosity, as nominated by their teachers.

Ying received this award for his academic excellence, achievements and strong commitment to helping his peers.

“I got student discounts by talking with ASB and restaurant owners in the [Del Mar] Highlands, like Micheline’s Pita House and Einstein’s Bagels,” Ying said. “I did this by completing a list of valid restaurants, driving around and pitching ideas to them. We then sent around personalized emails to the different restaurants.”

At school, Ying excels in soccer, badminton and track and field, demonstrating strong leadership and sportsmanship across all teams. Academically, Ying accomplishes his goals and constantly challenges himself.

“I’ve done pretty well in school,” Ying said. “I have a 4.82 weighted GPA and I’ve taken 17 Advanced Placement classes.”

Guen Butler, Intervention Coordinator, was the first to recognize Ying’s efforts after noticing him helping out a fellow student. She reached out to other students to see “if they thought [Ying] would be a good fit for the award,” according to Ying.

Along with Butler, teachers Eli Aghassi, Angela Willden, Anna Hubbard, Zakia Chowdhury, Chris Drake and Lisa Callendar recognized Ying’s strong character and willingness to help others, ultimately recommending him to Principal Rob Coppo. One moment that stood out to teachers was when a freshman lost their bag, and Ying ran tirelessly around the school until he found it.

Ying received four Certificates of Recognition; from the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce, the City of Encinitas, the California State Senate and the California State Assembly.

“It was cool to see all of that,” Ying said. “I was honestly really proud of myself, and so were my parents.”

Ying advises all high schoolers to “overall just be a good person.”

“Academically, try to challenge yourself and prioritize your work,” Ying said. “Join a lot of clubs and sports, they are all part of the experience and it is great to do.”