Del Mar Union School District (DMUSD) recently recognized its Student Standouts for the 2024–2025 school year during a district-wide celebration held on May 28 at Ocean Air School.
These awards are part of the 2024–2025 ACSA Student Standouts for the Greater San Dieguito ACSA Chapter, a program of the Association of California School s. Students from each of DMUSD’s nine schools were honored for their exceptional achievements and contributions, exemplifying the values that inspire the Del Mar district, according to a news release.
The Student Standout Award celebrates students who demonstrate excellence across multiple categories, including Arts, Courage, Community Service, Fellowship, Humanities, and Science. Each honoree was chosen for their outstanding commitment, creativity, leadership, and for serving as a role model for their peers.
“Our Student Standouts represent the best of DMUSD – students who lead with creativity, curiosity, and comion,” said Dr. Holly McClurg, superintendent of Del Mar Union School District, in the news release. “These remarkable young leaders inspire us all with their dedication to learning, their courage in overcoming challenges, and their commitment to making a difference. We are so proud to celebrate their achievements and look forward to the incredible futures they will create.”
This year’s standouts each brought something unique and inspiring to their school communities, the news release stated with the following descriptions:
At Ashley Falls School, Colin Kirkpatrick earned the Courage Award for his record-breaking academic growth, as a result of his belief in himself and deep engagement in his learning.
Alice Yang from Carmel Del Mar School received the Fellowship, Humanities, Arts, and Science Awards for her brilliance across academic disciplines, her empathy and collaboration with peers, and her inspiring spirit in both the classroom and the science and math Olympiads.
Claire Deng at Del Mar Heights School was honored with the Fellowship Award for her natural ability to ensure everyone feels welcome and valued in her classroom.
Genevieve Buller from Del Mar Hills Academy earned the Arts Award for her exceptional talent in writing and creative arts, bringing vibrant energy and imagination to every project she undertook.
Neil Krishnan of Ocean Air School was awarded the Science Award for his dedication to environmental stewardship, leadership in sustainability efforts, and pursuit of independent scientific research.
Kyra Knutson at Pacific Sky School received both the Arts and Courage Awards, recognized for her remarkable drawing skills and her resilience in overcoming challenges with quiet determination.
Olivia Jackson from Sage Canyon School was presented with the Arts Award for her extraordinary dedication to dance, training 26 hours each week and excelling in national competitions with versatility and ion.
Mateus Bitdinger at Sycamore Ridge School earned the Fellowship and Art Awards for his exceptional creativity, skilled artistry across mediums, and his ability to foster a positive, inclusive classroom community.
Finally, Aakash Sarva of Torrey Hills School received the Fellowship Award for his enthusiastic leadership, positivity, and his role as a champion for inclusivity and collaboration in both academics and student committees.
This celebration not only honored the individual recipients but also underscored DMUSD’s commitment to cultivating a vibrant and ive learning community where every student can thrive, the news release stated.
