With a packed stadium full of family and friends shouting, blasting horns, rattling cowbells, and spraying confetti, nearly 250 Mission Bay High seniors, led by principal Dr. Eric Brown, graduated with honor, pomp, and circumstance on May 29.
A presentation of colors was performed by the MBHS Coast Guard JROTC Color Guard, with the national anthem performed by Crystal Rios and Anna Hubbard during commencement exercises.
MBHS is an International Baccalaureate educational organization, offering high-quality educational programs with the aim of developing well-rounded individuals with global perspectives, critical thinking skills, and a desire to have a positive effect on the world.
The senior class was welcomed by Cayla McAllister, who thanked high school faculty and staff for “helping shape us as thinkers, leaders, and members of a larger community,” as well as for, “dedicating your time, your passion, and for teaching us, not only through books, but by example. You didn’t just prepare us for tests — rather, you prepared us for the life that lies ahead.
“Up until today, our paths have been predetermined,” continued McAllister. “We did not choose where we lived or went to school. We did not choose to be born into certain families or cultures. But now, we stand on the threshold of something new that is ours to define. We now move on from a life chosen for us to a life we choose for ourselves.
“Fate has given us the tools, and our free will dictates how we use them. I encourage all of you to be bold, chase whatever excites you, stay humble, and continue to make change, no matter how big or small.”
Remarks by class speakers during the graduation program turned reflective and philosophical, with some quoting the words of famous people, summarizing their feelings about this watershed event in their lives.
Senior class president Sofia Mauriello noted she was “proud to celebrate with all of you everything we’ve accomplished together. Mom, Dad, as I stand here today, my greatest hope is to make you proud. Everything I’ve achieved is a reflection of the unwavering support you’ve given me. Class of ’25, keep on pushing forward. Not just for our dreams, but for those who believed in us from the start.”
Mission Bay High valedictorian Trevor Branch gives his speech during Mission Bay High’s commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Steve Sidell/Special to Beach & Bay Press)“What’s up, Class of 2025?” asked valedictorian Trevor Branch during his opening remarks to reverberating applause. “Thank you for the love and support you’ve shared with us these last four years. The Class of 2025 is truly remarkable. We have had amazing success academically, with over 70 IB diploma candidates. Our sports dominated. The past four years have been a wild ride.”
Branch continued: “As we close this chapter at Mission Bay and look forward to whatever comes next, remember the words of Muhammad Ali, ‘Don’t count the days. Make the days count.’
“Whether you’re heading to college, starting a job, or joining the military, give each day your all. And don’t forget to pause and enjoy the moment along the way. Go Bucs.”
In his salutatorian address, Spencer Morton quoted Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, who in his high school graduation speech, said: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward. You can only connect them by looking backward. There’s no single day when you suddenly feel like a senior. But somewhere along the way, things shifted. We stopped asking for help with every little thing and started being the ones people came to ask. For me, that shift hit when I realized people were looking up to me in the same way I used to look up to others. Now, as we look back today, the dots start to connect, not just for me but for all of us.”
“Today we’re here to celebrate a milestone, a truly momentous occasion,” remarked principal Dr. Eric Brown, noting this was the first class to graduate entirely under his tenure.
“I’m going to miss all of you. Today is the moment you dreamed of, worked for, and earned. You’ve faced a world in motion. You’ve proven that you’re adaptable, you’re resilient, and you have courage. These aren’t just buzzwords. They’re qualities you’ve developed and embraced every day.
“This graduating class is unique, not only the times you’ve lived through, but because of the character you’ve developed and you’ve shown while you were here at Mission Bay,” Brown said.
“Whether you were a star athlete, a leader in ASB, a quiet thinker in the back row, a wonderful musician, or the person everyone counted on to make people laugh, every one of you brought something valuable to the fabric of this school, and we appreciate it. Class of ’25, you have arrived — and you are ready.”
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Nearly 250 students graduate from Mission Bay High School )
Also on site :