With a packed stadium of family and friends cheering them on, about 300 Mission Bay High School seniors graduated Thursday, led by principal Eric Brown, who saluted the Class of ‘26 for its outstanding scholastic and sports achievements.
MBHS is an International Baccalaureate (IB) educational organization offering four challenging educational programs aimed at developing well-rounded individuals with global perspectives, critical thinking skills and a desire to make a positive impact.
The campus Coast Guard JROTC Color Guard presented the colors. A choir including Addison Bain, Yemaya Bruce, Elizabeth Suarez, Samuel Macrae, Marielle Ryan and Enola Preston-Smith sang the National Anthem.
Bruce then welcomed the Class of ‘26, noting that being a Buccaneer means “being proud of your journey and excited for the things to come.”
“We’re here to celebrate each other, not only classmates, but the faculty who pour their heart into teaching and caring for students,” Bruce said noting the Class of ‘26 “is about to enter a world as future change makers. I ask you to hold on to the lessons you’ve learned from parents, friends and educators. No matter what path you take – you will shine. You are made of stardust. Remember that.”
Senior class president Texas Zubiller exhorted his classmates to go outside their comfort zones, their self-imposed “boxes” “squares” and “thin lines,” which separate them from one another to experience life differently and more completely. “Reach not for the sky, but rather for the company surrounding you,” he implored them.
MBHS’s one salutatorian and three valedictorians were next up with all four sharing a common theme: That life’s a journey and education is the road.
Salutatorian Dylan Talarico-Smith noted her class has “shared countless experiences that have helped shape who we are today.” Passing along advice from her dad, she said, “Knowledge is an asset that can open many doors in life – and no one can ever take it away from you. So pursue it.”
“As we’ve (been) driving through the Mission Bay High School road these last four years, we’ve all had our fair share of bumps,” said valedictorian Natalie Chenh who added, “Today we pull out of the Mission Bay parking lot for the very last time. May you reach new heights with every step, and may your journey stretch far beyond the horizon.”
Valedictorian Matilda Meyer noted that “The beauty of life is that no matter where we go, we grow as individuals. As we drive out into the world, today and every day afterward, I would like to encourage everyone to be brave enough to take roads you never thought you’d travel on and follow your own plan. Keep driving forward, even when there’s no map to guide you.”
“I’ll always cherish the precious memories we’ve had,” valedictorian Jonah Osuch said, adding, “Despite everything, we kept moving forward. I don’t see this moment as the finish line. Graduation isn’t about being finished. It’s about looking toward the future with hope, ambition and the motivation to keep going no matter what lies ahead. Never stop moving forward.”
In his address, Brown pointed out how exceptional MBHS’s Class of ‘26 was with over 100 full International Baccalaureate candidates. He noted class members also won league championships in football, field hockey, girls water polo, boys basketball, wrestling, boys volleyball and softball.
“And a phenomenal CIF championship state run in boys volleyball,” the principal pointed out, adding “This class has a nationally ranked track athlete, Chris Adamson, who represented Mission Bay on a stage most athletes can only dream of reaching.”
Brown said the graduation represents “another amazing chapter that makes Mission Bay High School the special place that it is.”
But he also had a message for grads who have yet to nail all their plans down.
“Not all are walking out of here with a clear idea of what’s next …” he said. “The ones who’ve built meaningful lives, are rarely the ones who have everything figured out at 18. For the Class of ‘26, our world needs people of courage, integrity and heart. Be those people. Carry yourselves with humility. Stay curious. Take care of one another. You’ve all added something very real and lasting to the story we call Mission Bay High School. And now, it’s your turn to go and write your own story. Go Bucs.”
