On May 13, the Mission Bay Cluster Committee hosted the 2026 Senior Panel in the library at Mission Bay High School.
The purpose of the Senior Panel is to hear directly from graduating seniors about their four-year experience at Mission Bay High. The eight seniors participating were nominated by teachers and school staff.
The cluster committee chair, Kelly Warner, structured the first half hour with prepared questions offered from students representing Pacific Beach Middle School and the four elementary schools in Pacific Beach.
Yemaya Bruce is excited to start studies at UCSD, majoring in global health and double minoring in Chinese and Human Development. (Photo by Cyril Reinicke)The second half was open for questions directly from the audience. The questions covered a variety of topics including advice for incoming freshmen, how Mission Bay has prepared students for their next steps and college and career plans.
Below are excerpts from the Senior Panel:
Preparation for next steps
Tony Martinez stated emphatically, “MBHS has fostered skills like time management, communication, and self-discipline, while preparing me for completing rigorous coursework, such as (International Baccalaureate) classes, to prepare for college or career challenges.”
“The IB Diploma Programme has given me resources and skills that will help me in college and my future career. It taught me how to manage my time, balance multiple responsibilities and stay disciplined. I also learned how to be more open-minded, reflective and inquisitive, which helped me grow both academically and personally,” said Hannah Chappell.
Nadia Lopez said MBHS prepared her “to ask for help from teachers and staff. Not everyoneyou meet will be kind but you must persevere and keep trying.”
Gia Harder is off to the University of Oregon and plans on majoring in business management. (Photo by Cyril Reinicke)Gia Harder also praised the IB program for her growth. “The IB diploma track has allowed me to not only learn from teachers but peers as well, and the rigorous course load gave me anidea of what I will be experiencing in college.”
Julia May is very open about her four years at MBHS and how the experience impacted her and shaped her. “I’m dyslexic and have a 504 plan for accommodations and to ensure I have access to fair opportunities in class. Throughout the last four years I have learned how to approach teachers about my accommodations and other education support I need. I’ve learned to articulate my needs and put my thoughts into words in conversations or written emails. This crucial life skill of communicating with adults or people in positions of power will help me immensely beyond high school, specifically in college when communicating with professors about schoolwork or mentorship and eventually communicating with employers about work and deadlines.”
Yemaya Bruce enjoyed learning opportunities, but also found time to follow passions at MBHS.
“With the IB program I feel prepared and educated as a citizen of the world. and I always leave classes feeling satisfied with my learning. Knowledge is power. Not only have I been able to conduct research and have hands-on field experience, but I’ve also got to hone in on mynon-academic passions such as vocal jazz and establishing a student-run wellness organization. These experiences have prepared me for university level discussions, curriculum, research techniques and time management skills. As someone who is planning on pursuing a career in medicine, these hard and soft skills only can help me prepare for thenext chapter.”
What legacy or impact are you leaving at Mission Bay?
Kindness is the theme for Lopez.
Nadia Lopez will start her college studies the first two years at Mesa Community College before transferring to a four-year university.(Photo by Cyril Reinicke)“I am leaving behind a legacy where I’ve been eager to help and care for students,” she said.
Harder left her imprint through sports.
“I hope to leave a very positive impact on Mission Bay,” she said. “All four years I was very involved with athletics, specifically volleyball. I was captain of both beach and indoor my senior year, so I hope to leave a legacy of leadership and positivity throughout academics andvolleyball.”
Chappell wants to leave behind a greater understanding of school-life balance.
“I hope to show people that academics do not have to be your whole life in order to succeed. It is healthier to balance your time between school, friends, clubs and sports while stillmaintaining strong grades. That balance allows you to enjoy high school instead of dreading it, and look back on those years as a positive experience.”
Martinez, as president of the First Gen Club, wants to leave behind a legacy of community, opportunity and support for first-generation students at his school that encourages them “to believe in their potential and continue helping others after them.”
Bruce aimed to be “a ray of sunshine, a positive impact. Youth are our most valuable resource, and if I’m able to make an impact, big or small, I’m just glad if I made a difference.”
May has been the cornerstone of the MBHS Drama Club for the last four years. Her legacy is clear and bold. “I want everyone to have the chance to experience live theater arts that may change their life like it has changed mine. The work I have done to bring more visibilityand awareness to our club I hope will inspire kids to give directing, acting or backstage roles a shot in this community I have helped build.”
Three words that describe your overall high school journey
May – transformative, leadership, experience
Harder – resilient, empowering, growth
Lopez – open-minded, struggles, new friendships
Bruce – interdisciplinary, rewarding, inspiring
Martinez – growth, friendship, discovery
Chappell – life-changing, unexpected, developmental
Advice to eighth graders entering Mission Bay as freshmen
Reflecting on their four years at Mission Bay, some panel members arrived from PBMS with a friends group, some from out of state and some from a small K-8 school. But their advice was the same.
Senior Julia May is off to San Francisco State University in the fall where she will study cinema and pursue filmmaking. (Photo by Cyril Reinicke)“Your freshman year goes by quickly,” Chappell said.
“Although it may be scary, try and find the courage to put yourself out there,” May said.
”Be open to what the universe offers you … make new connections, join a sport or service club,” Bruce said.
“Get involved in things that interest you, especially if you are going to a four-year university. Colleges like to see consistency and leadership roles. Don’t be scared to reach out .. recognize that there are people at Mission Bay to help you,” Martinez said.
Each year MBHS hosts an evening of discussion and sharing from graduating seniors. Having attended these evenings for the last four years, I am always impressed with how generous, smart, resourceful and KIND these students are. Our future is in good hands.
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