3 days ago
83 high school seniors graduate from Mission Prep in SLO. See the photos
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More than 80 students walked across the steps of Mission Plaza on Friday night to celebrate their graduation from Mission College Preparatory High School.
In total, 83 students celebrated the milestone achievement — and those students received nearly $2 million in scholarship earnings, according to Mission Prep Principal Mike Susank.
The ceremony celebrated graduating senior and this year's valedictorian: Mary Marsalek.
Marsalek, who is headed to Boston College, also received the Marian award — an accolade typically granted to the female student who best represents Mission Prep's values of scholarship, inspiration and leadership, Susank said.
Champ Morrissey was the recipient of the Serra award, the male counterpart to the Marian. Morrissey is headed to the West Point military academy after graduation, Susank said.
Meanwhile, Taylor La Follette, who will be attending Loyola Marymount University, was this year's salutatorian.
According to Susank, over 95% of this year's graduates are headed to college in the fall. Less than 5% will be taking a gap year or pursuing other paths, like studying abroad, going to trade school or entering the workforce.
Over 30 students are headed to four-year universities in California — including 18 who are headed to Cal Poly. Another 17 are on their way to two free years at community college campuses, including Cuesta and Allan Hancock, under California College Promise grants.
Eight graduates will compete in collegiate athletes at their chosen campuses.
Overall, the Class of 2025 earned an average unweighted GPA of 3.47, with 20% of students earning above a 4.0.
In total, the graduates have received over $1.8 million in merit-based scholarships from their respective campuses, according to Susank.
'These awards are self-reported by students and families, so that undoubtedly represents just a partial list, but it is an outstanding class which has exceeded all expectations,' Susank wrote to The Tribune.
