Mya Gonzales, right, spies her family in the crowd after the Mission Prep graduation ceremony. Eighty-three Mission Prep students graduated in San Luis Obispo, earning nearly $2 million in scholarships.
Laura Dickinson
ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Eighty-three Mission Prep seniors graduated, earning nearly $2 million in scholarships.
Over 95% of graduates plan to attend college in fall, with 18 enrolling at Cal Poly.
Valedictorian Mary Marsalek received Marian award; Champ Morrissey earned Serra.
This story is part of SLO Tribune's Parents Central, our expanding coverage for local parents. We're tackling issues that matter to you the most, explaining the "what it means," from school budgets to children's health. We also want to have fun: Send us your best tips for local parents and things to do. Email tips@thetribunenews.com.
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.
About to be graduates line up outside the San Luis Obispo Mission church. Eighty-three Mission Prep students graduated in San Luis Obispo, California, earning nearly $2 million in scholarships. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Alexa Bonilla looks ahead to her future. Eighty-three Mission Prep students graduated in San Luis Obispo, earning nearly $2 million in scholarships. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Eighty-three Mission Prep students graduated in San Luis Obispo, California, earning nearly $2 million in scholarships. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Eighty-three Mission Prep students graduated in San Luis Obispo, earning nearly $2 million in scholarships. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Eighty-three Mission Prep students graduated in San Luis Obispo, California, earning nearly $2 million in scholarships. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Salutatorian Taylor LaFollette gives her speech. Eighty-three Mission Prep students graduated in San Luis Obispo, earning nearly $2 million in scholarships. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Valedictorian Mary Marsalek gave a heartfelt speech. thEighty-three Mission Prep students graduated in San Luis Obispo, California, earning nearly $2 million in scholarships. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
The graduating class of 2025 toss their caps in the air after graduating. Eighty-three Mission Prep students graduated in San Luis Obispo, earning nearly $2 million in scholarships. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Students gather on the steps of Mission Prep school to toss their mortarboards for a photo before the ceremony begins. Eighty-three Mission Prep students graduated in San Luis Obispo, earning nearly $2 million in scholarships. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Jaron Miles clutches his diploma and happily displays it to the crowd. Eighty-three Mission Prep students graduated in San Luis Obispo, earning nearly $2 million in scholarships. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
This story was originally published May 30, 2025 at 8:30 PM.
Sadie Dittenber writes about education for The Tribune and is a California Local News Fellow through the UC Berkeley School of Journalism. Dittenber graduated from The College of Idaho with a degree in international political economy.
.JPG)