Mission Bay High graduation ceremonies on Monday launched hundreds of “flat hats” into the air and hundreds of careers into our community.
Among the successful students are a select few scholar-athletes who will be going on to extend their education with the power of their minds and physical talents.
With core academics the top priority in the state’s prescribed educational curriculum, students have less opportunity to excel at both classroom work and athletics, according to athletic director Dennis Pugh.
“This was a real good group of student athletes this year. Some sure things and some surprises ” a lot of special kids,” Pugh said.
Topping the list of scholar athletes in the class of 2008 was Outstanding Sportswoman and Scholar Sonya Kovak. Appearing on numerous lists of academic honors, Kovak was a volleyball player and class valedictorian.
Kovak earned top MBHS department awards in English, math, science and social studies. It is safe to say she aced every challenge thrown at her. Next stop, UC Berkeley.
The Outstanding Sportsman and Scholar award went to Victor Johnson. Football and basketball player Johnson is headed toward New Mexico State to advance his education through sports.
Outstanding Sportswoman of the Year was Roshana Lavery. The soccer and softball standout with amazing speed has earned a scholarship to play softball at San Diego State University.
“I think we have had one other softball scholarship to Point Loma Nazarene,” Pugh recalled. “But I can’t recall any other Mission Bay player earning a Division I college softball scholarship.”
Pugh has been at Mission Bay High since 1976.
The Outstanding Male Athlete honor presented at senior awards night June 11 was Evan Taylor, the CIF finalist football team quarterback and baseball squad center fielder. Taylor is headed toward San Jose State.
The Buccaneer Athletic Leadership Award went to Nick Croce, a linebacker and the varsity baseball squad catcher. Croce will be going to the University of Hawaii, along with pitcher and third baseman Jesse Moore.
Mission Bay kicker Carlos Sanchez also earned a Buccaneer Athletic Leadership Award. His skill has earned him a scholarship to Mississippi Valley State College.
Rounding out the top athletic awards was San Diego Male Athlete of the Year Track & Field, Charles Jock.
The 6-foot, 4-inch Jock was an outstanding basketball forward last winter. But this spring he defeated every other runner in the 800-meter distance in the Western League, San Diego section CIF and at the state championships.
His 1:51.14 time at the state finals broke a school record, set in 1957. This Saturday, Jock will be racing for a national title at the Nike Invitational in North Carolina.
A salute by the US Marine Corps was issued to Distinguished Athletes football linebacker Willie Washington and Breeana Wilburn-Blake.
Also earning scholarships were football lineman Gavin Boger to Southern Utah University. Collecting baseball scholarships to CSU San Marcos were shortstop Brian Segun and outfielder Robbie Santos.