Four members of Mission Bay High’s Class of 2026 each received $1,500 scholarships from the Kiwanis Club of Pacific Beach.
The recipients were Tessa Burcham, Samantha Burd, Anna Huber and Emery Semmens.
The combined $6,000 in Kiwanis scholarships were presented during Mission Bay High’s annual Senior Awards Night on May 19.
The Kiwanians have offered college scholarships to Mission Bay High School graduates since 1956. Recipients are selected based on academic standing, demonstrated leadership skills, good character and community involvement.
Burcham was described as “a standout student and community member.” Her activities have included dance, Girl Scouts and the MBHS student newspaper. After 15 years of solid dedication to the art of dance, she will be moving to New York to attend Fordham University where she has been invited to join its highly-acclaimed dance team.
Burd was described as “an outstanding student-athlete, displaying the true balance of academics and sport.” Her activities have included volleyball and soccer. She plans to attend the University of Minnesota to study kinesiology and has accepted an offer to join its rowing team.
Huber was described as “a very bright young lady” who is graduating with a full International Baccalaureate diploma. Her IB Creativity Action Service project included leading the reassembling of a porpoise skeleton that was sourced and donated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. She will be attending the University of California, Santa Barbara to study marine science.
Semmens was described as “a very involved student-athlete that goes above and beyond the typical parameters of high school, by tapping into entrepreneurial ventures as well as volunteering to help with those in need.” He plans to double major in history and political science at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington.
The Kiwanis Club of Pacific Beach meets at 7:30 a.m. every Thursday at the Broken Yolk Cafe, 1851 Garnet Ave. Anyone interested in learning more about the club’s community activities are welcome to attend. For details, visit kiwanispb.org.