M-A’s Academy celebrated its graduating class of 2025 on May 30 at Holbrook Palmer Park in Atherton. The ceremony was attended by close family, faculty, and district leaders who honored students’ achievements, some of which are the first in their families to ever attend college.
“I always love our Academy Graduation. It’s a unique celebration where we truly have the opportunity to recognize each of the students in our program and recognize all of the amazing qualities they bring to our program and community. There’s really nothing like it,” Academy Coordinator Chris Rubin said.
The Academy program was established in 1981, dedicated to supporting students with college preparation in core subjects, resourceful technology skills, and project-based learning to foster critical thinking. The Academy opens up opportunities for students through individual tutoring by Stanford University students, dual-enrolled college courses, and career-focused field trips. Graduates leave with everlasting friendships, up to 15 college credits, and guaranteed scholarships.
“The Academy has given me a lot of help in different areas, building a family bond with my peers and teachers, how to be prepared for interviews, how to be prepare for life after high school with a program called Future Profits and help with school work from tutors coming from Stanford University,” graduate Funaki Vunipola said.
This year’s graduating class reached new milestones, earning a record-breaking collective $78,000 in scholarships. To further support their futures, five seniors were gifted brand-new laptops for graduating. Among the graduates, 31 fulfilled the A–G college entrance requirements—16 are heading to four-year universities, while 23 have chosen paths in community college, trade programs, or the workforce.
In addition to sharing personal insights on their experiences, appreciation, and memories, seniors Edgar Rochin and Sabina Ortiz were recognized for their leadership and commitment to the Academy’s values.
“Graduation day was a bittersweet moment and a great end to my senior year. I’d like to thank Mr. Chinsell, my advanced web design teacher, for helping me my senior year. I want to shout out to all the Academy teachers, each and every one of them has left a mark on me that I will cherish and remember forever,” graduate Vunipola said.
“The Academy has given me experience with many things. One being webdesign and the opportunity to take bio tech as well. It gave me knowledge that I didn’t have before entering the Academy. I would also like to thank Mr. Rubin for giving us so many great opportunities. For teaching us to ask for things when we need it most. I’m so glad I got to experience the Academy,” graduate Bella Hernandez said.
