What’s Next for Monterey County Students in the Class of 2025?

We’re celebrating four outstanding grads! 

May is such an exciting time for many of our local families. It is graduation month! The culmination of so much hard work, dedication, and long hours. There are many incredible young people in our community, and we caught up with four of them to hear about where they are headed next. The future looks bright with these incredible students heading out into the world to do big things. 

ADDISON KIRK

Seaside High School  | UCLA

Addison Kirk, the valedictorian of Seaside High School, is not only a standout student but a community leader and dedicated athlete. A proud African American and first-generation college-bound student, Addison has spent her high school years excelling in academics, swim team, and student advocacy. She’s the president of the Black Student Alliance and founder of Seaside High’s annual Black Joy celebration. Her academic drive led her to earn two associate degrees and an IGETC certificate from Monterey Peninsula College—all while still in high school.

This fall, Addison will attend UCLA as a molecular, cellular, and developmental biology major on the pre-med track. Her long-term goal is to become a medical examiner, combining her passion for science with social justice. Her advice to younger students? “Follow your heart, not just your head… Do whatever it takes to get the most out of the path you’re passionate about.”

ALEXA MUCHNICK

Stevenson School | Barnard College of Columbia University

A transfer student who quickly made her mark, Alexa Muchnick turned compassion into action. She founded the Kindness Club at Stevenson School, created Rose Musical Theater to bring free theater education to underserved children, and served as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper. Her nonprofit work earned her a national fellowship and grant through the Riley’s Way Foundation, supporting her mission to use the arts to build empathy and connection.

Next up for Alexa is Barnard College in New York City, where she’ll study theater and education. Her dream? To grow Rose Musical Theater and continue advocating for kindness in every corner of her life. Alexa encourages younger students to be brave: “Some of the best things I’ve been a part of only happened because I was willing to put myself out there.”

MARWA SAHAK

Marina High School  | Harvard or Yale (TBD)

Marwa Sahak has been a force for mental health advocacy in Monterey County. Sparked by her experience during the pandemic, she joined AIM Youth Mental Health’s Idea Lab and eventually co-founded a youth mental health council through the Monterey County Office of Education. At Marina High, she started multiple student organizations, including a peer tutoring club, psychology club, and a mental health club focused on policy change.

Marwa is currently deciding between Harvard and Yale, where she plans to study cognitive science or neuroscience. Whether she pursues medicine or academia, her aim is to continue supporting mental wellness through research and service. Her biggest lesson learned? “Overcome your fear of failure… The reward of accomplishing more than your initial expectations is always worth it.”

PAIGE SHUGART

Chartwell School  | University of Denver

Adopted from China and diagnosed with learning differences as a child, Paige Shugart has never let challenges define her. At Chartwell School, she found the support to thrive and discovered her love for engineering. Her involvement in Apple’s Engineering Technology Camp and the Society of Women Engineers Conference opened doors—and inspired a dream to design prosthetics.

As co-captain of Chartwell’s new robotics team and a two-sport athlete, Paige has proven her leadership and versatility. This fall, she heads to the University of Denver to pursue an engineering degree. Her advice to others? “It’s okay not to know exactly what your plan is. Be open to new experiences—you never know where they’ll lead you.”