Mira Costa High School held its commencement ceremony on Thursday, graduating 618 students. Among this year's graduates, 68 students earned Magna Cum Laude honors (3.8–3.99 GPA) and 291 students earned Summa Cum Laude honors (4.0+ GPA). 

"Throughout their time in MBUSD, these students have demonstrated determination, leadership, creativity, and resilience while making lasting contributions to our schools and community," said MBUSD Superintendent John Bowes in a message to parents. "As they crossed the graduation stage, they carried with them years of learning, friendships, memories, and accomplishments that will last a lifetime."

Following the ceremony, graduates marched in the Senior Stroll, a tradition that had nearly been canceled due to misbehavior in prior years. This year's Senior Stroll, a march down the Strand from Hermosa Beach to the Manhattan Beach Pier, appeared to go off without incident. 

Also this week, 365 eighth-grade students celebrated their promotion from Manhattan Beach Middle School and 375 fifth-grade students graduated from Grand View, Meadows, Pacific, Pennekamp, and Robinson elementary schools. MBUSD also marked the graduation of two young adults from its CHOICE program, Manhattan Beach's special education transition program for individuals ages 18-22. 

The end of the 2025-2026 school year marked the end of Bowes' tenure as superintendent of MBUSD. In a message to parents, he wrote: "Throughout my time in this role, I have been continually inspired by our students, staff, families, and community members. Together, we have celebrated countless achievements, navigated challenges, embraced opportunities for growth, and remained steadfast in our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for every student. The strength of this community has always been its willingness to come together in support of our schools, and for that, I am deeply grateful."