Dear ESUSD Families, Employees and Community,

Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

My favorite part of every school year is celebrating our students' accomplishments. I am thrilled to extend my congratulations to all students advancing to their next grade levels. A special congratulations goes out to the Class of 2023, who depart ESUSD fully equipped to face the world. 

Our district constantly boasts one of the highest graduation rates in the region, and I am delighted to announce that this year, we have 298 ESHS students and 18 Arena High students receiving their diplomas. 

I also want to take a moment to recognize the remarkable efforts of the ESUSD teachers, staff, and administrators throughout this school year. Our school district is blessed to have an extraordinarily talented faculty, classified staff, and administrative team, all dedicated to the success of our students. Furthermore, I would like to extend my gratitude to our Board of Education, who work tirelessly to uphold the ESUSD mission: to transform education to suit our evolving world and to ensure our students are prepared for the jobs of the future.

As I conclude this message, I want to highlight seniors who will graduate this week. These success stories serve as a testament to the future leaders emerging from the exceptional Class of 2023!

Malia Haug

Malia will attend LMU this fall to major in civil engineering. During her time at ESHS, Malia was part of the Eagle Elite, the academic honor roll, for all four years. She served as a Kimon tutor, practiced Tae Kwon Do, and participated in the Bridge Between Cultures Club, learning about traditions, customs, and foods from countries around the world.

Malia was a student in the Engineering pathway, whose most memorable experiences were working with different groups of students on projects. “When you work together on a project, you build new friendships and trust, and you are able to experience how different people work and how to collaborate,” she said.

After completing the aerospace engineering class at ESHS, Malia received an internship at Boeing, focused on electrical engineering and working on radio frequency and antennas, but plans to move forward in her career as a civil engineer.

Malia’s interest in engineering was inspired by the rides at Disneyland. “I always loved it when the rides broke down at Disneyland and the lights would go on, and you could actually see the structures of the rides. This fascinated me.” Studying civil engineering will allow her to explore different elements of engineering.

Malia loved her time in the ESHS engineering pathway, exploring all types of engineering, physics, computer science, and material science, and appreciated the opportunity to study all of these fields to get a better understanding of the direction she would like to go after college. She also liked the real-world experience her studies in this pathway provided.

“In the ESHS engineering pathway, the first year gets you accustomed to the design process. You get to collaborate with others, which I believe is very important for the real world.”

Ima Essien

Ima plans to study journalism at Spelman College in the fall. She picked the school for the sense of community she felt when she was there, and the way it made her feel empowered to keep growing and moving forward.

During high school, Ima was part of the Eagle Elite for four years, served as the AVID president ambassador, and assisted in planning events for the AVID program.

“I owe a lot to AVID and Ms. Richmond, who has been my rock during these last few years.” said Ima. “She was my first AP teacher, made me feel like I belonged in an AP class, and helped me be successful in AP World History.”

Along with a degree in journalism, Ima hopes to continue writing her blog and would like to start monetizing it, and she hopes to get certified as a personal trainer as well.

Ima was also involved on the ESHS girls’ volleyball team and served as captain her senior year, she founded the Mental Health Movement Club, and was a member of the Black Student Union.

During my sophomore year, the poetry unit really inspired me and made me appreciate language and writing,” she said. “From that poetry unit through my senior year, it felt like a full-circle moment to perform in front of my classmates and teachers at the BSU Open Mic Night.”

Her advice to incoming high school students? “Be open to conversation with others. In the past four years, I’ve tried to at least meet and talk to everyone, engaging with all people. Everyone offers a different perspective. Sometimes, we isolate ourselves and only stick with our own friends, instead of being open to new people and new perspectives. Listening is so important.”

Nolan Kelly 

Nolan will head to Princeton University this fall, where he will play volleyball. He hasn’t yet declared a major, but is considering economics, with plans to pursue a career in banking/private equity.

During high school, he was part of the Elite for all four years, participated in the biomedical pathway, and took seven AP exams. He was a member of the boys’ volleyball team for four years (winning the Division 3 CIF and Division 2 Regional State championships this year), played basketball for the high school for two years, and played club volleyball outside of school.

“I’ve played in a lot of big games, but May 13, when we won the Division 3 CIF volleyball championship, was in a league of its own,” said Nolan. “To be able to represent my city and my school was an incredible experience.”

Nolan is both an exceptional athlete and student, who has fully embraced challenges and difficulties throughout his high school career, never wavering under hardships. His character has grown strong, he has excelled academically, and he has served as a leader to his peers both inside and outside the classroom.

“It has been tough,” he said. “But looking back, it’s a nice feeling to see what I’ve been able to accomplish.”

His words for the Class of 2024: “Don't take anything for granted—sports, school, friendships, or family. And don't waste any opportunities to get better at those things!”

Stephanie Rodriguez

Stephanie plans to study health science at Biola University on a full-ride scholarship. “I’m excited to learn more about medical pathways and careers,” she said about her plans for the fall. “I’m leaning toward a career in nursing, but I’m open to learning about other fields, too.” She’ll continue to play water polo on Biola’s Women’s Water Polo team as well.

During her four years at ESHS, Stephanie was part of the Eagle Elite, played on the varsity teams for water polo and swimming, was a member of the Mental Health Club, was a Link Crew leader for two years, and participated in choir.

“Being in choir has been life changing,” said Stephanie. “At the last choir concert, the senior students sang ‘Remember Me’ from the movie ‘Encanto.’ While I was singing, I was reflecting on all four years of high school and how memorable my experiences have been.”

Stephanie’s goal is to work in the medical field to support others as she has been supported.

Lily Gooden

Lily did not have a typical high school experience. Her first two years she attended a military academy and went on to a comprehensive high school where her attendance was poor. “Life was hard. When I was given the opportunity to live with my aunt, I choose to attend Arena, as the program gave me flexibility, and Mr. Williams and Dr. Plotkin understand that sometimes you need a different approach. The program here made me want to learn as it allowed me to pace myself. I have completed dual enrollment classes and I look forward to coming to school now and know I can do it on my own.”

Lily was received an EL Segundo Woman’s Club scholarship and was selected as the Arena Student of the Year for 2023. Lily’s future plans are to study psychology at El Camino College and then transfer to a four year university. “ Majoring in psychology will allow me to pursue my goal of becoming a clinical psychologist so I can help others moving forward.”

Final Thoughts

I am inspired by our seniors who, despite many new and challenging circumstances throughout their high school years, continue to demonstrate resilience, positivity, and strength.

Thank you all for remaining present and positive throughout this week as we collectively celebrate our students and recognize these milestone moments in their lives. I wish you a productive summer—and all of us at ESUSD look forward to seeing you all back for the 2023-24 academic year!

With gratitude,

Melissa Moore, Ed.D.
Superintendent
El Segundo Unified School District