Hailing from San Francisco to Bakersfield and Bethel, Alaska, to Riverside, Calif., 18 of the 70 graduates at Monterey Bay Academy in 2008 are members of a special group — the "four-year club." Four-year club members are those who have been at MBA all four years of academy. As they received diplomas on June 8, their commitment to their faith and their academic successes were acknowledged.

Among the several academic milestones set was an average score of 2,000 out of a possible 2,400 on the SAT this year. Class members were accepted to more than 30 different colleges and universities across the country, including Ivy League schools. High on the preferred college major list are business, medical, engineering, and ministries.

"Our class has really excelled at MBA," Jeffrey Ypon says. "The attitude in our class is positive and contagious. We all want to do well and see each other do well. That kind of environment for four years has a big impact on your life."

It has a big impact on the classroom too. Throughout their time at MBA, they have taken every opportunity to challenge themselves academically. Classes like advanced placement U.S. history and English literature, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology have given them the best foundation possible for their college careers.

"The teachers here really want you to succeed," Kelly Chung. "They have really inspired me to succeed and be a better person."

This group has excelled beyond the classroom too. Members of the "four-year club" have served as class officers, student senators, worship leaders, Associated Student Body officers, and varsity team captains.

They have traveled on mission trips to India, Costa Rica, Peru, South Africa, Belize, Mexico and Mississippi. They have performed in music groups throughout California, Hawaii and the eastern United States.

Staying Faithful

While this group of seniors has many accomplishments under their belts, staying true to their faith has always been their first priority.

"We've always been a spiritual class," Andrew Robinson, a four-year senior from Palmdale, Calif., says. "We wanted to be remembered as a class that did well in school, but more than that we want to be remembered as Christians."

"It is very fulfilling to have watched these students grow and mature," Principal Tim Kubrock says. "These students have taken advantage of every opportunity at MBA. They have challenged themselves and proven that they are among the best and the brightest anywhere. We are proud to send them forth because we know that they will always represent themselves and their God with class and excellence."

According to Julie George, vice principal for academic affairs, this senior class will definitely be remembered. "I look at this class and I see a group of future leaders," George says. "I can't wait to see what these students do. If these students are the future of our church, then our church is in good hands."