(L-R) Valedictorian Hannah Hagiwara, Valedictorian Theodore “Theo” Ortega, Salutatorian Elena Edmonds, and Salutatorian Dylan Obsenares (Photos – Felita Kealing)
Thurgood Marshall Secondary School is recognizing four exceptional members of the Class of 2026 for their academic excellence, leadership, service, and extracurricular achievements.
By Felita Kealing
Valedictorians Hannah Hagiwara and Theodore Ortega, along with Salutatorians Elena Edmonds and Dylan Obsenares, have distinguished themselves through their accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom while preparing for their next steps in higher education.
Valedictorian Hannah Hagiwara
Valedictorian Hannah Hagiwara has built an impressive record as a scholar-athlete and campus leader. A four-year member of the Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team, she led the Mission Valley League and served as the team’s top singles player for two years. Hagiwara was also a key contributor to Marshall’s 2025 CIF Division 5 Girls Tennis Championship team. Through the Puente Program and involvement in organizations including Rock the Street, Wall Street, Book Club, Sage, Astronomy Club, and Christian Club, she has remained active throughout her high school career. Recognized as an AP Scholar with Honor and an AP Capstone Diploma candidate, Hagiwara has earned a full ride to Georgetown University, where she plans to major in Global Health on the pre-med track. She was also honored with the Kiwanis Club Ruby Hampton Award and received admission offers from numerous prestigious universities.
Valedictorian Theodore “Theo” Ortega
Valedictorian Theodore “Theo” Ortega has combined academic achievement, student leadership, athletics, and community service during his time at Marshall. Ortega serves as the Class of 2026 Vice President, Co-President of the Latino Club, President of the Chess Club, Varsity Basketball Co-Captain, PTSA student representative, Marshall’s 2025 Boys State Delegate, and a member of the Congresswoman Judy Chu Youth Advisory Council. An Eagle Scout, Ortega completed a service project that renovated the school’s outdoor basketball courts for student use. He will attend UCLA, where he plans to study pre-Business Economics with a concentration in Sports Leadership. Ortega hopes to pursue a future career as either a sports agent or a general manager for a professional sports franchise.
Salutatorian Elena Edmonds
Salutatorian Elena Edmonds has demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and athletics throughout her high school career. Recognized by the College Board as an AP Scholar with Distinction and an AP Capstone Diploma candidate, Edmonds has been actively involved in the Black Student Union, Tennis Club, and National Honor Society. As president of the National Honor Society, she provided leadership while maintaining a strong academic record. Edmonds also played a major role on Marshall’s 2025 CIF Division 5 Girls Tennis Championship team, competing as one of the program’s top singles and doubles players during her senior year. She will continue her education at the University of California, Berkeley, where she intends to major in Chemical Engineering.
Salutatorian Dylan Obsenares
Salutatorian Dylan Obsenares has distinguished himself through a combination of academics, leadership, service, athletics, and the arts. Named an AP Scholar with Distinction and an AP Capstone Diploma candidate, Obsenares also earned a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program for his outstanding PSAT performance. He has showcased his photography talents as ASB Historian and Key Club Division Historian while serving as President of the Latino Club and participating in organizations including NHS, Asian Club, Filipino Club, Chess Club, and Key Club. A member of the Marshall Baseball Team, Youth Ambassador, and Eagle Scout, Obsenares has remained deeply involved in both school and community activities. He will attend UCLA, where he plans to study Human Biology and Society.
A Class Defined by Excellence
The achievements of these four students reflect a commitment to academic excellence, leadership, service, and personal growth. As they prepare to begin their college journeys at institutions including Georgetown University, UCLA, and UC Berkeley, they leave behind a lasting impact on the Marshall community and set a high standard for future generations of Eagles.
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