As families and community members explore MBUSD’s new websites, social media channels, and other communications platforms, many of the photos and videos they see were captured by a talented group of Mira Costa High School student photographers and filmmakers.
Throughout the spring, Luna Flores, Hudson Chen, Wilson Ryan, August Waterson, and Demetri Kehagiaras partnered with MBUSD as part of a districtwide storytelling and website refresh initiative. The students volunteered their time and creative talents to visit campuses across the District, capturing authentic moments of teaching, learning, school culture, and everyday student experiences.
Their work is now helping bring the MBUSD story to life across school and District websites, social media, marketing materials, and other communications.
The student contributors included:
Luna Flores, a 2026 Mira Costa graduate and filmmaker, photographer, and creative artist who will attend New York University to study Film and Television with a minor in Business in Entertainment, Media, and Technology. Luna captured content at Pacific Elementary, Pennekamp Elementary, Grand View Elementary, and Mira Costa High School.
Hudson Chen, a 2026 Mira Costa graduate and award-winning photographer who will attend New York University to study Photography. Hudson supported photography efforts at Pacific Elementary and Manhattan Beach Middle School.
Wilson Ryan, an incoming Mira Costa senior and filmmaker, photographer, and multimedia creator who plans to pursue film school and a career in the film industry. Wilson captured content at Pennekamp Elementary, Robinson Elementary, Meadows Elementary, and Manhattan Beach Middle School.
August Waterson, a 2026 Mira Costa graduate and aspiring filmmaker who will attend the University of Texas at Austin to study film. August contributed his talents at Robinson Elementary.
Demetri Kehagiaras, a 2026 Mira Costa graduate who helped capture the joy, curiosity, and early learning experiences of MBUSD’s youngest learners at Manhattan Beach Preschool.
MBUSD is also grateful to the administrators, teachers, staff members, and students across the District who welcomed the student photographers and filmmakers into their classrooms and learning spaces. Their participation created meaningful opportunities for these young creatives to develop their skills while documenting the people and experiences that make each MBUSD school unique.
The students were recognized by the MBUSD Board of Trustees for their contributions to the District and the lasting impact of their work.
As you explore our new websites and follow MBUSD across our digital platforms, keep an eye out for their photography and videography. From classrooms and playgrounds to performances, projects, and everyday moments, their work offers an authentic look at life across MBUSD—captured through the eyes of our own students.
We are incredibly grateful to Luna, Hudson, Wilson, August, and Demetri for helping us preserve these moments and share the story of MBUSD. We look forward to continuing to showcase their work throughout the 2026–27 school year and beyond.