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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020
CELEBRATING MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2020 FROM LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS
Plant City Observer
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INSIDE DURANT HIGH SCHOOL
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PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL
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STRAWBERRY CREST
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SIMMONS CAREER CENTER
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All graduation lists provided by their respective schools.
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PLANT CITY OBSERVER JOURNEY
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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020
DURANT HIGH SCHOOL
Joseph Charles Abell Jr. Badith Marcela Abraham Cabrera Tyler Joseph Acevedo Erika Acosta Azuara Jonathan Eugene Aguirre Jesus Alfredo Alarcon Mia Guadalupe Aldama Jessica Renee Alexander Zoe Bryanna Alford Layla Yousef Ali Miranda Nicole Alonso Marah Anmar Al-Uri Devin Ray Amerson Alyssia Enjoli Anderson Abraham Emmanuel Angeles Estefany Araujo Nathaniel James Arduini Juan Arteaga Hernandez Ke’Shayla Chanell Arthur Benjamin Charles Atkins Gabrielle Simone´ Atkins Westin Robert Atkins Austin Antonio Avancena Brianna Baca Ashton Andrew Bailey Zaven Christian Banda Jessica Michaela Barfield Kamen Paul Bartels Courtney Alexis Baugh Abran Bautista Lopez Junior Omar Bautista-Lopez David Bautista-Nava Angelus Jaheem Beasley Dustin Michael Belcher Danyu Carl Bellamy Nicholas Dalton Benitz Travis Anson Benjamin Laura Anne Bergman Jazmen Iyanna Bethea Richard Connor Beuchat Miranda Grace Bihler Kaleb Jonathan Blakey Hannah Louise Blanton Jose Fernando Blas-Rosales Michelle Blas-Rosales Daniel Edward Bledsoe Bridget Michelle Blevins Michael Andrew Martin Boren Belani Valrin Boyd Madisyn Rene Boyd Alysa Nicole Branch James Mario Ward Branley Madison Lauren Briggs Bradlee Hunter Brightwell Minniecia Jonaye´ BrinsonCarpenter Coleton Wiley Brogden Autumn Paige Bronson Kate Elaine Brooks Luke Anthony Brown Marylean Brown Victor Jalen Brown Madeliene Sue Bryan Sydney Madison Buck Shamari Sanaa Buckley Tyler Eugene Bullard Gavin Mailani Burgess Scott Johnathan Burkett, Jr Caiden Thomas Burnett Ashlyn Makayla Busby Helda Bustamante Haileigh Marie Butler Cameron Cornell Cade Luke Thomas Cadwallader
Johan Camargo Isyhs Lukkah-Marie Camlin Rodney Candelario Kaylee Elizabeth Canning Christian Cantellano Arturo Cantu Ruben Luis Caraballo Israel Luis Carela Jordan Paige Carlisle Cole Ray Carr Ildemaro Jose Castillo Jacqueline Guadalupe Castillo Guerrero Efrain Castizo-Alarcon, Jr Liliana Castro-Juarez Cristian Castro-Salazar Kevin Cavazos Erik Cerro Parker James Chadwell Elyssa Kaylee Chamorro Alana Madison Cicarelli Brianna Kay Clay Alessandra Marie Coglianese Tristyn Gabrielle Rose Cohen Darius Edward Coleman Natalia Collazo Christopher Jared Comunale Jacob Isaiah Concepcion Sandra Cordova Elalia Diane Cortez Alli Noelle Couture Cassidi Ashlyn Couture Charles Ahmed Timothy Crandall Jayson Alexander Cromer Connor Ashton Cross Esfrain Cruz Jose Jennifer Alyssa Dages Alexis Ann D’Amico Gamaliel Daniel Patrick Alexander Danley Kristina Michelle Dasilva Corey Landon Davis Takyia Jamasia Dawson Anthony Juan DeJesus Shounny Mercedes De La Cruz Adriana De La Rosa Richard Renzo Decresie Sandy Elizabeth Del Angel Christian Andrew Delgado Jazzlyn Rose Delgado Jessica Delgado Christopher Anthony Dello Russo Gabriel Matthew Storm Deluca Ashlynn Brooke Dempsey Shylen Paige Denmark Brennan McLeod Dennard Andrew Wyatt DeWitt Natalie Desiree Diaz Luan Thanh Do Cassandra Yen Doan Kinleigh Paige Doiron Mohammed Salman Dolam Colin Michael Donovan Jessica Lynn Dreyer Camryn Mackenzie Drummond Donovan Edward Duarte Marco Antonio Duarte Gonzalez Taylor Marie Dubose Deepak Lal Duggal Meghan Lee Dulay Autumn Denise Durando Jonathan Allen Easter Summer Lynn Ebdrup Torrie Alexis Edmondson
Kayla Rose Ellithorpe Grace Leora Elrod Amael Julian Escribano Kayla Noelle Esparza Adiel Espinoza Carlos Espitia Haila Estrada Ramirez Emmanuel Bernard Eugene Jr. Jordan Lynne Fahringer Sierra Nicole Fantazia Justin Rocco Farina Eric Demond Farquharson III John David Faulk III Christopher Adam Felegy Blake Dominic Ferguson Hayden McKalynn Ferguson Hannah Grace Fetters Sophonie Fidele Ahmad David Fitts Megan Perry Flanagan Aaron Joshua Arthur Fraga Katie Ann Franks Kendal Linn Frasher Maya Jaelen Frasier Breno Duartes Ferreira De Freitas Gage Aidan Fuentes Mercedes La Angel Fuller Jaden Isaak Galarza Kaleysha Galarza Navarro Bianca Elizabeth Garcia Malen Garcia Zapata Julio Garcia-Cortes Samantha McBee Garrigues Melissa Gaviria Cyle Nicholas Gay Mikayla Ashlyn Geniesse Calen Joshua Gibson Marquies Maurice Gines Jr. Jason Kyle Goetluck Hailey Nicole Goins Edvin Alexander Gonzalez Milagros Gonzalez Oscar Gonzalez, Jr Angel Eduardo GonzalezHernandez Katelyn Marie Graham Caitlyn Elizabeth Green D’Quandre Marquez Grier Katiana Nicole Grimaldi Bradley Aaron Guasto Kenny Jesus Guerra Isabel Guerrero Jakob Dylan Gunn Savannah Reann Gunn Sheripha Jacelin Habir Edward Demond Haggins Jr. Hendon Gray Haley Sierra Louise Halladay Hannah Frances Harburg Dalton Donald Harper Richard Cleveland Harrelson IV Joseph Ty Harris Yulia Grace Hartmann De’Vaughn Junior Thomas Hayes Brianna Marie Hayes Dylan Michael Heist Arianna Faith Henderson Emma Nicole Henry Joshua Ryan Henry Joanna De Jesus Hernandez Kenneth Alberto Hernandez Kiara Hernandez Francisco Manuel Hernandez De La Cruz
Deyaneira Hernandez Mendez Christopher David Hernandez Rivera Xavier Sebastian Hernandez Rivera Alexis Hernandez-Vega Chantelle Marie Hicks Neko Laquinne Hightower II Selara Ann Hightower Mohammed-Juma Jafar Hijaz Juliet Autumn Hinkley Nevin Saahil Hirji Madelyn Kristina Hooper Rachel Elaine Horne Corrin Janae Houston Preston Kyler Howell Denim Michele Hughes Triston Scott Hughes Daniel Jacob Humphrey Sarah Anne Humphrey Cade Allen-Michael Hunter Shelby Shanise Hunter Savanna Lynn Huntley Vincenzo Giuseppe Interdonato Eunice Isidro Alicia Isidro-Melchor Christopher Charles Jack Riley Edward Jeffries Miyah Sharell Jenkins Violet Rain Jermolowicz Armando Jimenez Ricky Allen Johnson Jr. Stacy Nichole Johnson Victoria Maelona Johnson Carissa Kay Jones Shawn Morris Jones Divya J. Joseph Gayla Dejanya Joyce Sarah Juarez Joanna Viviana Juarez Vasquez Maxwell Jacob Karp Hayley Lynn King Jesse Franz Kirkman Elizabeth Joye Knowell Joshua Dylan Koppenhaver Jacob Evan Kost Ashleigh Nicole Koza Destiny Moon Kyer Cole Allen Ladewig Analisa Lara Ricardo Lara III Anessa Brekell Lariscy Alex Joseph Lauber Michael Justin Lawlor Ashlyn Marie Ledbetter Jasmine Nicole Lee Micaha Dejanae Lee Nichole Marie Lerman Kathryn Graceanne Lester Kelsey Nicole Leto Victoria Elizabeth Leto Clay Allen Lingo Siera Cheyenne Linton Kayla Cynthia Lissy Kamille Grace Long Eliezer Domingo Lopez Rebekah Marie Lorentzen Abril Esmeralda Lucas Ortiz Jesenia Ines Lugo Shayla Shambrya Lyons Renee Nichelle Mack Crystal Janellie Mahecha Anita Benny Makil Aaliyah Nayalee Maldonado-
Perez Robert Andrew Malloy Jr. Morgan Marie Manigold Rebecca Carolina Manzanares Niomy Alish Marquez Delgado Cody Sebastian Marr Dalton Cade Marsh William Randolph Marshall Matthew David Martin Daniela Martinez Carlos Jose Luis Martinez Mariu Martinez Maximus Titan Martinez Nylah Brianna Martinez Yosselyn Martinez Hunter Michael Maslin Nash Logan McCrory Hunter Paul McDaniel Brandon Malekiah McFarland Rebeca Louise McGuin Heather Kristine McIntyre Ethan Matthew McLeod Justin Robert McQuaig Emileigh Grace Meeks Fanny Jaciela Melendez Colindres Jesse Alan Melton Yovanni Mena Alex Mendoza Ernesto Mendoza Roberto Carlos Mendoza-Trejo Sachiel Maria Mercado Chasity Maria Mercer Christine Marie Mercer John Bradley Mercer Jr. Sean Robert Michael Faith Christine Miller Izaya Rey Miller Riley Michael Miller Rosie Natasha Mims Katherine Michelle Miranda Requeno Antonio Cashmere Mitchell Joseph Isaac Molina O’Neill Johnny Molina Munoz Alexander Michael Mooneyham Jacob Nicholas Moore Shanelle Kiara Moore Gabrielle Mora Maria Camila Mora Olaya Ralph Rupert Rosero Moral Edgar Morales-Cordova Alex Gabriel Moreno Ju’Juan Robert Moser Matthew Justin Motes Kaitlyn Louise Mott Chloe Alexandra Murphy Kyle Matthew Murphy Staci Renee Navarro Remi Atarah-Maurice Nelson Garrett Lee Nething Tristan Blaze Nichols Micah Xavier Nickelson Amayrani Soledad Nieto Jordan Lynne Noble Cedric Junior Noel Argenes Nolasco Chima Zaire Nwala Samantha Jo O’Connor Jasmine Christina O’Halloran Alyza Gabreille Reese O’Reilly Marilet Olivares Carley Morgan Oliver Emily Marie Olson Caleb Scott Olson
PLANT CITY OBSERVER JOURNEY
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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020
DURANT HIGH SCHOOL
Ariecelli Ortiz Nicholas Andrew Ortiz Yazmin Yamilett Ortiz Alexander Robert Michael Pacheco Antonio Alejandro Padilla Pujals Jonathan Guadalupe Palacios Kayla Rose Palm Emma Nicole Parke Jenna Rae Peach Hayden Kenneth Peeples Shyllenne Lennett Perez Nioelys Tereza Pérez Rivera Ariel B. Persad Alyssa Marie Personius Arjenayh Phamarie Pewu Avi´Yana Ny´Taesia Phillips Samantha Rose Pimentel Jesus Andres Pineda Rodriguez Robert Wyatt Pippin Annabel Ponce Jose Luciano Ponce-Villagrana Emma Lauren Poole Edgar Posadas Jr. Emily Noelle Powell Madison Grace Powers Adline Gi-Ann Prempin Chloe Elise Price Colton Alexander Price Sarah Ashton Price Jada Darlene Pridemore Kylla Elisabeth Prue Dane´T Tatyana Quinn Le´Shontis Anari Ragins Christy Joy Rairick Jared John Ramirez Marisol Ramirez Angeles Jennifer Ramirez Maria Rosita Ramirez Ramirez
Fernando Ramirez Añorve Malak Ramzi Keishanna Randolph Morgan Catherine Redmon Hannah Sheree Register Shelby Sierra Reichert Cassandra Nicole Resler Chloe Marie Reyero Ahtziri Reyes Christian Lorenzo Reyes Gaspar Junior Reyes Mya Elizabeth Reynolds Toshianna Patricia Richardson Sebastian Rios Taguja Lane Mitchell Robbins Connor Alexander Robertson Angelique Damoore Robinson Arianna Jhonae Robinson Dyamond Ashanti Robinson Daniel Eduardo Rodriguez Fabian Rodriguez Joseph Christopher Rodriguez Yadamari Rodriguez Abraham Rodriguez-Rojo Cody Elvis Rodriguez Torres Ethan Henry Romero Joseline Romero-Tepetate Debra Jean Rossi Seth Tyler Russell Jessica Lynn Ryder Zavier Darten Elias Safie Shawn Junior Saintil Franca Deaminda Saint-Vil Noah C. Saladino Yasmin Salmeron Katrina Limbasan Salvador Aurielle Samad Natalia Sanchez-Reyes Caleb Joshua Santana
Adrian Enrique Santiago Sanchez Noah Giovanni Santiago Elizabeth Rose Schreiner Kyra Malena Scott Zachary Edward Scott Benjamin Robert Shaw Nathan Michael Shelden Morgan Leeann Shinault Kory Joseph Sidwell Vicente Sierra Riley Elizabeth Simmons Aaron James Sirmans Jakub Slavov Charles Henry J. A. T. G. Small Dalton Murlin Smith Immari Marcus Ra´dre Smith Madison Taylor Smith Sabrina Kelly Renee Smith Colby James Sommer Maria Emilia Sotomayor-Merchan Joseph Thomas Spitler Veronica Lynne Spitnale Declyn Staley Caleb Andrew Stenger Jordyn Anne Stenger Annie Stephanie Stricklin Leah Catherine Suggs Zachary Tyler Suggs Garrett Michael Swaford Kelly Jean Swank Oliver Cade Sweetser Kayla Marie Swinson Laura Taguja Samantha Tamayo Hermes Emilio Tavarez Jerez Hannah Brooke Taylor Allison Jane Teichert Valerie Jeanne Teichert Bryan Patrick Tew
Zoe Josephine Theriault Kyle Matthew Thomas Jacob Aaron Thomas Alex Koottumkal Thomas Kha’Nyiah Al’Lisicia Thomas Keiniya Lakeitha Thomas Arianna Maria Thompson Brianna Aliyah Thompson Gracie Faith Thompson Jenna Taylor Thompson Anna Lee Tinch Hailey Ann Tintle Jackelin Yessena Tomas-Jacinto Kali Nicole Toole Bethany Hope Topper Gage Cornell Torgerson Amani La’Niya-Ann Torres Jatarius Xavier Torres Rachel Lorgine Touze Jaden Edward Trice Richard Allen Trice III Alondra Trinidad Camacho Jacob Mark Trio Ashley Taylor Trussell Oscar Araon Ulloa Karla Maria Urias De Paz Mavrick Vincent Valdes Mizael Valdez-Chavarria Cecilia Vargas Analeese Maria Vazquez Haley Vazquez Lluvia Vazquez Shayla Michelle Vazquez Yaritza Vasquez Antonio Omar Vega Johnathan Albert Velez Joshua Robert Velez Edith Ventura-Antonio Rosario Guillermina Ventura-
Morales Agustin Ventura-Reyes Tre’ Jordan Verbanas Vicente Rafael Virola Vega William Fredrick Wahle Andrew Joseph Walker Riley Joel Walker Kennedy Nehemiah McKenzie Walton Zoey Lynn Ward Mark Caleb Watson Carolyn Claire Watts Miniya Kande Unique Weaver Ethan Christopher Webb Madison Danyel Wells Colton Andrew Wheat Ayanna Keilani White Meghan Elizabeth White Olivia Grace Whitman Kaiden Gene Whitney Merrick Devin Wigington Margaret Elise Wilbur Sean Thomas Williams Taylor Ann Williams Madeline Nichole Willis Xavier Emari Willis April Marie Wilson Nina Lucia Wilson Waylan David Isaih Wilson Camryn Caye Wink Katlin Grace Witte Skyah Monay Worth James Blake Wynn Inthila Xaiyasensouk Lila Yan Thomas Brock Zugay
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DURANT HIGH SCHOOL
Where are you going to college and what are you majoring in? I’m going to USF to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics. What are you most excited for about going to college? I think I’m most excited to learn about things that I’m more directly interested in. I’d like to be able to start offering actual research and start toward the career I want. When you realized you’d be top two in your class, how did you react? I was kind of hesitant initially. At least from the beginning, that was not the goal. It wasn’t until I saw that it was possible, that I was in top 10 and then top five that I thought, ‘Oh I can actually win this thing.’ I was happy, though. It felt like the natural conclusion. Once I start to work toward something and I see the end in sight, it’s kind of natural for me to finish it out. Once I saw that it was possible I worked toward it, so I wasn’t too surprised when it was announced.
VALEDICTORIAN: CHRISTOPHER FELEGY
How did you manage your time to balance all your work and succeed like you did? Coffee. I work essentially a full-time job. During the school year I would get home at 3 o’clock and then I would work 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Then I would get home and stay up until three or four in the morning and do my homework and sleep for a few hours. Then I would get to school early to get involved in all of the things I was a part of and then I would finish
any schoolwork I hadn’t completed and start my next night’s homework assignments at lunch so I had less to do when I got off work. You just have to be motivated and get it done. What’s one thing you wish you knew about high school in advance? Maybe when I first came in there, I maybe should have known how easy it was to just put the work in. That first year when I came in, I definitely didn’t expect at least for the first semester or two to make it this far. So I wasn’t motivated to really put in the work that first year. I think if I would have known coming into it that it would’ve been possible, I might have been able to succeed a little bit more. I could have taken dual enrollment classes freshman year and put more work in I could have had a higher GPA. What was your favorite moment of high school? I’m not really sure I have a favorite. What was the most challenging thing about having COVID-19 disrupt your senior year? Just the abrupt ending to it. When I found out that graduation was essentially being pushed back to July, which in my eye is essentially being cancelled, coming back to graduate four or five months after not being in the building with everybody doesn’t feel the same. It definitely killed a lot of my motivation for a couple of weeks. I think having the AP exams truly was the only reason that I had
motivation to do anything. I’m very much the type of person that has to physically be somewhere to be motivated to give it my full attention, so finding out the year was over and my GPA was frozen killed a lot of my drive. What’s the best thing you learned from a teacher? My AP US History teacher taught me that most people aren’t actually your friends. You may think in high school that a lot of people that you get along with are your friends, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are. That takes a lot of pressure off of how you feel you need to perform. What do you hope to do in life after college? I would certainly like to go on to have a successful life. Especially with it looking like it’s not going to be a very great economy once I graduate... so eventually I’d like to work in a consultant position with the city or with the state or federal government and try to be able to make an impact on how we run things in this country. And to try to create a positive change for everybody. What’s one message you’d like to share with your fellow graduates? It doesn’t really matter so much what you did throughout high school, what matters is what you start doing today. If you want to turn your life into a success, you have to start working on it now.
PLANT CITY OBSERVER JOURNEY
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PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL
Britney Liz Acosta Javier Aguilar Kelly Aguilar Juan Luis Aguilera-Razo Anallely Agustin Alonzo Pedro Agustin-Miguel William Dezseran Alecock Abigail Alejo Madisyn Kae Alton Yadhira Alvarado Juan Francisco Alvarez Jr. Melvin Yanniel Amador Garcia Jahtziri Ambriz Ivan Amezquita-Gudino Gabriel Arce Hunter Joseph Arkins Dylan Christopher Armold Emy Liseth Avalos-Majano Karla Avelino Ian Anthony Avendano Eric Avila Mollie Elizabeth Badenhorst Emmanuel Baez Ruben Bailey III Jenna Nicole Baker Joshua Samuel Barillas Noel Barrera Amaya Brianna Bass Chris Anthony Battle Jr. Fabiola Bautista Ana Esther Bedolla Jeren Cade Bendorf Jessica Ann Benton Christian Joseph Bentrovato Paula Aneli Berio Andrea Shannon Bernabe Miguel Angel Bernardino Kelvin Betancourt Kevin Betancourt Ally Rae Black Ethan Robert Black Eddie Clyde Blackmon III Hannah Tate Blackwell Arlett Blas Amelia Blas-Arsiga Joseph Yamiel Bodon Santiago Joshua James Borders Kenya Denay Boston Ramsey Alivia Bowers Rosa Boxtha Maya Teasia Brooks Jade Ariana Brown Kristina Elizabeth Brown Triston Drake Brozik Traà Michael Bullington Skylar Marie Burke Christina Hope Butler Brandon Enrique Cabrera Fernando Angel Cabrera Maria Evelyn Capitan Rubio Julian Luis Caraballo Angel Cardenas Juliana Olivia Caro Ilianna Isabella Castillo Cecilia Castillo Martinez Gisselle Castillo-Hernandez Jose Daniel Caudillo Giselle Marie Cepeda Uriel Cerro Olivia Claire Charron Ryan Eric Chen
Gavin Chase Chitwood Javen Marquis Clarke Nehemiah Q-Mar Cofield Jacob Andrew Coker Jada Zatavia Collins Victoria Contreras Marta Elizabeth Contreras-Rodriguez Morgan Brooke Coon Jeremiah Lee Cooper Riley Michelle Cooper Zachary Cole Cothren Carley Elizabeth Cotnoir Brayden Gage Crews Alexis Rose Cribbs Hunter Wayne Cribbs Anthony Lee Cruz Jayson Gabriel Cruz Perla Patricia Cuesta Correa Josselyn Gabriela Cuyuch Deras Carlos Daniel Jr. Gisselle Daniel Chloe Marissa Das A’zarjona La’zantus Zy’neria Davis Hunter Jakob Davis Isaiah Xavier Davis John Allen Davis Jr. Kha’sharei Alliyah Davis Precious Alethea Davis-Foster Karla Paola De Aquino Juan Carlos De La Cruz Dorian De Los Santos-Lopez Alexis Erin Deal Gregorio Jose Del Valle Alexis Kayla DeLuna Noah Patrick DeWeese Litzy Diaz Alexis Diaz-Ortiz Sierra Brooks Diers Jada Taina Diggs Juston Eugene Dixon Shelby Deann Dixon Delaney Marie Douglas Tyler Warren Dowdy Abigail Brooke Duncan Alejandro Duque Jr. Karla Yadira Duran Crystal Renae Durrence Matthew Mack Hall Dyer Olivia Grace Eichen Christopher Chase English David Anthony Escamilla-Suqui Saraihya Mychelle Esparza Alfredo Espinoza David Espinoza Yesenia Estrada Ashton Cena Ferguson Jeremy Alex Ferrer Rebecca Nicole Field Kyle O’Neal Fischer Rodney Demon Fisher Jr. Maria De Jesus Flores Micaela Taylor Flores Ximena Flores Jeffrey Leon Flowers III Melek Joshua Ford Jahiem Kye Francis Ricardo Francisco-Alonzo Bianca Tainia Franco Nicole Marie Franco Rivera
Zachary James Frankowiak Bradlee Robert Frazer Alexandra Maria Fryer Maria Rosa Fuerte Haven Marie Futch Tre Donovan Gabbard Jordan James Gadson Grace Elizabeth Gainer Chyna Marie Gaines Marcus Gallegos-Velasquez Gabrielle Garcia Kesil Garcia Estefi Gaspar-Pineda Evelyn Paola Genis Lopez Alina Elizabeth Gianino Tanner Walton Gibbs Pablo Josue Gomez Xiomara Irene Gomez Litzy Gomez-De La Cruz Briana Krystal Gonzalez Damian Gonzalez Fernando Jose Gonzalez Raymundo Gonzalez Stephanie Lizette Gonzalez Victoria Alyxis Gonzalez Jose David Gonzalez Martinez Brianna Ladawn Gould Wesley Legrand Gould Caitlin Marie Graves Michael Paul Guerra Jr. Esteban Guerrero Eric Guillen-Campbell Kenya Gutierrez-Rivera Brantley Matthew Hall Elexis MacKenzie Hall Kyle William Hamilton Cheyenne Brooke Hancock Nathan Dallas Hardwick Shermonte Ronnel Hargrove Hailey Nicole Harris Alaycias Iyanna Hayes Joseph William Hendrix Ethan Robert Henning David Taylor Herbert Emanuel Hernandez Jesenya Autumn Hernandez Kayla Renee Hernandez Marissa Michelle Hernandez Erick Estuardo Hernández Molina Angel Abdiel Herrera Acosta Autumn Deonna Hicks Romyann Olivia Hoover Mitchell James Hopson Jennifer Ibarra Oscar Ibarra Olivia Grace Iglesias Abdullah Ijaz Matthew Lagumbay Jagus Ce’aer Queriontai James Elijah Shalom James Aleena Mariah Jaramillo Dontavia Lashekia Jenkins Celsea Michele Jennings Lucero Jijon-Blas Ashley Paige Johnson Blake Owen Johnson Hayden Thomas Johnson Haley Rose Jolie Austin Edward Jones Isaiah Jordan Jones Ta’coya Ny’shea Jones
Jomarion Mykal Joyce Devin Patrick Kane Daisy Marie Keen Jayla D’Shea Kelley Julie Lynne Kendall Makenzie Lane Kennedy Anthony Edward Killick Shanell Marie King Sarah Louise Kinney Jasmine Nicole Knight Simran Lohtia Kumar Melanie Kyandra Lagunes Austin Wayne Landgrine Ashtynne McKay Lang Isaac Alexander Lara Alyssa Kathryn Largent Karleigh Madison Laughlin Joanne Ledesma Stefhanie Ledesma Bailey Elizabeth Lemelin Clayton Michael Leslie Elvis Keith Lester Jr. Johnathon Keith Lewis Zacharie Christopher Lee Lewis Nancy Lizama Emily Lynn Longoria Alexis Marie Lopez Julian Jose Lopez Salvador Lorenzo Fernandez Rex Allen Lott Saje Messiah Louis Chelsey Sue Loyd Zamir’ Zendae Dashod Lundy-Knighten José Machado Jr. Emily Raquel Macias Sasha Reinita Macomber Carson Lee Magann Jack Halden Maguire Braden-Cade Riley Majors Andrea Maldonado Hannah Mae Mengnian Manley Jordyn Lei Manning Rylee Nicole Marchese Danizia Laque Martin Giselle Martinez Jennifer Rocio Martinez Jensina Martinez Lissette Martinez Kimberly Martinez-Quiroz Phoenix Briaynne Mattair Caleb Glenn McCormick Da’Quan Quintavas McDonald William Michael Chantz McEver Melanie Dawn McKinnis Alex Lee McLendon Reece Michael McLendon Eric Roger-Lamont McLeod Luis Jesus Medina Fernando Joaquin Melendez Kristina Isabel Mendoza Saul Mendoza Tyler Matthew Merrill Jason Edward Merrin Jr. Regan Brooke Messick Andrew Jacob Miller Emma Marlies Miller Tah’Nodd Jah’Queese Miller Shelby Kai Mincey Roshaad Elton Mincy Victoria Star Minjares
Kevin Mohedano Mackinzie Paige Moliere Jorge Julian Molina Anita Sasha Molinero-Flouro Bradley James Moll Monica Montana Michelle Noemi Monzon Jaerik Joseph Morales Sadie Noel Morales Ashley DeJesus Morales-Inzunza Jared Kyle Morgan Hannah Lea Morris Christian Bryan Mossow Alonso Muñoz Bryce Riley Murphy René Napoles Mendoza Spencer Owen Napolitano Odalis Nava Daniel Francisco Navarro Joanna Monic Navarro-Rosales Richard Nelson Maxwell George Ness Jessica Nestor Alexa Kay Newman Skyla Paige Newton Na Hoàng Ly Nguyễn Tyson Tai Nguyen Chelsea Necole Nichols Kelly Frances Nichols Jonathan Xavier Nieves Kayley Sara Ann Nobles Jessica Marie Nolasco Jocelyn Nolasco Danielle Rose Norr Kyle Blaine Nunnery Jonathan Eugenio OjendisGonzales Julissa Ordaz Jackson Lee Padgett Victoria Elizabeth Painter Sydney Rose Palm Jose David Palma Briana Aylyn Palomares Margaret Yisel Palomino-Cortes Josue Paniagua Michael John Pass Nathan Richard Pawlowski Ashley Nicole Perez Baltazar Perez Jr. Olga Perez Jacqueline Paola Perez Bartolon Charles Edward Petersen III Lainey Moriah Phillips Isabela Pineda Fawn Lily Poll Fletcher Likaki Poll Jonathan Ponce Olivia Nicole Poss Patrick Michael Previty Osvaldo Quintana Erik Quintero-Mendoza Larry Lee Ragan III Dalton Bailey Raines Carlos Ramirez Cristian Ramirez Laura Anahi Ramirez Rojas Paulino Ramirez-Bueno Jr. Danny RamirezHernandez Irais Ramirez-Sanchez
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Giselle Stephany Lee Ramos Jesica Ramos Nayeli Ramos-Reyes Gage Hunter Rasmussen Alexandria Madison Ratcliff Jasmine Marie Reaves Aedan Scot Redmon Walker Scott Reeves Madison Leanne Reinhold Oswaldo Rendon Sanchez Johan Resendiz Alex Seir Reyes Flores Abigail May Rhodes Dylan Michael Richards Yaret Riquiz-Leyva Aaron Michael Risdon Abigail Rivera Alicia Marie Roach Antron Tremayne Robinson Jr. Alexander Joseph Rodriguez Christopher Alexander Rodriguez Elitza Rodriguez Estrella Rodriguez Marla Danna Rodriguez Mileyza Alianis Rodriguez Noemi Rodriguez Wyatt Kegan Rogers Eliza Nicole Roman David Xavier Romero Arleth Rosales Jasmine Rosales Neyda Rosales
Gladys Rosales-Crispin Erick Arley Rubio Brenton Tyler Ruedeman Jr. Joanna Ruiz William Gabriel Ruiz Aleishanys Ruiz Maldonado Darlene Zahray Salgado Omar Salmeron-Blas Derrick Abdul-Jervon Sample II Angel Luis Sanchez Elia Sanchez Paul David Sanchez Alexis Guadalupe Santiago Blancas Amalia Santos Kennedy Morgan Sapp Gabriella Nicole Schoch Heavyn Lee Shannon Jacelyn RaeAnn Shissler Dalton Lovice Shivers Easton Wade Shouse Emmy Jane Shouse Cole Parker Shuff Allan Xander Shy Grace Mae Siebenthal Jesse Darrell SigalaGomez Keyontay Kavon Simmons Zarina Ivory Simmons Hunter Brooke Simpson Jennifer Ann Simpson Michael Garrett Simpson
Dalton Bo Slaughter Emily Rae Smith Mariah Nicole Smith Lorenzo Antonio Soto Emil Soto Feliciano Vanessa Lizeth Soto-Solis Katherine Anne Spiker Riska St. Jacques Damian James Stare Emma Jane Stasiak Mary-Catherine Michelle Stephens A’chardnay Ke’Aubreionne Stewart Alexia Chantal Stone Preston Lee Stone Shelby Nicole Stone Taryn Marie Storter Taylyn Kalea Noelani Strickland Nicholas Lorenzo Suarez Irvin Tarin Raegan Olivia Taylor Jordan Tyler Thomas Aliah Sky Angelina Thompson Kynilea Gillis Thompson Jullian Darrius Torbert Carlos Javier Torres Jr. Giovanni Damian Torres Patricia Denis TorresAlvarado Julissa Marie TorresMartinez
Erick Emmanuel Travieso Carrion Nayeli Nicole Trejo Yarely Trejo Kevin Jaime TrejoMartinez Alexis Trejo-Vaquero Caleb Jeremy Turner Esley Clay Unruh V Cristina Gabriela Valadez Adonté Javon Van Duyne Logan Allen Van Fossen Adolfo Quincy Vargas Brooke Taylor Varn Alejandro Esteban Vazquez Jakelyn Vazquez Alexia Samantha Vega Kiara Jane Veitia Daniel Vela Diana Velazquez-Morales Ariana Lily Velez Christian Javier Velez Heredia Jeidy Lissbeth VillafuerteHernandez Ana Lucía Villalobos Pizarro Evelyn Villicana-Andrade Frankie Arnold Vitelli Ranferi Vivas Jr. Elijah Donovan Walters Madison Sianna Washom Brittany Michelle Watson
Allison Elizabeth Webb Maddison Paige Westmoreland Nathan Brooklyn Weston Jade Skye Weyand Khari N’Kosi Lawrence Whitehead Gabriel Wesley Whitmer Mackenzie Zahara Wiggins Cameron Peter Williams Jason Hank Williams Jr. Justin Kyle Williams Luke Wilson Williams Noah Caden Williams Aubryn Lia Williamson Daven Michel Williamson Ayeniah Nicole Wilson Devin Gage Windell Jarod Weston Wingo Timothy Colin James Wolfe Jr. Brooklyn Marie Woltman Nyasha Rajeeni Woodard-Gary Mistery Arianna Wright-Moore Kaily Marie Yacinich James Krister Zaino Jose Estevan Zavala Adelyn Baird Zeff Nathan Thomas Zoffinger Marissa Christine Zolna Samuel Alexander Zucker
BEST OF LUCK to the
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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020
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PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL
VALEDICTORIAN: SIMRAN KUMAR Where are you going to college and what are you majoring in? I will be attending USF and my major is biomedical sciences. What are you most excited for about going to college? Probably the new experiences I’m gonna have, new friends and a change in scenery from our small town. When you realized you’d be top two in your class, how did you react? I found out the day of my senior breakfast and I was so sure I was gonna be number two. They handed me my card, I saw that I was number one and I instantly started crying. The first thing I could think of was to call my dad and let him know I was number one. How did you manage your time to balance all your work and succeed like you did? My family and friends pushing me forward. I enjoyed going to every class. I only took classes I found interesting.
What’s one thing you wish you knew about high school in advance? I wish I knew to begin my freshman year by finding what I love, going into high school knowing I really enjoyed math and science. I really started working hard junior and senior year, but I feel like if I started freshman year I could have taken more classes and challenged myself more. What was your favorite moment of high school? My robotics team placing first out of 12 teams in a competition. We were kind of an underdog. All that hard work paid off. Semifinals with Plant HS, I looked at my team like “This is it, we’re about to win.” That was in January this year. What was the most challenging thing about having COVID-19 disrupt your senior year? Not ending the year with my close friends and finishing my classes. We missed nine weeks of content and I didn’t get to finish those classes. I really enjoy learning and that’s been hard. I do miss seeing
my friends and having those last moments of my senior year — those memories I won’t be able to recreate. But my friends will still be there. What’s the best thing you learned from a teacher? My AP Physics 1 teacher taught me you always can be the driving force of whatever you’re going into. You need a driving force, you need a passion to make sure everything you do, you give 100 percent and you’re doing it for yourself. What do you hope to do in life after college? After I get my bachelors I plan on going to medical school and complete residency, find something I really enjoy. I know I want to help people when I grow up, I just don’t know exactly which specialty. What’s one message you’d like to share with your fellow graduates? Find whatever your passion is and run with it. Never stop trying. You’ll find whatever you’re looking for.
SALUTATORIAN: KYLE HAMILTON Where are you going to college and what are you majoring in? I’m going to UF and I plan to double major in both women’s and gender studies and cellular and molecular biology. It’s a mouthful. What are you most excited for about going to college? Meeting new people, definitely. When you realized you’d be top two in your class, how did you react? It was rewarding. It was like a weird experience because all four years led to that one moment. It was surreal at the breakfast when they announced it. How did you manage your time to balance all your work and succeed like you did? I did not sleep. What’s one thing you wish you knew about high school in advance? There’s not cliques like in the movies. I expected there to be the jocks and the cheerleaders, but it’s not like that at all. Everyone’s friends with everyone.
What was your favorite moment of high school? Probably my sophomore year when I won the Tony Jannus Scholarship essay contest. They give you $600 and three roundtrip tickets to anywhere in the US. My mom and I went to San Francisco and that was pretty amazing. What was the most challenging thing about having COVID-19 disrupt your senior year? For me, I’m really big on closure and I like when things have an ending. I’ve worked really hard these four years and I was really hoping for one grand event where I could say this chapter of my life is over and I could say goodbye. But there was nothing… it was strange adapting to that. What’s the best thing you learned from a teacher? In my middle school world history class, we were learning about different cultures and my sixth grade teacher said to remain open-minded at all times. You’re not gonna learn anything if your mind is closed off. Also, I was doing SAT prep with Ms. Newsome,
a former teacher at PCHS, and I was super anxious about my score. I really wanted to get into Florida. She said “Kyle, you can do this, you’re super bright and you can’t let your anxiety inhibit your natural ability.” Those words have been on repeat in my head ever since she said them. What do you hope to do in life after college? After undergrad, I hope to go to medical school somewhere. I really want to be a disease specialist focusing on HIV/AIDS or pandemic research. What’s one message you’d like to share with your fellow graduates? Never forget who you are.
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Where are you going to college and what are you majoring in? B: We are going to UF and I’m majoring in biomedical engineering and math. What are you most excited for about going to college? B: I’m most excited about the academic rigor of the university and being able to participate in a lot of clubs and undergraduate research opportunities. When you realized you’d be top two in your class, how did you react? B: It wasn’t really a goal or a plan of ours to do that. I think it just happened because we were following our passions and each of our classes, we just registered for classes that were interesting. How did you manage your time to balance all your work and succeed like you did? B: Time management is extremely important. Making a schedule and planning out your week and day really helps. And you have to make time and room for everything that you want to do. What’s one thing you wish you knew about high school in advance? B: I would say I guess it’s important to know that it’s not as hard socially, it’s a big jump from middle school to high school but the transition isn’t as hard as you think it will be. You get used to it very quickly.
What was your favorite moment of high school? B: I think the best part of high school is being able to make a lot of new friends that we would never would have had otherwise. It’s building relationships with people. What was the most challenging thing about having COVID-19 disrupt your senior year? B: It’s obviously had an impact on all of the senior events, we are either moving them online or not having them at all, which is a lot different than most years. But it’s kind of nice to have so much time to do whatever you want and just to keep learning, which is so important. What’s the best thing you learned from a teacher or mentor? B: You should just follow your interests and passions, and that will lead you always in the right direction. Just be persistent and be determined toward your passions. What do you hope to do in life after college? B: I’m thinking about possibly being an MDPHD where I become a physician scientist. What’s one message you’d like to share with your fellow graduates? B: Even though we are in these rough times, we will eventually get through this and life will return back to normal. Once we do that, I think it’s important to follow your passions and let your curiosity drive you.
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CREST IB SALUTATORIAN: NICK SHERWIN
Where are you going to college and what are you majoring in? N: Like my brother, I’m also going to the University of Florida and I’m majoring in biomedical engineering. What are you most excited for about going to college? N: Probably being in a new environment and meeting new people. When you realized you’d be top two in your class, how did you react? N: I would say that we were pretty excited but it wasn’t too much of a big deal for us. We were happy we were rewarded with that honor, but it wasn’t ever on our radar. How did you manage your time to balance all your work and succeed like you did? N: Mostly time management and trying to stay on top of everything and prioritize certain things that are important. What’s one thing you wish you knew about high school in advance? N: That it’s going to be a lot more work than you think it is. What was your favorite moment of high school? N: Some of the internships I did over the summer and some of the clubs we participated in, the memories we had at competitions and all the fun stuff we did outside of school.
What was the most challenging thing about having COVID-19 disrupt your senior year? N: It’s presented a lot of challenges with having graduation and all of those things canceled, but it’s also presented a lot of free time to kind of explore. I think even though it’s not what we were looking for it’s still something that you can take advantage of with this free time. What’s the best thing you learned from a teacher or mentor? N: I would say to be persistent and goal driven and to try to take things small steps at a time to reach a bigger goal. What do you hope to do in life after college? N: I’m thinking about going pre-medicine in college and hopefully becoming a member of the medical field one day. What’s one message you’d like to share with your fellow graduates? N: Probably what I said for the previous question. Be determined, be courageous and try and explore your passions in small steps and that will lead you in the right direction.
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VALEDICTORIAN: BRINDHA IYER Where are you going to college and what are you majoring in? I have been attending Harvard University since I was 16 years of age and will continue with Harvard Medical School and major in Oncology as I volunteered in the summer with Moffitt Cancer Research Center and found it rewarding and inspiring to assist the medically vulnerable. If you are going to college, what are you most looking forward to? When I was at Harvard last year, I had the honor and privilege to meet the Harvard, Princeton and Yale professor Dr. Cornel West and I’m looking forward to his thought-provoking and provocative lectures. When did you realize you’d be top two in your class, how did you react? My sister Fatima Iyer was the 2017 Valedictorian for Strawberry Crest. She inspired me. I worked hard and wanted to attain that same goal as well.
How did you manage your time to successfully balance all of your work and extracurriculars and still manage to have a social life? I was attending five different education institutions as in FLVS, Harvard University,HCC, USF and Strawberry Crest plus volunteering at Moffitt and Feeding Tampa plus being involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, Leo Club, Science and Forensics Club and Keeping Tampa Bay Beautiful club so unfortunately I had little time for a social life.
Specialist Certifications such as PowerPoint, Word and Excel which I completed.
What’s one thing you wish you knew about high school in advance? How much time and work load AP classes would require.
What do you hope to do in life after college? Caring and helping the medically vulnerable.
What was your favorite moment of high school? Meeting all the wonderful and inspiring teachers and staff at Strawberry Crest. What was the most challenging thing about having COVID-19 disrupt your senior year? Finishing up my Microsoft Office
SALUTATORIAN: ARTURO FUENTES Where are you going to college and what are you majoring in? I’m going to go to USF. Majoring in biology. What are you most excited for about going to college? I’m excited for the new experiences, different people, different opportunities, a new place. Just the different deal for everything. When you realized you’d be top two in your class, how did you react? I was sitting at the top 10 breakfast and we were getting down to the last three. My friend and I, we knew we would be in top three and I thought I was in third, but I passed him by .05 percent. It was pretty exciting and I wasn’t expecting to be Sal at all. I wanted it, he knew I wanted it and he thought I deserved it. This last year I was really pushing for it and I was excited I ended up getting it. How did you manage your time to balance all your work and succeed like you did? It started junior year. I played soccer for the school team and I dual enrolled at HCC, but my schedule didn’t work so I had to stop playing toward December. I didn’t get to finish the season with the team, but I had to focus on school. It’s really time management and you have to
make decisions what things are more important than others and then put time aside for those. What’s one thing you wish you knew about high school in advance? One thing I wish I had known in freshman and sophomore year is that your classes aren’t as scary as they are made out to be. In eighth grade when I was getting ready to start high school, they made it seem like it was going to be really scary, but it wasn’t at all. I only took one AP class in freshman and sophomore year and I wish they spoke more about dual enrolling when you start high school so students could graduate with their AA. It was my mom that told me about getting dual enrolled. What was your favorite moment of high school? I think my favorite moment has been our pep rallies. Homecoming was nice for junior and senior year. I think prom would have been great, but you know how that turned out. What was the most challenging thing about having COVID-19 disrupt your senior year? I think it’s just the memories that could have been made we couldn’t do it. Being at home and missing our friends and teachers at school. Not
having our yearbooks signed and missing out on our last goodbyes and the final photos on campus. I think those were the hardest parts. What’s the best thing you learned from a teacher or mentor? I think my parents both told me not to follow others and be a leader. I know it’s pretty cliche, but I think it really resonated with me and I didn’t have to follow others and I went on my own path and I had to do what I had to do. And I never felt bad about that. What do you hope to do in life after college? After USF I want to transfer to UF’s dental program. After that, become an orthodontist for braces and do that as my career. What’s one message you’d like to share with your fellow graduates? I think what I would want to share with my fellow graduates is that I would just want them to know that now is the time to get stuff done, don’t wait until tomorrow. We aren’t promised another day. Follow your ambitions and put time aside for your work and accomplish what you want to accomplish. Don’t procrastinate and then you won’t have to say ‘I wish I could have’ when you’re older. You have the time now.
What’s the best thing you learned from a teacher or mentor? I learned from AP Psych teacher Ms. Hendrix her compassion and willingness to go beyond the classroom and truly immerse herself in her students lives. Math teacher Mr. Katzmayr’s special gift of teaching all ranges of Mathematics a fun and practical way to all different types of learners.
What’s one message you’d like to share with your fellow graduates? As the Latin phrase goes, make every year of your high school your Annos Mirabilis-your amazing, miracle, remarkable and wondrous year.
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MAYOR RICK LOTT PAYS HOMAGE TO CLASS OF 2020 In a year filled with with constant hurdles the Class of 2020 persevered. Mayor Lott takes a moment to reflect on their accomplishments and remind them that wherever they go in life Plant City will always be their champion. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Whenever a student graduates from a high school in Plant City they receive a special message directly from their mayor. Mayor Rick Lott writes letters to the current graduating class of our local high schools congratulating them on their accomplishment. This year is no different, though he said there’s a weight that lingers due to the disruption of the Class of 2020 due to COVID-19. Each student will receive a letter of their own, however, Lott sat down with the Plant City Observer to pen a further message to the class that had to adapt to a reality no other set of students has ever had to face. “When I think of the Class of 2020 I think of a group of student’s that’s faced more obstacles, along with their families, than most who come through the school system,” Lott said. “Think about it, the year they were born 9-11 occurred. While they were obviously very young, their families had to deal with the aftermath of that. Then they had to grow up during the great recession. They had parents that lost jobs and now they’re in a pandemic that is causing many to be unemployed once more. The pandemic they’re facing comes with a lot of chaos and yet this group is pulling through. Our life experiences typically are what defines us. Through all of this the Class of 2020 has continued to succeed, to win championships and break records, to have the highest graduation rate in recent history, to accomplish amazing results in every endeavor they pursue.”
Lott said these challenges are personal, they’re local, they’re national and even worldwide, yet the students have proven time and again that through hard work and determination they can accomplish anything. When he thinks of the future of Plant City and the future of our nation he is filled with a sense of hope because he said this class will use their optimism and drive to propel us into a prosperous tomorrow. And he wants students to know that the city has their back. Pointing to the results of the graduate parade held last weekend and to several of the smaller events that have popped up throughout the community he said that it’s obvious that the Plant City community is unique. In the span of approximately three weeks from the initial call he received from Plant City High School Principal Susan Sullivan the entire volunteer staff, teachers, parade partners and long list of participating schools merged together to accomplished the massive feat. COVID-19 may have changed the nature of the how students say goodbye, but the community rallied together to help them create new memories that will last a lifetime. And for Lott, this endeavor means more than ever. He isn’t just saying goodbye to another set of graduates, he’s watching as the children he’s known since they were infants take the first steps toward adulthood. Lott’s son is wrapping up his senior year at PCHS. The losses that COVID-19 caused local students to endure were felt fully by
his family and Lott wants every student to know that he understands what was taken from them. Their yearbooks are bare, no messages from friends and teachers are lining the photofilled pages. Their phones are missing the albums worth of photos of their friends and teachers saying goodbye to their campus for the last time. No one got to dress up and go dancing with friends at prom. There were no final performances for senior theater actors or last concerts for the studious musicians. Band members at Plant City High School had to unpack their suitcases and say goodbye to the dream of performing at Carnegie Hall after the concert was cancelled at the very last minute. Teams never got to have their final huddle and FFA members were unable to feel the emotions of donning their blue jacket for the last time. He sees what it’s like and he said that he hopes they know that he and our city are here for them and we are all looking forward to seeing where the next few years take them. “I personally have known these kids because they grew up with my son, they played sports together, they literally grew up before my eyes playing in my backyard and suddenly here they are as young adults about to venture off toward their dreams,” Lott said. “And when I talk to them, many of them are pursuing a dream I remember them having when they were just small
kids. Some of their dreams have evolved and changed and they’re going after those with everything they have. This group of seniors, they’re champions. They’ve won cheerleading championships and soccer championships, baseball championships, they’ve taken home two titles in the Special Olympics. We’ve had state officers with FFA and champions in multiple FFA team events. When I think of the group of leaders that we are going to have come out of this class, I’m just so proud of them, I’m really proud of them. Plant City is going to be in good hands.” Lott said that the future shines bright for the class and he is looking forward to what tomorrow brings. “On behalf of my fellow commissioners and our citizens we wish our graduates the best and hope they will chase their dreams with the same vigor that they have so far in their journey,” Lott said.
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