LOCAL » FOCUS
J.P. Coton, Cameron Roberts, Addison Killebrew and Brennan Smith enjoy time together at the Honor Banquet. Photo by Stephanie Humphrey
PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL P WRITTEN BY: SHERRIE MUELLER
lant City High School recently hosted the 14th annual Honor Graduate Banquet at the Red Rose Ballroom. Seniors with a 4.0 or higher grade point average were invited to this prestigious event, along with their parents.
Students were awestruck by the beauty of the candlelit ballroom. Special touches included place settings with a program, a custom made PCHS cookie, and a Class of 2012 milk chocolate candy. The chocolate was added courtesy of Robert and Lynda Carty, parents of honor graduate, Caitlyn Carty. The buffet meal included a carving station of Steamship Round, house salad, Chicken Marsala, rice pilaf, roasted potatoes and a fresh vegetable medley. To top off the meal a dessert station with an assortment of delicious cakes. Evelyn and Batista Madonia also donated a chocolate fountain served with a variety of fruits and sweets for the festive occasion. Honor graduates were recognized individually and presented with an orange beach towel embroidered in teal with “PCHS – 2012 Honor Grad.” Parents then had the opportunity to photograph their student with PCHS Principal Colleen Richardson. A “photo booth” was an added surprise for the graduates. They enjoyed having souvenir photos taken with
20
JUNE 2012 focusplantcity.com
other students and parents. These pictures were personalized as well with “Honor Grad Banquet 2012.” The expense of each honor grad’s meal and gift was covered through the generous contributions of community businesses and parent sponsorships.
The highlight of the evening was the premier showing of the 2012 Honor Graduate video produced by honor grad parent, Michael Daly. Students had been asked to submit pictures depicting their life from birth to graduation with an emphasis on including pictures that include other honor graduates. Mrs. Colleen Richardson, Principal and Miss Traci Durrance, Assistant Principal for Administration agreed to participate in the video filming as well. The video, which received rave reviews, provided humor and sentimental moments. Each student received a copy of the video for personal use. The Honor Graduate Banquet is planned and orchestrated each year by school staff and parents. Di Lott and Sherrie Mueller, co-chairs for the 2012 gathering, were assisted by committee members Megan Woods-Daly, Mike Daly, Julie Holbrook, Stephanie Humphrey, Karen Hurst and Donna Keel.
HONOR BANQUET A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
The first honor banquet, held in 1999, saluted 53 honor graduates. The Class of 2012 event paid tribute to 144 honor grad. In expressing her appreciation, Mrs. Richardson said, “This event would not be possible without the support of our community and parents. We love this event as it recognizes our students who
have excelled in the classroom.” From the sounds of lively conversation and laughter throughout the evening, it was obvious the honorees and their parents loved it, too. What a way to finish strong.
Dale and Leslie Rice, both teachers at Plant City High School enjoyed attending the event as parents of honor graduate, Dane Rice. Photo by Stephanie Humphrey