Journey 2016

JUNE 17, 2016

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2016

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ONCE A CHARGER, ALWAYS A CHARGER Staff intern and recent high school graduate Jose Lozoya looks back on his years at Strawberry Crest.

JOSE LOZOYA STAFF INTERN

High school was about a lot of things for me, but mainly it was about working hard and making sure to live in the moment.

I remember being a junior and watching the seniors leave on their last day. As they got their last glimpse of the school, they realized what they were walking away from. I knew I'd be next, and that moment inspired me to make the best out of my senior year.

A LOOK BACK

In my senior year, I became more involved in my school than I had ever been before. It was important for me to stay focused in my seven classes and have fun while I was doing it.

I became the managing editor of the school’s yearbook program. The yearbook staff and I created a yearbook under the watchful eye of our advisor, Morgan Miltner, the woman who I credit for introducing me into the world of journalism and practically changing my whole life. After a long time of not knowing what I could possibly be doing for the rest of my life, I had finally found it.

I also landed a yearlong internship with the Plant City Times & Observer. It helped me push myself to better my skills in journalism for the yearbook.

Writing for my hometown newspaper gave me a look into my future, and I now hope to pursue a career in journalism.

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I think the class of 2016 definitely lived up to the previous senior classes. We filled up the student sections on game days, worked hard to achieve goals academically and made lifelong friends.

New standards were set, new

traditions were made and, as a school, we made sure the rest of the city knew that in our seventh year of our school being open, the Chargers were no longer the new kids on the block.

I couldn't have gone through high school alone. I'd like to thank three people: my mom, for raising me, my brother and my sisters by herself, making sure I was able to attend school events and pushing me to work hard to get where I wanted. My sister Angie, for teaching me so much about becoming a young adult. Everything I know about drive, respect and working for what I want, I learned it from her. Lastly, to Ms. Miltner, for taking me under her wing, protecting me and making sure I was doing well in my classes, teaching me so much about life and how to survive after high school during her "life lessons with Miltner,” and being the best teacher anyone could ask for.

Graduation marks the closing of a chapter in our life, but thankfully, because of Strawberry Crest, we will never forget where we came from. No matter where we go and no matter what we do, we will always have one thing in common: we will always remain the Strawberry Crest High School graduating class of 2016.

JOSE LOZOYA IS A STAFF INTERN FOR THE PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER.

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DURANT HIGH SCHOOL

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Ricky Joel Castillo Viridiana Castro-Juarez Dominick Dameon Causey Isaiah Anthony Cavataio Mariah Lizette Cebreros Christopher John Cerf Jennifer Marlene Cervantes Tyler Chase Cesky Ethan Robert Chadwell Elizabeth Ann Charron Vincent Daniel Chase Juan Carlos Chavez Ramirez Brandon Lee Cheatham Michael Andrew Childs Tyree Voshon Childs Carlos A. Sebastian Chumpitazi Auston Michael Cicarelli Kristopher Ray Clayton George Wesley Collier Jarondi Teshawn Collins Nadia Dynesia Collins Nicholas William Collins Shannon Nicole Comunale Jennifer Ashley Conde Aubreyana Michelle Conner Meaghan McCain Cook Nicholas Bernard Copithorne Carli Lianna Corbett Brandon Scott Cornella Destiny Anastasia Correa Frankie Eugenio Correa III Gabriella Jean Cortese Alexander Daniel Coughlin Lance Wyatt Cowder Sydney Sierra Craig Justin Byron Crampton Jenna Paige Crawford Cassandra Renee Creelman Samual James Crouch Korey Tyler Croxton Rene Gabriel Cruz Michael Shaw Daley Alberto Rene Dastas Trenton Charles Davidson Shelby Kaylan Davis Juan Alberto De La Cruz Jr. Esmeralda De Santiago Courtney Leeann Dean Joanna Magan Dean Cory Stephen Decatur Brent Kenneth Delones Brett Wayne Deshong Jay-Quan Henry Devine Patrick William Devine Martin William Devores Wiliam Ross Dickerson Christian Regan Dilworth Casey Eric Dixon Jacquelyn Carol Dollish Vanessa Dominguez Caitlyn Ann Donovan Noah Alexander Dooley Christopher George Dragel Richard Dylan Duffey Trace Demichael Edmondson Jamir Tyrek Edwards Gustavo Espitia Jonathon Carl Estrada Cameron Jason Evina-Ze

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER JOURNEY 2016

Haley Elizabeth Fabrizio Madison Lee Farrell Matthew Kyle Federico Benjamin Feliciano Rodrigues Jr. Tangelo Jerome Felton Monika Maria Fernandez Kyle Jason Figner Driana Sabrina Filgueiras Maria Sonia Filomeno Courtney Rae Fisher Jade Lori Fisher Henok Mark Fliegelman Jalen Maurice Forte’ Moesha Marie Foster Tyler James Francis Alison Marie Franks Arren Ansel Frison Jr. Austin Jeffrey Fudge Giavanna Valdese Fullwood Maria Guadalupe Gallardo Matias Jonathan Adrian Gallego Kailey Brooke Gamble Billy Jack Gann Adrian Garcia-Cortes Nicole Suzanne Garling Omar Garza Cheyenne Renee George Nicholas Joseph Giarrusso Jordyn Elisabeth Gibson Ian Matthew Giguere Olivia Marie Gilleland Kevin Thomas Gleason Dustin Anthony Goins Anthony Gomez Amanda Gabriela Gomez-Pavon Oscar Daniel Gomez-Pavon Jovannie Gonzalez Juan Jesus Gonzalez Holli Marie Gotsis Olivia Brook Gottman Olivia Michele Graham Larissa Ann Grammer Dylan James Graves Skylar Schilling Gray Vanessa Faye Gray Matthew James Griffin Jr. Mavric Adison Griffin Zachary Wade Griner Krista Marie Nolasco Grow Kathryn Therese Grymes Kelsi Lynn Guy Madeline Guzman Elontese Ladiamond Haggins Emoni Ladaija Haggins Karson Elizabeth Haigler Casey Thomas Hall Andrew Wayne Hampton Luke David Hand Leah Ann Hansil Brandon Alexander Harouff Bryanna Ashley Nicole Harris Cassidy Rae Hasting Aleisha Taylor Hawkins Anthoni Tione Hayes II Quiana Sherine Haynes Samantha Lynn Haynes Amy Lynn Head Niyah Renee Hendricks Shayla Dae Hendrix

Brendon Christopher Henry Cassady Grace Henshaw Jonathan James Hermann Cheyenne David Hermis Angela Johana Hernandez Christopher James Hernandez Erick Hernandez Evan Daniel Hernandez Victoria Elizabeth Hernandez Emily Herrera Therry Dinice Hicks Kristen Lynn Hilsabeck Hannah Gabrielle Hines Kara Inga Hoffmann Daniel Alexander Holcombe Melaney Sue Pearl Holcombe Sarah Abigail Holland Margaret Renee Holt Shianne Morgan Hood Matthew Paul Hook Lacy Nicole Howard Destiny Raquell Hughes Justin Hughes Johnse Wayne Humphrey III Kyran Ray Hunter David Jonathan Iniguez Connor Michael Jack Logan Ray Jacobs Haleigh Lucille Nicole Jaques Kaycee Ashton Jent Valentina Jimenez Richard Anthony Johnn Bayli Kay Johns Emanuel Bryce Johnson Kortney Ireland Johnson Noah Joseph Johnson Olivia Nichole Johnson Casey Matthew Jones Maliyah Latiece Jones Tyler Bryce Jones Gerald Earnest Jordan Haley Susann Jordan Jason Juarez Victor Manuel Juarez Neira Karen Juarez-Aguinaga Ruben Luis Justiniano Zachary Henry Kahan Dalton Michael Katosh Briana Michelle Kelly Brady Michael Kennedy Alexandra Nicole Key Brendan Joseph Kim Caleb Bradley King Ashley Marie Kinkade Courtney Leanne Knight Autumn Rein Knox Zachary Taylor Ko Leah Marie Korb Connor Michael Kurtz Nicolas David Lampp Britny Makayla Lane Ryan Frank Latuszek Jackson Elias Lee Courtney Lynn Lewis Kale Evan Lewis Cristina Nicole Llaneras Victoria Lopez-Gomez Britain Levi Lott Kylor Wayne Love

Kayla Morgan Macomb William Barrett Mahan Peter Nicholas Makrides Isabel M. Maldonado Ortega Julia Claire Mannix Branden Storm Mardis Darian Joane Markham Andrew Scott Marquette Ashley Marie Marshall Nicholas Scott Martin Stephen Anthony Martin Amanda Nicole Martinez Andrew Xavier Martinez Marcoantonio Martinez Alan Mathew Jevis Mathew Austin Lane Maxwell Justin Mayne December Paige McConnell Shaquan Tyrese McCoy Garrett Lee McCubbin Austin Alexander McDonald Ryan Paul McDonald Aidan Daniel McFarland Jasmine Alise McGee Brittany Nicole McGlothin Dakotah Lane McGuire Hayleigh Marie McLeskey Moriah Megan McMahan Mark Anthony McZeal Cody Elijah Meeks Asuzeth Mendoza Arnando Daniel Mercer Gregory Dalton Messick Austin Paul Michael Quinton Todd Mikula David Patrick Miskiewicz Damien Blaze Miyamoto Analleli Mojica Tyler James Moll Nathan Anthony Molle-Clark Emily Ruth Monnik Pamela Maria Montoya Blake Andrew Moody David Luis Morales Jorge Antonio Morales Fred Tom Morris Jamie Eric Mortara Hayley Kay Moser Lara Murot Matthew Spencer Murphy Spencer Douglas Nelson Nina Ireland Neylan Hang Thi Nguyet Nguyen Erik Bartolome Nieto Irwing Tomas Nieto Abner Virgilio Nieves-Pascual Kaitlyn Nicole O’Meara Leticia Olmos Joshua Ayanfeoluwa Oluwatayo Nohemi Ortega Abigail Alisha Ortiz Lauren Elizabeth Osenton Christian Michael Owen Olivia Caroline Owens Rhiannon Denise Page Stephanie Lizbeth Palacios Jose Luis Panduro Jr. Devon Adam Parris PlantCityObserver.com

Brendan Anthony Rhea Justin Tyler Richter Justin Allen Ricker Travis Alton Riley Andres Enrique Rivera Joshua Alexander Rivera Jovan Nael Rivera Tira AnnMarie Roberson Benjamin Page Roberts Hunter James Robinson Killien James Robinson Royford Michael Robinson Leslie Rocha Ali Lucides Rodriguez Seida Gissel Rodriguez Tahira M. Rodriguez Gomez Leslie M. Rodriguez-Ponce Priscilla Rodriguez- Ponce William Ray Roe Jennifer Romero Anael Rosales Evangelina Rosales Florentino Rosales Gilberto Rosario Jonathan Lucas Rowell Roberto Rubio Breanna Nicole Russell Colton Pieter Rustenberghe Juan Pablo Saldarriaga Cano Maritza Salmeron Kaiana Michelle Sanchez Mason Coby Sanders Destiny Noel Sands Seema Dorian Sanichara Axl S. C. Santiago Figueroa Carlos Y. Santiago Rodriguez

Derek Santiago Vega Dalton Mitchell Scolaro Kayla Danielle Scopano Nicholas Adam Secor Jordan Elise Sendoya Kennedy Armanda Sewell Tyler Jon Shamlall Jeremy Jordan Shanks Elizabeth Dawn Shannon Alexander Michael Sheffield Kaitlyn Josephine Shenning Megan Alexandra Short Elizabeth M. Short-Nieves Kayla Lynn Silva Christopher Daniel Silver Justin Taylor Simmons Emily Noel Simpson Skyler Lynn Simpson Anna Lee Sisk Ethan Garrete Sistrunk Alexis Rae Siverio Sierra Lynn Siverio Catherine Aletha Smith Katelyn Marie Smith Ryan Caleb Smith Sydney Larae Solomon Marissa Soto Andrew Ryan Sparks Kimberly Ann Sparks Shawn Franklin Spencer Andrew Dane Spicer Chase Lyndale Spieldenner Emily Nicole Stitt Dakota James Street Mary Margaret Strickland Mariana Patricia Suarez

Ethan Edward Sulick Jacob Robert Sullivan Jessica Tamayo Tyler James Tamse Breanna Nicole Tarlton Brandon Scott Taylor Kathryn Morgan Tew Harrison Nicholas Theocharakis Daniel Timothy Theriault Andrea Ky’Ara Thomas Drake Michael Thomas Frank Stanley Thomas Jack Deforest Thompson Jacob Lee Thompson Jacqueline M. Thompson Isabella Louise Tomeu Ricardo Torres Jr. Laura Anne Townley Dylan Joseph Trio Anthony Pasquale Trunzo Cassidy Noel Trussell Cynthia Nicole Turner Jashley Wesley LL Ulcena Edward Scott Urbina Anthony Gilbert Valdez Desmond Rashaad Vance Amery Leigh VanDeGrift Rebekah Lynn Vanhorn Dagoberto Alcides Varela Padilla Lindsay Marie Vasiloff Heraclio Seth Vela V Kayla Nicole Velasquez Israel Vidal Dustin Wayne Vining Brennen Michael Wacaser

Connor W. L. Wadsworth Mark Alan Wagoner Garett Wayne Waits Xavier Omar Walden Zerena Jone’ Walker Kanika Shaye Walkingstick Zachary Jacob Wanamaker Arnitra Nicole Ward Anthony Tyr Washburn Blaise Edward Watkins Kendra Faye Watson Alisha Madeleine Wehle Gracelyn Nicole Wells Samantha Wenrich Michael Sven Whatley Makayla Marie Wheeldon Sean Joseph White Tyler William Whitehouse Logan Scott Whitney Morgan Sarah Wilbur Noah Joseph Wilbur Christopher Ryan Willis Demetrius Trevon Winn Levi Steele Witt Bryan Thomas Wodka Emily Joe Wrightsman Robert Lewis Wynn III Wesley Morrison Young William Alexander Young Jenna Marie Zaleski Toni Marie Zappia Maegan Lorraine Zofnas

DURANT HIGH SCHOOL

Rachel Lynn Parsley Jacob Charles Pastor Justin Brice Paul Thomaskutty Tomy Pazhukayil Justus Isaac Pea Denise Nicole Pechatsko Kelly Juliet Pennington Alicia Perez Evelio Luis Perez Patricia Perez Hernandez Petra Rain Perkins Nathan Eugene Perry Joshua Kurian Peter Wade Griffin Peterson Sirrenna Anjuel Petty Brenden Sean Phelps Francesca Anna Piazza Randy Joseph Pickford Kylie Renee’ Pontious Chloie Anne Pope Amanda Nicole Prather Chelsea Maria Profitt Christin Maria Profitt Jaylen Jibri Pung Kevin Baby Puthusseril Javier Josue Quintero Alejandra Ramirez Gillermo Iban Ramirez Jake Dalton Raschke Nicholas Philipp Ravins Tori Ann Renovato Austin Taylor Resendez Julian Andres Restrepo-Villa Jerry Gerardo Reyes Ricardo Reyes Yanitza Esthel Reyes

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2016!

Navigation to Wealth Creation PLANT CITY 1907 S. Alexander St., Ste. 2 Plant City, FL 33566 | (813)752-6604

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BRANDON 329 Pauls Dr. Brandon, FL 33511 | (813)689-9297

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Photo by Justin Kline

Chloie Pope and Skyler Simpson

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Photos from top left to bottom right.

1: Jovan Rivera, Seida Rodriguez, Hunter Robinson, Tahira Rodriguez and Jennifer Romero 2: Cassidy Hasting and Brandon Harouff 3: Isabella Tomeu, Mack Thompson and Laura Townley 4: Adelaida Bautista 5: Samantha Wenrich and Demetrius Winn 6: Justin Crampton, Korey Croxton, Martin Devores and Casey Dixon 7: Giavanna Fullwood and Nicole Garling

ONLINE See more Durant graduation photos at

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER JOURNEY 2016

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At only 18, Durant High School’s valedictorian is preparing to move to New York City to pursue his dreams of becoming a doctor.

ABBY BAKER STAFF INTERN

Damien Miyamoto has been aiming for his current valedictorian position since freshman year.

With a 9.01 GPA, the Durant senior is ready to make the move to Manhattan, New York to attend New York University.

He will be pursuing pre-medical studies.

Born in Anchorage, Alaska, Miyamoto ended up in Plant City when his mother earned her law license in the Sunshine State. His parents, Nerizza and David Miyamoto, have encouraged their son to have the highest GPA in the school since he was old enough to have a report card.

Miyamoto was involved in Students All Connected, Future Business Leaders of America and Science Competition Club.

What is your favorite subject?

Probably English or biology.

Probably because they’re not math intensive. Numbers don’t really do it for me.

What made you want to be a doctor?

The prestige of being a doctor and, of course, just the added benefit of being able to help people.

What was your biggest high school accomplishment besides becoming valedictorian?

Making it to states for Future Business Leaders of America.

What are your hobbies?

I like to longboard, hangout with my friends and watch Netflix.

Where have you always wanted to travel to?

Probably London. I’m just interested in their culture. A lot of my favorite shows are filmed there.

What advice do you have for other students?

Start taking AP classes early on. Senior year is when you’ve really got to grind.

What is one word that describes your high school experience?

Change. I feel like I’ve changed a lot.

If you could be an animal, which would you choose?

A hawk. They have the freedom to go wherever they want.

What’s the best advice someone has given you, and who gave you that advice?

Probably that, if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. It pushed me to be self-aware and to know that there’s probably another tier to move on to.

What is the biggest obstacle you had to overcome in high school?

Probably junior year. I mean I was taking nine classes.

Did you always want to go to NYU? Yeah, it was always in my top five. I like the location, definitely, and the ranking.

Is there a book that has made an impact on your life?

“The Great Gatsby.” It added on to my interest of the gran-

deur of high society. It kind of pushed me to want more, to experience those type of things.

DURANT HIGH SCHOOL

VALEDICTORIAN: DAMIEN MIYAMOTO

SALUTATORIAN: CRISTINA LLANERAS Cristina Llaneras is planning on attending the University of South Florida.

ABBY BAKER STAFF INTERN

What was your biggest high school accomplishment besides becoming salutatorian?

I would say all the community service I’ve been able to do and getting other people involved in community service. I have over 360 hours, and it was all stuff that I enjoyed doing.

PlantCityObserver.com

What are your plans after graduating?

I’m going to major in biomedical sciences and minor in mathematics. And then I’ll be on the pre-med track. I hope to specialize in surgery and neurosurgery.

What are your hobbies?

Going to the beach. I like reading. I like spending time with my family and friends.

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Cristina Llaneras graduated with a 7.12 GPA. The 17-year-old was her school’s senior class president, vice president of Durant’s National Honor Society and a member of the science competition club.

Llaneras wasn’t aiming for her current salutatorian position.

When she realized she had a shot junior year, she worked to maintain her spot.

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PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL Taylor Alexis Adams Diana Aguilar Yaritza Albarran James Farris Alexander Kendra Paige Allen Rosa Francisco Alonzo Gabriel Alvarado Guillermo Alvarez Miguel Alvarez Hector Luis Amador Francys Marie Andujar Sergio Antunez Cory Micheal Arnett Christian Arteaga Julio Juan Arvizu Chelsea Danielle Ashworth Alexander Yousef Attir Shelby Grace Baerwalde Cheyenne Trinity Bailey Jordan Elizabeth Baker Richard Balderama Gabriel Balderrama Anahi Baltazar Osvaldo Banda Caleb Evan Barnett Satori Bay Bryanna Lemay Belen Kashyla Fabrian Bellamy Courtney Michelle Bendorf Melissa Benitez Jamerica Losha Lazett Bennett John Michael Bennett Tommy Willett Bennett II Brittany Theodora Blount Christopher Michael Boison Allysium Marie Bowers Charles Lee Box Taijer Rogick-Geovanni Box Joshua David Boyd Ryan David Bradley Haley Leigh Brittle Zachary Andre Brodeur Ny’Quavious ZA’Kiece Brooks Olivia Grace Brosky Reece Lee Brown James Houlding Brown Jr. Jack Andrew Burke Timothy John Burns Tyler James Burns Cristopher Anthony Burnside Kylee Jade Burroughs Brianna Rene Buscemi Zari Ayanna Williams Bynum Federico Guillermo Cabrera Calaydria Trichelle Callins Josue Camargo Courtney Jaclynn Campbell Jasmine Michelle Campbell Nolan J Campbell Leslie Michelle Carlisle Jennifer Elizabeth Carrasco Manuela Carrisalez Tytiana Lavoya Yashay Carter Alexandra Danielle Castillo Gisselle Castillo Cristina Castro Stephanie Cervantes Tavares L. Chase PlantCityObserver.com

Chloe Denise Childers Michael Alexander Chinault Chloe Marie Christie Keylee Layne Christie Alyssa Deanne Clark Chase Michael Clark Noah Hunter Clark Nicholas Paul Cleveland Nicholas Daniel Coker Samantha Lee Colborn Siomara Lis Collazo Peyton Christopher Collins Genesis Colon Kijafi Shyron Coney Brandon Jordan Connell Brian Kaleb Connell Anna Beth Conrad Stephanie Contreras Emily Ruth Cook Jacob Dylan Cooper Mateo Alexander Copado Morgan Chae Corbett Cory Armand Cotnoir Joshua Lee Cox Blake Riley Crews Patience Starr Cribbs Zachary James Cross Isaac Tray Crottie Joshua Daniel Crowell Ethan Nathaniel Cruz Vanesa Cuesta Lazaro Christine Marie Curci Christopher Dalton Daggett Brandon Thomas Daugherty Autumn Joy Davenport Andrew Daniel Davis Landon Colt Davis Shamiya Y. K. Davis Sterling Dennard Day Jr. Emilio Enrique De La Torre Alyssa Iyana De Vost Bianca Clarissa Delgado Elvia Adalie DeLuna Stephanie Lynn DeLuna Maribella Elizabeth Diaz Meghan Dineen Derykah Dixon Tyler Alexander Dixon Sara Maria Donadelli Michaela Suni-Lynn Dukes Bryan Keith Dunn Holly Richele Dyer Richard Michael Echevarria Jr. Kaitryn Elizabeth Edgemon Jolene Mary Eichorn Gabriela Maria Espaillat Austin Paul Everett Lexus Contrina LaFaye Exantus Brandon Tyler Exum Cody Wayne Facer Ashley Brianna Farmer Christopher Javier Fernandez Joselyn Arianna Ferrer Reyna Karina Figueroa Romo Gabriela Flores Kwest Armelio Fluitt Riley Killian Flynn Nicole Marie Ford

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Deja Rain Hunter Jasmine Taylor Husta Craig Ian Hutchinson Dexter L Hutchinson Elijah Isiah-Marvin Hymes Skyler Jacob Hysom Daisy Ibarra Ivan Ibarra Lily Janet Ibarra Jessica Izaguirre Samantha Dawn James Jonathan Jaramillo Kassandra Jimenez Carlos Roberto Jimenez Salgado Garrett Michael Johnson Jaquasious Dasher Johnson Jonathon Michael Johnson Kayla Jordan Johnson Kendall Rebekah Johnson Austin Reed Jones Dejanai Anquinette Jones Marje’ Anngelic Jones Tyler Lamar Jordan Jarrett Glenn Joyner Rigoberto Jurado Parker Allan Killebrew Emily Krystyne Killian Haley Marie King David Christopher Lamoreaux Kellsey Lynn Lamothe Jacob Caron Lancaster Travis Lee Lancaster Morgan Elizabeth Langston Jaclyn Kay Lanier Jordan De’Quawn Lattimore Tyler Thomas Law Joshua Raymond Lawson Brianna Nicole Lee Brittney Amber Lee Charles Jacob Tyler Lemons Arianna Cherie Leon Amber Nichole Leonard Leslie Leon-Jijon Trinity Leigh Lester Haylie Lyssa Lewis Taylor Marie Liles Esequiel Lopez-Ramirez Chase Michael Lott Katie Elizabeth Loudermilk Chad Austin Lower Justin Jay Loyd Dora Alicia Lozoya Brandon Christopher Luke Dane Lyttle Keyshawn La ‘Darius MaCarthur Patrick Dennis Mack Jennifer Maestas Joseph Anthony Maldonado Anthony Rocco Malpeli Madison Elizabeth Manley Gabriela Alexandra Martinez Ernesto Martinez Jr. Shelbi Elizabeth Martz Ian David Matthews Brookelynn Denise Mayes Ariyon Monae McDonald Shacora Lashay McDonald Roger Dalton McHenry

LaToya Nicole McIntyre Katherine Alyssa McKay William Kenneth McKay Patricia Olmos Mederos Zachary Alan Medon Emily Ruth Melgoza Miguel Alejandro Menchaca Julia Ann Mendoza Julissa Mendoza Lucero Mendoza Allison Leah Middlebrooks Abigail Lauren Miller Benjamin Stephen Miller D’Yera Amoni Mincey Jazmin Esmeralda Minjares Ty Nathaniel Missildine Carson Leigh Mitchell Matthew Joseph Moclair Vanessa Renee Moffitt Sebastian DeVille Moll Tyler Joseph Mondoux Timothy Joseph Montalbano Lindsey Taylor Moore Amabely Morales Olivia Moreno Omar Moreno Toi Tatiyana Morrison Katrina Rae Mosley Alisha Lauren Nadal Cole Tanner Nadwairski Diego Armando Najera Anh Hoang Nguy Nguyen Savannah Jane Nichols Morgan Paige Jessica Nickle Ana Barbara Estrada Nieto Cristina Nieto Amber Leigh Nieves Cassandra Paige Nobles Jakob Kelton Lee Nobles Carlos Nolasco Jr Ty Lawrence Norris Judith Nuño Jacob Ryan Olinger Damian Shawn Outlaw Zachary Brady Owen Cristian Pacheco Nicholas Allan Palestrini Aylin Angelica Panduro Urvashi Kaushik Patel Jacob Daniel Payne Shayla Brooke Payson Shaun William Pedigo Kelsi Alysa Pedone Mariela Pedro-Juárez Daniel Kenneth PeQueen Flor Perez Leonor Perez Michelle Lauren Perez Cole Walker Peterson Dillon Lee-Allen Pettys Leslie Celeste Phelps Amber Jasmine Phillips Kylie Ann Phillips Chaunathon K. Phonsana Julio Cesar Plaza Victoria Ponce Destinee Marie Ponson Brandon Tyler Poplin

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER JOURNEY 2016

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PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL

Andrew Joseph Pullara Ar’shanti Kamari Shylise Ragins Travis Hunter Rainey Shelbi Lyn Ramey Elisa S. Montemayor Ramirez Zelina Marie Ramos Samuel Rebollar Dayra Samantha Rebolloso Chance Douglas Redmond Trinity Chardae Reese Erasmus F. C. Reitinger Austin Anthony Reyes Isaac Amador Reyes Iyanna Abigail Reynolds Najja Jibri Rice Zachary Richardson Kristian M. Rivera-Nogueras Christian Elisha Rivers Jacob Allen Roark Elizabeth Erin Roberts Jorge Anibal Robles Batista Jr. Deanna Alexis Rodriguez Pedro Olegario Rodriguez Aliya Patricia Rojas James Douglas Rolph Jamesha Lashay Roper Sergio Rosales Elisabet Rosales-Blas Luis Enrique Rosas Qumarrius Leroy Lorenzo Ross Dakota C. White Rousseau Quintin Ray Rozsos BreAnn Alexis Ruedeman Adriana Cecelia Ruiz Valeria Ruiz

Jaclyn Suzanne Rust Rachael Nicole Sale Anthony Salgado Eduardo Andres Salgado Dalia Salmeron Jalimar Salmeron Jose Javier Sanchez Sylvia Sanchez Lusia Sanchez Rodrigues Joshua Davis Sanders Jatziri Sandoval Cordova Frank Santamaria Reyna Santamaria Balfre Santana Jasmine Marie Santiago Fernando Santos Jamal Earl Savage Anthony James Savolainen Cameron Scott Schneider Steven Tyler Schulden Noah Thomas Schutt Katelyn Elizabeth Scott Zachary Caleb Seifter Logan Taylor Self Kendale Emily Sellers Tori E. Selph Britani Ellexis Shaw Jordan Grey Shears Ashleigh Nicole Shenefield Jared Daniel Short Holly Anne Shuff Brendan Michael Shultz Seneca Lyn Sibner Ayaz Nur Siddiqi Cionne Shade’ Simmons Kelly Simon

Samuel Simon Brandon Lee Skon Morgan Grace Slater Brandyn Renay Slone Carley Heaven Smith Merritt Lynn Smith Parker Bowman Smith Adrian Alexis Smith Jr. Rebecca Jane Sorenson Branden Ivan Soto Feliciano Victor Manuel Soto-Brito Mikayla Shakara Spencer Stella Jisu Spring Sydney St. Brun Alexis Marie Steele Thomas Robert Stephenson Kha’Zhir N. Stevenson-Woodall Emma Louise Suarez Parker Raymond Suarez Michael Wei Sun Samantha Mei Sun Troy Anthony Surrency Nicholas Andrew Sustek Devinne Nicole Szostkiewicz Eddie B. Tanner III Baylee Madison Taylor Johnathan Lee Taylor Jake Ethan Telese Gabriela Jazmin Terrazas Harbor Cole Thoeni Kamaria Jean Thomas Richard Hunter Thomas Saquia Brittany Thomas Gabrielle Ranae Thorpe Destini Rey Tice Linzee Rebekah Tidey

Kelly Pedro Tomas Analise Adanaomi Torres Elena Torres Francisco Torres Julissa Torres Hernandez Jennifer Ann Totherow Brandon Austin Townsend Kevin Cuong Tran Eric Trejo Tania Guadalupe Trejo-Mendez Nadia Marie Trujillo Acosta Alex Valdovinos Claudia Krystina Valencia Brayan Valencia-Martinez Sandra Varela Jesus Vargas Luis Angel Vasquez Sabrina Itzel Vazquez Karina M. Vazquez Alvarado Rodrigo Usiel Vazquez Alvarado Jaime Vega Lexter Miguel Vega Miguel Alejandro Vega Daniel Vega Jr. Ezequiel Vela Lizvet Ventura Rocio Isabel Ventura Daniel A. Ventura-Jaimes Evelyn Vidal Audrey Alejandra Villafañe Isaac Alejandro Villafañe Yanira Villalba

Amber Lynn Walczak-Rouse Julie Theresa Walton Toni Denielle Ward Devin Marcellous Washington Breanna Lynn Washom Aalyhia Marie Watson Allison Rebecca Watson Celest Ara Weaver Samuel Wyatt Weaver Dillon James Welch Breanna Nicole Wentworth Haleigh Priscilla Whatley Byron Anthony Wheeler Josette Dee Willetts Alexis Maria Williams Caitlin Yvonne Williams Amaiah Grace Williamson Gabrielle Lee Williamson Sophie Hayley Willis Herron Merlin Wills Robert Bruce Wills Royce Curry Wills Zoe Jean Wills J’Khari Mekhi Bryan Wilson Meaghan Dolores Wilson Shilea Noell Woodard Samantha Gail Woodby Jacob Paul Woods Ja’Qaun Lavawnte Wright Shannon Kelly Yagins Bailey Todd Youngblood Elizabeth Grace Zucker

Graduates proudly wore cords and medals to celebrate their accomplishments.

Photos by Emily Topper

Photos from top left to bottom right.

1: Jaime Vega, Isaac Reyes and Austin Reyes 2: Graduates waited for the ceremony to start at the fairgrounds.

3: Deanna Rodriguez 4: Markese Hargrove 5: Taylor Fulton and Courtney Campbell 6: Morgan Slater, Merritt Smith and Brandyn Renay Slone 7: Chase Lott, Katie Loudermilk, Taylor Liles and Trinity Lester

It’s summertime at RAOK!

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PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL

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PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL

VALEDICTORIAN: MADISON MANLEY This year’s Plant City High School valedictorian is driven by her passion for human rights and the environment.

ABBY BAKER STAFF INTERN

Originally from Leping, China, it wasn’t Madison Manley’s goal to become the 2016 Plant City High School valedictorian. But when she realized her hard work and dedication had bumped her to the number one spot in school, it only fueled her farther.

Manley was adopted by her parents, Hugh and Debra Manley, when she was a 1-year-old.

Over 16 years later, Manley grduated with a 7.36 GPA and a set path to the University of Central Florida. There, she plans to learn about sustainable energy and apply that to an engineering major.

Was it your goal to become valedictorian?

Not really. I think it was more about that I wanted to make the best of the opportunities around me. I know they’re not

always going to be like that.

school, being adopted and Asian American, it was kind of hard to see who I was and, I guess, what I was in society.

In the end, you learn about yourself.

What’s your favorite subject?

Math. Wait no, I want to change it to social studies.

Why did you decide to change it?

Well, I took a woman studies class this year, and I think it’s really interesting to study all the things that are going around in the world, like stereotypes and how all those things affect us.

Do you have a specific issue that interests you?

Race relations and how they affect people. Sometimes it runs so deep that it’s unconscious, and you don’t know it. I think they need to be addressed.

What’s the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?

In elementary and middle

What are your plans after graduation?

I’m going to UCF, and I want to study sustainable energy.

Why sustainable energy?

I guess it started when I took an environmental science class. Then we learned about all the alternative energy sources, and I started getting interested in all the technology that is still in the making.

I wish we could switch over to alternative energy immediately.

So would you say you want to be an environmental scientist?

Well, I kind of want to do the technology and research.

Some kind of engineering.

What does success mean to you?

If you feel comfortable in who you are and know what you want and are happy with it.

If you could be any animal, what would you be?

A dog because they just sleep all day, and I would love to do that.

What do you sing in the shower?

Right now it’s the Hamilton Broadway soundtrack.

What’s your biggest fear?

Remaining stagnant. I think remaining in the same place and being comfortable can be dangerous. There is so much out there.

SALUTATORIAN: MORGAN LANGSTON Morgan Langston will study biomedical engineering at University of South Florida.

ABBY BAKER STAFF INTERN

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Plant City High School’s 2016 salutatorian, Morgan Langston, is pursuing a career in biomedical engineering at University of South Florida. After she receives her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue a master’s at the Georgia Tech. She graduated with a 6.998 GPA. She is the daughter of Eric and April Langston

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER JOURNEY 2016

What is your biggest accomplishment?

Just balancing. I’m a competitive athlete, so balancing school and a job and volunteering with a social life is a lot.

or prosthetics. Or using engineering to target cancer cells.

That’s more the engineering side of it. I want to help people.

Why biomedical engineering?

You can work at hospitals and stuff, like, the ones I’ve heard about working on like machines

What is your advice to other students?

If you come from rough circumstances you still have the opportunity to succeed.

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Shrey Vardhan Agarwal Amanda Kay Alderman Hernan Ruben Alejandro Patrick John Alfonso Emily Donna Allen-Krug Colin Austin Allman Evelyn Alonzo Brandon Obdulio Alvarez Benjamin Jon Anderson Tiarra Nicole Anderson Christian Evan Stephen Andrews Erika Antonio-Reyes Oscar Aquino Lopez Kamila Arboleda Richard Lee Armatrout Andres Samuel Armijo Jared Jeffrey Arnold Bellanira Janette Arriaga Edwin Rosario Arriaga Michael Anthony Arsenault II Alexis Michelle Arzillo Kevin Yuri Asmat Miranda Lee Augustine Raquel Olivia Aybar Victoria Ruth Ballard John Calvin Banks Stanley Andre Baptiste Angel Barajas Alexander Santos Barrera David Alejandro Barrera Matthew Alexander Barroner Steven Andrew Bartlett Azaria Charlotte Basabe Kiersten Renne’ Bass Destiny Shyann Bates Luis David Bautista Ismael Bautista-Cruz Cassidy Virginia Bazley Brooklyn Delanie Beall Aria Anne Bell Samantha Marie Bell Marcos Belmontes Abraham Salgado Benitez Christa Louise Beriswill Joshua Wainright Beriswill Angel Marie Berkman Miranda Elizabeth Bernhart Jacob Austin Bessey Alonzo Valcos Biala Kayla Denise Black Tyler Lee Blackburn Bryce Bouler Blackmon Chase Bouler Blackmon Brittany Jordanne Blake Dionne Ashley Blake Savannah Loren Blanton Darby Williams Blekicki Hannah Elizabeth Bodden Kali Marie Boggs Maria Anne Bower Seth Hunter Bradish Francis Marrie Brass Parker John Brignolo Victoria Lea Brinser Terra Shawntae Brooks Travis Xavier Brown Coombs Alexis Rozellia Brundridge Jennifer Bueno Brandon Bryce Bunkley 14

Andrew Seth Burbridge Reinard Diallo Burke Zachary A. Buth Jennifer Nicole Caballero-Castro Franco Isay Caballero-Palacios Karina Caceres Juan David Calderon Jennifer Mae Caldwell Alexandra Rocio Calescibetta Alyson Dorothy Call Mariah Lizette Calvillo Sarah Elaine Cameron Hailey Victoria Camp Devin Thomas Cardell Romer Cardentey Matthew James Carmona Cole Carter Kristin Nicole Cash Salma Zuly Castañeda Almanzan Evelyn Castro Jennifer Castro Bryan Christopher Centeno Omar Cerro John Anthony Chambers Jr. Meghana Chapalamadugu Lyla Nasim Chaudhry Paige Ann Cheaves Ashley Ann Chisholm Jenna Victoria Christie Benedykt Igo Chrostowski Paul Bryan Clower Loren Hope Coats Arthur Korey Coffey Jr. Kamella Collins Perry Anthony Colon Jr. Angelina Conde Selene Melisande Cook Melody Lauren Copeland India Cheyenne Corbin David Samuel Cox Yovani Pedro Crespo Nathaniel Cuthbert Crick Elizalde Celestino Cruz Hunter Blake Curtis Shelby Lynn Daniel Amanda Dominique DaSilva Chelsea Shelee Davidson Cameron Alexis Davis Garrett Jack Davis Selena Marie Davis Chester David Dean IV Meredith Louise Del Castillo Rosanna Lois Delgado Hunter Robert Ryan Dennis Jose Carlo Diaz Miguel Francisco Dimanlig Steven Matthew Drawdy Taylor Shea Edgemon Alexis Victoria Ellis Evan Hunter Ellis Nafisa Anjum Emma Cameron Andrew Eppich Sara Louise Ergas-Vinson Raymond Kenneth Ernewein Diego Escalera Garcia Lester Bebis Escleto Muhammad Faisal Taylor Marie Fales Sol Julieta Fargi

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER JOURNEY 2016

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Celeste Yaylene Ibarra Crystal Ibarra Emilio Jose Ibarra Julian Ibarra Ruby Linda Ibarra Anastasia Irizarry Kamal Jawad Jackson Graciela Jahuey-Hernandez Yessica Jahuey-Hernandez Dane Mitchell Jarrard Kevin Joseph John Austin Seth Johnson Cody James Johnson Kyle Wayne Johnson Lane Thomas Joiner Daelynne Elisabeth Jones Deneice Monay Jordan Shalini Elizabeth Jose Jaison Kadavilpurayil Joseph Christine Elizabeth Jossi Clay Wesley Joyner Vanessa Juarez Kathryn Daisy Judge Emily Marie Justice Alexander Stephen Kachler Abyson Kalladanthyil Jada Shea Baringer Kelley Kaylan Alyssa Kelly Katelyn Savanh Khianthalat Megan Nicole Kimăk John Kenneth Kimbel IV Cory Christopher King Austin Wayne Knight Brandie Suzane Kondakor Samantha N. La Fluer-Sisanh Aryanna Monique Lara Robert Lara Jr. Dylan Cole Lauer Jessica Nicole Lawrence Keegan Allen Lee Morgan Annabelle Lee William Christian Leech Cameron Scott Lehtola Mary Mechele Lemons Travis Keith Leverett Dustin Kyle Lewis Ada Claire Li Kailey Reanne Locke Kasey Lynne Locke Caroline Grace Lockwood Adela Santiago Lopez Andrew Luis Lopez Carlos Lopez Kimberly Lopez Alexis Elise Lord Hope Nicole Loving Jose Israel Lozoya Jan Heloisa Folloso Lua Joceline Aide Lumbreras Katelynn Marie Lung Zachary Richard Lyons Ricardo Macedonio Landon Riley Mack Gregory James Mahar Jr. Osiel Maldonado Jr. Collin Allen Manning Jazmine A. Manrique Vizcarra Wendell Leon Mareno III Julia Rebecca Markart

Kallista Hope Matheney Abraham Mathew Joseph Robert Mau Dustin Tyler Mayo Dakota Brianne Mc Namee Olivia Rose McAnulty Emmalee Danielle McClelland Elijah Michael McColister Myles Xavier McCrea Cory Lance McDaniel Kristin Haley McDonald Sierra Jordan McDonald Nicholas Alton McNair Alicia Medici Kayla Marie Mejia Luis Paul Mejia Octavio Mendoza Lillian Dijonna Mercado Ana Millan-Aguilar Chase Johnathan Miller Sydnie Dionne Miller Dennis Lee Minshew Jr. Emily Lynette Minton Kevin Michael Mohler Gisselle Aylin Molina Christian Montalvo Ferrer Aaron James Montgomery Joshua Edward Moore Raquel Marie Moretti Nathaniel Alan Muchmore Katlynn Sierra Mullins Dyra Alicia Muniz Saron Ezra Musa Kody Allen Myers Nimesh V. Nagururu David Albert Navarro Arial Breyana Newberry Corey Russell Newcomb Jonathon Sil-Wing Ng Nam Tran Son Nguyen Steven Peter Angelo Nicoletto Tomas Nolasco Jr. Allee Danae Norman Danielle Christine Oberle Armando Ocegueda Jr. Jewely-Anne Michelle Odom Olajide Emmanuel Ogun Maria Ifeoma-Chidi Okoye Matthew James Alexander Olis Savannah Marie Olsen Infant Orduna Magdalena Oro Abigail Ortega Marie Lilia Ortega Abilene Ortiz Onixa Otero George Padilla Jr. Jose Aaron Palma Donovan Minh Phan Parks Sydney Tyler Parrish Adrian Pascual Sahil Rakesh Patel Charles Alton Payne Cheyanne Lea Pelham Francisco Javier Peña Anthony Jamar Perez Cyan Xena Perez Erin Nichole Perez Jorge Luis Perez PlantCityObserver.com

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Alisa Jean Perry Madison Ann Perry Matthew Christopher Petty Melanie Jane Peyton Jasmine Nicole Philipoom Brooke Alexandra Piergallini Adrian Plaza Jenny Lou Plummer Kaitlyn Ann Pohl Keerthi Premkanth Lindsey Brooke Prestwood Shalynne Marcell Price Angelica Quezada Anthony Eugene Quinn Sergio Quiroz-Cruz Paige Celeste Raburn Miranda Irene Ramirez Rosario Ramirez Isaias Ramos Erica Alexandra Ramos Giordano Patrick Rapati Kaleigh Renee Raulerson Namratha Ravindra Autumn Nicole Ray Jordan Lenard Redd Jerome Reed Kendra Ann Reeves Chance Michael Rehl-Joiner Devin McKenzie Rhoads Jacob Allen Ricks Ernesto Alejandro Rivera Dawson Elliot Robbins Tyler Lee Chadwick Robbins Lauren Alexis Roberts Rebecca Leigh Roberts Zachary Charles Robinson Brenda Patricia Rocha Paulo Andres Rodriguez Brandon Bulmaro Brueckner Rodriguez Briena Tyrie Rodriguez Maria G. Rodriguez Esquivel Cameron Tyler Rojas Ivan Rosales Maria Guadalupe Rubio Jimmie Aaron Rumore Rossadasia E. Ruth Diego Jose Sabillon Paz Carlos Salazar Nasheli Sarai Salazar-Martinez Claire Marie Salo Jonathan Sanchez Fabian Sanchez Salazar Shivam Sanghani Anibal Villalba Santaolaya Shaylen Marie Santiago Yesenia Santiago Adan Jovany Santiago-Blancas Maribel SantibaĂąez Derrick Santillan Holden Wayne Sawtelle Brooke Lynette Scavo Dulce Alcantara Segura Alexis Serrano Hasin Sharma Arthur Lewis Shepherd Jr. Danielle H. Shin Clayton Scott Shiver Kameron Thomas Sidwell Tristan Wyatt Simmons Taylor Lynn Simms Dakota Lee Skeens Jessica Lynn Skeens Dalan Omar Smallwood Cameron Maxwell Smith

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER JOURNEY 2016

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STRAWBERRY CREST HIGH SCHOOL

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Photos from top left to bottom right.

1: Graduates spotted friends and family in the crowd.

2: The ceremony started at 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 7.

3: Graduates were excited for their night.

4: The ceremony was held at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

5: Julianna Grover, Chloe Hayes-Conaghan, Samantha Hall and Marissa Hashman 6: Stephen Drawdy and Evan Ellis

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TRADITIONAL VALEDICTORIAN: KAILEY LOCKE Kailey Locke’s ultimate goal is to study at University of Florida to become an anesthesiologist.

JOSE LOZOYA STAFF INTERN

Kailey Locke was a member of the Strawberry Crest Vet Internship Program, where she volunteered at a variety of clinics and shelters three times a week. Outside of school, she volunteered at Willis Peters Center for Exceptional Students, helping kids with special needs make art, and Mountain Vista Medical Center. Kailey graduated with a 6.94 GPA. She is the daughter of Wade Locke and Rita Bell.

Was it your goal to become valedictorian? If so, why?

It was never a goal of mine to become valedictorian until I found out that I was valedictorian.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies include drawing and painting, scuba diving

and spending as much time with animals as possible.

What is the biggest obstacle you had to overcome in high school?

High school is filled with obstacles but my biggest one was my second semester of dual enrollment. I had three AP finals, two really hard college finals and I found out I was moving all within the same week. It was very stressful but, somehow, I passed my finals.

What does your family think of you becoming valedictorian?

My family is very happy for me and, of course, very supportive through the whole thing. My dad, especially, has really been there for me to push me through the rough days and put up with my attitude when I got frustrated

from school overload.

What is your 10-year plan?

My 10-year plan is majoring in chemistry at USF and then attending medical school at UF to become an anesthesiologist.

What is your advice to other students?

My advice for other students would be to not slack off your freshman or sophomore year, because those years are very instrumental in graduating.

Also be sure to find a nice school and social balance.

Don’t overload yourself with school, but don’t neglect it either.

If you could be an animal, which would you choose?

If I could be any animal it would probably be my dachshund, Beauregard, because he’s always so happy, and all he does is eat and sleep.

TRADITIONAL SALUTATORIAN: CASSIDY BAZLEY Cassidy Bazley plans to attend Florida State University to study international affairs.

JOSE LOZOYA

Cassidy Bazley was a member of the Marine Science Club and Tech Club. She was also a band captain for the Strawberry Crest High School band. She managed to maintain a 4.0 unweighted GPA through her high school career. Cassidy graduated with a 6.48 GPA. She is the daughter of Jackson and Jessica Bazley.

What is your 10-year plan?

In a nutshell: go to college, go

What do you sing in the shower?

Anything that pops into my head. It could literally be anything depending on what kind of day I’ve had.

What’s the best advice someone has given you, and who gave you that advice?

My dad has always taught me to be humble and to be compassionate toward others, even if I don’t like someone. Another piece of advice that I like to remember is from my nana.

She likes to remind me when I’m stressed that God has a plan for me and that everything is going to be all right.

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Sedita Kilton & Company, Certified Public Accountants, P.L.

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Was it your goal to become salutatorian? If so, why?

I didn’t set a lot of goals for myself in high school, but freshman year my guidance counselor told me that I had the potential to be in the top two by my senior year, and I thought, “You know, why not? You could totally do that.” And so I did.

Is there a book that has made an impact on your life?

The book that’s made the biggest impact on my life is the Bible.

“PLANNING FOR LIFE” SERVING CENTRAL FLORIDA WITH EXPERTISE IN:

to graduate school, find somewhere to live other than Florida, get a job with the government, then be assigned to a job in England where I can also raise baby goats.

What are your hobbies?

With what time? I’m primarily invested in band, which has been the greatest experience of my high school career and probably my whole life so far.

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STRAWBERRY CREST HIGH SCHOOL

IB VALEDICTORIAN: MEGHANA CHAPALAMADUGU Meghana Chapalamadugu hopes to go into the field of neurology, either as a neurologist or a neurosurgeon.

JOSE LOZOYA STAFF INTERN

Meghana Chapalamadugu was a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Science Competitors Club, varsity tennis and the concert mistress of chamber orchestra. Outside of school, Chapalamadugu played the piano, was a member of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee and the Tampa Youth Metropolitan Orchestra. She graduated with a 8.35 GPA. She is the daughter of Satya Chapalamadugu and Satya Chapalamadugu.

Was it your goal to become valedictorian? If so, why?

It was never my goal to become valedictorian. I always thought it would be something nice to have, but as the pressures of IB took over, I made it my goal to make good

grades in the classes I was taking, rather than overwhelm myself by taking a lot of classes.

What is your biggest high school accomplishment besides becoming valedictorian?

One really cool thing that I was involved in throughout high school was robotics. My robotics team became a family to me, partially because I loved them, and partially because I spent eight hours every Saturday at practice in Lakeland.

During my sophomore and junior years of high school, my team advanced to the World Championships in St. Louis.

In my junior year, we were able to captain the winning alliance of the entire championship, placing first in the world.

This was an incredibly neat experience as it allowed me to develop my creativity as well

as interact with so many cool people from so many places.

I was able to learn a lot from robotics and these experiences

What is the biggest obstacle you had to overcome in high school?

The biggest obstacle I had to overcome in high school was realizing my limits. I had this really bad tendency of overbooking myself because I have a lot of interests, and I did not realize that it was impossible to devote my time to so many different areas without burning out. As I realized this, I was able to manage my time more effectively and gain more control of my life and my interests.

What are your plans after graduating?

After graduating, I will be attending the University of Miami as a neuroscience

major. I hope to complete my undergraduate education and then attend medical school.

What are your hobbies?

In my free time, I really enjoy playing music. I have played the piano and the violin for 11 years now, and playing music is a really good escape from reality. Also, I enjoy playing tennis. After high school, as I gain more free time, I hope to be able to read for pleasure.

What advice do you have for other students?

I would tell other students to never forget the bigger picture and to always stay true to themselves. One imperfection may seem like the end of the world, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s less important than a lot of other things. Ultimately, students should do what makes them happy.

IB SALUTATORIAN: ABRAHAM MATHEW

Wishing you all the best.

Congratulations Seniors!

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Abraham Mathew has plans to be an orthodontist.

JOSE LOZOYA STAFF INTERN

Abraham Mathew was the vice president of the Red Cross Club, president of Marine Science Club, historian of National Honor Society and the schools mascot. Mathew graduated with a 8.31 GPA. He is the son of Abraham Mathew and Mercy Pathiyil.

Was it your goal to become salutatorian? If so, why?

I remember in middle school, the number one goal I wanted to do was to say a speech at my high school graduating class.

However, I never ever realized the amount of dedication, hard work and sleepless nights it required to attain my spot as salutatorian of my class.

What advice do you have for other students?

Be proactive. Do not just focus

on academics and schoolwork, take an interest in extracurricular activities or athletics that help keep you moving.

Even though academics are very important, try to be a well-rounded person by participating in community service activities like Relay for Life or being an active volunteer for the American Red Cross. If you like sports, go to tryouts or practice with the team.

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SIMMONS CAREER CENTER Jasmine Allison Kristen Alonso Victoria Alonzo Christian Alvarado Sara Anderson Garrett Asbury Fabiola Avalos Lady Barnes Alyssa Beckman Joseph Best Brandon Biddle Juliana Biggs Charles Birdsong Chad Bolling Austin Branum Evatrice Bueno Unique Burch An’Shonique Callins Yvette Carbajal Vanessa Cepeda Perla Cervantes Tavaria Chase Jason Clemons Jr. Ashlyn Crews Cassidy Cuevas Jaquez Dasher Brianna Deacon Brandon Doty Anabelia Duarte Dale Dunson Jr. Nancy Ender

Cristobal Espinoza Selina Espinoza Jesus Esquivel Ashley Flores Ariana Fontes Karina Galarza D'Yanira Garza Dasjai Glasgow Roberto Gonzalez Abbigale Gore Cody Graves Andres Gregorio Ashley Hains Christian Hallmark Dale Hawke Jr. Joshua Henderson John Horton Anthony Hughbanks Wesley Jackson Jeremy Jennings Jesse Jennings Alexandra Lackey Kassandra Lopez Maria Lopez Ebbie Louis Bethany Lynn Brenda Maldonado David Martinez Joshua Martinez Niona Martinez Amelia McClain

Jose Mercado Joy Merrin Joel Negrete Gazzmin O’Steen Maria Perez Vidal Quijada Yoandra Ramirez Yohana Rendon Tiffany Reeves Raven Robinson Elizbeth Rodriguez Kayla Roland Lizbeth Rubio Leos Haily Ruiz Kari Ruiz Alex Salazar Abner Sanchez Brandon Sasser Kayla Schieleit Matthew Skeens Nikki Smith Yasmin Stroup Rachel Swain Odalys Trejo Eva Urbina Angelina Vidal Phillip Vorrasi Davelia Walters

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Photos by Justin Kline

1: Vidal Quijada, Elizbeth Rodriguez and Brenda Maldonado 2: Simmons Career Center graduated 90 students.

3: Emotions were on full display in the audience.

4: Brianna Deacon and Cassidy Cuevas

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2016 GRADUATING SENIORS

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20 PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER JOURNEY 2016

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