Journey 2018 PLCO

MAY 17, 2018

Celebrating members of the Class of 2018 from local high schools.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018

INSIDE

CLASS OF 2018!

Durant High School 3

PARENTS, NEED TO SAVE MONEY NOW THAT COLLEGE IS HERE?

Plant City High School 6

Good News . . . We’re Here to Help You!

Strawberry Crest Simmons Career Center

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“Rhett is my go-to for all of my insurance needs. He can handle it all.

Auto, Homeowners, Boat, Motorcycle, you name it and he’s got it covered. I used to have to shop around and get multiple policies from multiple agents. It’s nice having an agent who can meet all of my needs in one stop.”

-Ed Raburn

TO ADVERTISE

Rhett Rollyson

Call Al Berry or Chandler Workman at (813) 704-6850

1501 S. Alexander Street #101 Plant City, FL 33563 813-707-1000 Rhett@fearnowins.com

SEND US YOUR NEWS

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To contact us, send your information via: Email: Sarah Holt, SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com.

Mail: The Plant City Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St. Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33566

Publisher Karen Berry, KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor Sarah Holt, SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor Justin Kline, JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Designer C.J. Major, cmajor@YourObserver.com Circulation/Office Manager Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

Congratulations Graduates and Best Wishes for your next Adventure!

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2B

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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HONOR COURT Emma Irene Amanda Abell Joshua David Acevedo Nicholas Alexander Albano Erika Renay Albritton Lauren Elizabeth Allen Erick Alvarez Devyn Scott Anders Alejandra Areingdale Katy Crecencia Arellano Katelynn Marie Armstrong Baylee Samantha Astin Isabel Jean Augustine Anthony Alex Banks, III Emily Elizabeth Beauchamp Diego Armando Becerra Trevor Lee Bennett Catherine Rose Bloedow Alexander Joseph Brocato Clayton Joseph Brock Rebecca Leigh Burkett Harley Amber Burnham Ak’mee Av’Yond Burton Matthew Patrick Byars Amanda Paige Cardwell Christopher David Carlson Megan Eileen Carlton Megan Leigh Carney Randi Karissa Carr Austin Lain Carty Shania Irene Castillo Elias Mark Cauwels Brandon Charles Cessna Haley Brooke Chancey Alexis Emily Chapman Bryar Hunter Christian Nicolette Belle-Violet Clay Hayden Joseph Coglianese Mark Strader Copeland Megan Taylor Copen Alexander Jose Cordero Brenda Cordova Autumn Maree Craig Michael William Croxall Emma Julianna Czaja Abby Danielle Davis Ryan Daniel Davis Darrius Alfred De Jesus Samantha Isabella Decresie Connor David DeShong Sarah Meghan DeVorss Gicell Diaz-Rodriguez Benjamin Thanh Doan Taylor Jordan Doiron Emily Renee Dorow Leslie Beatrice Ann Emerson Larissa Espinoza-Ramirez Abigail Kathleen Evans Alexandria Nicole Everett Jenna Lynn Farnum Angel Marie Faro Kevin Joseph Farr Ethan Hunter Fernandez Sierra Rose Flood Casey Jonathan Flouro Daniel Louis Flynn Taylor Leeann Frodge Damien Orion Fulford Katelyn Precious-Angel Fuller Sierra Renea Garrett

Emily Grace Garrigues Jason Esguerra Gascon Jared Daniel Geiger Jubilee Belle Gibbons Chelsie Glay Gilleland Zachary James Ginder Mia Angelina Giovenco Joseph Allen Gomez Natalie Gabriella Gomez Jennifer Gonzalez Ruddy Gonzalez Cardenas Jaelan Christopher Goodloe Brianna Jewel Grall Zharia Tena’ Griffin Nadia Leigh Gutierrez Joel Gabriel Guzman Diep Ngoc Ha Katie Elizabeth Hahn Daniel Reese Haley Robert Dennis Edward Hall Zachary Ryan Hand Tyler Wayne Harbert Danyelle Hope Marie Harris Ohav Barak Harris Kadien Elizabeth Harwood John Austin Hernandez Presley Ann Hicks Heyman Wyatt James Hickey Amr’o Haitham Hijaz Melody Louise Hoffmann Brooke Nicole Hogue Gabriella Breann Holt Alexa Marie Hood Sarah Elizabeth Horne Hristiyan Ivaylov Hristov Alyssa Ellie Ianuzi Brittney Nicole Iniguez Zachary John Irovando Haley Lauren Jarrett Kathrina Jean Kai Patrick Jesson Thor Tee Johnson, II Makenzie Angel Jones Melany Angelica Jorge James Tanner Jurnigan Brooke Lois Kahan Sean William Kavanaugh Samuel Bryan Kelly Michelle Faith Kidder Daicia Rashell King Lawrence Matthew Kirkman Nicholas Michael Ko Garrett Owen Kost Zoe Drew Labarbera Addison Rebecca Lamoureux Adrianna Elizabeth Lane Sarah Danielle Lasher Courtney Marie Lasman Kathryn Rae Laurion Caitlin Rose Laviano Alexis Nicole Lawlor Tommy Michael Le Avery Lawrence Lefor Taylor Rose Leh David John Lena Feng Lin Ty Patrick Livezey Sharlette Dina Louis Hahley Marie Lee Love Rojelio Rosendo Lozano, Jr.

Eduardo Lucas Ryan Alexander Maddock Iridian Andrea Madrigal Eunyke Regalo Mallory Joshua Grant Martin Kylie Anna Martin Giovani Daniel Martinez Jacob Daniel Mason Mary Michele McAnnally Mackenzie Diann McCullough Brynna Grier McFarland Chandler Lee McGlothin Connor Shane McMillan Mackenzie Ann Meehan Aleisha Sioned Mercado Gomez Lance Kristopher Meredith Aliesa Marie Michael Morgan Michelle Middleton Jason Elvin Millan Adeliria Joy Mitchell Ashlyne Paige Moody Emanuel Luis Morales Hector Morales Nathan William Morse Tyler Sean Motes Maria Fernanda Murillo Joshua Thomas Murphy Skyla Desarae Bryze Murray Ashlyn Renae Myers Cameron Jonathan Myers Dacia Jasher Myers Kaelyn Amanda Myers Richard William Harold Nelson Marissa Lorenza Nowik Alexia Ivelisse Nyiri Cameron Philip Oles Ruby Olmos Taylyn Fay Olney Koen Wade Ouzts Noor Wazir Pal Ashley Joyce Parrish Rachel Lauren Parsons Karina Rocio Paz Salazar Christian Jefferson Pelfrey Bryan Ulises Perez Daniel Alexandre Perez Ladyann Perez Chenella Minaya Perez Almonte McKenzie Rena Pitts Christina Rose Pizzuto Rewal Rafael Pla’ Duarte Carlton Evan Potter Olivia Jean Pratt Alexander Edward Proniewicz Brielle Renee’ Prue Julia Ann Ramirez Zachary Drew Reifschneider Cheyenne Mackenzie Renner Dylan Bryce Reuter Annai Rivas George Rivera, III Rebecca Nicole Rivera Brandyn Austin Robles JoeJoe Rodriguez, Jr. Quentin James Rodriguez Yesenia Rodriguez Karen Romero Kiara Isabel Romero Fernando Junior Rosado, Jr. Nathan Cooper Roscoe

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THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018

3B

Nalia Angelina Allende Kyle Henry Almskog Michael Daniel Alvarez Jean Carlos Alvelo Hernandez Devin Ray Amerson Rhiannon Alexandra Anderson Joseph Arrequin Hernandez Joseph Graham Auger Haily Marie Ausburn-Moran Nathanael Joseph Avila Brianna Si´mone Barnes Maranda Taylor Barnes Natasha Simone Allister Bartley Isaia Misael Bautista David Benson, Jr Alex Alexandro Bermudez Jesus Bernardino, IV Selena Sue Berrios Danielle Ashleigh Bertram Michael Allen Bird Alea Money Black Jordan Wayne Blount Jenny Lynn Blum Nicholas Tyler Bogdan Alexis Raquel-Ann Boren Gregory Trent Boyle Jacob Tyler Brass Leandre Quarice Brown Trey Jordan Brown Jonathan Isaiah Bryan Erin Chelsea Burton Rylee Jordan Butler Kyrsten Marie Byers Jenna Elora Cannon Zachary Beau Cannon Leonel Ivan Cantoran Alarcon Christian Alexander Carlsen Christopher Steven Carofano Summer Breann Chancellor Aleea Jean Chapman Samantha Nicole Chapman Patricio Chavez Jordan Isaiah Clark Melissa Leigh Clark Mikale Kathia Codlyn Jory Kincaid Cole Eric Nathaniel Collins Paige Nicole Conlyn Justin Samar Cooks Vanessa Marie Coughlin Kyiel Seth William Coussens Antwanasja Lameal Crayton Elijah Eden Creighton Agina Chantel Crews Kurtis Ryan Cromer Jocelyn Leann Cruz Rebecca Raquel Cruz Luis Miguel Cruz Antonio Paul Hugh Curtis James Reece Daley Elias Daniel Samantha Shania DaSilva William Payne Davidson Jaydah Danae´ Davis Darryl James Dawson Angel Daniel De La Rosa Andrew Lloyd Deaton Karen Lizeth Delgadillo Diaz Jonathan Jose Delgado-Nogueira Callie Ann Dilport

4B

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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Joel Dominguez Liliana Marie Dominguez Nancy Vianey Doria Hannah Nicole Douglas Cory Dalton Downs Crystal Kaitlyn Marie Droweingo Dusty James Dry Daniella Andrea Duero Aaron Dalton Eakins Carlos Alberto Esparza, Jr Micah David Etherton Jada Yael Evina-Ze Wynter Dawn Fagan Michael Andrew Fetters Sephora Fidele Fabian Alejandro Figueroa Cassandra Brianne Fincher Alyssa Marie Fiorenza Cleveland Anthony Fisher Aliyah Victoria Flemming Jasmin Flores Luke Tanner Folsom Jessica Lynn Foster Jiovanni Fragosa Isaac Frausto Jada Paige Fullwood Alexis Rae Furnell China Valencia Gadsden Jacob Matthew Gainer Raymond Stephan Galvan Pablo Garcia-Abarca Pablo Garza Tabatha Lyn Gessner Anthony Joseph Giaccone Michael Anthony Gianfrancesco Annika Birgitta Gizzo Noah David Gray Vashaura Eddreionna Green Pedro Ivan Gregorio Nicholas Jesus Grimaldi Jose Alfredo Gutierrez Fortes Destiny Rose Guy Isaac Lee Guzman Walter Gyden, IV Austin Taylor Harnage Joshua Lawrence Haynes Sarah Roberta Herman Adrian Hernandez Helena Adelfa Hernandez Tyler James Hewett Cecilia Ann Hogan

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018

Jarred Zane Holland Olivia Marie Hunt Darion Erik Hunter Sofia Elena Iriarte Luis Alberto Isidro Melchor Nathan Izaguirre Cassaundra Rose Jackowski Ronald Cody Jackson Shaura Monet Jackson Kyle Christopher Jacobs Shelby Lynn Jacobsen Harley Michelle Jameson Eleazar Jimenez Akayla Josephine Jimmar Jayden Da´mon Johnson Maziiyah Divine Jones Yamilette Justiniano Amanda Victoria Kachurak Jacob Allen Kiehl Zion Iyre Knight Elizabeth Joye Knowell Logan Mitchell Laietta Justin Lee Laluzerne Giovanny Manuel Landaverde Alyssa Marie Lang Jimmie Star Lansdon, Jr David Christopher Lee Leighton Alexander Lefebvre Logan Bernard Leveson Callie Lauren Lewis Chelsea Leigh Lewis Wyatt Lamar Lewis Alexis Rose Liverett Heather Nicole Lopez Javier Lopez Lauren Maria LoScalzo Matthew David Lowrance Anthony Lugo Francisco Lugo Edgar Isaias Macedonio Kevin Macias Bobbie Cozette Mack Kayden Michael Mahan Shevougn Malik Malcolm Madison Hope Marquinez Isabella Delight Martin Cain Martinez Denise Martinez Elizabeth Danielle Martinez Elizabeth Gabrielle Matthews Jordan Scott McDaniel

Sheenia Demoria McNeal Hunter Joseph Meehan Jarred Gaida Mejia Natyana Layla Melendez Rigoberto Mendoza, Jr Samuel Andres Mercado-Torres Savannah Marie Metts Stephen O´Neil Mims Christopher James Montes Brianna Jeanette Moore Shianne Carol Moorer Serena Nicole Morales Briana Marie Moreno Samantha Lee Moreno John David Mortara Daniela Mozqueda Trinity Riana Muga Mauro Murot Songyos Narkmongkol William Tyler Nethers Michael Scott Newton Donovan Chau Nguyen Alexis Nolasco Ovidio Nolasco Marisol Olmos Juan David Oritz Trujillo Anthony Joseph Pacheco, Jr Daniela Pacheco Breannah Nicole Padilla Mackenzie Allen Paff Jacob Christopher Palomino Trenton Thomas Parker Hunter Logan Parris Joshua David Parrish Miguelangel Paz Priscilla Maria Perez Chavanti Brochell Perry Daniel John Petrilli Guyrveslhine Phadere Spencer McLean Phillips Stephen Walker Pikulski Zerek Keyshon Pinkney Pierce Shelly Pippin Taniqua Devine Pitts Maiah Nicole Platt Brianna Lee Polk Stephen Marshall Powell Michael Hastings Previtera Takia Pridgen Hutchinson Isai Gilberto Prieto Joseph Parke Pusateri

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FELTON’S MARKET 179774

BEST OF LUCK to the

CLASS OF 2018

Aironisha Zykeema Ragins Ledarin Anthany Ragins, Jr Emily Alise Ramey Jason Ramgobind Aariyana Lailani Ramirez Angel Ramirez Haroldesteban Ramirez Logan Edward Ramirez Armando Ramirez Morales Aritsa Angelis Ramos Jason Lee Ramsey Dalton Charles Readdy Danielle Aine Reich Paul Michael Reighn Jaylynn Rendon Tyler Lee Revels Citlalli Reyes Hermelinda Reyes-Hernandez Benjamin Scott Rice Jovaan Alexander Richards James Christopher Richo Symfani Amil Rivera Carlyanne Andrea Rivera Rivera Zarria´ Robinson Tabitha Lezette Rodriguez Dilayla Nayd Rodriguez Rodriguez Jenna Leigh Rogers Juan Antonio Rojo, Jr Dionell Amed Roman Luis Alberto Roque Salma Rosales Hunter Anthony Roseberry Kyle Victor Rowe Priscilla Victoria Salgado Charles Christensen Sampson Samuel William George Sands Marbeya Santamaria Angelica Marie Santiago Jouseph Santiago Rodriguez Juan Ramon Santos-Lopez Logan Bailey Scott Tylor Lee Sheppard Kari Elizabeth Sherman Marcus Andrew Shields Ankit Ashvin Shingala Autumn Chey Simpson Kendrik Rajendra Singh Ashanti D´Asia-Nicole Singletary Alexis Lyn Smith Jacob Evan Smith Dylan Scott Smothers

Blaine Sorrells Martin Antonio Soto, Jr Joseph James Stewart Logan Alexander Street Thalia Vanessa Stroup Owen Ryleigh Summers Ivy Page Sutton Jacob Thomas Sweat David Tabakovic Jefry De Jesus Tavarez Dulce Tepale Victoria Rose Thompson Nureya Maria Tihanyi Padilla Jessica Beth Tillis Hunter Reed Toney Kayla Danielle Toole Jennifer Torres Ni´Ja Anquanette Torres Danielle Dorothy Tuck Tyler Francis Tylisz John Max Ullrich, III Kayla Marie Valentin Katherine Nicole Vasiloff Alex Eugenio Vazquez Nathaniel Vazquez Steven Phillip Vazquez Kimberly Ann Vega Cody Dale Vining Lauren Taylor Walker Jaylee McKenna Wallace Shayla Marissa Washington Austin Tyler Waymire Alexia Lee Welton Autumn Nicole White Tyler Christopher White Angela Marie Williams Nathan Alan Williams Grover Joe Wills Alivia Madison Winkler Alexis Lashawn Wojciechowicz Drew Adam Wolfe Mitzy Irani Zavaleta Rangel Cloe Grace Zettel

Congratulations Graduates!

Felton’s Market CHOICE MEATS • PRODUCE • GROCERIES

The One Stop Shop for All Parties, Events and Reunions!

(Walker Plaza)

617 N. Maryland Ave. | Plant City

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Open Mon - Sat 7am - 9pm and Sun 7am - 8pm

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018

5B

VALEDICTORIAN: ZACHARY IROVANDO Irovando will attend the University of South Florida in the fall.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Where are you going to college and what will your major be?

I’m planning to go to the University of South Florida Tampa campus in the fall. Right now my plan is to double major in political science and history.

What about college are you most excited for?

An expanded opportunity to learn new things.

When did you first realize you were going to be in the top two of your class? How did you react?

Probably my sophomore year. At that point I had quite a bit of a lead on the next person and just with the trajectory of how many classes I knew I’d end up taking over the next three years I knew it was pretty likely that I was not going to be surpassed.

What kind of work did you put in to get to this point?

I took a good number of both dual enrollment and AP classes, those certainly are things that take time to get a good grade in so there was a fair amount of work in that aspect.

What advice would you give students who want to follow in your footsteps and be their school’s next valedictorian or salutatorian?

There isn’t one correct way to do it. If someone wanted to be the valedictorian I think it would be very important for them to first figure out what works for them, what they’re best at.

What’s something you wish you knew about high school ahead of time?

I think one thing I wish I knew was that it’s more than just academics.

What was your favorite moment of high school?

Probably the prom we had in April. It was just a very nice culminating moment of high school.

How are you going to spend this summer?

I’m going on a trip around Europe for about three weeks in June.

From there when I get back I think I’m probably going to try to relax a little bit and get ready for college, but I don’t know what will happen.

What’s the best thing one of your teachers has taught you while in high school?

Just that you should try your best and everything and don’t slack off, but if you do fall a little bit below what you expect it’s not going to kill you in the end.

What do you hope to do in life after college?

After law school I’d like to become a lawyer and then eventually I think it would be pretty cool to be a judge just because I’ve always been so fascinated with the political process of judiciary and you know the judge is at the center of that.

SALUTATORIAN: ALIANET VALDES Valdes will attend the University of Florida in the fall.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Where are you going to college and what will your major be?

University of Florida, journalism.

When did you first realize you were going to be in the top two of your class? How did you react?

Actually not until ranking came out. As weird as that sounds I had no intention of being salutatorian...I’m grateful for it but I’m nervous about the speech.

What kind of work did you put in to get to this point?

I started dual enrolling the spring of junior year and then I’ve taken like 10 or 11 AP classes. I just work really hard, especially last minute.

What advice would you give students who want to follow in your footsteps and be their school’s next valedictorian or salutatorian?

It’s important to fill your schedule up with rigorous courses, but classes you’ll enjoy as well so you can excel in them.

What’s something you wish you knew about high school ahead of time?

CAMERON FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

You learn so many values and you figure out the kind of people you want to be around and who pushes you and who drops back.

What was your favorite moment of high school?

The football games and baseball games, the extracurricular stuff where my friends and I would go and enjoy each other’s company without having to worry about all the stress of the classes we were taking.

How are you going to spend this summer?

I’m vacationing, going to the Dominican Republic and then also to Cuba because I go every summer.

I’m also going on a senior cruise.

What’s the best thing one of your teachers has taught you while in high school?

A lot of our teachers understood that it wasn’t necessarily about doing things perfectly but rather putting the effort in that mattered.

What do you hope to do in life after college?

I would love to do something with lifestyle or fashion...broadcast journalism would be a dream.

CONGRATULATIONS SENIORS! 110 W. Reynolds Street Suite 109, Plant City, FL 33563 michael@cameronfm.com

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What about college are you most excited for?

I’m just excited to get away for a little while. I’ve lived here most of my life. I moved from Cuba when I was five and since then I’m a native to Tampa and I’m excited to get away and move to Gainesville and see new places.

6B

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

Amir Abdullah Stephen Abuyen Brian Adams Vincent Adkins Iban Aguero Carlos Alarcon Joshua Alday Sydney Alexander Valeria Alfaro Austin Allen Logan Allen Destiny Anderson Hunter Anderson Thomas Anderson Alondra Arroyo Jay Z Arteaga Martinez Yasmeen Avelar Isabella Avendano Ariana Avianeda Colin Bacon Marthinus Badenhorst Joshua Baerwalde Kaleb Bair Alexis Baker Beatriz Balderrama Ali Zain Bangash Sydney Barnes Alexis Barnett Aaliyah Battle Gustavo Bautista Cruz Angela Beltran Seth Bender Lillian Bennett Jacob Bentrovato Pedro Berruete Ashley Bhagwandeen James Blair Evelyn Blas Princess Blas Megan Boardman Taylor Boles Fernando Bonilla Cerro Lindsey Bowden Bryce Bowen Juan Boxtha

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018

Zachary Bozeman Sienna Bradberry Savannah Bramlett Mitchel Branum David Brascom Joseph Bremer Joshua Bremer Dallas Bridges Adolfo Brito Ramiro Brito Saul Brito Austin Brown Mckenzie Brown Tayler Brown Caroline Brummer Aidan Burge Jeremiah Bush Gabriel Bustamante Jackson Butler Willie Butler III Erin Buzza Kaylee Cagle Nicholas Cameron D’Artagnan Campbell Tony Campbell Maria Cantellano Angela Cao Jakob Cape Jorge Cardona Taylor Carlough Brenda Carreno David Carrero Ruiz Emily Carroll Italivi Castillo Cristel Castizo Marina Castro Lesvia Cazun Salinas Maeli Celino Joshua Cepeda Chase Chaney Mercedes Chapman Daisy Chavez Krysta Clopton Jocelyne Cloutier Dariana Cofield

Lauren Cole Faithe Collins Emily Conrad Luzmaria Contreras Colonel Cooper Brooklyn Cortes Pedro Cortes Michael Creech Benjamin Cribbs Edwir Crispin Karlie Crooks Carlos Cruz Mendoza Sarai Daniel Chariti Davis Imani Davis Yvonshe’ Davis Javier De La Trinidad Taylor Dedmen Desean Defoe Gustavo De La Garza Bryan Delgado Danielle Delgado Dayanara Delgado Jennifer Delgado Jasmine Diaz Jennifer Diaz Guizar Sonia Diaz Ramirez Brenda Dixon Sabrina Dodd Amy Dominguez Benitez Tyler Donegan Carlos Duarte Kaitlyn Dunne Tristan Easters Holly Eddins Renee Edwards Brittney Eichorn Austin Eldridge Rebecca Elliott Ingrid Escobales Gonzale Russell Espinal Cardenas Joanna Espinosa Jose Espinoza Natavia Evans Triston Evans

Alejandra Fabian Olivera Michael Falkenstein Ethan Farkas Austin Farmer Shelby Farmer Jeanelle Faulk Carlos Felix Samuel Felix Adalida Fender Nicholas Fernandez Mariah Figueroa Victoria Flack Alexis Fleites Nayeli Flores Ricardo Flores Sarai Flores D’Necia Floyd Amber Ford Bilal Ford Zachary Ford Matthew Fouts Joshua Fox Aaliyah Fuoco Skye Gadson Erwin Galindez Antunez Guillermo Gama Aylin Gaona Avonlea Garcia Erick Garcia Jesus Garcia Jocias Garcia Jonathan Garcia Juana Garcia Emmarie Gaudet Travaris Gayner Adam Givens Danielle Gjertsen Christopher Glorioso Quinton Glover Jade Godwin Jena Godwin Isaias Gomez Kiana Gomez Lesly Gomez Villanueva Cindy Gonzalez

Dedrick Gonzalez Leslie Gonzalez Steven Gonzalez Zedrick Gonzalez Linda Gonzalez Martinez Shawn Gossett Christian Graves Emily Gray Markel Greene Taylor Gries Miguel Gutierrez Ruby Gutierrez Samantha Gutierrez Qualinda Hall Steven Harris Arlena Lynn Harrison John Hedrick Preston Hendley Darrian Henson Daniela Hernandez Isabel Hernandez Kayla Hernandez Naomi Hernandez Shaolin Hernandez Oscar Herrera Sariah Herrera Cassie Highsmith Courtney Hill Syrus Hill Devyn Hoffmann Abigail Holcomb Autumn Hollenbeck Keirsten Holmich Imecia Holt Tyler Hood Ja’Laya House Susanna Houser Tadajah Hunter Amber Hutchinson Lauryn Hutchinson Vy Huynh Alicia Ibarra Jomiel Irizarry Ethan Irvin Isaias Izaguirre

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Tracy James Cameron Jenkins Alexis Jennings Collin Jennings Miguel Jimenez Jordan Johns Alyssa Johnson Christopher Johnson Shi’Ann Johnson Macenzie Jones Cadejah Joseph Veronica Juan Zackary Kantrowitz Brendon Keen Darius Kelley Sarah Kerns Xavier King Makayla Knight Christopher Knowles Wyatt Kroeger Allison Kummelman Karla Lagunes Brooklynn Lang Karime Lara Andrew Lee Jacob Leon Maria Leon Espinosa Norma Leyva Enrique Loa Wesley Loper Cheyenne Lopez Maria Lopez Ra’Hiem Lott Jose Lozoya Abigail Luna Nikolas Mack Jonathan Maldonado Eloy Martinez Jeremy Massey Cristofer Mateo Andres Petrona Matias Miguel Macey Matthews Holly Maxey Morgan Maxey Tyriq McCall Roberts Coriana McDonald Olivia McDonald Meagan McElravy Jasmine Medley Morgan Meisenheimer Farrah Mendez

Daisy Mendoza Giselle Mendoza Laura Mendoza Salomon Mendoza Thomas Merrill Joe Merrin Crystal Molina Jocelyn Mollfulleda Hailie Mondoux Kinslie Mondoux Juan Montel Maria Montelongo Eric Moody Alexis Moore Brandon Moore Tyler Moore Manuel Mora Rodriguez Amy Morales David Morales Carmen Morales Braga Jennifer Morales Lopez Jacqueline Moreno Lucia Moreno Savannah Mull Marian Munguia Yisdell Muniz Lopez Yuri Munoz Mason Murphy Nichole Nash Martha Nava Brandi Neely Richard Negron Cheryl Newell Lawren Newton Long Nguyen Robert Norton Ricardo Nuevo Saul Nuno Alexandria Odom Adriana Olivares Deonte’ Oliver Lillian Oliver Jhosevit Olvera Rodriguez Olivia Oquendo Areli Orozco Deven Otero Samantha Palestrini Travis Panier Catalina Pantoja Mitchell Parker Priya Patel

Tatyana Patterson Nathan Payne James Peaden Jonathan Pecina Leonardo Pelagio Ibanez William Pequeen Jorge Pereira Aylin Perez Walter Perez Diego Perez Garcia Dylan Perkins Logan Phillips Tyler Pickrell Michael Pippin Nathan Pires De Camargo Kyle Platter Damion Pletcher Tarik Polk Hunter Porter William Porter Destiny Poston Gonzalo Quijada Sebastian Quintana Flor Ramirez Raquel Ramirez Jessica Ramos Jakaja Range Madison Rappe’ Abhishek Raval Evelyn Rebolloso Antwan Reid Magaly Reyes Juan Rios Baylee Risner Cassandra Robinson Dylan Robinson Kyle Robinson Xavier Robinson Angela Rodriguez Eleazar Rodriguez Jennifer Rodriguez Leonel Rodriguez Maribel Rodriguez Ovany Rodriguez Connor Rogers Ferdinand Rolon Correa Ricardo Rosales Jessica Ross Meaghan Ross Julissa Ruiz Brenda Saenz Cruzate

Ala’A Salem Fernando Salgado Osiel Salmeron Sergio Salmeron Jorge Sanchez Roberto Sanchez Emery Sandoval Mia Sandoval Yeymi Sandoval Cordova Susana Santiago Cayla Sayne Chase Schneider Erin Schulte Rebekah Schulte Miguel Serrano Shilp Shah Luna Shalabi Sarah Shea Tatum Shears Alyssa Shenefield Amanda Shiver Brett Shutt Jonathan Simpson Matthew Simpson Savanah Slone Sabrea Smith Zhamariye’ Smith Adrian Sotello Lane Spears Tylina Spillane Bianca St. Jacques Mackenzie Steele Mackenzie Steele Hailey Stone Tristan Strickland Grant Studtmann John Sumner Brandon Taylor Tyra Taylor Gene Thao Mitchell Thoeni Nathan Tice Nathan Torbert Carlymarie Torres Edgar Torres Luis Torres Mery Torres Adan Torres Alvarado Lisveth Trejo Maria Trejo Miguel Trejo

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THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018

7B

Paola Trejo Erik Tucker Savannah Tucker Cierra Turner Eric Ugarte Christopher Urbine Jordin Vance Calista Vang Shelby VanValkenburg Jose Vargas Hernandez Genesis Vargas Jaquez Hernan Vazquez Jesus Velazquez Dereck Venancio Gomez Stephany Vera Emilee Vue Thomas Wajert Khadori Walker Paige Wallnofer Anderson Walters Kasey Waltz Jaidyn Washington Jordan Waters Brandon Watson Savannah Watson Serenity Watson Brianna Weldishofer Kristina Wells Madison West Allison Whitaker Jordan Wiggins Mackenzie Wiggins Amber Williams Ashley Williams Christopher Williams Ashlynn Williamson Caleb Willie Morghan Willis Torian Wilson Zachary Woodward Tylar Woosley Caitlyn Wright Margaret Wright Suzena Wright Miguel Zapata Jose Zarate Lucas Zazulia

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018

VALEDICTORIAN: ANGELA CAO Cao will attend the University of Florida in the fall.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Where are you going to college and what will your major be?

I’m going to UF and I’m probably going to major in biology.

What about college are you most excited for?

Meeting new people. I’m completely starting over so I guess it will be exciting to see new people and get out of my comfort zone.

When did you first realize you were going to be in the top two of your class? How did you react?

I think it was the second semester this year. I was really excited.

I’m not really good at anything else, like sports-wise and stuff, so this is the only thing I’ve got going and I was like “Wow, I did it.”

What kind of work did you put in to get to this point?

I put a lot of work into school. I’m really good under pressure so I do

everything the night before. That gets me through school.

What advice would you give students who want to follow in your footsteps and be their school’s next valedictorian or salutatorian?

To try hard to not give up halfway — there’s a lot of times that I wanted to give up and throw in the towel because it’s so hard — but to just keep going.

What’s something you wish you knew about high school ahead of time?

The workload maybe? It was more than I thought. I wanted to try to do all these things and I just wasn’t expecting all work until I signed up for the classes.

Be prepared to have to spend a lot of time working through your studies.

What was your favorite moment of high school?

Probably all the senior events this year like prom and Grad Bash. All of those events were a lot of fun.

How are you going to spend this summer?

I’m going to New York for a week and then going to California because I have family over there and I’ll stay there for a while. It will be exciting.

What’s the best thing one of your teachers has taught you while in high school?

To enjoy nature. My AP Lit teacher told us not to grow up too fast to just enjoy nature and to live life as it is.

What do you hope to do in life after college?

I want to be a doctor and start my own family later in life. I like working with kids. That’s what I want to do when I get older.

I want to move to California. I already have family over there. I like the weather and the environment over there so hopefully that works out.

SALUTATORIAN: MACKENZIE STEELE

Congratulations Class of 2018!

Steele will attend the University of Florida in the fall.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Where are you going to college and what will your major be?

The University of Florida, biology pre-med.

What about college are you most excited for?

The “Dance Marathon.” They’re raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network.

When did you first realize you were going to be in the top two of your class? How did you react?

I’ve always been high up in the class, so it’s always been said since freshman year that it’s going to be Angela and me.

What kind of work did you put in to get to this point?

All four years of high school I had a full schedule at the school which meant about four AP classes each year and just working super hard.

What advice would you give students who want to follow in your footsteps and be their school’s next valedictorian or salutatorian?

Take every opportunity possible just to have fun and don’t make your class ranking, your GPA such a big part of your life that you give up on other things. Still balance it out so you can have a social life, so you can be involved in clubs.

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PLANT CITY 1907 S. Alexander St., Ste. 2 Plant City, FL 33566 | (813)752-6604 BRANDON 329 Pauls Dr. Brandon, FL 33511 | (813)689-9297

What’s something you wish you knew about high school ahead of time?

There may be rumors spread

about you. Someone may be jealous of you, but in the end you’re going to look back and laugh at all of those things that you cried over at one time. You’ll be fine with it because literally it does not matter.

What was your favorite moment of high school?

Sitting in the stands for the Crest and Durant football games when we threw the powder up in the air.

How are you going to spend this summer?

I have a mission trip the first week, then I’m going to state FFA convention the week after that, then my family is going to Hawaii for two weeks after that and then I start college.

What’s the best thing one of your teachers has taught you while in high school?

My 10th grade chemistry teacher told us that “high school is a game. Play so you can win.”

What do you hope to do in life after college?

Hopefully I’ll be headed to med school...after that I’ll hopefully be working with amazing kids in a pediatric cancer hospital.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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Soumya Abraham Logan Abraham Shane Abraham Jens Abraham Ty Ackett Dustin Adkins Brayan Aguilar Benigno Aguirre-Olivares Mikayla Akers Chieko Allgauer Kayla Allison Sarah Alzamora Alliya Andrade Brenda Angon Gabrielle Annis Kassandra Anzaldua Ryan Armatrout Nicolas Armijo Ramon Arteaga Thanabodi Arthan Winton Artz Meghana Arza Lilith Ashburn-Testasecc Bo Ashmore Kishan Avaiya Josefina Bagui Kaitlyn Bailey Sean Bailey Garrett Barnes Clay Barnes Michael Barnes Derek Barone Hanna Barrett Jasmin Bass Daisy Bautista Gustavo Bautista Jackson Bazley Sherika Bennett Anna Benvenuti Aaron Bingham Brianna Bischoff Amanda Bishop Alyssa Bisset Michael Blackston Hunter Blanton Oscar Blas Jacob Boggs

Kody Boggs Jayson Bolnick Hunter Botti Patrick Bower Amber Boykin Jordan Bracewell Chris Bratten Elizabeth Briggs Andy Brito Almeida Jacqueline Brophy Calia Broughton Desmond Brown Willondra Brown Isabella Brown Taylor Brown Yessica Bueno David Bueno Marcela Bueno John Bunnell Haley Burdsall Megan Burrus Russell Butler Mark Butterfield Oswaldo Caballero-Palacio Anthony Caldas Cesar Calderon James Caldwell James Call Shayla Camargo-Jimenez Eduardo Campos Megan Carothers Ruben Carreno Kelli Carter Estevan Castro Maria Castro Kyle Causer Aileen Cerchiara Abigail Cervantes Jenna Chan Tyrese Clark Natacha Collazo Dylan Conley Charles Conover Denzel Cooper Cameron Cornett Luis Cosme Rylee Costa

Julian Costales Destiny Cox Rebecca Cox Oleymi Cruz Terra Cruz Bethany Cruz Luz Cruz Edgar Cruz Angelina Cyriac Grace Daigle Rachel Davies Walker Davis Maria De La Pena Giovany DeJesus Alan Del Angel Oscar DeSantiago Mitchell DeShong Nicholas DeShong Zachary Desmarais Abigale DeVane Erin Mae Dimanlig Wyatt Dixon Kimberly Do Frida Dominguez Elias Dominguez Savanna Downing Jeanne Dreyer Daniel Duenas Haley Duncan Jacob Dunsmore Patricia Duque Chase Dutcher Danielle Dwyer Mackenzie Edgemon Jaden Edwards Benjamin Egloff Cierra Ellis Omar Elrabi Abigail Erwin Daniel Escalera Estrellita Espinosa Tomas Espinoza Guadalupe Espinoza-Rosas Hope Evans Amber Farmer Lauren Fernandez Zoe Festa

Taylor Finney Orion Flanagan Marlet Flores Hector Flores Zane Floyd Jeremiah Ford Lia Fowler Cooper Gaffney Thomas Gaffney Yesenia Galarza Diego Galicia Cristian Garcia Chelsea Garcia Cassandra Garcia Alan Garcia Michelle Garcia Krista-Elida Garcia Arely Garcia Jose Garcia Yadira Garcia-Ibarra Dyllon Garner Hanna Garrison Keiran George Scott Gicker Claire Gill Abigail Gitlin Nandini Goel Gian Gomez Darla Gonzalez Irving Gonzalez Resendiz Jesus Gonzalez-Medina Ana Gonzalez-Medina Chad Grassel Dewayne Green Taeler Green Zachary Green Dora Gutierrez Celismar Guzman Tyler Hammond Gabriella Hansen Regan Hardin Har’monie Harrell Rialee Harris Marek Harrison Jamar Hart Casandra Hashman Brayden Hatcher

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Noah Hensley Liliana Hernandez Megen Hernandez Alexis Hernandez Andrea Hernandez Hobie Herndon William Hewitt Alexis Hill Brandon Hill Erin Hilsabeck Savannah Himmelein Georgie Hobbs Zachary Hoekstra Christopher Holland Angel Howard Ian Howell Haris Hussain Quinn Hyde Deja Hyder Marianne Ibarra Brad Jackson Gilda Jahuey Ceona James Samuel Jennings Alysse Jensen Ha Nul Jeong Luis Jimenez Emily Johnson Kyle Johnson Lane Joiner Keegan Jones Serenity Jopek-Miller Mckenzee Jordan Judith Joseph Bernabe Juan Alexandra Judge Jason Kaelin Ryan Karczewski Liaba Khan Christopher Kidd Skye King Cory Kirkland Alexis Kirschner Grayson Koch Emily Kope Andrew Kraemer Kaitlyn Kubecka

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

Kalynn Kunz Stephen Kurek Jesus Lamas Justin Lamb Serena Lamontagne Gracie Lee Mitchell Lehman Jeremy Lenczyk Alyssa Leneberg Dimitri Leonzon Kagan Lioy Orlando Llanos-Ojodeagua Jesse Locke Theodore Lombardi Edith Lopez Wilber Lopez Geovanni Lopez-Martinez Anthony Lopresti Connor Loving Abigail Lozoya Karishma Lukose Allyson Luna Meghan Lyons Antonio Macedonio Hannah Mack Hudda Malik Andrew Mangold Jackson Manning Carlos Mar Julian Marquet Deveney Marshall Peden Marshall Juan Martinez Victor Martinez Issac Martinez Lizeth Martinez David Martinez Cruz Nolan Marvel Laney Mastrovito Lucas Mathew Damian Matthews Emily McDonald Riley McElhaney Cassandra McFaul Jane McGinnis Nikhila Medikonda Andrea Melendez Claudio Manuel Mendoza-Guzman Hailey Menendez Sean Meredith Destinee Miller

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THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018

Gabriel Miranda Morales Kaisha Miranda-Sanchez China Mitchell Dean Mitseas Sara Mobley Anthony Montgomery Azul Montoya Julian Montoya Ivan Morales Jose Morales Tipton Mott-Smith Yolisma Muratalla Ricardo Mussenden Luis Nava Gabriela Navejar Luz Negron Kaci Nelson Garrett Neubaum Randy Newton Florecita Nieves-Prudencio Ricky Nopal-Bondha Taylor Norrington Jonathan North Brandon O’Bryant Rio Oliver Brianna Opitz Brett Opitz Rebecca Oree Jessica Oree Dayane Orengo Jimenez Selena Ortega April Ortiz Jasmine Ortiz Andres Ortiz Davitz Palm Yasmarra Palomares Belinda Pardo Shaylyn Parrish Kayla Passinault Sneh Patel Aarti Patel Heather Patisaul Jacob Pedersen Engracia Perez Jennifer Perez Learsi Perez Lilibeth Perez Vanessa Perez Olivia Perez Triana Persaud Michael Petty

Justin Phelps Tatum Phillips John Pohl Alexis Powell Jacob Pryor Brianna Pugh Dylan Pulaski Amanda Quesada Jennifer Ramirez Manuel Ramirez Christofer Ramos Andrea Ramos-Angeles Abigail Ramseyer Kiley Raposo Jarrett Rappe’ Charles Ray Peyton Ray Caleb Raymond Noah Rebman Alexus Redd Jeremy Redd Matthew Reece Grace Reed Lucas Reed Talia Reinoso Oscar Resendiz Cole Revoy Delanee Rhoads Zane Richardson Sara Richwine Kayla Rini Anthony Rivera Ahmadreyante Robinson Cheyanne Robinson Julio Rodriguez Ezequiel Rodriguez Adela Rodriguez Saige Rodriguez Annette Rodriguez Karla Rodriguez Blaize Rodriguez Dylan Rogers Sheccid Roque Ethan Ruiz Hailey Ruiz Luisa Ruiz Kisean Ruth Jose Salazar Cruz Devlin Sallis Yvette Salmeron Osvaldo Sandoval

Ria Sanghani Esmeralda Santiago Bladimir Santiago Meylena Santiago Ryan Santiago Efrain Santibanez Cheyenne Schumacher Kate Seegar Isabella Seelig Abigail Segura Ria Shah Jenna Sierra Isaiah Sierson III Mckenzie Silas Alberta Simmons William Sippel Ciara Smith Taylor Smith Aidan Solis Elisse Solis Esquivel Meghan Sorg Yarah Soto Ethan Sparkman Jacob Spray Sabrina Stanford Jarod Stano Thomas Steed Weronika Stelmasiewicz Kristina Stepp James Stitzel Madilyn Stone Tristan Stout Shaun Sullivan Kathryn Swartz Hailey Switzer David Szyprowski McKenzie Talavera Colton Tanner Maddisyn Taylor Rudra Tejiram Cullen Telfer Jacob Tenace Daniel Teske Alex Thach Gunner Thomas Colton Tomberlin Dallas Topp Damien Torres Sebastian Torres Jada Townsend Riley Traun

Jerry Trejo Kevin Trejo Yesenia Trejo-Ocampo Chloe Tremmel Brian Tse Elbert Tse Abdul Rahman Tumeh Ali Kasen Van Fossen Dale Van Vugt Darian Vandyne Jason Varghese Erin Varghese Francisca Vasquez Anaelyz Vazquez Rushi Vekariya Andre’ Velasquez Sophie Verra Jennifer Vilches Fernando Villegas Guillermo Villegas Chanel Wade Michael Waggoner Emma Wallace Alexandra Waller Austin Waller Charles Waller Jamie Warren Shuntavia Washington Thomas Weber Charlie Weiland Savannah White William White Abby Williams Hunter Williams September Williford Miranda Willis Gabrielle Wilson Paul Wilson Ayliana Wilson Jenna Wolfe Hannah Wright Katelyn Wyatt Ray Yambura Brad Ye Ian Youmans Travis Young Nicole Zapata Quintin Zargo Noah Zeff Chase Zimmerman

Bobby Norton PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2018

B

obby, words can’t express our love for you or how proud we are of you. It’s hard to believe that we are already at this point, but we know that you will seize the opportunity and soar with your potential as you move to Gainesville.

Congratulations to our Honor Grad, Class of 2018, Plant City High School We are proud of you, excited for you and love you ~ Dad, Nana and Papa Mom, Ryan and Grandma All of your Aunts, Uncles and Cousins and Gunner

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018

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IB VALEDICTORIAN: KIMBERLY DO Kimberly Do will attend Georgia Tech in the fall.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Where are you going to college and what will your major be?

This fall, I will be attending Georgia Tech and I will be majoring in computer science.

What about college are you most excited for?

I’m really excited for the opportunities that will open up. Especially since here, I never actually took a computer science course since our high school doesn’t offer any.

I’m really excited to actually get my hands dirty in the material at Georgia Tech.

When did you first realize you were going to be in the top two of your class? How did you react?

I didn’t really know until the end. I wasn’t really trying to be cognizant of my class placement. I just sort of did my own thing and, when it happened, I was like “Hey, that’s kind of cool!”

What kind of work did you put in to get to this point?

I think it took a lot of discipline and balancing my schedule.

Having IB courses on top of dual enrollment and honors was really sort of difficult. Especially over the summer when I had other activities that I wanted to have fun with.

What advice would you give students who want to follow in your footsteps and be their school’s next valedictorian or salutatorian?

Definitely, as cheesy as the IB learner profile is, it’s necessary to be the principled, balanced, knowledgeable person and make the best of what you have, understand your limitations and try to put those into practice.

What’s something you wish you knew about high school ahead of time?

I definitely wish I knew a little bit more about what senior year is like, especially with college apps.

It’s really frightening and really stressful, extremely stressful, to have to juggle all my classes and then studying for exams in addition to figuring out what exactly college is.

What was your favorite moment of high school?

My favorite moment didn’t actually happen on school campus, but over the summer of my junior year I was one of 25 students who was selected to attend a summer camp at Apple. So being able to be one of those few students who was able to experience what it’s like in the Cupertino workplace at Apple was really exciting.

How are you going to spend this summer?

I was selected to be a Generation Google scholar, so I’ll be at a Google campus studying computer science.

What’s the best thing one of your teachers has taught you while in high school?

One of the most inspirational teachers I’ve ever had was Mr. H., Mr. Haczynski. I think that his central dogma to life is, although it’s important to study and be mindful of your surroundings, you need to just take a deep breath, relax and have a “mindful minute” every once in a while.

What do you hope to do in life after college?

I’d love to return to Apple and be a user interface designer. I think it would be a really incredible experience to return there and actually do something a little bit more worthwhile than what I did as a junior.

Photos by Justin Kline

VALEDICTORIAN: KASEN VAN FOSSEN Kasen Van Fossen will attend the University of Florida in the fall.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Where are you going to college and what will your major be?

University of Florida, mechanical engineering.

What about college are you most excited for?

Not being at home.

When did you first realize you were going to be in the top two of your class? How did you react?

I’ve been number one since, I think, the end of sophomore year.

So I was stressing about it a little bit because I thought he (Zane Richardson) was going to beat me because he was taking a lot more classes than me over the last few years. But I was pretty happy.

What kind of work did you put in to get to this point?

I took HCC (classes) before I even came into high school and I did STEM in middle school, so I had a few classes going into it.

How are you going to spend this summer?

Just hanging out. Most of my friends are going to college over the summer so I’ll probably be back and forth to UCF with them.

What advice would you give students who want to follow in your footsteps and be their school’s next valedictorian or salutatorian?

Community college. Take as much dual enrollment as you can.

What’s the best thing one of your teachers has taught you while in high school?

Grades aren’t everything. It’s more important to be able to have a conversation with someone than it is to be able to get an A in a class. I learned that from Mr. Meredith.

What’s something you wish you knew about high school ahead of time?

It’s not like movies. At all. It’s more work than middle school and I didn’t think it was gonna be.

What was your favorite moment of high school?

That’s a tough one...just hanging out in the lunchroom.

What do you hope to do in life after college?

I want to make something. I want to make a company. I want to make something new, whatever that ends up being.

Photos by Justin Kline

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018

IB SALUTATORIAN: KARISHMA LUKOSE Lukose will attend Florida A&M University in the fall.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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Where are you going to college and what will your major be?

I’m going to Florida A&M University and I’ll major in chemistry.

What about college are you most excited for?

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What kind of work did you put in to get to this point?

I took summer classes at HCC. That was mainly what I did. I didn’t have time to take extra AP courses. I did chorus all four years.

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When did you first realize you were going to be in the top two of your class? How did you react?

In IB, they don’t really tell you what your rank is until your senior year. It’s kind of a secret.

I had a feeling that I would be salutatorian second semester (of senior year)…but I ultimately found out at the top 10 breakfast.

I wasn’t that surprised, but it felt really nice.

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What advice would you give students who want to follow in your footsteps and be their school’s next valedictorian or salutatorian?

I would say don’t stress too much. You should probably spread the workload over the four years, maybe start early and take classes in the summer. If you take classes during the school year — especially during junior year, second semester — it’s really tough. That’s when IB gets really tough. Take more when you’re in ninth and 10th grade because it’ll be easier to balance with IB.

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What’s something you wish you knew about high school ahead of time?

I wish I knew that it was gonna be really tough. I should have enjoyed my time in middle school more and, like, savored that time.

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What was your favorite moment of high school?

I think, in general, gaining all my

Photos by Justin Kline

friends. In IB, there’s only 97 of us and it’s pretty close-knit. Also gaining knowledge, those “a-ha!” moments are always great. Especially ones you share with your friends.

How are you going to spend this summer?

I’m not going to take any summer classes, finally. I’m gonna maybe get a summer job and relax.

What’s the best thing one of your teachers has taught you while in high school?

Like Kim said, Mr. H, his entire dogma. He’s one to actually prioritize our health. In the beginning, ninth and 10th grade, we had a reputation like we weren’t as smart as other classes. When he realized it, he defended us against the other teachers. It was really nice to feel appreciated.

What do you hope to do in life after college?

I hope to become a physician.

I am going to be in a med program, four years at FAMU and four years at FAU. I’m not sure if I’ll get my M.D. or my Ph.D, but I hope to become a doctor and help people.

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SALUTATORIAN: ZANE RICHARDSON SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

What about college are you most excited for?

Collegiate athletics.

What advice would you give students who want to follow in your footsteps and be their school’s next valedictorian or salutatorian?

Definitely take dual enrollment classes. Those are probably the best because of the college credit. I’d also take AP classes.

What’s something you wish you knew about high school ahead of time?

Photos by Justin Kline

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What was your favorite moment of high school?

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How are you going to spend this summer?

Swimming. I have a lot of training, I’m going to get ready for college athletics.

What’s the best thing one of your teachers has taught you while in high school?

To always question everything.

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What do you hope to do in life after college?

I hope to be an officer in the United States military. That’s my big goal.

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