06.04.20 Graduation: Pomp Under the Circumstance

Observer

Pomp Under the Circumstance

It isn’t the graduation season anyone envisioned, but the unbreakable, unshakable members of the Class of 2020 have shown their might as they turn their tassels.

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GRADUATION

Congratulations Henry Austad Muning Chen

EST. 1958

Lane Sharp Solomon Robertson

Austin Hipskind

Maya Prakash

Julian Mathis Ashton Kaatz

Madison Bailey

Megan Kleinsmith Davi Souza

Elijah Young Justin Colombo

Abigail DeStefano

Salutatorian

Carson Hoff

Maison Kasyanov

Benjamin Bales

Chai Colon

Savannah Doshan

Trey Hunt

William Blaine

Ann Marie Cook

Giovanni Moraes

Kylie Rowell

Class President

Christian Toscano

Hossana Moronta

Sydney Ragsdale

Anjali Sam

Michael LeMieux-Bott

Kyle Huntt

Jacob East

Matthew Puchalski

Cameron Lay

Grace Langhoff

Maria Kime

2020

Class of 2020

Valedictorian Adelina Cruz

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Bailey Trinder Hailey Nicoletti

Kayla Richard

Theo Schleben

Anna Binkley Kassie Kimpel

Cullen van der Riet

Talia Levine

Joaquim Jovel Matthew Cooper

Mykal Chan

Paola Grijalva

Kamron Norat

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“Building a Foundation for Life.”

Andrew Richardson

Educating One Mind, Transforming One Heart, One Day at a Time

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Celebrating amazing futures with amazing smiles

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GRADUATION

Dr. Phillips High School VALEDICTORIANS Nancy Alayoubi, Sophia Castellanos, Stephanie Cervino, Aarsh Chokshi, Roxanne Deisseroth, Ana Lopez Diaz, Lucia Gaynor, Sydney Kaufman, Felix Aguilar Lugo, Michelle McGrath, Kaitlyn Montague, Rafael Moreno Salvatierra and Sarina Zhou SALUTATORIAN Andrea Emmanuelli SENIOR CLASS OFFICERS President: Devon Lynn Vice president: Michelle McGrath Secretary: Gabriella Gissy Treasurer: Kate Bansmer Advisers: Lisa Golub and Jennifer Parm STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICERS President: Antonia JeBailey Vice president: Brayden McLellan Secretary: Whitney Wright Treasurer: Aarsh Chokshi Historian: Sydney Kaufman Advisers: Erin Eberhardt, Jennifer Parm and Caitlin Schellhammer GRADUATION Virtual graduation: 8:20 p.m. Monday, June 1

Matthew Abbasi Evelyn Abelenda Pierre Abon Cabianca Dahlia Abousaouira O Levi Adams Ruthshana Adrien Meghana Aduri Joanna Afonso Cameron Afram-Gyening Courtney Afram-Gyening Felix Aguilar Lugo Moizz Ahmed Lara Al Sayyed Luis Alarcon Molina Nancy Alayoubi Daniel Alban Gabrielle Albuquerque Leana Aldama Mohammad Alegi Yamylexis Aleman Lozano Aasha Alexander Tranyah Alexander Bryttney Alexis Marco Alfonzo Destinee Alford Jawdat Alhalabi Hana Ali Khaled Alkameh Clifrin Allen Jovany Alvarez Caroline Amein Precious Amira Abryll Anderson Zariah Anderson David Angel Juneau Anicette Sammyia Ansari Jujuanathan Antoine Dimitri Antunes Humberto Aragon Valeria Aragon-Soto Victor Arenas Delgado Derek Arroyo Hernandez Khadijah Arshad Collin Ashbee Noah Aucoin Kocinskia Augustin Marc Guerby Augustin Marc Jefthe Augustin Shacelis Ayala Bobe Kervenster Azor Mackenzie Babiasz Sophia Baird Angela Ballerino Katherine Bansmer Ashley Barber Phillip Barbosa Kazaria Barnes Elijah Barrios Jorge Barrios Kristopher Barron Andrea Barroso Bernal Rashawn Romeo Barton Fatima Basharat Haley Bassett Sydney Bauduy Lucas Bazan Jon Beaufait Leah Beiz Ayah Belmokhtar Danielle Bennett Jason Bernabe LeAnn Bernard

Arhens Bertin Sadok Bessrour Sean Bethea Richard Beverley Katiannah Biggs Paul Bissessar Kara Black Azaria Blair Tony Blair Natalia Blake Nowelia Blake Mazen Bon Alexandyr Bone Joendie Bonilla Michelle Bonilla Blake Botsford Vanessa Bracho Ortega Jahmel Brewster Estefania Briceno Talara Bridges Adrian Britto Mardon Brookes Antonio Brown Ashanti Brown Aby-Gail Buddington Pierina Buenano Gainza Ayanna Buissereth O’Shen Burgess Ethan Burke Bernard Bush Jr. Alan Bustamante Lillian Byerly Alana Caballero Rivera Keegan Cadiz Mario Caines, Jr Brennensley Cajuste Shalen Calixte Nicolas Calvo Parra Alyssa Cameron Makayla Camper Valeria Candelario Stephanie Canela Ana Cantini Antunes Leal Christopher Canty Alexandra Carcache Nicole Cardenas Hernandez Fabian Cardona Leonardo Carrasco Tyrique Carrasco Arianna Carson Malik Carson Sha’Maya Carter Maria Carvalhaes Guanaes Ceforah Casseus Camila Castaneda Daniel Castaneda Jr. Alejandro Castano Sophia Castellanos Edgar Castillo Caicedo Miguel Castillo Diaz Manuela Castrillon Valencia Valerie Castro Edith Celestin Stephanie Cervino Djeene Cesar Djeenia Cesar Joshua Chan Noah Chani Jennifer Charles Judline Charles Matthew Charles

Mikens Charles Yolanda Charles Abdul Rehman Chaudhary Aarsh Chokshi Cade Chretien Christopher Clark Jr. Kristen Clarke Justin Clemento Malachi Clendinen Brianna Clinton Dylan Clinton Janeesa Clue Kiedis Clute Geremiah Coller Spencer Colley Jaimar Colon Rodriguez Xiomara Colon Rosario Maria Conde Mariam Conde Sierra Erin Connor Matheus Conte Genesis Contreras Angelina Corbin Briana Corneille Justin Corneille Katherine Correa Colmenares Jessica Corredor Leticia Costa Daisia Crews Yohance Crispin Jordan Cruz Joyce Cruz Hernandez David Cruz Mata Yaritza Cuevas Akaila Curtis Tylik Cutts Lucas Da Fonseca Valentina Da Silva Centeno Jascimar Daley Britney Damon Briana Danhi Tanazia Daniels Nicholas Dario Caroline Davis Alex De Borja Flavia De Novaes Ja Quel Dean Javan Dean Joshua Dean Kelly DeGregorio Roxanne Deisseroth Terrence Delay Laura Delboni Esther Delbrin Karla Delgado Bryson Delice Laury Demorcy Rebecca Derilus Katia Destine Joey Diaz Jr. Nathan Diaz Wesley Diaz Jahnaya Dingle Daniel Disla Stephen Dix Jr. Dinh Do Michelangelo Dominguez Kandace Dopson Shakesha Dore Loudjaelle Dorval Breanna Dorway Erline Dossous

Domanique Douglas Kemon Douglas Riley Draper Jansse Ducasse Pena Dante Duchatelier Donna Dume Michaele Dumorne Mariana Dumper-Almeida Wayne Duncan Jimmy Duong Fabienne Duval Ethan Eager Dominick Ebanks Zarah Ekhator Sarah Elder Andrea Emmanuelli Eric Encarnacion Calderon Chloe Eng Annemarie Engfer Nicholas England Armani English Jorge Espinosa Ramirez Reifel Espinoza Ja Breil Etienne Jeffrey Etienne Emily Evans Jonathan Fanfan Nicole Farias Catari Takayla Farquharson William Farrell Lelonni Farrington Isabel Faust William Feigel Maria Feliz Pichardo Cierra Felton Kaleb Fenelus Williams Serena Ferber-Bosquet Derek Fermin Guzman Laura Fernandez Christian Fernando Ashlyn Ferreira Jonathan Ferreira Cabral Lorenzo Ferri Noah Fetterman Avery Feucht Brandon Fields Nicholas Figueiredo Correa Bento Ethan Figueroa Bitania Fils-Aime Brian Fisher Max Fishman Cherlanda Fleurine Kevin Florez-Quintero Luis Fontanes Alicea Timell Ford Patterson Jr. Alexa Forte Jasmine Fortson Mikayla Fountain Anthony Freeman Jr. Karece Freeman Lorena Froze Jonah Furukawa Spencer Gachette Keyla Galvis Aalyah Garcia Andre Garcia Jocelyn Garcia Michael Garcia Tomas Garcia Arango Maria Garcia-Villalobos Malak Garib Shi Gaskin

Kassandra Gavilanez Lucia Gaynor Thomas Genio Ashanti George Landon Georgi Anna Gigante Mackenzie Gimbel Parth Ginoya Gabriella Gissy Isaiah Givens Maya Glenn Timothy Glenn Juliana Gomes Nicholas Gomes Joshua Gomez Caroline Goncalves Costa Diana Goncalves Velasquez Sian Gongora Jose Gonzalez Quiles Arlen Gonzalez-Mendez Madison Goodlatte Kyle Goodman Abigail Gordon Avery Gordon JaJuan Gordon Ava Gowanloch Simran Goyal Aliyah Grace Valentina Graterol Sangster Javawn Gray Jaden Green Sharae Green Shawn Green Jr. Tevin Griffey Emilio Grijalva Kaden Groenendal Stephanie Gudino Joshua Guerra Ekaterina Guerrero Alexis Guillen Leslie Guillen Marina Guimaraes Francisco Guzman Mariluz Guzzo Charles Hanley Tyrazia Harding Enola Harribey Jah-Zeel Harris Kareem Harrison Charles Harvey Roni Harvey Stokes Harvey Muawiyah Hassan Reem Hassan Abril Hassoun Al Chami Collin Haugh Emma Haupt Dontaveous Haynes Shance Haynes Antoine Haywood Aliyah Headen Hanna Heberling Maryjayne Henry Chelsi Hernandez Gabriel Hernandez Gael Hernandez Joseph Hernandez Natalie Hernandez Renato Hernandez Samuel Hernandez Angel Hernandez Nieves

Estefania Hernandez Perez Shinyuen Hernandez-Zuo Kyra Heron Grant Hidalgo William Hodor Lauren Hogan Nivon Holland Damiah Hollis Tyler Holman Samantha Horency Grace Houde Reniah Howard Emily Hudson Tristan Hughes Taylor Hugo Brendan Hutchinson Ameer Idrees Dalton Iiames Corrine Ikerd Skilor Isaac Sayf Ismail Muhammad Issa Makaylah Iverson Anya Jackson Derrick Jackson Hailey Jackson Kendall Jackson Nyah Jackson Yeysenia Jamieson-Perry Elijah Jamison Isabella Jarolimek Djynaika Jean Charles Stanley Jean Julien Chante’ JeanBaptiste Briana Jeannot Antonia JeBailey Alana Jenkins Emma Jenkins Romun Jenkins Delmarys Jimenez Serrano Brayan Jimenez-Valencia Indya Jimerson Joel Joffe A’Shante Johnson Dante’ Johnson Jr. Davion Johnson Jasmine Johnson Kaila Johnson Teasia Johnson Amber Jones Jacquez Jones Jordan Jones Kelesia Jones Nina Jones William Jones IV Xavier Jones Tianna Jose Celeste Joseph Cape Judy Pharano Jules Robenje Jules Steve Julssaint Methsaida Juste Ghali Kabbaj Hanin Kadoura Sydney Kaufman Viannie Kazan Raheem Kellyman Markel Key Isaiah Key Ellington Ali Khan Abrial Kight Cameron King

Erik King Jr. Taliyah King Joel Knopp Jordan Kocarek Kevin Koivu Ana Maria Kostowski Melissa Kovach Kayla Kpanquoi Kelvin Kpogoh Amanda Kraus Gabriel Kreider Gabrielly Kruger Austin Kweyete Maya Lababidi Tyler Laborde Alec Lacher Ayanna LaCroix Amy LaFramboise Julian Lagos-Cruz Melanie Lamarche Dillon Lambert Mya Landers Anthony Landicini Ashton Lane Lidia Lara Leahn LaRosa Larissa Lasmar Dos Santos Brandon Lauro Keyana Lawrence Ziya Lawton Isaac Lawton Rivera Thanh Le Pablo Leal Dain Lee Tremayne Lee II Ihylyah Leerdam Oshny Leger Leonardo Lengler Fonseca Lindsey Lewis Marcella Lewis Margie Lewis Jocelyn Leyva Nicole Liang Ricardo Licioni Jasanti Lindsey Madyson Liringis Sophia Llanos Daniel Lobo Jimmy Loiseau Amy Loli Jaelynn Lopez Ana Lopez Diaz Carlos Lopez Moreno Maria Lopez Noguera Alexis Lopez Valencia Diego Lopez-Ocampo Shaylene Lora Nicolas Loth Rivaldo Louidor Staphon Luma Marissa Luna Rithe Ly Kennedy Lynch Devon Lynn Samuel Lysias Chermont Spina Nelson Machado III Ellyonan Victor Maciel Janae Mack Grace Maher Adam Maldonado Mao Malette

Harsimer Malhan Ali Malik Anna Mallous James Malloy Sierra Mancuso Jacob Manganelli Bianca Manneck Nautilus Manning Abbygale Mansilla Laurie Marc Juan Marin Fernanda Marquez Achsah Martin Griffin Martin Alexander Martinez Brandom Martinez Isaac Martinez Michael Martinez Niyah Martinez Gaviota Martinez Burgos Keven Martinez Rodriguez Desiree Mason Rayna Mathis Unicka Mathis Cristian Matias Seda David Matthews Gabrielle Matthews Noah May Jordan Mays Sophia Mazo Triyana Mccloud Brian McConnell Katerina Mccullough Joshua McGehee Michelle McGrath Logan Mcgraw Brayden McLellan Scally Medee Ivan Medina Maria Medina Yaylani Melendez Birriel Janice Mendez Marlon Mendez Rojas Nehemias Menendez Natalia Menendez Vargas Jankarlo Mercado Sahil Merchant Zainab Merchant Matthew Messina Rashad Meuse Kimberly Meza Arenaza Ana Miguel Gomes Cotta Hope Miller Cooper Mills Livia Miranda Jolana Mitchell Michael-Anthony Mitchell Nicholas Phillip Molgaard Miguel Molina Carlos Molina Lobo Kaitlyn Montague MacKenzie Montague Domenica Montesdeoca Destiny Moore Maria Eduarda Morais de Oliveira Karine Morais do Nascimento Cassandra Morales Milannie Moran Luis Moran Perez Jana Morcy Rafael Moreno Salvatierra

Carol Morera Sanchez Adam Morlabaez Elijah Morris Ella Morrow Jullia Morse Ja’Myria Moss Mahmoud Mostafa Laura Mullowney William Mullowney Emmanuel Munoz Kyrsten Munoz May Musa Kara Myers Kalei Nash Nifie Nazaire Gaetan Nelson Isabella Nemcik Kelsey Neth Alex Ngo Dung Nguyen Le Minh Nguyen Mekial Nicholas Reina Nieves Lauren Nix Ezinne Nkoronye Saif Noorhassan Reynaldo Norato Reza Sebastian Norman Jason Nunez Lindsey O’Donnell Braden O’Sullivan McLorens Obas Ricardo Obes Herrera Aaliyah Ockimey Angelo Odige Larissa Ogata Ushirobira Patricia Olmos Urdaneta Judeline Orelus Michelle Ortiz Melanie Ortiz-Bandes Adriana Ortuno Edmar Osorio Victor Osuna Eduarda Otto Pestana Nicky Ou Austin Ouellette Nicholas Oweis Angelique Owens Grace Owens Duygu Ozkan Isabelle Parm Luz Parra Rondon Isabella Patel Shan Patel Vivek Patel Zaikeria Patha Payton Patrick Jazmin Perdew Nicholas Pereira Ana Perez Damon Perez Huber Perez Jairo Perez Jesus Perez Anabella Perez Frank Enrique Perez Parellada Ruben Pernia Bautista Qwame Perry Harry Persaud Jr. Jahkori Petrie Jason Phillips Valerie Phulizaire Johan Pichardo-Trillo

Ann-Christie Pierre Emmanuel Pierre Nahima Pierre Shina Pierre Louis Jayson Pietz Pritham Pinni Brandon Poteat Allison Pound Kayla Prusak Devin Pryor Rija Qazi Mitchpaelle Quetant Jean Ramalho Duarte Jayanti Ramdehal Francesca Ramirez Nicole Ramirez Eduardo Ramirez Goveia Daniel Ramirez-Ramirez Priscilla Ramos Katrina Ramotar Pamela Rancy Khizar Rasool Sinjin Reinhard Sophia Reinoso Nahir Rentas Santiago Neider Reyes Caleb Reynes Jakeem Reynolds Nikkem Khawon Reynolds John Riascos Jose Richarte Neto Isaiah Rickards Jesse Rigsby Jr. Marisleixis Rivera Saivyon Rivera Terell Rivera Felix Rivera Maldonado Dominique Robinson Lucas Rocha Xiomara Roddy Andres Rodriguez Jabez Rodriguez Junior Rodriguez Katherine Rodriguez Marielys Rodriguez Nicolas Rodriguez Yamila Rodriguez Karielys Rodriguez Aponte Areanlys Rodriguez Maldonado Joaquin Rojas Dulce Maria Roldan Mea Lissa Romain Nicole Roman Isabella Romanillos Mariger Romero Angelysmary Rosa Brooke Ross Andrei Roublev Zachary Rountree Dominic Rovetto Ethan Rubin Vignesh Rugnath Gianna Runde Nikolas Saavedra Wajeeha Saif Uminder Saini Sebastian Saintilaire Feras Salem Rifat Salem Zuhdi Salem Mina Salidis

Amer Samman Justin Samuel Antonio Sanchez Jake Sanchez James Sanchez Nicolas Sanchez Sebastian Sanchez Mendez Tyun Sanders Maurice Sands Angelica Sandulescu Lucas Henrique Sangalli Ashley Santiago Brianna Santiago Carlos Santiago Emilly Santiago Clara Santos Jose Santos III Haniya Saqib Dylan Saunders Noshad Sayeed Julia Schick Noah Scholfield Stephen Schyck III Alessandro Sciagata Nevaeh Scott Smith Andrea Sebastiani Muhammad Seif Sabrina Sekkat Santiago Sepulveda Ashley Sexton Ziana-Alyza Shariff Preeya Sharma Korrie Sharp Renee Shouder Ayan Siddiqui Caio Silva Catherine Silva Joao Marcelo Silva Zachary Silva Sabine Simon Iyiana Sims Wendell Sims Alonzo JR Sinclair Hemchand Singh Rajvir Singh Antonella Sinnato Garcia Deepika Sirivolu Meredith Siverson Callie Skaggs Antonio Sledge II Hannah Sloan Lauren Sloan Azia Smith Damari Smith Maya Smith Shakeria Smith Tyliyah Smith Jeanna Snyder Ivana Somavilla Aaliyah Sosa Anna Sosa Miranda Soutas Jada St Cyr Juwan St Fleurant Tamara St. Louis Harrison Starnes Yara Steele Faith Stephen Nia Stephens Riley Stephens Tianna Stevenson Miranda Stirnimann Althaus Sabrina Stirnimann Althaus Sara Suheil Terianna Sumner Kami Switters Zaid Syed Mohammad Taher Pengyu Tao Daniel Tate Valerie Tate Logan Taylor Tyana Taylor Alexander Taylor-Pagan Alexander Teal Vitor Teixeira Jose Tellez Cuadros Randy Terrero Abdoulaye Thiam Destinee Thomas Jocelyn Thomas Tytiana Thomas Damian Thorne Pressly Thozin Rodrigo Tiburcio Ashlyne Timeau Luke Timmel Sofia Tineo

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Llayna Tolbert Matthew Toledo Dalcy Tolentino Kiana Tomlinson Amalia Torres Jennifer Torres Jorge Torres Gutierrez Suguru Toyota John Trainor Henry Tran Kirsten Ulangkaya Glisbeilys Urbina Mejiar Matthew Vac Luke Valcich Alvaro Valdivia Alexa Vallenilla Ramirez Paul Van Wormer Jr. Ivan VanBeverhoudt Jr. Elias Vargas Ivana Vasquez Taniarelys Vazquez Figueroa Jimelyn Vega Yaddiel Vega Bianca Velez Alize Vicens Connar Vidman Adrian Villafane Pedro Villasenor Gonzalez Jourdin Vilsaint Marika Virthe Oswaldo Volmar Gianna Walker Jamaera Wallace Rianna Wallace Eli Walton Cameron Ward Jeneice Ware William Warfield RaeNique Warrell Stefon Warrington Daniel Waterhouse Mary Waters Brooke Watson Gabriel Webb Reginald Webb Jr. Natalie Weeks Javonne White Peyton White R’ielle White Steven White Jr. Daishya Whitehead Imani Wiley Dae Sha Wilkins Charles Wilks Ortiz David Williams Jr. Elijah Williams Jaida Williams Jarius Williams Markquette Williams Robert Williams Shemar Williams Le Anna Wilson Meilah Wimbush Declan Witt Auriella Wolfgramm Allyson Wolman Dominique Woods Christopher Wright Whitney Wright Yuqian Xue Alexa Yamada Najee Yarbrough Andre Young Cody Young Laura Zambrano Paz Victoria Zambrano Paz Careidys Zamora Miguel Zamora Nathalie Zamora Victoria Zarazel Fengjing Zhang Sarina Zhou Lotan Zikri Roma Zizza

VALEDICTORIANS’ SPEECHES Editor’s note: Dr. Phillips High School has 13 valedictorians. We have featured passages from a few of their speeches here.

The rest of the speeches can be found on OrangeObserver.com.

FELIX AGUILAR LUGO Today, the world is giving us great lessons about life and humanity, but don’t be afraid!

Everything we learn from these experiences will serve us to continue this journey that has just begun. At the end, we will be proud to say: It has been long but worthwhile doing it.

Classmates and friends: We have made it.

NANCY ALAYOUBI It went by as fast as our family always said it would. This chapter that we will never go back to.

But at least the memories will live with us. Every movie, every book, and every song has to end.

High school is no different. But, this is a new beginning for all of us. Today, we say thank you to our families; today, we say goodbye to our teachers; and today, we say hello to the rest of our lives.

SOPHIA CASTELLANOS This is a time to be grateful for the good times and excited for the next big steps in our life. The world is changing, and it is our time to step up to the plate. We are the future, and I’m so excited to see what we do with it. Follow your dreams, and you’ll never know what you can achieve.

STEPHANIE CERVINO

These past four years have finally led up this day, and we should feel very proud of ourselves for this achievement. However, we should remember that this is only the beginning. Our diplomas open a remarkable range of opportunities just waiting for us to encounter them.

History Month, the showcases, among others have provided each student fun memories on campus and most importantly, together. We realize now that normalcy is a fragile illusion, but our memories are strong enough to help us through difficult times and help us move forward into our futures.

AARSH CHOKSHI

SYDNEY KAUFMAN

I’ve noticed that people sometimes define us based on the memories they have of us. Some of us are defined by others as nerds, some as athletes and a select few of us are deemed winners. The truth is, other people’s labels don’t matter unless we believe them. Ultimately, we are the ones who define ourselves as winners, losers, good, bad, nerds or athletes. Class of 2020, we have the opportunity to define ourselves in the coming years. So, define yourself as whoever you want to be; define yourself as the best version of you because your perception of yourself is a thousand times more important and meaningful than anyone else’s version of you.

LUCIA GAYNOR

Social distancing. Quarantine.

Six Feet Apart. Pandemic. These are pretty strange terms. It’s honestly the stuff of movies.

However, it’s our grim reality right now. Dr. Phillips High School has proved itself to be an unexpected safe haven from the harsh realities. Events such as the spirit weeks, dances such as homecoming and prom, Black

After 13 years of school, most of us are ready for today. Ready to take with us the good memories and leave the bad ones behind.

But rearview mirrors exist for a reason. Without looking back, it’s not safe to say where we can go in our futures. So while it may seem a tall order, I ask that you not only remember the spirit weeks, the school dances and the senior skip days. Remember also the anxiety over where to sit, the nerves before your first varsity game, and the racing hearts as you open your exam booklet. Remember how you’ve grown, alongside friends and teachers, and despite our current difficult distance.

MICHELLE MCGRATH

Each and every one of you have made significant accomplishments and contributions at Dr. Phillips High School, engraving your own paw print into the halls of the school. But, now, it is time to make the daring leap into your future. The future is intimidating. But it is also calling your name.

KAITLYN MONTAGUE

We as a class are still navigating

through an uncertain time that no other graduating class has ever had to face. Yet through adversity we can still find opportunity.

Opportunity to get out of our comfort zone.

Opportunity to learn more about ourselves.

Opportunity to help others.

And finally, opportunity to reimagine our future.

We must embrace these opportunities and remain determined to overcome this together.

RAFAEL MORENO SALVATIERRA

The events we are living today are just little examples of what is going to happen to each one of us in the future. Life always takes dramatic turns, and most of the time, they are not in our favor. However, the situation itself is not as important as one might think; what we do with it is what really matters.

SARINA ZHOU

What can you accomplish in four years? That was the question that all of us, as the Class of 2020, faced as we gingerly stepped into the waters of the vast sea of experiences that high school would offer. For some of us, we felt accomplishment as we finally mastered a new skill or instrument or became leaders in what we loved doing. For many of us, we felt achievement as we smiled from ear to ear with friends. But, I know that for all of us, we feel a sense of pride and wonder for how much we’ve grown over the past four years.

These Panthers persevere ANTONIA JEBAILEY SGA PRESIDENT

“T

he Class of 2020 is brave and resilient” is a quote I (and every senior) have now heard at least 20 times — but what does that even mean anymore? When it is consistently used as quick condolence, the meaning of the phrase itself is rendered useless. These descriptions have practically become synonymous with the Class of 2020’s identity, and yet I feel as if they are the furthest thing from describing our current situation.

Although constant efforts have been put in place to help celebrate the Class of 2020, nothing can truly remedy the losses felt. The effort of others in attempting to help ease this loss should not go unnoticed.

However, to believe that these efforts would completely remedy the situation is incredibly naive. This sense of loss transcends not having an overrated school dance or long gradua-

Danielle Hendrix

Stephen Dix Jr. and Courtney Afram-Gyening were crowned Dr. Phillips High’s Homecoming king and queen.

tion ceremony — but in a way, it is a loss of identity. When you don’t have the opportunity to say goodbye to the sports, organizations and extracurriculars that have shaped your high school years, that identity is stripped without warning.

The truth is, the Class of 2020 should not be regarded for their bravery through this uncharted path but rather their vulnerability. The reality of the past 12 years of education concluding in such a detached and

isolated way is not an easy realization to come to. Although it is important to remember our situation in the context of this global plight, our feelings also remain valid, and that is important. It is this vulnerability that we have displayed that we draw our strength from.

The concept of perseverance is manifested in different ways for everyone. For some, it may be picking up a new hobby, while for others, it may just be as simple as getting out of bed.

The mere ability to wake up each morning and accomplish even one thing should be celebrated. The Class of 2020 not only has found the ability to persevere in this situation but also thrive. Countless seniors across the country have started their own initiatives as a means for bettering their community: making masks, collecting donations and even organizing blood drives. These accomplishments should proudly be celebrated; however, it is important not to overlook those who continue to do their part and stay home — that displays the same compassion and effort to help the community.

The experiences that seniors have faced these past few months will be carried on with them for the rest of their lives — positive and negative.

The Class of 2020 will forever know exactly what it means to play the hand we’re dealt with — and win. When we face inevitable setbacks in the future, we will know exactly what it means to get right back up and charge into the unknown. This is what makes us so special: utilizing uncertainty as our strength and power. When you are no longer blinded by fear, the extent of your successes are limitless.

“

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

As freshmen, your spirit shirt said, “2020 a Class with a Vision.” You have upheld and exceeded that vision! Stay the course, regardless of what hurdles you may have to cross. While it would be safe to say the vision did not include finishing high school in this manner, what has not changed in that vision is graduation! There will be a myriad of opportunities that await you after graduation — take them. As Dr. Seuss would say, “Will you succeed?

Yes! You will indeed. 98 3/4 percent guaranteed!” You are resilient, you are strong, you are the class with a vision, you are the Class of 2020.

You are Panthers; you are Dr. Phillips High School; you are “Never Less Than The Best!”

Dr. Suzanne Knight

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2020

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Ocoee High School VALEDICTORIAN Katy Nguyen SALUTATORIAN Emilie Montgomery STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICERS President: Ty’ya Benyard Vice President of Classes: Yoan Ruiz Vice President of Organization: Jaime Schlager Vice President of Student Life: Christian Guzman Treasurer: Noah Gabryluk Community Relations Secretary: Ashleigh Surrency Historian: Maya Ivey HOMECOMING ROYALTY Lovie Jenkins and Edwina Fleuridor GRADUATION Virtual graduation: 8:20 p.m.

Friday, June 5 Live graduation: A ceremony may be held the week of July 20 on Ocoee’s football field if allowed.

Rebekah Abraham Alisha Absolu Mariam Abusaif Jesenia Acevedo Amberlyn Acosta Valerie Acuna Alicia Adams Belinda Adams Azyrah Adelson Nygel Adkins Juliana Adorno-Nieves Jimmy Agenor Jahdiel Agosto Jacqueline Aguilar Shane Akers Richard Akins III Tatiana Alexandre Ed Alfred Afzal Ali Nishaad Ali Amarie Allen Analecia Allen Casey Allen Stacey Allen Shareefah Alli Pierre Almonor Jr. Brenda Andre Alexander Andrews Alston Andrews Viridiana Anzo-Castillo Agustin Arellano Jr. Jonathan Arias-Gomez Arison Arias Ethan Arias Valerin Arias Donalson Armand Stenson Armand Megan Arnett Frida Arredondo Julia Arrigo Joshua Babulal Nahomy Baez Laurano Jaylen Bailey Zachary Ballard Brenda Banda Amira Banks Saul Barajas Adiel Barnes Jalen Barnett Sheree Barr Maya Barragan Mason Barrows Brian Bass Brandon Baum Shyanne Bean Gisselle Becerra Anahi Beldor

Olivia Bell Ty’ya Benyard Benjamin Bernard Marie Berthaud Jared Bickel York Black Dreshawn Blaise Sadeem Blake Haley Bonavitacola Rultz Bonne-Annee Zeniyah Boone Dylan Boswell Arden Bothell Heath Bothell Robin Bothell Mathew Bowling Jr. Masen Boyette Campanello Blake Brady Julia Brassart Christy Brice A’ljay Brown Aiyanna Brown Alexander Brown Ian Brown Kyler Brown Jr. Kordell Brown La’ Merical Brown Tyler Brown Jacquelyn Burbank Laerica Burch Seth Burgenstock Okelia Burgher Joel Burnette Alari Bustos Austin Butler Alyssa Butsko Theodal Cadet Jr. Fernando Calderon Alexus Caldwell Lentz Calendre Vivian Calhoun Kemal Calliste Anthony Camacho Ashtyn Cantu Mayra Carapia-Zavala Jayda Cardwell Shyra Carr Tamesha Cassamajor Roberto Castaneda Laracuente Shedlet Castellan Yurisleidy Castillo Rivera Karla Castro Vazquez Marlon Catalan Torres Shanna Chamhitt Riley Chaplick Jahnecia Charles Marc Charles

Jose Chavez Barajas Jissel Chavez Smith Cine John Cirrincione Anthony Clarke Rickelle Clarke Grantley Clayton David Clerjuste Kayla Clifton Madison Cockcroft Adrian Coleman Kaina Colin Miguel Colon Jamya Colston Brianna Cooper Ceriyah Cooper Ervin Copeland Jason Coronado Salvador Cortez Cardenas Miguel Cosme Rebecca Cotton Kaleb Crabbs Alexis Craig Callie Cramer Zy-Kerriah Croker Jairus Cruz Nidal Cruz James Cummins Karleigh Curtis Nounjy Dameus Achante Daniels Joseph Danni Briana Dantinor Evarius Daverman Brett Davidson Kevin Davis Jr. Marina De Oliveira Terdera Decosey Jr. Christ Delissaint Alquavious Demery Denson Denais Ruthson Denais Hender Deneus Daniel Deshommes Jeremiah Dessalines Jomaal Destina David Devane II Carlos Diaz Timothy Diaz Deandre Divra Jocelyn Dixon Jada Doby Nadia Dorestan Amondae Downing Aidan Drury Jessica Dugason Christina Dugazon Alexis Dumerjean

Bradley Durden Tatianna Duvermont Carly Edouard Joseph Edwards Jr. Dylan Egan Bryan Elias Rios Fatma Emam Kimberly Escobar Richard Everett II Sean Everett Cierra Fairbanks Mallory Farley Joshua Faustin Anthony Feacher III Esdras Feneluc Justin Finger Devin Flanagan Gabrielle Fleming Edwina Fleuridor Domingo Flores Kaydine Forbes Androde Forestal Jean-Evens Forestal Ariana Forrester Naphtali Fortius Latia Foster Claude Francois Hans Francois Armani Frazier Braxton Freeman Ashley Fuller Noah Gabryluk Briana Gaines Emily Ganesh Genaro Gaona Jr. Anna Garcia Salvador Garcia Sean Gholar Tatianna Gibson Renelson Gilles Lauryn Givens Ashly Gomez Gonzalez Diana Gonzalez Yezani Gonzalez Duane Goode Rashaun Gray David Green Jr. Parker Green Alexis Greene Chance Griffin Denise Griffin Marcus Griffin Jr. Joshua Griggs Katherine Groves Keydrah Gumbs Alijian Gunn Catherine Gunter Valentina Gutierrez-Bueno

Yarisma Gutierrez Jazmyne Guy Christian Guzman Tam Ha Trinity Hagins Trinton Hagins Jessica Haimraj David Hall Jasmine Hall Christopher Handley Chloe Hannon Janiyah Harris Zion Harrison Brittany Hart Brandon Havener Nya Headley Jalhalunzjai Henry Widley Herard Angelivette Hernandez Correa Melissa Hernandez Espinosa Alyssia Hernandez-Marrero Angel Hernandez Geraldine Hernandez Roberto Hernandez John Herrera Moesha Herron Cody High Justice Hinds William Hogans Harmon Hollis Nicholas Houghton Markel Howard Rushawn Hudson Sydney Hulasiya Autumn Hurst Berline Hyacinthe Myeisha Ingraham Jamiya Isidore Vespouchy Ismeus Chelsea Iverson Maya Ivey Jakayla Jackson Evin Jacobs Jean Jacques Joshua James Yanina James Ruth Jean Baptiste Roosevelt Jean Paul Adriana Jean-Baptiste Alisha Jean-Charles Nickson Jean Mahkei Jeffrey-Ayisi Jiaxuan Jiang Alex Job William Johnson Jr. Pierson Johnson

Shania Johnson Trenton Johnson Ryan Johnston Lamont Jonassaint Kahmari Jones-Shipley Jaden Jones Lacie Jones Ta’Niya Jones Taylor Jones Zamariah Jones Amanda Joseph Ashley Joseph Kedenise Joseph Nayeli Juarez Gonzales Jalisha Jules Kerlind Juste Korey Karbowsky Alexis Kilpatrick Elanor Kindred Benjamin King Nevaeh Klick Cecelia Klos Charles Kwarteng Jacob Labonte Marisol Lagunas Rosales Aaliyah Lambert-Watkins Jevin Lambert Lauren Lambie Gabriel Lane Kayla Lane Kervin Laroche Britanny Laurent Dayniya Law Kelton Law Chris Lawrence Danya Lawson Jonathan Le Morvan Kevin Lemon Brock Lenci Samantha Lepp Fabienne Lerebours Jamal Lewis Riley Lewis Britney Liberte Zarina London Glendy Lopez Escobedo Abraham Lopez Padilla Alejandro Lopez Joshua Lopez Lindsey Lopez Erby Louissaint Menly Lovinsky Emanuel Lugo Natalie Lumbard Angel Luna Cendejas Gavin MacDonald Jose Madrigal Nicholas Mahoney

Michelle Maldonado Torres Wayned Manhertz Jr. Karon Marbra Denis Marcadieu Kymani Marcelin Schilo Marcelin Raine Martin Ella Martinez Genesis Martinez Joshua Matissen Christine Mauvais Trontasia Mays Mikhel McCoy India McLean Bryan McMillan Alessa McNair Keyoandra Mcnair Donald McVay Evelin Medina Jovanny Medina Liset Medina Vanessa Medina Nathaniel Melendez Nicholas Mendenhall Jonathan Mendoza Alvarez Gerardo Mendoza Vena Aliha Merilus Brandon Merrill Khalil Millet Seth Millis Maria Mina Martinez Giovanna Miranda de Souza Aneisa Mohamed Shahir Mohamed Yves Mompremier Emilie Montgomery Jeffery Moore Carlos Morilla Mikayla Morris-Law Ethan Mullamphy Daishaun Myles Jabarus Nathan Jr. Tatianna Naulings Annie Nguyen Bao Nguyen Dieu Van Nguyen Elizabeth Nguyen Henry Nguyen Huan Nguyen Katy Nguyen Kevin Nguyen Quan Nguyen Riahna Nichols Aaliyah Notice Dianelys Nunez Neo O’Berry Bailey O’Dell Diana Ojeda

Alberto Olavarrieta Hallal Orelus Adriano Ortiz-Mendez Hannah Owens Quadarius Owens Amber Owings Luis Pacheco Keona Palmer Zedrick Palmer Eduardo Palomares James Parish David Parker Taylor Parslow Jenesis Paul Sara Pauline Ethan Paupaw Sarah Paupaw Ryan Pedigo Crystal Pelissier Perez Ilrana Pelissier Kyria Perez Alexzander Permanand Kameron Peterson Brian Pierre Louis Gaelle Pierre Johnell Pierre Kesha Pierre Monique Pike Justin Pittman Briana Pollard Jeremiah Pollard Michael Ponticelli William Precius Erika Prevalus Briglain Previl Donna Quach Artavious Quarterman Armani Ramirez Jonathan Ramjattan Sonya Rampersaud Zayquan Randolph Bryjaun Ranson Marco Ray Xavier Ray D Orfin Reneze Joshua Rennels Dexter Rentz Roberto Reyes Eduardo Reyna Acosta Ajazia Ricks Ariah Ricks Brandon Riether Jerry Rivera Negron Angel Rivera-Torres Jacob Rivera Richard Rivera Shane Rivers Requan Roberts

Kydraum Robinson Quame Robinson Tamara Robinson Kieryan Rockette Jr. Andre Rodriguez Anthony Rodriguez Giselle Rodriguez Isaiah Rodriguez Jasmine Rosa Dellanira Rosario Andreina Rosas Joshua Rose Marquis Roseme Monique Roseme Buford Ross IV Yoan Ruiz Ray Safeek Diane Saintable Brandon Saintil Zoe Salmon Samantha Sanchez Jasiri Sanders Kendrian Sanders Nicholas Sanders Luany Santiago Miranda Cheyanne Sapp Arturo Saucedo Riley Schacht Madison Schaffer Jaime Schlager Chakiya Scott Junissa Senatus Luder Severe Kamron Sharp Paige Shephard Masai Shepherd Raynna Shepherd Eric Sherwood D’avieon Shivers William Shultz Latchmin Siewnauth Luis Silva III Sebastian Simancas Aguirre Julian Simmons Jaylin Slater Jayden Smith Lane Smith Ian Snavely Enrique Soliz Alex Somwaru Jessie Sorenson Lanesia Soto Whitchyna Souffrant Ernasia Southall Venroy Spence Jordan Story Sara Suarez Victor Suarez

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Lahicka Succes Sharmila Sukhu Aaliyah Surrency Ashleigh Surrency Latrell Tabor Devante Tate Tyrese Taylor Hope Tello Janjoe Thelemaque Smith Theodule Jr. Diego Thigpen Elizabeth Thomas Mark Thomas III Zaniya Thomas Zatravia Thompson Patrick Thorington Montrell Tillman Justice Tobin My Linh Tong Marvin Torchon Aleydi Torres Jayda Torres Jessy Torres Luigie Tosquellas Lens Toussaint Tishana Townsend Ethan Tran Sum Tran Thai Hung Tran Thanh Tran Joseph Trewin Rodvy Trinidad-Vivar Hannah Tyndall Chiedozie Ubochi Jaquelin Valdez-Cruz Viviana Valencia-Ayala Kelly Van Deventer Juan Vargas Jonathan Vazquez Terranced Venne III Kens Vilsaint Kelvin Vo Rebecca Volcy Chloe Vrhovac Eli Wagner Jeremiah Walden James Walker Xavian Walker Nicholas Walton Aldwin Ware Nicole Waters Antonio Watkins Jr. Jalynn Watson Brandon Webb Matthew Webb Wesli Wehmeier Lydia White Emily Wilkerson Olivia Wilkes Cornelius Williams Diana Williams Jason Williams Jayda Williams Jhermani Williams Keon Williams Tristan Williams Genesis Williamson Brianna Wilson Deanglow Wilson Megan Wimberley Azhara Windham Britney Wong Ariaona Wood Jakob Wood Jasmine Wright Nicholas Wright Sharodrick Wright Edward Wrobel Cindy Yang Nicholas Yant Haley Yantol Autum Yates Elizabeth Young Zuri Young Tiara Youngs Ben Zhang Madelyn Zwally

6

VALEDICTORIAN’S SPEECH

KATY NGUYEN Ocoee High School’s graduating Class of 2020! I am your Valedictorian, Katy Nguyen.

I want to start off by saying that I’m very thankful to many people. To the guidance team — notably my counselor, Ms. Coffee, as well as Mrs. Hendricks and Dr. LynumSpencer. I also could not have achieved this without the help and support group I had established in my freshman year of high school. You guys know who you are. I’m also extremely grateful to my teachers and especially to all my friends and peers who have been immensely supportive and encouraging.

Whether or not you know who I am, I hope that high school was not too harsh on you. You should be proud of yourself for making it this far

and for pushing through. Now that our journey has come to this unexpected end, this is your chance to pursue bigger and even better things. As cheesy as that sounds, it is true, because there is still so much left in store for us. It is scary, and it is nerve-wracking, but there are now endless possibilities of what you can do next.

As ambiguous and as vague as the words “happiness” and “success” are, I truly do hope that you find that sense of contentment one day. I hope that you find a source of happiness in whatever you choose to pursue in the future. I hope that you can reach a point in your life where you can look back and say you have lived a successful life, no matter what that may mean to anyone else.

As for right now, congratulations to us, this year’s seniors, for graduating and for everything we have accomplished thus far. We have made a lot of long lasting memories and have experienced so much growth over the years, so this is something to be proud of — this is a moment to celebrate! Congratulations to the Class of 2020 once again!

“

Shining Knights

I

f high school is a journey, then the senior class at Ocoee High School has already experienced a lifetime of ups and downs these past four years.

Ask anyone in this 2020 class, and they’ll tell you just as much.

Among those graduating seniors is Ty’ya Benyard, who served as the SGA president. For her, this year’s class — which has dealt with adversity and a global pandemic — is one that will never be forgotten.

“As a class, we have gone through uncertainty about who we are and our future — we have lost close friends, and have endured so much these past two months,” Benyard said. “All of our hard work, dedication and sleepless nights have finally led us to this exact moment. Our class slogan states, ‘Some have a story, we have a legacy.’ This unique experience will make us a class that will be remembered forever, and we should embrace that.”

Benyard isn’t the only senior who feels that way about her class.

In the wake of the coronavirus, Ocoee seniors — like others around Orange County — lost many traditions that go handin-hand with high school. They lost their prom, sporting events

and traditional graduation ceremony.

That said, their perseverance is what has made this class so special, said senior Tiara Youngs.

“What makes us unique is our ability to keep pushing through hard times,” Youngs said. “For example, everything we looked forward to got swept away from us in a split second, and even though we are sad about a change in tradition we made the best of it by cherishing the little things our teachers and administrators have done for us.”

Emilie Montgomery, the class’ salutatorian, seconded Youngs’ remarks about how truly resilient the 2020 class has been in the face of so much diversity.

“Our high school years have been filled with trials, opportunities, and lots of ups and down,” Montgomery said. “We have met them all with sheer determination and perseverance that has brought us here today.”

The time at home — away from their school and friends — has allowed graduating seniors the time to reflect on their years at Ocoee High. Senior Noah Gabryluk said he will remember the Class of 2020’s diversity.

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Courtesy photos

The Ocoee High School Class of 2020 has numerous star students among its ranks.

“I think what makes the Class of 2020 unique is that we are more diverse than any other graduating class has been,” Gabryluk said. “We have kids from all sorts of different backgrounds, kids that have

different interests and different personalities. Everyone has something new and unique to bring to the table, which makes life at school so much more interesting.”

Although there are many

fond memories to look back on for this truly unique graduating class, the plan now for many is to look forward to what lies ahead.

For Montgomery, it’s about making an impact — not only for themselves but also for the world around them.

“With the end of our senior year brings about a new wave of hard workers, leaders, creative minds and innovators,” Montgomery said. “We will forge a future that will inspire generations to come. Potential lies in our hands, and I have no doubt that everyone can find their success and happiness in life.”

Along with accomplishing your goals, it’s also important to remember one thing — you are the only person in charge of making your dreams happen, Benyard said.

“I charge all of you to leave high school knowing that you are the only one who can stop you from achieving your goals,” Benyard said. “Do not let society or naysayers tell you that you are not capable, because they are wrong, and I believe in each of you. As our class motto states, ‘Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.’”

Congratulations Class of 2020! You’ve completed a journey 13 years in the making and made history along the way. The Class of 2020 has demonstrated courage in a world that seems to change on a minute-by-minute basis.

You have demonstrated determination by continuing to persevere through problems and overcome obstacles. You have endured in your short lives what many of us never dreamed could happen. And through it all, you continue to excel, you continue to contribute, you continue to love, and you continue to hope. It has been my privilege to be your principal. Never forget: It’s not who you are underneath but what you DO that defines you. Be defined by greatness, Class of 2020, and Good Knight!

Laura Beusse

Family. Family.

Friends.Friends.

Community.

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GRADUATION

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2020

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OrangeObserver.com

GRADUATION

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2020

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Olympia High School VALEDICTORIAN Ryan Tassi SALUTATORIAN Sarah Hinkle CLASS OFFICERS Student body president: Khoury Jackson Senior class president: Joshua Powell Senior representatives: Hannah Jacobson, Amanda Johnston, Anna Lee, Dylan Balzer HOMECOMING ROYALTY Joshua Powell and Dayanara Duprey PROM ROYALTY Khoury Jackson and Riley Kennedy GRADUATION Virtual graduation: 8:20 p.m. Friday, June 5

Halima Abdulrahman Rachel Abramson Caio Abreu de Paiva, Diego Acevedo-Castro Jeissy Acevedo Emilio Luis Acosta Erika Leane Acosta Marcus Acosta Angie Aguilera Jacob Akinwotu Austin Albers Ian Albuquerque Soares Jeff Alce Amanda Alea Reyes Zayonna Alexander Farizah Ali Zain Ali, Jayden Allen Alondra Almanzar Rodrigo Almeida Santos Jose Alvarez Miguel Alvelo Yuta Amano Sabira Ameer Albert Amparo Nigel Anderson Laura Andrade Rafael Andrade Sarah Andripoulos Jorden Aponte Omar Araque Luara Araujo, Rayyan Atieh Yana Augustin Daniel Austin Joseph Awad Bilegsaikhan Badarch Manuel Bahamonde Logan Baker Neharika Balaguru Gabriel Ballantyne Gerome Ballou Jr Dylan Balzer Jarret Bambei Iris Baptiste Mikayla Barbosa Andrea Luize Barros Kendall Barrows Shiani Bautista Raina Beaugris Nicholas Becerra Mohammed Becheir Justice Bell Natalia Bell Richard Belli Maximus Benjamin Wood Benjamin Benjamin Benscher Steeve Berthomieux Hudson Bialosuknia Robert Gary Biro Govinda Gavin Bishun David Bispo Victoria Bizerra Makayla Blackshear Kaja Blount Jaziah Blyden

Bodiford, Jeremiah Maurice Booker Jr Ananda Borges Manuela Boschi Parish Braggs Alexander Britton Corene Elizabeth Brookfield Andrina May Brooks Alajha Brown Destiny Brown Dijonay Brown Kalyn Brown Pierre Jerome Brown Mia Brune Paige Bryant Alexander Budd Adrian Burdier Angelina Burgess Ryan Burke Travion Burnett Leyana Caguiat Brianna Cahill Katelynn Calixte Gloria Camargo Malcolm Campbell Thomas Carson Campbell Cassidy Campbell Haley Campbell Hayden Campbell Elizabeth Carcara Jarul Cardona Ja’Quan Carey-Rolle Elijah Carey Fatima Carpio Lilly Carrasco-Mendez ReSean Carruthers Kathryn Carter David Carti Bryant Casteel Angelina Castellanos Ana Castillo Castro Gilson Castillo Alexandra Castro Olan Cristian Castro Nakoa Castro Maria Cavalcante Thali Cavalcanti Tayar Rosano Sophia Cayama Rose Celestin C Centeio Fernandes Cerqueira Bryan Enrique Chacon Ana Maria Theresa Charles Odesonne Charles Yolanda Charles, J’Kai Maliq Charleswell, Kayla Chase Dai Chau, Ismael Cheriza Isis Chiquito D Andre Christopher Michael Chylinski Enrique Cintron Ty Cisewski

Treyvan Clarke Janie Clement Sarah Coelho Allison Cohen Jayce Colbert Carlos Colburn Grace Coleman Nathan Neville Coleman Alaric Coley Emma Colyer Jake Colyer Gavin Conaway Daniel Cooper Montserrat Corcino Vidal Bruna Costa Nicole Couto de Magalhaes Matthew Crain Ashley Crayton Alanis Crespo Torres Alicia Criado-Cepeda Nevit Cruz Perez Andres Cubillos Keana Culbreth Kallen Cunningham Samuel Curtice Amanda Da Silva Chante Da Silva Evelyn Da Silva Isabella Da Silva Jonathan Da Silva Daijah Dacosta-Moore Aaliyah Dacosta-Moore Athena Dominique Taylor Dahlin Sofia Dahlmann Chin Dai Soliana Daniel Darrius Daniels Dharius Daniels Aura Dann Aliandrah Daphinis Michael DaPonte Princess Daubon Lizandra Davila Cameron Davis Everett Dawsey Warrick Dawsey Isabella De Campos Rampon Yan De Figueiredo Amanda De Oliveira Clinco Isabella De Oliveira Kenji De Paula Felipe de Souza Pires Filho Marcos Romildo De Souza Pamella De Stefano, Jasmyn Delia Shamanda Demosthene Khushi Demroo Blake Dennis Jordan Denton Sarah Deokinandan Gabriella Dewar Omar Diab Meagan Diaz Amelia Dickinson

Laury Dieudonne Tatyana Dieudonne Sarah Dills Levy Diniz Jackson Dinnie Lucas Do Vale Aliya Dorsett Danilo Dos Santos Costa Souza Breno Dos Santos Gama Jordan Douglas Luiza Duarte Lauren Dubois Christian Dubuisson Jovannah Ducezil Ziani Dunkley Dayanara Duprey Andres Duran Araujo Shayna Duveillaume Samuel Edmond Frantz Edouard Nael Elhachimi Wael Elhachimi Beyheena Eliacin Lleyton Elliott Salma Eltarrani Adrian Encarnacion Madison Rylee Engler Neta Epstein Lantz Ernest Nicole Escano Richely Escobar Reinoza Henry Espinal Carla Cristina Estanga Diaz Al George Etienne Julysa Etienne Karl-Rendjy Etienne Mikaelle Etienne Wesly Etienne Steven James Eubank JR Griffin Ewoldt Wister Exavier Isaiah Exil Ashton Eye Tanya Fafard Dianna Fagan Ava Fail Ashley Fano Sorena Farahmand Yekta Mandi Farrell Louis Ferdico Jr Elle Ferguson Celine Fernandes Colby Fernandez Ana Carolina Ferreira Verdugo Lizama Ivan Ferreira Nalanda Ferreira Taylor Figueras Alice Flament Julian Fletcher Reinaldo Florat-Perez Erik Flores Xiomara Flores Veronika Fortmueller Reina Fortune

Mac Foster Rachel France Moriah Francis Ashanti Franklin Elizabeth Franklin Felipe Frezza Tiffani Frierson Emely Fuentes Farah Gabriel Ariana Gabryluk Julia Gaida Jose Gallareta Diaz Jarski Galliotte Jasmine Gamble Key’Sean Garcia Sukaina Garilus Leomyer Garray James Garza Ayanna Gay Jordan Gerber Michael Giotto Nathan Lorenzo Glenn Jr. Jaheim Goffigon Rafael Gomez Angel Gonzalez Carreno German Gonzalez Karina Gonzalez Nadia Gonzalez Natalia Gonzalez Connor Goodwin Chloe Gordon Janice Gordon Allison Gosling Sadie Gossett Lucas Gouveia Andrew Gower Atahan Gozet Kai-Dominic Graham Synthya Grant Alexander Green Eliyaah Griffin Kaayin Griffin Rafael Guerrero Leticia Guimaraes Carlos Gumera Jr Lauren Guthrie Yuris Guzman Tamara Haffner Yousef Hamada Tricia Hanief Mitchell Harding Jevon Harrell Austin Harrison John Harrison Kalya Hartlief Alexander Havanec Jasmine Hayden Austin Hayes Tytus Hebron Viena Hedayat Nyla Hegarty Riley Heist Tyice Henry Kiarahlys Hernandez Rivera Juliana HernandezQuezada

Anna Hernandez Cliff Hertilien Grace Hey Sarah Hinkle Trevor Hodges Kolby Hollis Ryan Hopegill Martha Horne Aiden Hougland John-Paul Houlihan Michael Houser Tamyia Howard Victor Hrenko Jacqueline Huang Yule Huang Tamia Huff Joshua Hughes Dylan Hunter Marisa Hurlock Alexis Hutton-Cardec Thomas Ibrahim Alejandra Iglesias Malachi Ilvert Isabel Imbastari Gabrielle Inacio Julia Inacio Samuel Inciarte Oliva Ethan Ingram Pavan Iyengar Sampada Iyengar Thalis Eduardo Izaguirre Khoury Jackson Jordan Jacobo Hannah Jacobson Madison Jacobson Patrice Jasmin Kerbrina Jean-Charles Jenylle Jecino River Jeffcoat Christina Jeffers Nadia Jiawan Jaely Jimenez Victoria Jimenez Alec Johnson Chenoa Johnson Fredderick Johnson Jarvis Johnson Amanda Johnston Nadia Johnston Donavan Jones Isaiah Jones Karlese Jones Steven Jordan Agnys Jorge Savergnini, Angelica Joseph, Joseph Kaiser Gabriela Kaiser Ejaz Kaiuyum Julian Kanhai Jacqueline Kao George Karabinis Karli Kasper David Katz Jenna Kaufmann Deaira Keaton Justin Kelleher Jake Kelly

Quincy Kelly Cadrian Kennedy Riley Kennedy Deyahadeen Khalil Ameer Khan Bibi Khan, Nadia Khan Soo Lin Kim Colin Kimbrell Bar’Tavious Kinsler, Carissa Kintner Colby Kintner Logan Kissick Cole Koffarnus Vallerie Kolczynski Giambattist La Forgia Morillo David La Rosa Alexis LaFalaise Dominique LaForest Richey Lakes Kevin Lam Gryphon Lanahan Michelle Lancheros Karmoni Lattimore Ricardo Lavieri Kareena Laxma Adam Le Christopher Le Denis Le Jonah Leach Anna Lee Morgan Lee Parker LeGros Yves Leonard Rachell Leonardo Nicholas Leone Melisija Levcenko Garrett Levulis Draven Lewis Tavania Lewis Jianhui Li Bruna Lima Gabriel Lima Tiffany Lin Samantha Linares Cicle Serah Lindo Jack Lipinski Sarah Lluberes Fabio Lopes Christopher Lopez Jaylee Lopez Marcelo Lopez Paredes Marlee Lopez Yaderi Lopez Robert Lorrey Troy Love Jr Jasmine Lovell Joshua Lozada Jr Bryan Lugo Luisa Luiz Gabriella Luther Dijohney Lyn Reshedra Lyons Austin Lytus Callum Lytus Malik Maali

Anna Macedo Touma Mack Miguel Lessa Madeira Pedro Henrique Madureira Barbara Magalhaes Maria Malfatti Charlotte Maloney Ushawattie Mangroo Ryan Manney Kayla Maples Mason Mara Skylar Marchon Sasha Marmol Perozo Geovanna Marques Mackenzie Martin Luis Martinez Nathaniel Martinez Oriana Martinez Sebastian Martinez Haley Martini Lucas Martins Sarah Martins Giovanni Massey Anne Mathieu Amanda Matoute William Mays Sean Mazrawi Emma McElveen Jasmine McGill Jason McSwain Donrick Means II Kervin Medard Hayssa Medeiros Juhi Mehta Daniela Melendez Eliasib Melendez Carmen Mendez Daniela Mendia Ramirez Mariangela Mendoza Olivares Gabriela Mercado Burgos Camila Mercado Victoria Merengwa Gabriella Messias Adda Mezzadri Lauren Miller Mychaela Tanelle Miller Sarah Miller Ivanna Mirabal Molina Christian Miranda Nicolle Miranda Zender Sara Mitha Andy Moise Daniel Moncada Esmelda Monroy Kayla Montenegro Carlos Montoya Luis Mora Ferreira Valentina Mora Hernandez Wesley Morales Thayna Moreira Mellanie Morgado Marie Morilus Andrew Morrison Kayla Jenna Mulligan Lillian Murray Louis Muscaro

Sarah Myers William Myers Sara Nader Riya Naik Feras Naoura Samuel Narzissenfeld Tathiana Nasser de Carvalho Lyndon Nataren Jr Aaron Nensey Angela Nguyen Hayley Nguyen Jimmy Nguyen Tommy Nguyen Holli Nicholson Joao Nobrega Connor Northington Isabel Nuetzi Neryssa Nunes Jorge Nur Leon Troy O’Toole Yalexis Ocasio Malina Odom Soleil Oladeji Albertino Oliveira Beatriz Oliveira Vivian Ordinola Ryan Ornellas Goncalves Adrian Gabriel Ortiz Branddon Ortiz Gianna Ortiz Paulo Ortiz Julian Osorio Annabel Owen Zoria-Lee Pabarue Jacielle Padilla Laura Paez Ramirez Gabriela Palmett Ana Palm De Oliveira Ali Panahie Alexander Pancho Nicholas Paone Cassidy Paredes Brown Andrianna Park Justin Park Rebeca Parra Dilan Patel Janvi Patel Vandan Patel Marlyne Paul Ashton Payne Tonge Luis Pazini Scipioni Kayla Peavy Ethan Peebles Elijah Penny Emely Pereira De Almeida Mychelle Pereira Santiago Perozo Jeff Phanor Mirke Anne Philippe Bryan Phung Jadyn Pike Gabriella Pinto Isadora Pompermayer Arielle Post Joshua Powell Hunter Proctor

Dariathne Puentes Marrero Yvette Puerta Rivera Jasmine Purchas Vianna Quach Mariana Queiroz Donovan QuevedoMorales Briana Quiroz Julissa Quiroz Laisha Quiroz Tatiana Quiroz Ali Qureshi Hasan Qureshi Anjali Rambaran Maria Ramirez Osorio Sebastian Ramirez Aaliyah Ramkoomar Christina Rechdan Brittany Reed Jordyn Requena Katarina Revollo Fenix Reyes Delgado Ricardo Reyes Flores Nicolle Reyes Girald Micah Rich Gabrielle Richardson Malissa Richardson Sarai Rifakis Sosa Diego Rijos Rodriguez Archie Riley Liam Riley Shanice Rivera Diaz Santiago Rivera Lorza Michael Rivera Lugo Alanis Rivera Mendez Robert Rivera Samuel Rivera Ashley Roberson Freddy Rodrigues Martins Amanda Rodrigues Gabriel Rodrigues Mario Rodrigues Rafaela Rodrigues Ederlyz Rodriguez Busanet Ian Rodriguez Marrero Rodriguez Barbara Rodriguez Jose Rodriguez Hector Rojas Camacho Jose Rojas Ysturiz Jonathan Romain Arianna Rosa Martinez Jayleen Rosado Samuel Rosenbloom William Rosini Sabrina Leigh Ruff Ashlyn Nikole Russ Jadyn Russ Cade Rutherford Ryan Rutkiewicz Lisel Saavedra Jose Saba Adam Sabeur Philicia Saint Hilaire Jemima Saint-Leger Wideline Saintlot

Mira Saldanha Eyad Saleh Joshua Salomon Erin Sampson Isabella Sanchez Cedeno Delby Sanchez Jr Juan Sanchez Bruna Sanctos Rakesh Sankar Kiara Santana William Santos Delaney Savage Olivia Schalk Wes Schooley Seveon Scott Idalys Seda Nicole Semaan Bentley Senatus Samuel Sepulveda Alex Serrano-Semidey Sarah Shadik Dhara Shah Nupur Shah Shichao Sheng Aneesha Sherigar Leila Shiblaq Hayden Shill Noah Shipp Meghana Shivraman Bisma Siddiqui Christopher Siles Darrin Silva Guilherme Silva Branddon Silva-Ortiz Anthone Simon Angeleeke Simpson Alyssa Singh Ryan Siwdath Makena Sky Hayden Slack Jamal Slaven Anna-Carolyn Slot Amyria Smith Kalil Smith Tyvon Smith Jeremy Solano Kevin Solis Perez Alanis Solis Jack Sonderman Shelby Sorrells Ellyana A Sosa Isabella Souza Luck St Vil Emily Steinman Jaeda Stewart Jordan Stump Lucille Sturgess Safeena Subhan Anthony Sunmoni Matthew Sutton Kyra Swinarski Yaseen Swissi Carlos Sylvestre Joseph Tapia Ryan Tassi Kailey Marie Tavarez Amerfy Tejada Encar-

nacion Maya Thames Danielle Thomas Jaylen Thomas Zachary Thorne Kovsky Timothee Grace Tomkins Camila Tomlinson Dominguez Tarkan Topgul Andres Toro Katelyn Torres Bianca Toussaint Ryan Tran Paul Trematerra Andrew Trickett Sierra Trimble Jadien Elizabeth Tromp, Ka Mya Sondre Troupe Amber Truong Zyion Uche Blake Uher Kovanici Ulysse Alexis Urban Eliezer Urdaneta Andres Urdaneta Moronta Andre Van Daalen Brian Vargo Bruno Vasconcelos Macarena Vasquez Suzane Veerani Sebastian Velazquez Medina Garrett Velin Chayna Wilda Vilbrun Hannah Virgil Tyler Volpe-Bearce Alexandria Wagner Alesha Wallen Emma Waller Jonathan Watters Lucas Weaver Morgan Weber Raja Weech Devon White O’naja White Rebecca Wilkerson Alijah Williams Armani Williams Jeremiah Williams R’Riana Williams Tahmir Williams Jaheim Wilson Katie Jayne Wise Analiese Witherell Jack Wolitz Caleb Wood Sydney Woodard Aadam Yamin Silvia Yang Vivian Yang Emily Young Luke Zawacki Zhijie Zhang Gabriel Zoobi

VALEDICTORIAN’S SPEECH

RYAN TASSI Hello, Class of 2020, my fellow classmates, now graduates. I’m Ryan Tassi, as some of you may already know.

Happy graduation, and thank you for allowing me to speak to you today! Oh wait, I think I have to speak a bit more.

Let’s begin by giving each other a round of applause for all we have accomplished.

And let’s take a moment to thank all the people who have impacted our lives by putting in countless hours of dedication and devotion including — but not limited — to Dr. Swenson, our friends and families, and all of our teachers and staff. All I have to say is wow, look how far we’ve come! And although this is something you’d hear at a typical graduation, this year is anything but typical.

I’d like to address the situation at hand that caused our class to miss out on some of

the most memorable experiences seniors take with them: Senior prom, walkout, GradBash … the list can go on and on. It is truly unfortunate to think of everything we missed out on.

You’d think that being the Class of 2020 — the Class of perfect vision — we would have seen this coming, but we didn’t. Who would have thought we would end our senior year in quarantine?

Living through the only pandemic we’ll see in our lives (fingers crossed).

However, adversity yields resilience. Challenges make us adapt, acclimate and evolve in ways we never thought possible. This experience has brought me so much hope for this class, for all the things we can accomplish in our future together.

As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don’t have the strength.” I believe this is an embodiment of our class, as we have had the strength to overcome digital learning and quarantine. I’m so inspired by the future leaders, innovators and reformers who have triumphed over the unthinkable. Congratulations again, Class of 2020! Thank you!

All aboard the Titan Train ANDRES CUBILLOS

T

here is nothing more paradoxical than the high school experience.

Every student dreads the moment they walk through the doors, and yet, at the same time, they want to experience it to its fullest potential.

I still remember my first day at Olympia. It was a warm, humid day — I had to bike to school, and I was worried I would walk into class with pit sweat. I had Spanish first period. I only knew one person in that class, but they were already talking to someone else, and I felt too awkward to join the conversation.

So for the remainder of the period, I sat in silence — only speaking when the role was called.

I was hopeful that my next period was going to be different. I was wrong.

There was something about my freshman year that made me hate high school. It wasn’t my lack of close friends nor was it the fact that I never went out that year. It was the feel-

ing that nothing was going to change.

My day was the same cycle every day. I would go to school, walk through the motions, barely be present in my classes, come home and do homework for the rest of the night and finally go to bed only to wake up to do it all over again. The hope for change was something that faded with every passing evening, every failed test, every awkward silence and every hopeful prayer.

Sophomore year, I was ready to give up. What was the point, if I could not do it then what could happen now? Change.

That’s what could happen, and it did.

Out of nowhere, I found an amazing group of friends.

They pushed me to work for my own change, they saw what I had left behind and pushed me to rise above it.

My sophomore year and beyond was a complete 180 from what I experienced freshman year. Some of the best memories of my life have come from the past three years that I have had at Olympia.

Courtesy photos

Olympia High School’s Class of 2020 excelled in athletics, academics and the arts.

I’m sure I am not the only one who has had a dramatic change in their high school experience. But I am certain

that had it not been for my class standing by me, it would not have been the same.

Their desire for change and

the support that came with it is something that showed me what it means to be a senior.

Walking through the hall-

ways as a senior is truly surreal, when you spend so much time in the same building you tend to see the same faces. They tell you the same stories with experiences that you yourself have had.

To be a senior is to look and see the opportunity for change in a person and help them reach it. Had it not been for them, I would not have changed my whole high school experience.

My grades shot up to new heights, I was elected vice president for my school’s National Honor Society, and I found a family in my crosscountry team. In all those places, I found myself surrounded with support from people who desire for success just as much as I did.

Change and support. Two words that can make the world of a difference for a person.

Olympia’s Class of 2020 is truly the most extraordinary group of people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

To be a senior is to be driven by change, the Class of 2020 is a prime example of this pure desire.

Our senior year may be over, but our passions are still pushing us forward. The Titan Train keeps chugging forward, and it’s not stopping anytime soon.

“

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Being a high school principal has many privileges, but none is more enjoyable than working with students of such a high caliber. ... No other class in the history of Olympia has had to endure so much. You were born in the era of 9/11. You grew up with Sandy Hook, Pulse, Stoneman Douglas and now COVID-19. And yet you have endured. No, you have persevered. Each of you has flourished despite the obstacles and has arrived at this moment ready for the challenges life may present.

Class of 2020, I admire you and I also honor you for your hardships but more for your accomplishments. Congratulations to each and every one of you!

Guy Swenson

CONGRATULATIONS

GRACE COLEMAN!

BE BOLD! BE CREATIVE!

BE YOUR BEST!

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Culver’s of Winter Garden 13649 W. Colonial Dr., Winter Garden, FL 34761 A Coleman Family Enterprise.

OBSERVER | OrangeObserver.com

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OrangeObserver.com

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West Orange High School VALEDICTORIAN Payton Meece

SALUTATORIAN Steicy De Paiva

CLASS OFFICERS President: Rachel Meyers Vice President: Kaylani Heisler Secretary: Amy Sommers Treasurer: Lauren French Historian: Kate Sandoval Publicity Chair: Jade Waxler

STUDENT COUNCIL OFFICERS President: Landon O’Brien Vice President of Community Involvement: Jillian Keiber Vice President of Campus Involvement: Annaleise Scott Secretary: Sydney Tozzi Treasurer: Ava Calvert Historian: Alexandra DiCastro

HOMECOMING ROYALTY Diego Gonzalez and Amy Sommers GRADUATION Virtual graduation: 8:20 p.m. Thursday, June 4 Live graduation (if allowed): Wednesday, July 22

Jolyn Patricia Adams Jeremiah J Adkins Nash Michael Adkins Bryce Taeha Adkinson Walker Charles Adlam Allison Anne Adler Maiya Lee Aguiar Ariadna Aguilar Lucero Aguirre-Bolivar Amanda Aklan Zacharia Amir Alaoui Austin William Albrecht Nelson Gabriel Alicea Safeyah Lazeena Alie-Padarat Reemah Alqam Zaid Alsalhani Miguel Alva Justin Jeffrey Aparicio Giovanna Arantes Cavaliere Nataly Ariza Betzy Marie Armas Taylor Armitage Katherine Michelle Armstrong Leilana Zariah Arroyo Angelie Marie Astacio Yvonika Ashiana Auguste Karolina Austin Mackenzie Austin Victoria Brickette Autie Yuleidy M. Avila-Bonilla Mahzen Nadir Babekir Eric Bacchus Tyler Baker Alyssa Baljit Amanda Baljit Jacqueline Doucette Ball Leia Perry Bamasi Abigail Grace Barberio Johnathan Alexander Barreto Pedro Lucas Sousa Barreto Ava Alexis Bartolomei Gabriela Alexandra Bartolomei Sylvana Andreina Bastidas Martinez Andy Baylis Lucas Teixeira Bazani Rupaish Bejai Carlos Bejarano Fajardo Addam Jalal Ben-Abdallah Jakira Linae Benbow Aaron Frederick Bennett Jameilla Bennett Jorge Luis Bernales Danielle Silva Bernardes Mackenley Bien Aime Yanay Miaway Boayue Caroline Grace Bobo Yvanna Laury Ann Bollanga Sara Bolton Aniaya K Bonds Jocquez Dejuan Bookhart Adam Ameen Bouchama Alexa Kay Bower

Kylie Boyd Jace Michael Boykin Timothy Charles Bracht Taylor Nicole Bradley Maria Eduarda Garutti Brandolezi Samuel Brodersen Thomas Patrick Brookfield Angelia Brown Jordan Thomas Brown Megan Grace Brown Azeria Bruster A’liyah T. Bryant Megan Bethanie Buchanan Nathaniel Bullock Rachel Bullock Kayla Yael Butler Axel Cabrera Bryce Michael Calabro Alycia Le-Quet Cardenas Jaylon William Carlies Jacob Louis Carmichael Victoria E. Carneiro Macie J. Carpenter Christopher S Carr Eric Carroll Joshua Carroll Jessica Elizabeth Caruth Vinicio Braga Carvalho Sebastian Cavichiolo Anglin Abigail Rebecca Cayo Andy Centa Jose A. Cervantes Yesenia Cervantes Anirudh Chakravarthi Abby Jane Chambers Hemraj Chandra Cesar C. Charria Tyler Chauppetta Shayneka Grace Christie Bailey Leovaldo Chumbley Leah Paige Clark Lexan Julianni Coleman Trinity Victoria Collier Jesse L Collins Chelsea Jade Collison Alexandre Collot Paola Colon Mark Cash Conan Joseph Gabriel Conn Faith E Corbett Gillian Zenaida Corpuz Angelys Cosme Giana Costanza Jacob Crader Anna V Crawford Laura Camila Cuartas Cardenas Erin Faith Curran Melina Capri D’Argenio Micah Isaac De la Cruz Steicy Pires De Paiva Emma Blue Dee Jake Carson DeLattre Morgan Elizabeth DeLattre

Ashley Leah Delva Shannen F Dennison Samantha Denslaw Kelly Devi Deonarine Anthony Jordan Deperino Jolie Elizabeth Desruisseau Erskine Devose, Jr Gavin Miguel Diaz Max Sebastian Diaz Cole Dinkel Devin Scott Dittell Trinity Kayla Donnelly Kasey Thierry Doreste John Matthew Dougherty Rhiannon Driscoll Alec Marc Duhaney Chelsea Renee Dukes James Cole Duncan Uyen P. Duong Alyssa Cassidy Eardly Luke Robert Eazer Jared Eckwielen Shelby Evatt Edgar Adam Taha El Amrani Mary Delaney Emerson Tara Olivia English Kaitlyn Elizabeth Ennis Jose Escorche Hernandez Elizabeth Espana Edna Lucia Eugene Tyler David Evans Nia Marie Everidge Donovan Lamarrre Exilus Justin Ryan-Mangundayao Fabic Ali Ahmed Faridy Maveric Dewch-Stone Ferguson Quezia Crispim Fernandes Amin Moreira Ferreira Jalan Allen Fisher Marley Madison Fisher Ashley Florvil Leah Deanne Folse Renae Autumn Ford Samir M. Fouissi Cristian Fraire Khiana Gabriella Franklin Patrick Edward Franks Kevin Martin Franzka Nathaniel Jacob Fraticelli Lauren R French Darcy Rae Friday Steven William Friend Riley Theresa Fromberg Esli Liliana Funez Anthony Manuel Garcia Jonathan Garcia Nayeli Garcia Jerome Garingalao Grace L Garrison Grant Fraser Garrison Sean Thomas Genette D Andre Nyreek Gibson James Duncan Gibson

Michael Edward Gibson Kurtis Joseph Gnapp Mitzy Godinez Samuel Goez Parra Heber Bertucci Gomes Jean Gomez Kyle Gomez Mario Gomez Maria Jose Gomez Gaviria Diego Alejandro Gonzalez Jacob Michael Gonzalez Maxwell Noe Gonzalez Brennen John Goodwin Victor Andres Goytia Maryelen Shalom Guagliardo Hayden Gurley Zachary R Gustafson Britney Gutierrez Lauren Gutierrez Chase Latham Hadley Nemea Augustus Hall Jr Kimberly Hamilton Enensa M’ Ten Hamlett Joshua Hamlin Aidan William Hanson Elle Elizabeth Hanson Megan Hardy Jake Frederick Harms Caitlyn Harney Alyssa Annamarie Harricharran Daniel Preston Harrington Chase Christophe Harry Phillip Thomas Hartman Harold Hawkins IV Antwon Laron Haynes Jenna Hazen Kaylani G Heisler Malik Jaquille Henderson Mattie Henrichs Xavia Alysen Henry Cristian Hernandez Olivia Hernandez Benjamin Albert Herran Emma Grace Herring Matthew J Hill Adasia India Hilton Ryan Robert Honis Spencer Siaosi Housman Cristian Amir Hout Isaiah Howard Markesia Ashanti Howard Riley Howe Kiara Juliette Hudson Danielle Simone Hunt Nathaniel Paul Imler Inas Yassmine Jabbour Darren Tyrel Jackman Chaniah Jackson Chavon Desyre Jackson Rachel Samiya Jackson Alexander Jacob Jaffe Camryn Alexandria James Mikayla Grace Jankowski

Brianna Danae Jenkins Xzayvia Tameka Jenkins Tameria Jernigan Yutong Jiang Grace Marie Johnson Jabbar Reginald Johnson Jr. David Tyler Jones Kayla Faith Jones Morgan Taylor Jones Naya Renee Jones Priya Adora Jones Joel Joseph Nathan Kannamplave Emma Rose Katz Shannon Kehoe Jillian E Keiber Alyssa Renee Keller Jacob Benjamin Kelly Raad N Khalil Anna Khan Shawn Asif Khan Elizabeth Grace Kidwell Devin Thomas Kilmartin Jacob Ryan Kimpton Cara King Katelyn Kinney Kathleen Elizabeth Kosloski Jordan Kravitz Joao Vitor Lambertucci de Brito Devin Jeremy Larson Beau Lawrence Sarah Renee Leach Akaimii Anahis Lebron Ruiz Allison Faith Lemaster Ethan Michael Lewandowski India Janiyah Lewis John Sincere Lewis Noah Michael Lewis Taylor C. Lewis-Hamilton Patrick Lightbody Anna Dan-Ni Lin Trinity Lluberes Monica Jazmin Lopez Jacob Christian Lourdel Aaron Lu Jaquesia Luckett Jessica Lynn Lyle Gabriela Magana John Robert Maier Itzel Maldonado Kendall Leigh Manning Madison Taylor Manns Christina Michelle Marijanich Abigail Elizabeth Marotta Beatriz Marquez Baullosa Santiago Rafael Martinez Peter Martinez-Guerrero Cristian Maseda Tamara Quiana Matheny Maurice Jordan Mathies Natalia Matute Gonzalez Casey Gene Mayer Jalin Travon McCallum

Kathryn Elizabeth McCoy Dae Shon Ja Korious McKinnon Tyler James McMahel Megan Riley McNulty Payton Elizabeth Meece Sergio Jesus Mendez Reynaga Adrian Mendoza Eric Joseph Mercier Rachel Elizabeth Meyers Noah Avery Miller Rikiya R Mitchell Waajid Tyheed Mitchell Ashley N Modeste Rhianna Francesca Moggio Govinda Mohabir Arianna Fiorella Molina Sophia Leticia Montefusco Morgan Sara Montgomery Sharnay Lenora Moore Wyatt Lane Moore Adrian Morales Carlton Daniel Morrissey Maxx Dee Anthony Moya Justin Thomas Mulligan Stephanie Paige Mustonen Nicholas Naso Jhaniel Navarro Jose Alexander Navas Rivera Miguel E Negron Zoe Therese Newell-Hickman Evan Morgen Newland John Neyhart Daisy Sudo Nguyen Grant Nguyen Calvin Nimnauth Ziru Ning Miguel Alejandro Nobrega Joel Ukee Norris Jared Ormon Norwood Landon Thomas O’Brien Alexis Occhuizzo Kaitlyn Alicia Ochoa Logan Sebastien Odier Jack Michael Oliaro Alexis Olsen Kevin Ortega Shane Austin Owens Julia Michelle Pacheco Carlos Eduardo Pacheco Haiquetin Sebastian Lazaro Padron Darius De Jesus Palmer Elizabeth Michelle Panke Juan Jose Paredes Rodriguez Emma Parker Marley G. Patrick Collins Patrick IV Brandon Alexander Paulikas Shelley-Ann Peach Matthew Pearaylall Rodrigo Mendes Peixoto Julio Alex Pena Ashleigh Lauren Perkins Shelanda Satiana Petit-Homme

Alan Philip Christopher William Pierro Colin Rodrigues Pires Zachary James Pittala Madison Marie Pitts Matthew Jeremy Pospisil Jr. Rajay Lennox Preddie Mickel Erni Price Miguel Ernie Price Ella Putigna Brittain Elizabeth Rainville Angela Ramirez Dania Maria Ramirez Israel Ramirez Benjamin Jared Ramlogan Gabrielle Neelam Ramsamy Ryan Ramsanahie Jelissa Rangel John Rangel Nathan Andrew Rank Grace Rhonda Korniluk Ray Naomi Raz Jack Theodore Rea Ashley Laine Redditt Grace Elizabeth Reed Makenzie Lynn Rees Jaime Rendon Dynasty Lee Reyes Jesiel Reyes Emma Grace Reynolds Korbyn Matthew Reynolds Bryan Rich Valentin A Rivero Christian Charles Robinson Yaretsi Roblero Alejandro Gianni Roca Catelyn C. Rocha Jessica Noel Roddy Bryan Melo Rodrigues Ashley Laura Rodriguez Christian Rodriguez Jerry Rodriguez Kenneth Alexander Rodriguez Alejandra Rodriguez-Diez Arisay Rodriguez-Lopez Joshua Manuel Rodriquez-Adorno Johnna Marie Rogers Cristina Isabel Roque Cristina Isabel Roque Abby-Carlyle Ross Kaylah Morgan Ross Cynthia Jayla Rossi Katherine Jean Roth Thomas Arthur Roth Daisy Rubio Lauren Elysse Ruiz-Schulz Abigail Ann Rule Visual Kawan Russell Addison Kelsey Russo Juan Sanchez Sophie Lauren Sanchez Sherrie Sanders Kate Sandoval

Katelyn Sandoval Liberty Sanford Alexa Hunter Santiago Erin Sue Saville Munkhtuya Bolortsetseg Say Richard Donald Schmidt Caroline Blythe Schmitt Ainsley Schonover Zachary Schreckengost Emma Elizabeth Schwarz Sydney Cailin Sedloff Justin Seithel Juan Esteban Serrano Arisa Saraiya Sewsankar Catelynn Breanna Shaffer Akash Shah Kristin Grace Sharp Irshaad Abdel Sheriff Shuai Shi Tyler Ryan Shoemaker Camryn Siemer Jessica Taylor Siewharack Sinica Sigler Vicente Silguero Micah David Silverstein Kishan Meghvarran Singh Shane Skaling Maximilian H. Skorman Tyler Skurski Brendan Murphy Smith Christian Gabriel Smith Emily Charmaine Smith Garrison Lawrence Smith Georian Lindsey Smith Rhys Kenneth Smith Solomon Smith Charles Zachary Smith Jr. James Sniffen Jacob Christopher Solomon Amy Victoria Sommers Melany Kay Sonntag Samantha Ashley Soto Aaliyah Marie Valentine St George Amanda Faith St George Ashley Bethany St George Jariel Jarrod Stacy Jr. Ainsley Stafford Nicolas Anthony Stahl John Wilson Stalvey Kaitlyn Rose Stewart Blake Stillwell Joseph Philip Stravato Juan Pablo Suarez Ethan Sullivan Chantelle Summers Collin Thomas Tagerty Roslynn Tate Ashliyahnah Sanaa Taylor Chase Austin Taylor Jackson Lane Taylor Joshua Logan Taylor Natalya Jameela Taylor Samantha C. Taylor

Drew Reilly Telenda John Maxwell Terechenok Tiffany Thani Stacy Theodore Destani Nichelle Thomas Tre Vis Thompson Connor James Tice David Alfredo Tobar-Plaza Morgan Kate Townsend Joseph Duy Vinh Tran Kayla Gia-Han Tran Lenny Tathien Tran Jacob Alex Treat Connor Dale Treder Avery Ann Trovillion Joseph Salvador Turner William Chase Turner Allison Carol Ursem Eric Valdez Garrett Palmer Valentine Lauren Elizabeth Van Exel Javier Vasquez Jorlean Vega-Albaladejo Leyli Velasquez Neidy Yulisa Velasquez-Rodz Daisy Velazquez Esmeralda Velazquez Courtney Paige Velting Keylin Michel Villalobos Anabelle Lysette Vissepo Sloan Catherine Wagstaff Allison Maree Waldron Holly Wamsley Joanne Wang Zitian Wang Brandon Tyler Ward Nabriya Watkins Jade Nicole Waxler Braden Michael Wayne Riley Rae Welch Erika Paige Wetmore Marqravis White Shaliah Loverlee White Hope Miranda Whitener Amber Elizabeth Wilkison Jacinta Joy Williams Riley Mengyu Winslow Jamil C. Winston Jr. Jacob Thomas Witten Travis Jose Eduardo Woods Melanie Marie Wright Regan Deborah Wright Anthony Wright Jr. Erica Shian-Yen Wu Thomas Wykle Lucas Goncalves Yamashita Cece Zarate Beining Zhang Stephanie Zheng Connor Alexander Zhou

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VALEDICTORIAN’S SPEECH faculty members for their continued dedication and commitment to provide us an excellent education. Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my mom, my dad and my brother for always believing in me, pushing me to do my absolute best, but most importantly, loving me unconditionally.

As a closing thought, I’d like to commend how resilient the Class of 2020 is. We were born during the Sept. 11 attacks, and now we are ending high school in the middle of a pandemic.

Even though these were setbacks we were challenged with, it’s all about how you perceive the situation. Our perspective on these unprecedented events should not focus on the negative but rather focus on our ability to overcome them. A quote that encapsulates this message is by author Joseph Campbell, who said: “Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.”

Regardless of these challenges, it is what gives us clarity to discover our true potential.

We all reach our successes at different stages, but I implore you to have the drive and ambition to accomplish your hopes and dreams that you want in life. It is with a fond and heartfelt regard that we say our final goodbyes and wish for the best in the next journey of our lives.

The best is yet to come RACHEL MEYERS

T

his year has not been what anyone expected. COVID-19 has interrupted plans and made many events impossible. Seniors across the country were deprived of their last high school memories, and many traditions were interrupted.

However, none of this is what sets the Class of 2020 apart. The Class of 2020 is like the classes that came before us in many ways, but we are also unique. What really makes the Class of 2020 special is the people who are a part of it.

The students that make up the Class of 2020 are strong and haven’t let the change in plans derail them completely.

I don’t personally know every student graduating this year, but as a whole, the Class of 2020 is resilient. We’ve been let down and disappointed by the changes caused by the pandemic but have taken it in stride. Life goes on, and so do we, finding ways to celebrate while conforming to socialdistancing restrictions. I’m so proud of the way seniors across the country have come together, supporting one another as

we find ways to make the year special in any way we can.

The final year of high school is supposed to be filled with milestones, but we have not been able to commemorate these moments as those before us have. Classes moved online for the rest of the year, and students were unable to have an official last day of school; the announcement that we would not be returning to school came after spring break started.

Receiving the news so abruptly was a shock. I found this hard to come to terms with. Since high school began, and maybe even since middle school, I had looked forward to events such as Senior Walkout and even graduation. When I learned that these events would be canceled or moved online, I was devastated. It was heartbreaking that I had worked so hard during high school, only to have the final days of it stolen from me. I was able to acknowledge it had to be that way for everyone’s safety, but it was still a difficult pill to swallow. I know this was also true for many of my friends.

However, with the help of the teachers and staff at West Orange High School, we were

able to overcome this obstacle.

As the senior class president at West Orange, I got to witness firsthand the amount of hard work the faculty put into making sure that senior events could happen, even if it was different than previous years. They organized drive-thrus, virtual ceremonies and even Mr. and Ms. West Orange in place of prom king and queen. I’m so grateful for all they have done, and my peers agree.

Despite all of this, it is hard not to feel down about the whole situation.

My 18th birthday also took place during quarantine, as is the case for many. Missing out on events such as this was a huge disappointment. In general, I think the Class of 2020 understands the seriousness of the pandemic, and I’m in full agreement with the measures taken to prevent the spread.

However, it still feels like I’ve missed out on

vital moments. I’m sure this is a feeling had by many seniors who have also missed out on important milestones.

When I start feeling like this, I look to the future and all the things I have yet to experience. I remind myself of all of the things I have in front of me and the milestones I have yet to reach. I think of the celebrations I will have then and how this is not the end of the world.

Each and every member of the Class of 2020 has a bright future in front of them, and we all have to remember that the best has yet to come. Many seniors will go off to college, they will get a job or enlist in the military. Whatever next year brings, the Class of 2020 will face it head on, and we will persevere no matter what.

Amy Sommers and Diego Gonzalez were crowned Homecoming queen and king.

“

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

We would like to congratulate you for working hard and achieving this worthy milestone. We are proud of your accomplishments.

You made it! Over the past four years, you have worked hard to reach this goal and you never gave up. Although this has not been the way we had hoped your senior year would have ended, you still made the best of it, and the Class of 2020 has left a legacy at West Orange High School.

Best wishes for many more successes in the future and remember, we are all so proud of you!

Class of 2020, congratulations! And remember, once a Warrior always a Warrior!

Melissa Gordon

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PAYTON MEECE These past four years at West Orange High School have shaped us into who we are today. However, these past few months of our senior year will continue to shape us into who we will become in the future. I know none of us ever expected to be having our graduation under these unfortunate circumstances, but I can truly say it has made all of us stronger and more appreciative of the time we had together.

We can never fully gauge how fast life is passing us by until we understand how much we have grown. Now that our senior year has come to an end, I think we can all agree these past four years of high school have flown by quicker than we could have ever imagined. We all share a plethora of memorable moments that each of us will always cherish as we continue on in life, but we will never get this time back. Time is a quantitative measure, but I believe we should look at time as a mea-

sure of quality. The question I ask all of you is, what will you remember from high school?

Will it be the number of hours you dedicated to studying for that biology test? Or how about almost pulling an all-nighter to finish that history assignment last minute? I know this will not be the case for everyone here, but instead, we will remember the memories we have created and the relationships we have fostered with one another.

Speaking of relationships, the ones we form are what help define us as a person.

We would not be here today if it weren’t for all of the people in our life that contributed in some way to guide us along this journey. I know I would not be up here today having the honor and privilege to speak to all of you if it weren’t for the people that helped me get here, and I know we would not all be graduating today if it weren’t for those same people in each of our lives. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of myself and my fellow graduates to thank all of the parents, guardians and other family members who have shown constant support and motivation throughout our years, and to show appreciation for the sacrifices they have made for us to be successful. We would also like to thank all of our teachers, administrators and

OBSERVER | OrangeObserver.com

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Windermere High School VALEDICTORIAN Guilherme Bejar SALUTATORIAN Carolina Castellanos STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICERS President: Anna-Sophia Hadley Vice President of Outreach: J anel Hernandez Historian: Rachel Gross Treasurer: Otto Solis 12th grade Ambassador: Katelyn Boeneman HOMECOMING ROYALTY Gino Trulli and Isabella Tingo GRADUATION Virtual graduation: 8:20 p.m. Friday, June 5 Live graduation (if allowed): Tuesday, July 21, at the Dr. Phillips High School Stadium

Samira Abushaban Zach Acheson Adeena Ademu-John Genesis Aguilar-Irizarry Aidan Ahern Faraz Ahmed Deyaneira Albelo Aman Ali Lamis Ali Yaseen Ali Justin Aliaga Ahmed Alkhateeb Macy Allen Juliana Almeida Mariza Almeida Mesquita Acxel Almendarez Sara Almosawi Dylan Althaus Oskar Alyea Veronica Amadeo-Florit Carlos Anderson Andres Andino Adam Andre Olivia Andrus Juan Angulo Valentina Angulo-Cabrera Jose Antigua Sabrina Antonetti Penelope Aponte Pamella Arantes Zini Kalistie Arcia Yael Arenas Genesis Arevalo Loutfi Darrell Armstrong Jr. Andres Arrayago Aguilera Gahmliel Artison Omar Aryan Ryan Ata Giovanna Augusto Liam Avelino Christian Avila Giovana Avila Oliveira Christian Aziz Campos Gabriella Badua LeeAnn Baer Kristen Baldwin Nicholas Ballantine Adrian Baltic Sabrina Baran Lucca Barbosa Gasparian Pietra Barbosa Gasparian Omar Barboza Alyssa Bardsley Envi Barnhill Giulia Barros Sophia Barros Keagan Bartlett Antonio-Victor Bautista Yzabella Baytan Sheridan Becwar Guilherme Bejar Bruno Bellesi Unger Lucas Bellon Trindade Maxwell Belshe Alyssa Belue Hannah Bennouna Evan Berard Jacob Berard

Emma Bergeron Naomi Berrio Caitlin Berry Trevor Bishop Sir Maurice Blackmon Sofia Blanco Valeria Blanco Alicia Blasini Brooklyn Blasscyk Brandon Blessner Jonathan Boardley Katelyn Bodge Katelyn Boeneman Madison Bonet Maria Luiza Bonina Zimath Aliesha Boodram Brennan Borchert Mackenzie Bowie Griffin Bowman Brian Boyd Rylee Boyett Jocelyn Brancoccio Kylie Brewer Stefan Brewer Paola Brito Cameron Brokaw Grace Brokaw Max Brown Aaryn Brown Hannah Brown Keegan Brown Shaliyah Brown Madison Brune Collan Buddemeyer Isabella Buonaccordo Albanez Victoria Buttigieg Emilie Bynum Sophia Calandrino Ayrton Camargo de Brito Eduardo Camargo Fender De Andrade Faith Campopiano Amanda Sophia Campos Kayla Canales Alexander Canapp Eric Canavan Noah Cannon Vincent Carrillo Cavin Carter Carolina Castellanos Klaudhia Castillo Hernandez Caleb Castro Hanna Luisa Cavalcante Maria Cavasini Daniel Cepeda Cristian Chahin-Santiago Jasmine Chauhan Maria Chaves Meling Chen Cynthia Cheung Puja Chinasigari Tyler Chisholm Michael Chou Sebastian Cid Rivas Samantha Claborn Yasmin Clapham

Robert Clark Matthew Cline Emily Clingman Maya Cohn Jose Colon Rosado Christopher Comes Alberto Conde Andres Conde Barrera Lillian Connelly Carlos Contreras Marino Contreras Uriel Contreras Colon Megan Cooper Nathaniel Copeland Ryan Cordero Acxel Corporan Pedro Correa De Alexandre Hanna Corron Angel Cortez Matthew Cox Fredrick Cox III Christian Crawford Blake Croft Sage Croft Angelique Cruz Valeria Cuencas Benjamin Cuitino Grace Cullen Valeria Da Silva Alephe Da Silva Fernando Da Silva Filho Thomas Daigle Gabriella D’Almeida Dennis Dang Gardenia Daniel Tyler Darden Annaniah Darling Kristopher Darragh Darhon DaSilva Adam Davila Caitlin Davis Kadrea Davis Laryssa De Almeida Santos Magno De Jesus Cardone Ana De Lima Mangieri Paola De Los Santo Sime Abril De Sa Leonardo De Souza Lima Antunes Thiago Define Dos Santos Gabrielle DeFranco Gabriel Deida Gee Del Prado Kaitlen Delarco Vincent Delgado Laila Delgado Jeff Demetrio Jason Denis Benjamin Deveault Vitoria Dias Motta Luis Jose Diaz Raul Diaz Ling Catherine Diaz Quintero David Diaz Jr. Taylor Dignoti Andrew Dill Giovanni Diogo

William Disalvo Scott Donnarumma Nicholas Donnelly Lauren Dorval Billy Dorzena Mariana Dos Santos Marjorie Dos Santos Rebecca Doss Jessie Drain III Oswaldo Duarte Pimentel Vishal Dukhi Julia Dunn Cindy Duong Marianna EcheverriCarmona Leslie Edwards Donna Edwin Chelliah Noah Ellenback Sebastian Enamorado Paulina Espinoza Debra Ezzi-Davila Domenica Facusse Phaedra Fahey Joshua Fallenstein Spencer Faria Samuel Farmer Valdilys Febres Karelis Feliciano Cruz Celeste Felix Leah Ferguson Valentina Fernandes Santiago Fernandez Camacho Kaleigh Ferreira Gabriel Ferreira Sarah Ferro Sarah Feuerborn Alana Fiandra Luis Figueras Mendez Christina Fleming Daniel Foli De Souza Ana Clara Fonseca Braga Rafaella Fonseca Nunes Daniel Fontaine-Rodriguez Manuella Fontana Ferreira Victoria Foradi Milo Forrest Omar Fourar Isabella Franceschi Castillo Daniel Francfort Cleforth Francois DaiJah Francois Aria Frederick Derick Fredericksen Arthur Freeman Jessica Freeman Rubem Freitas Raymil Freites Salcedo Sophia French Sydney Frendak Dominic Frevola Mollie Friedlander Thomas Fuller HongYi Gao Kaitlyn Garbinski Nia Garcia Gustavo Garcia Flores Vanessa Garcia Haro

Camila Garcia Ricci David Gardere Isabella Garrard Jose Garza Nicole Gegg Niyah George Olivia Gerakios Victoria Gerber Joao Gerbi Qureshi Moraes Josh Germain Ashley Gestefield Madysen Getz Hajar Ghaimimi Laura Giammattei Munoz Lorann Gibson Gabriela Gil Rodriguez Kevin Gilbert Alexis Gil-Munoz Mark Giovacchini Andres Giraldo Enzo Godofredo Jacob Goldberg Rachel Gomes Magnus Gomes Pais Isabella Gomez Raul Gomez Dana Gomez Silva Catarina Goncalves Wey Rodrigo Gontijo Vanessa Gonzalez-Diaz Kelsey Goodwin Gianna Goos Nathan Gracey Michael Granberry Jaden Grant Jason Grant Kayla Green Brinley Griffitts Rachel Gross Pietro Guarisco Priscila Guerra Ana Leticia Guerra Farias Anna Gunn Carlos Guzman Azocar Hamza Habib Anna-Sophia Hadley Danna Hajali-Ezzi Sandy Hanna Cameron Harter Nicolle Hartman Ryan Havrilla Alexandra Hawkins Daniel Hay Taylor Head Fadia Hegleh Julian Heistand Aidan Henderson Ambra Henderson Kristie Heredia Janel Hernandez Victoria Hernandez Goyo Nicolas Hernandez Martinez Nacari Heron Braden Herrick Judson Hershiser Ellie Heyder

Jenna Ho Jones Hobgood Cecilia Hoffmann Davi Holland Lucas Holleran Kailyn Howells Kyle Howlett Makayla Huerta Alexandra Hughes Anthony Hunt Hailey Hunt Annie Hustead Erica Hylick Ana Laura Iatauro Caroline Inches Skylar Infante Nicholas Irvine Aman Isani Lucas Isasi Anakarina Izarra Luke Jackson Alex Jacome Andrew Jahreis Coryna James Jason James Tiago Jereissati Barbosa Teixeira Joshwa Jerelds Abigail Johnson August Johnson Heather Johnson Aksa Joseph Richard Kabbabe Simanca Rafael Kaebisch De Moura Burnett Felicity Kaley Antonio Kalosdian Rahul Katakam Matthew Kaufold Kaley Kavanaugh Jaide Kelley Joe Kelley Julia Kendall Gabriel Kersey Isabella Keysor Salwa Khan Vaneeza Khan Iman Khanani Surina Khargie Gian Khawan Yajure Ashley Kirtland Renato Kitner Brandon Kohl Alexander Kopman Zachary Korotetski Nolan Kraemer Connor Kristofik Ivonna LA Bryson Labrecque Daniela Lacava Caio Lacerda De Brito Madison LaCoss Sidney LaCoss Matthew Lafferty Anas Lahdagat Christian Lai Safia Lakli Michael Land

Nicholas Landry Hailey Larson Alyssa Lebaron Cameron Lee Donald Lee III Lauren Leider Madison Lemons Carlos Leon Sergio Leon-Sanchez Katie Lerdtadsin Avery Liao-Troth Natalie Lichner Joshua Lillie Aaliyah Limon Xinliu Liu Katie Long Victor Lopes Danic Lopez Natasha Lopez Raul Lopez Samantha Lopez Jenna Lurachy Lillian Lurz Tianxing Ma Emma MacClellan Ian Thomas MacDonald Jonathan Machado Jacob Machin Maria Maciel Marte Spencer Madeiros Allina Madison Dahirou Magalhaes Abashi Nataly Maggi Amitesh Mahadeo Ryhan Mahmouki Hunter Makin Adrian Malave Henrique Malimpensa Shemariah Maluf De Souza Emiliana Marcano Neillsua Marcelin Christopher Marcoccia Breno Marin Enzo Marin Ninoshka Marrero Nazario Carolina Marrero Russe Carlos Martinez Madalyn Martinez Valentina Martinez Nicolas Martorano Larry Mason Jr. Yago Massacessi Basteriro Rafaella Matsuda Tamada Joshua Matthews Tathiana Mattos Briana Mavinkurve Jaden Mayer Molly McGonnell Austin McKay Connor McKinley Aaron McLean Tonian McLean Alexa McMichael Thomas McMullen Paola Medina Moises Medina Molina

Eduardo Mejia Lorenzo Mejia Caio Melo Lexian Mendez Melendez Mariah Mendoza Adriana Menegus Caio Mercaldi Gabriel Michael Kathryn Mier Grace Milewski Christian Miller Malaak Mimouni Julian Miracle Yure Miziara Silva Brennen Moffett Guilherme Moitinho Colleen Mondell Ashley Montalbano Adriana Montalvo Carson Montgomery Vanessa Montiel Caitlyn Moore Ashley Morales Eden Morange Joshua Morgan Erin Morrissey Alexandra Morse Guilherme Mota Mahmoud Mousli Tyler Mullen Eduardo Muller Grace Muntean David Murillas Caitlyn Naginey Johan Napoleon Enzo Nassif Gustavo Neves Julia Neves Chase Newton Ryan Newton Dat Nguyen Denny Nguyen Kylie Nolen Gabrielle Nowak Kaio Nunes Valle Desiree Occhipinti Sarah O’Dell Christian Olavarrieta Pedro Oliveira Maia Jacqueline Olmeda Bryce Olson Andre Orlandi De Rezende Onix Ortiz Vazquez Paul Oslacky Tyler Ostendorf Danielle Otlin Sierra Otte Colin Pacheco Khristian Padilla Irina Paez Cole Painter Ana Palacios Dylan Palmer Kayla Pantoja Madelyn Papa Sara Park Alexander Parker Maria Parrilha Macena

Alexandra Passarelli Maria Passarelli Petit Serina Patel Naya Patterson Bruna Paula Zariah Paulin Raymond Peavy-Snow Charon Penn Benjamin Penta Stephanie Penvose Alyssa Peralta Daniel Peraza Elisa Pereira Sebastian Pereira Maria Pereira Jasmine Perez Joel Perez Negron Sebastian Perez Velez Carson Peterson Maria Pico Julianne Pierre Maria Clara Pimentel Justin Pinto Liam Pirie Fabrizio Pita-Mazzilli Maria Pitarch Castillo Michael Poole Santiago Portillo Finol Raphael Portugal Abhay Prashar Brian Premchand Cole Prieto Jake Prieto Christian Pryor Branden Pulido Juan Pulido Aseel Qali Shelby Quillinan Michael Rachdan Roberto Rachid Harrison Raimondi Elias Raiss Ingrid Ramasini Michael Ramirez Giovanni Ramos Geraldine Ramos Vinay Rampertab Isabel Ramsey Karlen Randle Heriberto Rangel Victor Rangel Riyan Rasool Melody Raynor Andres Rea Peyton Recer Kyle Reiver Michael Remaley Anthony Reyes Maria Alejandra ReyesLeon Tyler Rhode Felipe Ribeiro Johan Richter Allison Rickman Kristen Rifenberg Julien Riffaud Grahm Rike Jacob Rison

Jenna Ritenour Kathleen Rivera Paola Rivera Suhailie Rivera Contreras Diego Rivero Castellanos Callie Rizzo Connor Roddy Tyler Roddy Alexander Rodriguez Kassandra Rodriguez Irma Rodriguez William Rodriguez Noemi Rodriguez-Cruz Alexandra Rogan Maria Rojas Olivia Rollis Jose Roman Bolivar Maria Romero Fogaca Tyler Rosario Haley Rose Logan Rose Sadie Rosenke Sophia Ross Jake Rossy Carter Rowe Nicole Ruiz Alexis Ryan Michele Rybski Malika Safraoui Jacqueline Salazar Felipe Salim Johanna Sam Alexander Sanabria Andrew Sanchez Joseph Sanchez Salomon Sanchez Caio Sanchez Bertacolli Alex Sanchez Romero Luiza Santana De Carvalho Caue Santoro Emma Santos Kevin Santos Victoria Santos De Mattos Emilly Santos Fernandes Sean Sapiro Gabriella Sarmento Casagrande da Rocha Sarah Schiavo Julia Schrader Garrett Schueler Shayla Schultz David Scott Khadijah Scurvin Peyton Seals Christ Segovia Romina Seijo Jacqueline Seman Jillian Sendin Amanda Serrano Roger Serrano Guerrero Nicholas Setsma Karyna Shablii Meredith Shaw Bailey Shelton Yanshuo Shen Jhaneil Shepherd Alicya Shields Sameel Siddiqi

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VALEDICTORIAN’S SPEECH

GUILHERME BEJAR Before I start, there’s some people I’d like to thank. I’d like to thank my parents for all the patience and work they put in raising me. I’d like to thank my teachers, especially Mr. Ihnenfeld and Mrs. Stoner, for answering my dumb questions and putting up with my complaining for the past two years. And lastly, I’d like to thank my friends for making it so through everything I did there was someone to share it with. Thanks for that, Blake.

Times are hard — hard enough that we had to make sacrifices. This class didn’t have a Grad Bash or Prom, and for all I know, you’d be reading this on a computer screen. Our school that was so full of energy before we left is now cold and silent. Our last

few months of high school were spent not with friends but stuck at home wondering every day what terrible thing would happen next. And while I think it’s fair to say that none of us saw it coming, that’s how our senior year ended.

But all of that does nothing to change the fact that you made it. Through demanding classes and early mornings, through agonizing traffic and college applications and now even through a worldwide pandemic, you persevered.

And that’s cause for praise.

Despite everything else, today is a day of celebration. A day of looking back, proudly, into all you’ve done and achieved in the last four years. A day of remembering. A day of hope. A good day.

There’s a few events which I think shaped my years in high school, and which I think each of you will recognize in your own lives, even if in extremely different ways. I remember four years ago, when, as a 14-year-old freshman, I set foot upon my first high school and marveled at how big and strange it was as I looked for any familiar face. I remember

staring holes into the ceiling of my English class in sophomore year doing my very best to keep my eyes open until the 2:20 bell rang. I remember meeting friends that would stay so for years, and all the crazy stuff we did together.

And even as I stand here talking about all of these things, I remember how grateful I am for having gone through them all, and for the person I became as a result.

More than just remembering, though, today I’m also thinking about the future. Up until this moment in our lives, we had a set path, something that whether we liked or not, we had to get up every day and do. That’s no longer true.

We stand here today on the edge of the rest of our lives.

Young, hopeful and eager to dive into the unknown, as if saying to the world: “Whatever it is you got, bring it, bud.” So go outside and bask the warm sun for a while, let the wind roll in your hair, and realize you’re just at the beginning of your journey; you still have to make it count.

Thank you.

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Unprecedentedly unique SOPHIE HADLEY SGA PRESIDENT

RACHEL GROSS SGA HISTORIAN

W

e were born into the tragedy of 9/11. Security and screenings were normal. We were in fifth grade when the Sandy Hook shooting happened. From then on, classroom doors were required to be locked. That same grade year, we were reminded that terrorism was still very real with the Boston Marathon bombing. We were incoming freshmen when we were hit with the reality that these mass casualties can happen in our own backyard when Pulse Nightclub was attacked.

We know and personally felt the seriousness of the phrase “Orlando Strong.” We were sophomores when Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School was the next victim of a mass shooting. The Class of 2020 is trained now to send an “I love you” text to their family each time a Code Red is called. We are trained to look for the nearest exits in each crowded place we enter. Lastly, we are graduating in a global pandemic — a time filled with fear of the unknown where the entire world is having to change the way they go about

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The Windermere High School Class of 2020 is grateful for the community’s support.

their daily lives.

With all of this being said, we are not defined by these horrific events. We are defined by how we adapted and creatively

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made the most of every curveball thrown at us.

With every act of violence, students in the Class of 2020 embraced the opportunity to

create change. Political advocates. Marches. Student governments taking action. We learned resilience and did not cave when the world seemed so dark. We learned new drills.

We became smarter. When our senior year was cut short, we did not let it stop us from bringing the community together.

We adapted. We brainstormed ways to get our student bodies involved even if we were all in our own homes. We created e-projects and online tal-

ent shows to boost morale. We became even more tech savvy as we had to transition to online learning and became pioneers of “Zoom University.” We became the first class to have virtual graduation. We are the class of unprecedented times, yet we embrace every part of it.

The Class of 2020 is beyond thankful. We are thankful for the overwhelming support from the community. We have received so much love throughout our schooling and during COVID-19. In all honesty, we are blown away by all of the efforts the cities, states and the country have done to make sure we feel celebrated. Whether it was a school-planned driveby parade, free Krispy Kreme doughnuts or radio stations hosting a virtual prom, we are blessed. We feel the love the community has shown us, and we will forever be appreciative. With larger concerns in the world, the Class of 2020 is thankful the country has recognized this important time period for us. Our milestones may not look the same, but we feel just as celebrated due to the support from the community.

Although next year’s plans remain unknown, we know we are loved and more than equipped to tackle any obstacle. We are the Class of 2020 — beyond unique. Resilient.

Adaptable. Innovative. Grateful.

“

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Class of 2020, Traditional graduations have been canceled, and so have senior proms. These moments will be forever lost.

You have had to deal with the new reality of distance learning, and, of course, you haven’t been able to see your friends and grandparents.

But there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel — your future. I am so proud of your grit, resiliency, dedication and compassion during these trying times.

You have overcome so much in the past few weeks that I know there is nothing that can stand in the way of your future success. You are a resourceful class with a can-do spirit. I am very proud to call you Wolverines! Congratulations, Class of 2020, your future is so bright, you need to wear shades!

Douglas J. Guthrie

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VALEDICTORIAN’S SPEECH

The First Academy VALEDICTORIAN Katie Campbell SALUTATORIAN Tucker Kemp CLASS OFFICERS Upper School presidents: Mackenzie Grimes, Tucker Kemp Chaplain leader: Sarah Brady Comfort Club leaders: Joseph DeLuzio, Catherine Harris Environmental leader: Paige Avila Fine arts leader: Faith Woods Outreach leader: Mackenzie Morgan Student Life leader: Mariana Alemany Royal Ambassador: Alexandra Armstrong Athanasius Ambassador: Peyton Moseler Edwards Ambassador: Christie Simaan Elliot Ambassador: Victor Norman Tozer Ambassador: Margaret Edwards Wesley Ambassador: Savannah Gill Chaplains: Jake Dimas, Justin Harris, Kendall Parmer, Marilyn Waldrop HOMECOMING ROYALTY Ryan Oliver and Ella Simpson MR. AND MISS TFA Brooks DenBesten and Mariana Alemany GRADUATION Live graduation: Friday, May 15, as one of the first schools in Central Florida to host a socially distanced ceremony. Students walked through the Cramer Family Field House with their families and onto the graduation stage throughout the day.

Brianna Adamson Mariana Alemany Keoni Anthony Nathalie Are Alexis Arie Alexandra Armstrong Paige Avila Carsten Balao Matthew Barrett Elijah Barron Melissa Bell Warren Boschen Sarah Brady Kaitlyn Campbell Matthew Campina Andrea Castro Cardona Yu Cyrus Chen Nia Cook Isabel Crist Jacob Crump Xuanyu Harry Cui Katherine Damron ShaRiya Davis Joseph DeLuzio Brooks DenBesten Jake Dimas

David Dizney Danielle Dowling Peter Dvorak Margaret Edwards Lake Ellis Rocco Figus Jacob Forbes Isabella Fraley Danielle Gannaway Nicholas Garcia Jeanne Gearity Savannah Gill Tyler Green Mackenzie Grimes Cassidy Grove Ethan Hage Sage Hall Catherine Harris Justin Harris Joshua Hartnett Sergey Hash Qihang Frank He Griffin Hendren Cade Holt Zhi Agnes Huang Ashley Inloes

Aseel Issa Maia Jenkins Calvin Jennings Liberty Jensen Kendall Jones Brent Jordan Christopher Kasler Brett Kelly Austin Kemp Marilyn Lane Ya Grace Li Xueyao Sylvia Lin Alejandro Luna Nicholas Maher Jessica Martin Pedro Martins Michael McFayden Elizabeth McKissock Skyler Miller Andrea Moncada Mackenzie Morgan Peyton Moseler William Murray Aurora Naatjes McKenzi Neal Victor Norman

Alexa Notarantonio Denny Oliveira Ryan Oliver Riley Outten Kendall Parmer Daniel Pendas John Petit Mianqing Jessica Qian Yizhan Ethan Qing Braeden Rice Courtney Ricker Andres Rosario Robert Ruble John Saathoff Nicholas Santambrosio Alexander Schaag Alexander Shields Christie Simaan Ella Simpson Olivia Smith Robert Smith Rafael Souza Gage Stauferland Kamron Summers Harrison Talley Joy Thomas

Rafe Thomas Cole Toenges Rebecca Tole Andre Torres Joshua Tyrrell Armando Vega Mackenzie Wadsworth Marilyn Waldrop Ebony Wangia Taylor Whiteman Fred Williams Grayson Williams Jayde Wilson Tiana Witherspoon Faith Woods Shaohui Henry Wu Yang Cisco Yang Siqin Ariel Yu Taylor Zeng Yumu Ace Zhang Yunhe Sampson Zheng Zhiyi Lucy Zhou Tianyi Zhuang

KATIE CAMPBELL Hello, Class of 2020, families, friends, teachers, faculty and staff. It is my sincere honor and pleasure to be here before you today. Before I begin, I would first like to give my thanks to some of the individuals who have helped make this possible for me.

I want to first thank the amazing teachers who have guided me and my classmates throughout this four-year journey. Among these, I would like to thank Ms. Pierre Louis, Mrs. Markowitz, Ms. Penny, Ms. De La Fe, Mr. Harrison, Dr. Toenges, Mrs. Oswald and so many more for not only being incredible teachers but a constant encouragement.

I would also like to thank my grandparents for always inspiring me to pursue my education fully and devotedly. I also say thank you to my hardworking and caring parents, who have guided and uplifted me. And, lastly, I would like to thank my friends, who have loved and supported me, and most notably my sister, Kinsey, who is my best friend.

It seems like just moments ago I was that bright-eyed fourth-grader who had just moved to Orlando and was beginning my first year at TFA. I was a kid who was beyond excited to learn; I would be the only 9-year-old who was eager to have their grandpa, thank you, Grandpa Sam, take them to the bookstore in the summer to buy math workbooks for fun. Yes, I said math. Yes, I said summer. And yes, I said fun. That innocence and hunger for knowledge accompanied me throughout my childhood and that first year at TFA. One of the things that I remember about that year was the friendly competition we would have to see who

could recite The First Academy mission statement the best. We did this so often that it has become ingrained into our minds, and most of us could probably even recall it right now: “The First Academy is a college preparatory school whose mission is to prepare children for life as Christian leaders who choose character before career, wisdom beyond scholarship, service before self, and participation as a way of life.” We could say this forwards and backwards. (“Life of way a as participation and self.” You get the point.) But as we matured and grew, and particularly within these last few months, its meaning has become much more real to us.

Many of us today are experiencing a myriad of emotions and feelings.

We are excited to leave this chapter behind us and are looking towards the future; we are eager for the future to come but may be doubtful or fearful about all of the uncertainties that come with it. We knew that it would be inevitable to experience these mixed feelings, but with the state of our world right now, it might make us even more apprehensive. But rather than letting the world around us discourage or intimidate us into fear or inaction, we look at the future through a new and unique lens.

Our own mission statement first tells us to choose “character before career.” In this pandemic, the world has grown to truly appreciate all of the workers who are helping us fight through this time. From the very essential workers, such as our teachers, front-line medical workers and service industry employees, to the leaders trying to solve both medical and economic challenges, an unprecedented amount of character and selflessness has been valued far above mere career. To all of these individuals putting the world’s needs above their own, we offer our endless gratitude and look to them as models for our own career aspirations.

We next take a look at “wisdom beyond scholarship.” As we enter not only into the real world but into a world of uncertainty, we should turn to wisdom rather than mere

“

knowledge. Throughout this pandemic, many of us have gone back to some of the things we had taken for granted and have gained new wisdom that we can take with us wherever we go. We have begun to spend more time with our families and appreciate the simpler things, such as rediscovering how to play Mario Kart or attempting to cook. We have taught ourselves patience, peace and perseverance. Though this time has been a great challenge, we are learning from it every day in a way that prepares us more for our futures.

“Service before self and participation as a way of life” is perhaps the most profound takeaway we can have from our recent experiences.

As we go to college and pursue our careers, we will be constantly trying new things, discovering our passions, and figuring out who we truly are and what we want from life. In finding our place in the world, it can be easy to get wrapped up in our own lives and interests, but these times have emphasized the importance of channeling our passions in a way that serves and betters the lives of others. We are also presently reminded that no contribution is too small. In the next phase of our lives, we should remember this and never doubt the potential we have to help and change the world, our communities, or even one life.

I would lastly like to leave you with both a quote from Albert Einstein and a Scriptural verse. Einstein said, “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” When surrounded by adversity, we are given the opportunity to reach outside of ourselves and touch the lives of others. Philippians 2:4 says, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Seniors, I thank you for the incredible year we’ve had together. From the Senior Retreat at the beginning of the year to the last moments we had together at Breckenridge, we have created so many lasting bonds and have made amazing memories here at TFA. As we close this chapter and enter the next, I encourage you to never underestimate the power you have to make an impact.

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Class of 2020 — It seems like only yesterday you entered the doors of TFA for your senior year. Little did we know that the school year would end in such a different way. As you head off to college, let me challenge you to stay committed to the values that you were taught at home, your church and TFA. Remember God is your refuge, and He has a plan and purpose for each one of you. It has been a privilege to be your principal, and I wait in anticipation to see what God is going to do in you and through you.

Congratulations!

Dr. Shayne Grove

MACKENZIE GRIMES, TUCKER KEMP, MCKENZI NEAL AND VICTOR NORMAN

I

t is clear The First Academy Class of 2020 is one of the most resilient classes, having lived through a major pandemic during one of the most important times of their lives, but the Class of 2020 is so much more than just resilient.

Our perseverance, connection and bright future are a few things that make this class stand out. Before the pandemic, we showed how truly resilient the Class of 2020 was, embodying our school year theme of Stronger Together. We worked hard from the start to get to the point where we could say, “I finally did it.”

No matter the obstacles, whether it was an athletic injury, mental health or fatigue, this class pushed through and made a name for itself on and off campus and excelled at all levels.

Our perseverance and success thrive from how connected we are. Social media has made it incredibly easy for everyone to network with those who

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The First Academy’s Class of 2020 will be remembered for its resiliency.

are alike in personality, activities and interests all across the world.

We have withstood the pandemic and the trials it has come with. We thrived before the pandemic began, we have remained tried and true during it, and we will strive to be even better as we come out of it.

Seniors from The First Academy will be attending highly prestigious schools across the country, artists following their hearts and creating masterpieces for museums and storybooks, and athletes training and playing in games at Olympic-level difficulty. These are achievements, not only of the students at The First Academy but for the Class of 2020 across the globe.

We are the class who has only

known travel after the tragedy of 9/11, the class who went to school after Sandy Hook and Parkland — we know tragedy, and we know resilience. We have worked together to strive to make the world a better place every day. Through setting up donation services through Amazon during the pandemic or working with Dance Marathon to raise more than $65,000 before it began, we have strived to make our community a better place.

What truly sets apart The First Academy Class of 2020 is those who have impacted our lives.

The First Academy students love the faculty and staff. We have been very fortunate to have them mold our minds with knowledge and per-

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2020!

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spective. They pour into the lives of students in so many ways: showing us how to live spiritually by practicing what they preach, facilitating friendships by bringing together different people or just being people that you can share a conversation with. This relationship between faculty and students is what makes The First Academy a truly special place.

While the faculty is outstanding, the families are the backbone that make everything we have possible by sacrificing their time and money for us to attend this school. This guarantees we receive the best education and spiritual formation to be formed into the young men and women we were created to be; we could not be more grateful.

As for this pandemic, it has only united our class, our families and our community even more. Seeing what we have accomplished through the years and how we have been supported supports our success.

The First Academy Class of 2020 is unique because our future is bright and we have the hands that are going to shape this world for years to come.

We are stronger together, and we are building a sound foundation for the Royals behind us as well as the generation after us.

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VALEDICTORIAN Elijah Young SALUTATORIAN Grace Langhoff CLASS OFFICERS Austin Hipskind, Maria Kime, Maya Prakash STUDENT COUNCIL OFFICERS President: Anna Binkley Parliamentarian: Chai Colon Historian: Kassie Kimpel Corresponding secretary: Sydney Ragsdale Treasurer: Elijah Young HOMECOMING ROYALTY Bailey Trinder and Anna Binkley GRADUATION Live graduation: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23

Foundation Academy Henry Austad Madison Bailey Benjamin Bales Anna Binkley William Blaine Isabelle Bower Mykal Chan Morning Chen Justin Colombo Chai Colon Ann Marie Cook

Matthew Cooper Adelina Cruz Abigail DeStefano Savannah Doshan Jacob East Paola Grijalva Austin Hipskind Carson Hoff Trey Hunt Kyle Huntt Joaquim Jovel

Ashton Kaatz Maison Kasyanov Maria Kime Kassie Kimpel Megan Kleinsmith Grace Langhoff Cameron Lay Michael LeMieux-Bott Talia Levine Julian Mathis Giovanni Moraes

Hossana Moronta Hailey Nicoletti Kamron Norat Maya Prakash Matt Puchalski Sydney Ragsdale Kayla Richard Andrew Richardson Solomon Robertson Kylie Rowell Anjali Sam

Theo Schleben Madison Seip Lane Sharp Davi Souza Christian Toscano Bailey Trinder Cullen van der Riet Adrian Veguilla Elijah Young

VALEDICTORIAN’S SPEECH

ELIJAH YOUNG I cannot thank God enough for this achievement and the opportunity to speak to you all today. It is only made more sweet that I have the privilege to address you in spite of the unpredictability of graduation.

Now, on behalf of the 2020 senior class, I want to take a moment to thank those God has placed in our lives to help us get to this momentous occasion.

Thank you, Foundation Academy School Board, for all the hard work you have put into making this school into what it is today.

Thank you, Foundation administration and staff, especially during this time of uncertainty, for working around

the clock to run this school and make our senior year just as great as we hoped it would be.

Thank you, teachers, for all of the love and time you have invested in us. Every year, our teachers spend countless hours prepping, teaching and grading. This year, even more was demanded of them, and they met the call.

Thank you, families, for all the senior surprises you organized, for all the games and performances you supported, and for keeping us motivated to finish our school year strong.

This year has certainly been a wild one. What started out as a typical senior year full of fun events and loads of work soon became a time of convoluted schedules and uncertainty. I was living a monotonous and unproductive life until a good friend told me that he feared coming out of the quarantine unchanged.

It was then I realized that this quarantine is the perfect time to grow in my relationship with Christ. I started by purposefully making time to read

my Bible and pray to God daily.

I urge you as followers of Christ to do the same. It is so pivotal to our relationship with Christ to spend time with Him in this busy and chaotic world.

After the senior parade for our last day, I went home and immediately said to myself, “Well I did it. What now?” I then thought, “I guess I will just go and watch some TV.” But as I was walking down the stairs, I decided to start this new chapter of my life with God. I read 2 Samuel Chapter 8. In both Verse 6 and 14, it says, “The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.”

Then I prayed, “God, whatever happens next, lead me where you want me to be and give me victory.” It is crucial to make God your main focus so that wherever you go, you can live a victorious life.

In a blink of an eye, our lives had completely changed. At times we felt hopeless as we have missed out on senior events we had been looking forward to. We lost our final prom: our last night of fun with our senior class. We lost senior

chapel and the candle-lighting ceremony. We missed that feeling of joy and heartache as we passed the torch to the next class. Despite our best efforts to compensate for the loss, we have no control over the situation. We cannot control the effects of the virus nor the government mandates for social distancing. Only God is in control. During a time where we feel helpless, we must look to Him. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” I have gone through depression, I have struggled with forgiveness, I have felt emptiness, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that only God can fill the void within us. He is hope when we are surrounded by darkness. If you haven’t decided to follow Christ, now is the time to do it.

We are about to enter the next chapter of our life. The best thing we can do, Class of 2020, is start it with God. Thank you.

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Unbreakable bond T

he Class of 2020. We were born with stars in our eyes and excitement coursing through our veins — despite the sadness and weight the world bore. We grew up with colors flashing in front of our eyes as countless hours were spent in our imagination. Technology flourished, opening a gateway of information unimaginable before. Premature dreams of astronauts, lawyers, doctors and teachers bloomed.

Little did we know the significance we would have. As adulthood approached, an unsettling feeling occurred.

We had been looking forward to the momentous event of finally being free.

We never thought to ask, “What happens next?”

“What do I leave behind?”

Faces we had seen every day were ripped from our grasp, and we were ordered to stay at home during what was supposed to be the best time of our high school career.

Everything we took for granted, from prom to seeing a teacher daily, was taken away without warning.

Goodbye, senior trip.

Goodbye, many memories.

Goodbye last days of senior year. We say this not to fill you with sadness but to remind you who we are and from where we came.

The Class of 2020 was born as the world stood still following the 9/11 attacks.

We now end our childhoods in another period of stillness as the world comes to terms with the “new normal” caused by the coronavirus. Do not let this be a burden but an opportunity for us to once again bring hope to a dark world and finish well despite the circumstances. This class has learned to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing circumstances surrounding us, equipping us with unique abilities that can only come from the resiliency we have gained.

We’ve grown up to be fighters and to always be prepared for everything thrown our way. We’ve

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Members of Foundation’s Class of 2020 will cherish the memories and the relationships they share.

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What a joy it has been this year to watch you grow through your senior year! I can’t think of a better class to get to work with as my first year as your principal.

As a class, you have such unique personalities that blend together into a dynamic group of young people that are ready to take on the world.

You are resilient, determined and courageous. I charge you to go out and make a difference in the world. Lean on God’s truths that you have learned here in these FA halls.

You all have big plans for the future but remember that your Father’s plans for you are always the best plans.

Your Foundation Academy family will always be here cheering you on. You will forever have a place in my heart, and I will continue to pray God’s richest blessings for each one of you.

Sarah Reynolds

MIKE THE MECHANIC GRADUATION

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VALEDICTORIAN’S SPEECH

VALEDICTORIAN Rebecca Elizabeth Sealy SALUTATORIAN Anavi Uppal CLASS OFFICERS President: Emily Whitt Vice president: Tracy Bernheim Secretary: Erin Bernheim Senior class representatives: Carissa Niccoli and Maria Cunha HOMECOMING ROYALTY Andrew Reynolds and Emily Whitt GRADUATION Senior Drive-Out: Friday, May 22.

Live graduation: Saturday, Aug. 1, at Windermere Preparatory School

Windermere Preparatory School Sahiba Ahmed Hannah Amer Awan Eduardo Alcide Barrichello Angeline Bergner Arianna Bergner Júlia Oliveira Bernardes Erin Danielle Bernheim Tracy Sarah Bernheim Jonah Robert Best Nhi Ngoc Bao Bùi Patrick John Cannon Eric Gaetano Casaburi Jr. Lokesh Chintapalli Amanda Concilio Manoela Hackbart Costa Elizabeth Cotter Pablo Andres Crespo Roberta Ortegosa da Cunha Rafaella Dalla Vecchia D’Assunção Maria Da Cunha Tomas Morgan Dallan Joao Pedro Urzedo Dallecio Neeley Marie Delamata Pablo Andres Delgado Paris Elysees Dessert Mariyah Dhanani Lindsay Maria Diab

Alexander Dial Catherine Rosa Dozier Max Charles Durst Courtney Anne Eaton Taylor Madison Ellis Abigail Leigh Farrell Olav Aédan Fenne Alessandra Fernandez Cuadrado Christopher Fetters Ross Jacob Fournet Patrícia Acquaro Gasparini Dominic Greives William Geoffrey Grike Blake Anthony Hall Tyson Nicholas Hanning Megan Lynn Hauck Carter Dean Heitkamp Giao Quynh Ho Sarah Mackenzie Horn Weiyi (Kimberly) Hu Megan Ikeda Jordan Mark Innes Sophia Valentina Jakubowski Jiang Han Matthew John Kane Morgan Kelley Gunnar Kirkland Kinney

Sandra Kojic Cole Lawrence Kucharski Ryan M Lahlou Alisa Lavrenko Duc Huy Le Joseph Anthony Lees Zachary Michael Lenoci Haojun Li Jiayi Li Wenjing Li Chia En Liang Hao Liang Lin Lin Yuechen Lu Kano James Mathers Magpuri Nour Sherif Mansour Sabrina Masood James Mayfield Molly Grace McLaughlin Avery Marie Meder Arthur Lourenco Merk Jordan Messieh Yurino Miyashita Derek Steven Mogauro Karan Mohan James Morris Mackenzie Morrison Hannah Grace Nagle

Dinh Long Nguyen Hoan Viet Nguyen Carissa Angelina Niccoli Colby Van O’Brien Olivia Oles Dylan Oleyar Nazli Ozhamurkar Kristjana Ósk Pálsdóttir Nikhil Patel Huy Pham Aiden Liam Polk Eshaan S Premji Juan Carlos Ramos Gabriel Restrepo Gomez Andrew Reynolds Luiza Barranco Rosa Jackson Roth Anastasiia Rusetska Olivia Ruth Russell Aidan Tatsuya Sakata Rami Muhammad Salem Harry John Goldie Sandbrook Krystal Kristine Santos Antônio Caio Scaramuzza William Mitchell Schwab Rebecca Elizabeth Sealy Jingwen Shang Roshanand C. Sharma

Sam Owen Sharma Alex Edie May Sheffield Charles Toufic Simaan Gunnar Studenhofft Yin Su Bilal Muhammad Syed Hiroshi Hirahara Tai Abhay Tak Austin Thomas Tanne Matthew McKee Tarpley Isabella Quilula Teixeira Halldora Thorsdottir Taylor Delaney Tompkins Connor Clayton Totilas Anavi Uppal Jouldan Idmel Velez Rivera Rick Morris Walcott, Jr. Jiaying Wang Wenyan (Wendy) Wang Emily Alexis Whitt Xiao Qi Zheming Yang Siying (Iris) Zheng Linghui Zhou Weijie Zhou

REBECCA SEALY The first time I really considered what I was going to say in this speech, it was spring break, it kind of felt like the world was ending, and I wasn’t sure if we were even going to have a graduation. But this is how the world has always been for us. I remember one day in Mrs. Huryn’s English class, we drew a timeline on the board describing all the major world events since the oldest one of us was born. The first event on the timeline was 9/11, and none of us can even remember a world before the war on terror. We grew up through Hurricane Katrina, species extinctions, the 2008 recession, school shootings and so many other catastrophic events. A few months ago, we were joking about World War III, Australia was on fire and the stock market had its second-worst day in the last 124 years. Now, we’re reaching one of the most significant milestones of our life so far — our high school graduation — and we’re in the middle of a pandemic. Sometimes, it’s hard not to feel like the world is ending.

Why do we feel like this? Is it because things are truly worse than they have ever been, or is it something else? Like any true IB thinker, I did some research.

In 1348, the Black Death really hit the Eastern Hemisphere, and one Franciscan monk left open space in his diary “for continuing [my] work, in case anyone should still be alive in the future.” In 1666, England suffered through the Great Fire of London, war and a plague — all in one year. Many called it “the year of the beast” and suspected the world was ending. In 1919, we had just come out of World War I, we were in the midst of the Spanish flu pandemic, racial tensions and violence hit an all-time high, the public was concerned about ties between the U.S. and Russia, the government began an

attack on suspected radicals and immigrants, and President Woodrow Wilson himself admitted in private that “the world is on fire.” Sounds a little like today, right?

Does this just mean that people like to overreact? Maybe so, but it also means that despite all sorts of catastrophes happening in the world, things that we think are bad enough to threaten our very existence, we are capable of surviving.

Speaking of trying to survive, I was a part of the cross-country team. Cross-country was one of the hardest things I ever did and one of the first things to teach me how important perseverance really is. I’m convinced mile repeats — where you run a mile at a certain pace, over and over again — were designed as some sort of torture. At times, it felt almost impossible to keep running, particularly because I really wasn’t very good at cross-country, and it’s so much worse to keep running when other people keep running a whole lot faster than you. But finishing a workout became one of my favorite feelings, because A) it meant I was done, and B) it meant I had actually accomplished something that I had to work really, really hard for.

I’m sure every one of my classmates has experienced the same feeling I did after cross-country practices and meets, whether it was after finishing one of Coach Kurtz’s workouts, after finally passing one of Mr. Crocetti’s tests, after the last performance of “Peter Pan,” or some other activity that meant a lot to you and required immense dedication and occasionally some suffering.

A few minutes ago, I brought up a lot of catastrophic historical events, but I want to bring in some of my family’s history, too. Ninety-four years ago, my great-grandmother Ruth Russell was the valedictorian of the Middletown Agricultural High School Class of 1926. She lived through World War I and the Spanish flu, and she graduated high school right before the Great Depression struck America. These events affected the way my great-grandmother lived forever (and sparked many family jokes about her thriftiness), but in spite of what she lived through, she attended business college, very unusual

for a woman in the 1920s, and raised an amazing family that would eventually yield three salutatorians and three more valedictorians. In her speech at her high school graduation, she said, “We who stand tonight at the meeting between our happy past and our unknown future have reached not the end, but the commencement of our lives. And what these lives are to be depends in a large measure upon the foundations we have been building for them in our high school years.”

I would add on to her quote, if I could: Our years at Windermere Prep definitely have an impact on who we become, but more importantly, we choose who we want to be every day.

We can choose to give up, or we can keep going in spite of the challenges life throws our way.

Our ancestors chose to keep living even when they thought the world was ending, and we have the capability to do the same thing now and for the rest of our lives. Our time at Windermere Prep and the activities we pursued here — whether it was sports, academics, fine arts or any other pursuit — taught us how to endure difficulties to achieve what we want in the end, and we are capable of enduring and growing beyond larger difficulties in life the same way.

From the outside, the world probably looks like a terrifying place, filled with suffering, fear and death. However, I think sometimes we forget to acknowledge how much joy, beauty and genuine kindness we’re also surrounded with. I am beyond honored and humbled to represent the senior class on this stage and to have been a member of Windermere Prep’s Class of 2020 for the last 10 years of my life. Looking at the senior class tonight, I see the incredible potential of kids — adults, now — who are capable of changing the world for the better, in ways both big and small. It’s all up to what we choose to do, and to our decision to persist in seeking what we want in spite of every obstacle the world throws at us.

I’m thankful to have been able to meet all of you, and I wish everyone here the very best for the rest of their lives. Thank you all so much.

The class that has it all AVERY MEDER

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he graduating Class of 2020 at Windermere Preparatory School is one that will be remembered for generations to come. Senior year was definitely a blindside for everyone, but the class quickly managed to move on and make the best of it. From winning Homecoming week in October to going on the senior trip to Europe shortly after, the class realized it was still able to do most of the activities as seniors one last time together. The shock of the coronavirus was definitely a bummer for the class, but the memories that were made just at school every day make up for it. From sitting in the courtyard between classes with friends to eating the fresh, warm cookies in the school store at lunch, final memories were being made on the last days at Windermere Prep when we

least expected it. From all the activities that occurred over the year, the class managed to really unite this year especially. While we all anticipated the rest of the fun activities being a senior at Windermere Prep has to offer, the school did a tremendous job making up for the loss of the rest of our year.

One student from the class hand-designed T-shirts for the class and delivered them to each senior, and parents from the class brought each senior treats as they had online classes throughout the week. The environment at Windermere Prep is one that is so unique from other schools. What is so unique about Windermere Prep is that every student has a different story to tell. Much of the class was raised outside of the United States and has come to America just to attend the school. The class is so diverse, which makes making new friends always exciting. From the athletes to mathletes, the class has it all.

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of you unique and distinguished.

Together, you have withstood so much that will develop even more resilience and strength as you take your places in your future colleges and universities … and then one day in the world. I hope you look back at WPS as a place that felt like home and comfort and that you re-

turn once again to the campus you loved to see the people who have loved you for years. I speak for our community when I say that we are proud of you and expect to hear that you have given nothing but the best. Always remember, “Once a Laker, Always a Laker!”

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Throughout the world, this year’s seniors will always be remembered for the history being made right now. You Lakers in our Class of 2020 are destined to continue to make history in ways that have not yet been foretold. Individually, you have passions, skills, knowledge and understanding that make each

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Windermere Prep’s Class of 2020 will be remembered for its diversity and positive spirit.

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GRADUATION

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VALEDICTORIAN’S SPEECH

Legacy High School VALEDICTORIAN Shivani Pirmal SALUTATORIAN Olive Betts CLASS OFFICERS President: Rachel Spencer Vice president: Alyssa Oxtal Secretary: Brittany Smith Treasurer: Sarah Lynch HOMECOMING ROYALTY King: Trent Phillips Queen: Rachel Spencer GRADUATION Graduation parade: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23

Abigail Adamson Madison Bailey Olive Betts Andrew Birko Connor Bryant Noel Clarke Matthew Cochrane Nathaniel Compton Cherelle Corlew Quinten Corter Hunter Cox Rebekah Cox Jeremiah Dawkins Nicholas DeAraujo Jessica Flores Myah Grebey Jordan Gorenflo Henry Hernandez Alexandra Jensen Grant Larson Connor Long Sarah Lynch Sarah Lopez Alyssa Oxtal

Julian Perez Trent Phillips Shivani Pirmal Elijah Post Jacob Pryor Jordan Ramos Jaden Reyes Amaris Richardson Noah Riewerts Fabian Santos Jaedyn Scott Isaiah Scott Brittany Smith Taylor Smith Rachel Spencer Emilyann Stalker Zoe Sutherlin Morgan Taylor Logan Tewson Brody Thalmann Alyssa Tillman Isaac Titus Logan Warner Jacob Worley

SHIVANI PIRMAL I know this speech is kind of unconventional, but so has been our senior year, so it almost seems fitting. And on a positive note, you do not have to sit through this boring speech in person, and you can pause me whenever you would like. I know that the last few months have been hectic, and it was by no means how we expected to spend the last few months of our senior year. Trust me, I am still mourning the loss of our prom, Grad Bash, senior skip day and senior walkout. But, do not worry, as soon-to-be adults and mature seniors: We will not feel bitter about it at all.

While trying to write this speech, I was forced to reflect on my time at this school and one quote constantly came to mind: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness …” by Charles Dickens from “A Tale of Two Cities.” Even though this was intended to be about the French Revolution, I strangely felt like it summarized our years together. It may sound pessimistic and critical, but I view it as a testament to the many years we roamed these narrow halls together during such an integral period of our lives. It demonstrates the duality of our experience; it was here, in this house of wisdom and

“

education, that we made some of our most foolish decisions, and it was from those foolish acts that we derived some of our greatest lessons.

It is often said relationships grow the most during periods of hardship, and these past four years were a great demonstration of that. Adolescence can be a time shrouded in self-doubt, fear for the future, confusion and seeking a sense of identity, and everyone here can agree this is not an easy process to go through. This, along with other personal, academic and social problems, can become a burden on any of us. But as a group, we went though this journey together. We helped each study for the SAT, comforted each other when life was not going as planned, or at the very least was a pleasant distraction to each other’s daily hassles for the eight hours we were together. We pushed forward hour-by-hour not knowing what lay ahead but realizing we had each other to rely on to lessen the burden. This included everything, from cracking light-hearted jokes in the halls between classes to a time when a graduate (who shall not be named) threw a stewed tomato in English and got it stuck to the ceiling. And the entire 9A class, as unit and well-oiled machine, collectively lied to Mr. Stacey and blamed it on a very innocent and very confused eighth-grade class.

Even though this story is strange and slightly worrisome of the people now becoming legal adults, I believe it adequately demonstrates the bond we built throughout the years. Whether we noticed it or not, we watched each other grow from the naïve and confused kids that crossed that threshold four years ago to the mature adults crossing the stage today. This is something

few others than those graduating alongside you will ever get to say. In my case, I am one of a few students who have been attending Hope and Legacy since kindergarten, and I can positively say, I have seen some things. I have watched people come and go, seen as friends I have known since 5 who loved to play MASH, Pokémon, share silly bands and found the joke “I CUP” absolutely hilarious get their driver’s licenses and start dating. But I also had the pleasure of witnessing amazing boys and girls grow into respectable men and women whom I am proud to have known.

As we all diverge from this point on, I hope it is not done so with fear but with faith that you are prepared to dive into the world head-on. For graduating is not the end, but the beginning of your future — one that you can design to fit every dream and desire you can imagine. And I hope that when you look back at your time here, you can do so with a smile on your face, knowing that these were great years, surrounded by amazing people, pride in your heart, because you came from the Class of 2020, and they are who shaped you into the person you are today, and absolutely no regrets, because even though not every day was perfect, you were able to find a lesson in every mistake, and it was worth it.

So, thank you, everyone!

Thank you to the students who made mundane days colorful, thank you to the teachers — no level of frustration or anger could waver your commitment to our education — and thank you to our families who supported us through it all. It was an honor being your valedictorian, it was an honor being your student, and it was an honor being your classmate.

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL Graduation is a big accomplishment; you put forth effort, made it through tough classes and created memories along the way. Each of you has worked so hard to get to this milestone. Now you are ready for your next journey. Some of you are going to college, some are joining the military, and some are going into the workforce. Whatever path you are taking, be bold, take risks, and conquer your goals. Everything in life will not be easy, and

you will have bumps along the way.

Just remember to stay focused on your journey and I promise every bump in the road will turn into a lesson learned and will make you stronger. All of us at Legacy are so proud of you, and we believe in you. Thank you for making the best out of what you were given due to the events happening in the world.

Congratulations, and Soar High!

Kristy Castellanos

United through adversity One thing central to nearly every culture on earth is tradition. It is a very interesting aspect of humanity; after all, it seems to go against the ever-changing nature of life, and it (conceptually, at least) seems to stand in direct conflict with the innovation of the human spirit. Despite this, it seems tradition has stayed with us throughout the years, and for good reason. Tradition allows us to connect with both our past and those who came before us.

Unfortunately, with how the world is right now, most of our traditions are being put on hold, which is something many of us thought would never happen.

Sports seasons have been either cut short or canceled, schools have been moved online, and many of us rarely leave the house. If you would have told me last year that for (probably) the first time in American history, churches would not meet for Easter service this Easter,

I would have laughed in your face. While I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do for my 18th birthday, staying all day inside finishing my homework for the week was definitely not an option I was considering.

With life turned upside-down, it has been hard for many of us, because we can no longer look to many of these activities and traditions for a sense of normalcy.

These broken traditions include the traditions we practice as high school students, specifically as seniors. This year, we as the Class of 2020 didn’t get a prom with its cliché theme and pricey tickets. And as much as some of us complained, it felt strange not having one.

Our senior walkouts, which are always events to look forward to, have been canceled until next year, when it will be time for the Class of 2021 to walk out of the school one last time. Had you told me that on the last day before Spring Break that my walk from my locker to the pavilion to get my sister would be the clos-

est thing I would get to a Senior Walkout, I would have appreciated it more. Fun events such as Grad Bash and the senior trip have been replaced with quarantine and sappy corporate commercials which always start with some variant of the phrase, “Even though we are social distancing, we are all still in this together.”

Many athletes have lost their senior season. I was looking forward to our school’s nowcanceled sports banquet, which honors the school’s varsity athletes. Finally, it has been difficult knowing that arguably the biggest and most important high school tradition — graduation — has been put on the chopping block. I am lucky to go to a school where they have figured out a way to allow us to walk across the stage (a sort-of drive-thru graduation), but many seniors in the Class of 2020 have had their graduations delayed, moved online or just canceled.

It’s easy to look at our current situation and say the pile of broken traditions is what makes the

Class of 2020 unique. And while that is true, that isn’t the end of the story. We haven’t been able to participate in many traditions that our parents and grandparents partook in, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t stay connected.

This hardship has done something that none of our traditions could completely do. It has united us, the Class of 2020, in a way no other class has been united before. All of us, regardless of the size of our school, the groups we belong to or where we stand in the class rankings, have all gone through this together. ... And in the future, when we look back on our senior year, we will know we, as a united class, made sacrifices to ensure the seniors of the upcoming years wouldn’t have to lose the traditions we did.

So when someone asks — “What makes the Class of 2020 unique?” — this virus, while part of our story, won’t be what sets us apart. What sets us apart is the unity and camaraderie we built out of the ashes of our broken traditions.

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GRADUATION

The Crenshaw School Growing through adversity SALUTATORIANS Nie Jia and Xu Yu GRADUATION Drive-thru graduation: 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16.

Students decorated their cars and were congratulated with a parade.

2020 GRADUATES Miriam Ayora Ryan Carneiro Yagiz Cimen Yigit Cimen Carolina Fernandes Santiago Gonzalez Murdoc Gould Nie Jia Joao Liberato Augusto Di Matteo Alyssa Mercado Johanna Nordwall Lei Xun Xu Yu

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his year has been crazy for everyone; especially for the Class of 2020.

We have gotten many traditions taken away from our senior year, but luckily, my school gave some of it back to us. I feel sad hearing that seniors from other schools are not getting anything and they may have to do graduation in June or July. The class of 2020 has faced so many hardships in which no other class has faced.

My senior class has had to transition from in-person classes to online to finish their high school experience. We missed out of having prom, Grad Bash and a Senior Prank. The seniors from the previous years were able to do this, but sadly we could not. We all had to come together and figure out a way to make our senior year special. My school figured out a really cool way to have a graduation that I have never heard before.

We parked on the grass and got our diplomas one-byone in the parking lot. I am so happy that I could have an actual graduation when not many schools are having graduations.

Every school is doing something different for their senior classes. This one school in Seattle is doing their prom on Club Penguin.

Schools have come up with an idea to do graduation on Zoom or even Houseparty, an app where you can FaceTime multiple people at once. Most schools are having graduation and prom in June and July. Some students are excited about this, but some students just want their senior year to be over with and not be dragged out.

Luckily, I do not have to face this because my school had their graduation at the time

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Congratulates 2020 Graduates!

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As we come to the close of your high school years, none of us expected we would be doing it virtually or in a drive-thru fashion.

Your memories of graduation may shine a little brighter than your fellow alumna that have graduated before you. I leave you with encouragement that all of your dreams become reality. You are going to experience life differently than you have experienced up until this point. You get to decide who you want to be; you get to decide your future. Use the morals your parents taught you, the academics we have taught you and the lessons life has taught you to go far! We are so proud of your accomplishments and hope to see you in the future!

Tanya Williams

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The Crenshaw School’s Class of 2020 excelled in a variety of arenas, including academics and athletics.

originally scheduled way back in January 2020.

Many people feel horrible the Class of 2020 haven’t received the real senior experience so much so that celebrities have pitched in to help them. A big example is John Krasinski. He hosted a virtual prom that featured Rainn Wilson, Chance the Rapper, Billie Eilish and The Jonas Brothers. He said he did this because he felt so bad that the Class of 2020 had to leave school without having any of the fun activities and he wanted us to have a real senior experience. Another example is that there is a podcast with celebrities doing commencement speeches. Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey and even Barack Obama have made speeches for the Class of 2020.

Senior classes from all over the country have come

together through social media. The most popular app they are using is TikTok. People have been creating short clips about their experiences at their school and asked what other students are facing. Some clips have been funny, sad or just relatable. A lot of people created group chats with seniors from other schools talking about what they are facing.

The Class of 2020 has

definitely faced hardships, but we are getting through it. With the help from celebrities, school faculty and various websites, the senior class was able to have a somewhat normal experience. I will never forget my senior year, and I hope the Class of 2021 will have an amazing year filled with fun activities and an amazing graduation. No matter what, we will have grown through this experience.

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VALEDICTORIAN Johanna Nordwall

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The trials and tribulations faced by the Class of 2020 will help mold them into our leaders and humanitarians of tomorrow.

Wishing the Class of 2020 Much Success!

This is as Front Line as it gets.

Nearing a 40% increase in the number of people we are serving, tripling the number of visits pre-COVID 19!

Our weekly inventory burn rate is now running 7 times what it was prior to this crisis.

TEXT

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“MHM� TO 4 1444 T O D O N AT E

This is a secure site for giving

OBSERVER | OrangeObserver.com

Unable to Hide Them in Plain Sight

Want to Help?

Services by appointment.

For more info, call (407) 905-9500 or contact us at info@MatthewsHopeMinistries.org

Since the pandemic we have distributed over

8,000 50,000 48,000 7,200 10,200

Protective Masks Pounds of Nonperishable Food Personal Hygiene Items Prepared Meals Items of Clothing

Help Us Help Them Help Themseleves

To Donate Financially n Text MHM to 41444 n www.matthewshopeministries.org/donate-money n www.paypal.com/donate/ To Donate Other Needs n www.matthewshopeministries.org/donate-food n www.matthewshopeministries.org/donate-items Donations can be delivered or shipped to 611 Business Park Blvd. #101, Winter Garden, FL 34787, Monday thru Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm, Saturday 8:00am to 2:00pm or by appointment. Please go around back of building by the Hope Chest Workshop with donations and ring door bell near the big arrow.

407.905.9500 I www.MatthewsHopeMinistries.org 611 Business Park Blvd #101, Winter Garden, FL 34787 facebook.com/MatthewsHopeMinistries GRADUATION

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2020

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OrangeObserver.com

GRADUATION

Montverde Academy

Fresh perspective ANDREA BARROWS, ADDIE GERKEN, JEAN-FRANCOIS “ARMANI” GRIMAUD, ZAYNA JEBAILEY AND MATTHEW KAREN

A

lthough this year has been a huge departure from what a typical senior year looks like, the Class of 2020 at Montverde Academy has persevered while managing to keep a positive outlook.

“At the start of senior year, I pictured a full year of memories and the graduation ceremony to finish,” said Matthew Karen, who will attend the University of Richmond. “We would walk across the stage, diploma in hand, and reflect on our time at Montverde Academy with

the memories and friends we made over the years. All of the spats, disagreements and differences in opinion would be put aside and we would unite as one graduating class to celebrate our collective achievements and triumphs.

“From academics to arts, we would come together to celebrate the Class of 2020 and see the conclusion of our time in high school,” Karen said. “While the conclusion of our senior year has not played out exactly as we imagined, I nonetheless walk away with the principle to not fixate on things that I can’t control and take the time to put things in perspective.”

Andrea Barrows, who will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University,

Emmanuel Hagan, Jr. Garrett Walker Hamm Jiachen Han Keegan Reginald Harvey Judy Ashraf Hassanein Matthew Paul Hicks Grace Nicole Hinerman Hugo Regis Jean Hollander Yujie Hou Geoffrey Michael Howe Chia-Chian “Irene” Hsieh Jianxin “Jason” Huang Zachary Kevin Huff Francisca Teresita Ibáñez Holmgren Santa Ihara Zeb Nicholas Jackson Zayna Leigh JeBailey Huayuan Jiang Yuhao “Hank” Jiang Bailey Michelle Johnson Juliyen Von Johnson Jesse Carl-David Jones Jack Leonard Kamsickas Matthew Alexander Karen Yodai Katsumata McKenzie Everhart Kauffman Thin Wai Khaing Joonil Kim Tallulah Kinkead Nicholas Joseph Knapp Marc Wilhem Kouadio Kseniia Kozlova Luka Kulijanishvili Valarie Michelle Kutemeier Richard-Miguel LapointeGuevara Dominika Lazar JiaChen Li Lai Li Cheng Hao “Damian” Liang Pu Riley Joseph Liberty Lucca Lima Jian Liu Lukas Leonard Losen Jiyong “James” Lu Tate Elliott Machinski Renan Macuglia Ahren Manhas Hunaiza Maqsood Brianna Reece MartinLitchmore Isabela Videla Martins

said she knew she wanted to leave school every day feeling like she did something worthwhile — whether finishing a big project or making someone smile.

“One of my favorite songs is Tim McGraw’s ‘Live Like You Were Dying,’” Barrows said. “While the end of high school is a bit less severe, the message is great for all seniors to hear. It’s especially applicable to this year, as we didn’t know that our last day was our last day. None of us had the ending we had expected to have for our entire lives.

Going to school every day like it’s my last is one of the best lessons I have learned this year: Leave nothing unsaid, nothing undone, and leave every day know-

Felipe Martins Guedes Rodrigues Jasmine Iman Massey Henry Louis McDonnell Edward Mensah Zhiyu “George” Miao Maya Nicol Mills Dave R. Miryala Dan Mo Aryaman Mohan Moses Josiah Moody Madelyn Grace Moore Tyler Britton Morgan Kayla Arie Morris Sarah Antonie Muller Christian Gonzalo Muñoz Morales Adam Maximilán Murár Emma Rose Murphy Heath Bowen Nailos William Dos Anjos Nascimento Thiago Prado Eufrazio Negrao Ariana Deliz Negrón Njofang-Claudel Carel Junior Ngongang Cauê Di Pierro Roman Novaes Samuel Odame Eric Oncins Gaudio Lauren Elizabeth Owen Prince Afriyie Owusu John Daniel Pasiecki Lucca Dourado Pereira Iago Pereira Triet Pham Gabriel Correa Pinheiro Sidong Qiu Yamill Alexander Quinones Ingrid Avila Resende Alexander Elias Rojas Anderson Oliveira Santos Rosa Moussa Agne Sabaly Issaka Salifu Amelia Pace Salvatori Gabriel Marcel Sambo Briceño Damaal-Jordan Tyrell Sands Hannah Nicole Schmid Nikolas Joseph Schmid Sydney Charlene Schmitt Yanique Elise Scutt Benazir Marie Serna D’Onofrio Pedro Henrique Serpa Froes Helou Yang Shao Day’Ron Sharpe

ing that if you never came back, you would be happy how you left.”

Addie Gerken, who will attend the University of Florida, added that she’s had a lot of time to think since school switched to distance learning. One thing she’s thought about is the concept of “senioritis,” a lack of motivation felt by seniors.

“Although I am quite certain the primary motivation is simply our own laziness, I’ve come to realize it’s also our denial of the inevitable,” Gerken said. “If we push back our assignments and responsibilities, we push back the idea of finishing, moving on (and) leaving our comfortable little bubble of a place. … Our senioritis, in addition to being an excuse for our selfish desires to relax and have fun, is also a mask for our fear. I’ve learned to

Maxime Matteo Signoroni Bernardo Luiz Diniz Silva Maria Julia de Souza Simão Michael Nicholas Singh Ishaan Sinha Molly Elizabeth Smith Jialu “Gloria” Sun Wanxi Sun Hanna Joy Swidler Ous’mane Sylla Peytann Rose Tamasi Zhiheng Tan Akash Tandon Juan Sebastian Tascón Pardo Mohamed Traore Dimitri Tsolakis Evegania Tsolakis Luisa Santarelli Tucci Taylor Marie Turnquist Jackson Parker Tyler Mirian Uzoma Gilberto Valdez Romero Kane Van Der Ven Eduardo Hanri de Souza Soares Vieira Vilius Vysniauskas Junfan “Kerry” Wang Mingkun Wang Xiaozhou “Joey” Wang Pedro Weber Caleigh-Rose Olivia West Savannah Marie Weyrauch Jaden Zachary Anton Williams Ethan Lowell Williamson Emily Margaret Wissinger Chengyuan Wu Dongmin Wu Kexuan “Diana” Wu Jingyi “Olivia” Xie Chicheng Xu Haotian Xu Yan Xu Yilin “Selina” Xu Yiwei Xu Zijie “ZJ” Yang Agustin Yiguerimian Reka Anna Zadori Yuxun “Wallace” Zhang Zilong Zhao Ziyan “Terry” Zhuang

overcome that fear, and am ready for what’s next.”

Jean-Francois “Armani” Grimaud, who will be attending Columbia College, said his senior year was one of growth and discovery.

“Things don’t always happen the way you expect them to; sometimes life throws you curveballs,” Grimaud said. “This year, I was given many incredible opportunities to grow as a student, leader, musician and friend, allowing me to discover who I am and who I want to be.

My senior year didn’t end the way I expected it to, but this ending helped me realize that I did more than just graduate high school.

I met people and created relationships that shaped me into who I am today — people who I know will always have my back and support me in my future.”

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Congratulates All Orange County High School Seniors!

The Town of Oakland Congratulates all of the Class of 2020 Graduates

Call 407.656.2734 or visit www.LANGD.org to get started.

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SALUTATORIAN Molly Smith

CLASS OFFICERS Senior President 2019-20: Adeline Gerken Senior Vice President 2019-20: Judy Hassanein

HOMECOMING ROYALTY Aaron Forbes and Taylor Turnquist

HEAD PREFECT Carolina Chaves

GRADUATION Drive-by graduation: May 16 Live commencement: 9 a.m.

Aug. 8 on campus

Olivia Claire Crosbie Ajani Micai Cumberbatch Cade Parker Cunningham Arthur Horr Da Silva Welnilton Rodrigues Da Silva, Jr. Eric Danquah Sam Grant Davidson Hannah Davies Felipe Yadoya de Andrade Laura de Chavarria Munoz Manuel Adilio De Gracia Sanchez Nina Claudia De León Negrón Joao Pedro Soares De Souza Lihaotian “Sky” Deng Hezekiah Destinoble Tristyn Staci Diller Erin Clare Dinmore Hamady Diop Jaime Martins Do Espirito Santo Neto Zhuoran Du Erin Nicole Dumas Lauren Nicole Dunham Christian Andrew Dyas Tyler Chaz Ebanks Ava Isabelle Eisele Arigbukh Enkhbold Jarvis Winston Evalle Tommaso Fabbri Mamadou Ibra Mbacke Fall Rocio Magaly Flanagan Michael Joseph Flores Aaron Anwar Forbes Jaida Iris Forbes Summer Isom Foshee Paola Alejandra Garcia Silvia Catherine Gaspar Amanda Kaley Gerhartz Adeline Mizelle Gerken Gabriella Marie Gilrowski Alejandro Gomez Cervantes Livia Goulart da Trindade Anabel Lee Granger Ryan Alexander Grant Ashley Scott Gray Jean-François Armani Grimaud Mingze “Kevin” Gu Angel Enrique Guerra Gonzalez Qin Lyu Guo Pranav Gupta

2020

Lake Apopka Natural Gas District

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VALEDICTORIAN Jesse Jones

Lucas Abreu Tyler Antonio Aguilera Gerardo Vale Albuquerque Santino Vincenzo Altomonte María Delia Amador García Olavo Amorim Neto Nicolas Martin Andrade Amy Ankoh David Veras de Araujo Arantza Armas Stenner Merrily Louisa Arnold Lucas Avelar Carvalho Andrew Jeffrey Aziz Brandon Azzi Macoumba Ba Zixian “Sammy” Bai César Banacloy Devon Reed Banbury Scott Wayne Barnes Andrea Hayes Barrows Laurens Aden Bell Vinicius Ferraro Belon Diego Berentsen Trujillo Vivianne Bessette Khushi Bisht Michael Aidin Boer Lachlan Joseph Bofinger David Böhm Neil Aryan Boodhan Jody Kimone Brown Higor Brunetta Da Silva Shaela Noelle Bybee Qichen Cao Julia Levy Caseli Marcus Vianna Castello Vinicius Monteiro Cavalcanti Ye Chai Carolina Garcia Chaves Yanjie Chen Hongji Cheng Olivia Paige Chestnut Hang Nguyen Minh Chu Matthew Cintron Omar Ciss Joseph Michael Coffey Olivier Andres Correa Pedro Correa Bolizan Joao Victor Silva Correia Kalia Marline Cortes Ernani Granville Costa Neto Maria Clara Costantini Marques Jose Victor Costantini Marques

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Central Florida Christian Academy Alejandro Bernal Gabrielle Costa Miles Bruton Caio Charles Diniz Farias Larry Forrest Jared Furtado Mikhail Hernandez Alicia Holley Griffin Horn Rachel King Adam Mathews Hayle Morgan Brandon Nguyen Ariel Obrycki Gabriel Mocelin Oliveira Julie Oliveira Jajuan Preaster Eric Rodriguez Joshua Seodat Nicolas Silva Parker Theobald Jalen Underwood Bradley Van Dam Bo Vireakwortey Joshua Virgil Mifa Vo

VALEDICTORIAN Brandon Nguyen SALUTATORIAN Adam Mathews CLASS OFFICERS President: Bradley Van Dam Vice president: Miles Bruton STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICERS President: Julie Oliveira Vice president: Mifa Vo Chaplain: Adam Mathews Public Relations: Gabi Costa Treasurer: Parker Theobald HOMECOMING ROYALTY King: Miles Bruton Queen: Julie Oliveira GRADUATION Live graduation: 7 p.m. Friday, June 5, on campus. Attendance by invitation only.

202O GRADUATES Krista-Robin Shaleen Cantrell Austin Edward Jarvis Natasha Monique Mercer Titus Lloyd Odom

OBSERVER | OrangeObserver.com

“

Our hats are off to you!

Live Well. Age Well. Be Well.

NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

I have watched each of you grow into the young men and women you are today, and I am proud of you. One part of your life is coming to a close, but so much is beginning for you. I pray you will continue to grow and learn as you move forward into your future.

You, maybe more than any class in recent memory, will go down in history because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on your senior year. After all of your hard work to reach this

moment, you may feel like you are facing an unexpected and overwhelming obstacle: What happens next, especially in a pandemic?

But you — maybe

more than any class in recent memory — have the ability to make history. Each one of you has already grown into a leader among your peers, and I pray that going forward you will continue to lead your generation wisely and courageously.

Well done, Class of 2020. Congratulations!

Rebecca Thomas

Live Well. Age Well. Be Well.

Schedule A Virtual Visit Today.

407-258-1222 AzpiraWindermere.com

13798 Speer Island Drive | Windermere, FL 34786

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GRADUATION A ceremony will be held as soon as state health guidelines allow.

But the Class of 2020 Is the Real Deal!

The residents and team at Azpira at Windermere congratulate the Class of 2020 on your graduation and send you best wishes for your next chapter – may it be filled with discovery, growth, and excitement!

Light Christian Academy VALEDICTORIAN Natasha Mercer

Your Graduation May Be Virtual,

A Pathway to Living® Community GRADUATION

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2020

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GRADUATION

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2020

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2020!

CALL, E-MAIL

or COME SEE US FOR

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HIGH LINE CAR SALES, INC.

Matthew, you did it!

It took alot of hard work and hand banging on the wall, but we are so proud of you!

Work hard and Fish Harder!

You have worked very hard and we are so incredibly proud of you.

You are such an amazing, caring and intelligent young woman.

We love you with all of our hearts!!!

Ringling College of Art & Design; Graphic Design OBSERVER | OrangeObserver.com

LAUREN WALKER

Aveda Institute Orlando

OLIVIA ANDRUS

4.7 GPA I Teenage Volunteer Health Central Hospital, Ignite Catholic Youth Minister Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University; Pre-Med, Neuroscience, and Psychology

KAREN ANTONELLI, OLYMPIA HIGH SCHOOL Olympia HS Class of 2020 The Titan Café Staff has enjoyed fueling your minds, as we wish you nothing but the best in the future.

It is your time.

Can’t wait to see the difference you make in the world.

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DANIELA GARCIA-MORENO

Dad, Mom, Dalton, Addison, Grammy & Pop Pop

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ASHLEY GESTEFIELD

Keep shining your light for Christ!

Cheerleader, FFA, FCA, Lax Lady

REACH FAR. SHINE BRIGH

Enrique, Kenny and Leo

Continue shining bright in your journey.

We love you!

Love, Mom, Dad and Emily

We are so proud of you and all you have accomplished! You are brave, strong, and have persevered so many obstacles.

Congratulations on your graduation, best wishes for your next adventure, and so very proud of you, too!

YOU ARE LOVED FOR THE GIRL YOU ARE, THE WOMAN YOU WILL BECOME, AND THE PRECIOUS DAUGHTER YOU WILL ALWAYS BE.

Congratulations, Ashley!

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DREAM BIG

I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me ~ Phil 4:13

0

S! N O I T A L U T CONGRA

HINE BRIGHT.

Class of 2020: Decide now that you will move onward through disappointment. You will recognize what you’ve missed, but focus on what you’ve gained. Create your own opportunities!

Be kind to yourself, your family and others along the way. And, of course, when you stumble, make it part of the dance!

T.

DREAM BIG You have grown into a beautiful and strong woman right before our eyes.

With your talent, your discipline, your determination and the effort you give, this is only the beginning of your success.

Congratulations!

Love, Mom, Dad, William & Autumn

FELICITY KALEY University of South Florida (Tampa); Biomedical Sciences GRADUATION

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2020

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REACH FAR. S

Florida State University

2 0 2 F O S S A L C

The faculty and staff are so proud of you, and we congratulate you on your graduation. Remember our creed as you go away from us, and know you are always a part of our family.

We are Legacy High School, and we are proudly distinctive; different than most.

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4 Years of Varsity Softball I Valencia College; Psychology

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ALYSSA TILLMAN

KATELYN BOENEMAN

PATRICIA BARRA, WINDERMERE HIGH SCHOOL

TIM SMITH, LEGACY HIGH SCHOOL

Love, Dad, Melissa & The Fam

- Mom, Dad, Abby, & Paige

TAYLOR LOHR

MATTHEW COCHRANE

Football since age 9; Basketball since Middle School; Avid Fisher

We are very proud of you!

“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” C.S.L

Mom, Dad, Victoria, Chris, Nana, Papa, Marrissa and Madeline! Love you!

We are all so unbelievably proud of you and cannot wait to see how far you go in life. We love you and know that your next adventure will be nothing but exciting!!!

It’s time to celebrate all of the hard work that led you to this joyful occasion. May the future ahead of you be as wonderful as you are.

All your hard work and commitment has paid off in 2020.

We are all extremely proud of you!

Conquer your desires!

!

S E L G A E O G

SARAH LEACH 4.51 GPA I Eastern Florida State College; Volleyball Scholar Athlete, Softball FACA All Academic Player, NHS

Congratulations Taylor!

Play to your strengths and achieve! I’m very proud of you!

Love, Grannie, Papaw, Mom, Dad, and Kyle

NS! CONGRATULATIO

DREAM BIG

Congratulations seniors!

I wanted to wish you best of everything in your endeavors.

Remember, the only rules that matter are these: “What a man CAN DO, and what a man CAN’T do.”

Congratulations, Sarah!

We love you and are proud of all that you have accomplished.

The best is yet to come!

IGHT.

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GO WARRIORS!

REACH FAR. SHINE BR

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LINDSAY KONRADT, WEST ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL

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GRADUATION

ATIONS L U T A R G N CO

Words cannot express how extremely proud I am of you all! My goal has always been to teach, invest and impact your lives. As I reflect on the last two years, I realize my efforts pale in comparison to the effect you all have had on me. It has been a joy and a privilege to be your teacher. As always, I am in your corner fighting and praying for you. Congratulations Class of 2020!

- before you are all your dreams.

Congratulations!

Around you are all who love you.

We’re very proud of you.

Within you is all you need.

Keep pushing to do better.

Congratulations, TFA seniors! No one could imagine how your senior year would end, but we knew you would triumph over any obstacle, and you learned that lessons were not limited to what is found in a textbook. Let these lessons guide you as you make the world a better place.

I am so proud of you! Your class will be remembered as one willing to serve others, tackle tough challenges, and succeed academically. You have been a superior model for the classes that will follow you. I am so honored to have spent time with you, learning and discussing life’s important lessons together. Your time has come: Go be “salt and light” to the world! My prayers go with you. Psalm 18:32

CL

Your are a very talented individual.

Follow your passion and achieve great things!

- Your loving family

INE REACH FAR. SH

3.72 GPA I University of West Florida; Nursing

BRIGHT.

DREAM BIG

MAYA PRAKASH

CHEREEKA GARNER, DR. PHILLIPS HIGH SCHOOL

Your very presence brings us life!

Your love of life will inspire your path.

Remain confident and be willing to take the necessary risks to secure your heart’s desire. God is with you!

- Mom, Dad & Daniel

“Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.”

— George Washington Carver

HOSSANA MORONTA 335609-1

ASHTON KAATZ

Psalms 18:32

Hebrews 10:36-37

3.17 GPA I Gap Year & Anderson University

“Grab hold of your dreams and make them come true. For you are the key to unlocking your own magic. Let your dreams guide you. Reach out and find your Happily Ever After.”

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my ways secure.

0 2 0 2 F O S AS

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.

For, in just a little while, He who is coming will come and not delay.

Your next journey is just beginning.

0 2 0 2 F O S CLAS

LEE ANNE SMITH, FOUNDATION ACADEMY

DREAM BIG

ANDREW RICHARDSON

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KAMRON NORAT

IGHT.

4.0 GPA I Lake Sumter / UCF; Health Sciences

JANELL PENNY, THE FIRST ACADEMY

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. SHINE BR

REACH FAR

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ELIJAH YOUNG

CAMERON LAY

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Love, Mom, Dad & Zach

Austin Community College / Texas University

Love, Mom

Congratulations!

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20 0 2 F O S S A CL What a year this has been!

We are proud of how you’ve handled the difficulties and disappointments.

And we are proud of all your accomplishments.

CARSON HOFF

Through difficult times, you’ve stayed the course and endured. I know that you are meant for great things.

Imagine with all your mind, believe with all your heart, achieve with all your might!

You are loved!

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CHRISTIAN TOSCANO

4.63 GPA I Anderson University; Math Major in Actuarial Science

Be Bold! Be Strong!

Be Courageous!

Never forget whose you are!

He has plans for you that are bigger than your wildest imagination! Enjoy the ride and have fun. Dad and I are excited to watch His plans unfold.

Behind you are all your memories

have come full circle.

Rollins College; Soccer

02 0 2 F O S S A L C

!

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Your patience and hard work

KATELYN MILLER, LIGHT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

30

2020

When you stepped on campus four years ago, you exuded purpose, power and pride, and quickly made a name for yourselves as the Class of 2020. As you transition into your next phase of life, continue to embrace the tenants of purpose, power and pride, and you can achieve all your dreams.

MADISON BAILEY 4.0 GPA I Rollins College; Mass Media

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0 2 0 2 F O S S CLA

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CLASS OF

Talia, we are so incredibly proud of you and everything you have accomplished in such a short time. #15yearoldgraduate! We can’t wait to see what God has in store for you in the future.

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Florida Gulf Coast University; Nursing

BRIGHT.

DREAM BIG Congratulations, you have made us so proud, we can’t wait to see what the future brings.

Love, Mom, Dad and Kevin

Valenica; University of South Florida; Elementary Education

0 2 0 2 F O S S CLA

OBSERVER | OrangeObserver.com

Florida State University; Political Science

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Valencia; AA Business I USF; Bachelors

ANN MARIE COOK Nursing

REACH FAR.

T.

Life will bring you both challenges and opportunities, there are no guarantees.

You can achieve whatever you want, all you have to do is BELIEVE! We believe in you!

GORDON WEAVER, WINDERMERE HIGH SCHOOL

CONGRATULATIONS on your graduation, can’t wait to see where God takes you!

Congratulations Class of 2020.

Remember “life” will happen, will you be ready?

Find the work you love, help others get what they want, handle the wealth you create maturely and you’ll be successful. If you’ll live like no one else, later you can live and give like no one else.

SHINE BRIGH

DREAM BIG

Love, Mom, Ryan & Abbey

MATTHEW JOHN PUCHALSKI

MYKAL CHAN

We love you!

Mom and Dad

All of your hard work has paid off.

We are so incredibly proud of you and know you are destined for great things.

GRACE LANGHOFF

- Mom & Ed

Congratulations Ann Marie!

Well Done! We are very proud of you!

Your energy, joy, wit, faith and compassion for others will serve you well in college, in nursing and in life!

2020

DREAM BIG

Psalm 23:4

2020

Best of everything to all of you!

T.

We are so proud of you!

The sky is the limit of what you can achieve!

CLASS OF

CLASS OF

Many transitions happen slowly and subtly, and we do not realize we have passed through them until we look back, but high school graduation is usually one of those transitions that we celebrate. You are still celebrating an important rite of passage, and now you get to define it for yourself and reimagine it. The Class of 2020 is full of creative, determined and passionate people who have a mission to find a new way to take the next step forward. How will you embrace this mission?

How will you seize the day?

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

4.02 GPA I Florida State University

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DR. BRENDA FIELDS, WINDERMERE PREP

REACH FAR. SHINE BRIGH

Saint Leo University I Sports Business, Varsity Soccer

For all my High School Stories podcast seniors, keep it going! I am looking forward to hearing your podcasts about your changing worlds.

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Honor Roll, Softball Varsity Leadership Award

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MEGAN KLEINSMITH

Mom, Dad and Carter

JEFF GALLUP, OCOEE HIGH SCHOOL

TALIA LEVINE 4.65 GPA I University of Florida; Psychology

Love,

JULIAN MATHIS

MATTHEW L. COOPER

All our love, Mom, Dad, and Jackson

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you have always imagined. You are strong. You are amazing. And you are capable of wonderful things. All your accomplishments and hard work were worth it.

Your hard work shows - job well done! We are so very proud and can’t wait to see what your future holds.

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MADISON SEIP

Congratulations Julian!

Dad, Mom, and Scarlett

2020

Love, Dad, Mom and Chelsea

INE REACH FAR. SH

Congratulations!

You did it!

We are so proud of you.

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Your success is well deserved and we are very proud of your accomplishments.

May the Lord bless your steps as you continue your journey.

DREAM BIG

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Congratulations Maddy!

E BRIGHT.

HENRY AUSTAD

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Even though graduation looked different for you, the achievement is still the same. You put in the same hard work. You learned and grew so much. I am looking forward to wherever life takes you next and feeling so proud of you.

SHIN REACH FAR.

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CLASS OF 2020

NS! O I T A L U T A CONGR

MS. STACY, THE CRENSHAW SCHOOL

3.4 GPA I Quarter Back I Delta State University GRADUATION

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GRADUATION

2020 You are an amazing young lady and I am so very proud of you!

I can’t wait to see where God takes you next.

I am so proud!

You overachieved high school academically, scholastically and personally. You’re going to do wonderful things in your life!

Love you always!

Mom

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.

“They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope”.

Love, Mom

Jeremiah 29:11

KYLE HUNTT

4.5 GPA I University of North Florida

University of North Florida

IONS! GRATULAT

2020

CON

Congratulations on graduation, Trey!

We are SO proud of you.

Keep working hard. We can’t wait to see what God has planned for your future.

All of your hard work has paid off and we couldn’t be prouder of you as you start this next big chapter of your life.

We can’t wait to see what God has in store for you.

We love you, Mom, Dad, Bradley & Lily

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We love you lots!

Mom & Dad

BENJAMIN BALES

ANJALI SAM

4.13 GPA I University of South Florida; Health Science

.

REACH FAR

SHINE BRIG

Highlands College; Music Ministry

0 2 0 2 F O S S A CL

HT.

DREAM BIG

When we started your high school journey never dreamed that you the student would soon be the teacher.

You have shown our family what it truly means to trust the Lord and overcome adversity.

You are a true example of what you can accomplish if you set a goal and work hard to reach that goal. Congratulations!

We are so proud of the young man that you have become and look forward to seeing you soar into your future.

Proverbs 3:56

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3.64 GPA I Valencia Community College

Love, Mom, Dad, and Nicholas

We are extremely proud of you.

God’s Hands, God’s Plan.

- Mom & Dad

MARIA KIME

MAISON KASYANOV

BAILEY TRINDER

4.6 GPA I Asbury University; Nursing I Cheer at the College Level

4.60 GPA I Liberty University; Aeronautics

Stetson University

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CLASS OF

We could not be more proud of the man you have become. It is such a blessing watching you follow God’s plan for you as you use your talents to glorify Him.

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LEE ANNE KLINE, OLYMPIA HIGH SCHOOL

GIOVANNI MORAES

DREAM BIG

We are so proud of you and all your accomplishments.

You’ve earned it!

Take time to think about what you’ve learned outside the classroom.

You’ll probably find that much more valuable than what you learned in it.

Life flies by so quickly. Take time to enjoy each moment.

All things that are worth it take time and effort.

Continue to follow your dreams!

E BRIGHT.

CONGRATS GRAD!

Be true to yourself; your word is your bond; be noble in conduct toward others.

Mom, Dad and Gabriel

REACH FAR. SHIN

CLA

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE Shall direct thy paths” ~ Proverbs 3:5, 6

God bless you

3.71 GPA I University of Central Florida

0 2 0 2 F O S S

Class of 2020, CONGRATULATIONS!

Your hard work and dedication have paid off.

You are graduating and we are extremely proud of you. This is the beginning of your dream coming true.

Always remember: God comes first.

DONALD “TREY” B. HUNT, III

SAVANNAH DOSHAN

GLYNISS HUDSON, WEST ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL

TIONS! A L U T A R G N O C

4.9 GPA I Florida State University I Biology Honors followed by Medical School

ISABELLE 335613-1

4.35 GPA I Florida State University; Psychology / Premed

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SYDNEY RAGSDALE

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-Dad, Mom & Tristen

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Take pride in your accomplishments.

You earned every one! Continue to be true to yourself. Be Bold. Stay Strong.

Know God is always with you.

We love you very much. Congrats!

Isaiah 54:17

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2020

0 2 0 2 F O CLASS

!

S N O I L O G

CLASS OF

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SHASAREE HENDRICKS, OCOEE HIGH SCHOOL

2020

2 0 2 F O S S A CL

We love you!!

Mom, Dad, Seth, Cole, and Shayla

Chai I am so proud of you!

You have persevered with integrity, discipline, and strength and it has all paid off! Fly High-the future is yours to create! I love you more than Mojo loves chapstick and Presley loves scrunchies!

0

-Mom

Congratulations Abby!

THEO SCHLEBEN

CHAI COLON

Even through this difficult year you have persevered and we are so proud of you. We can’t wait to see where life takes you.

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Pursuing a career as a pilot with the National Aviation Academy in Tampa, FL

4.44 GPA I University of Central Florida; Kinesiology, Sport and Athletic Coaching

CHEREEKA GARNER, DR. PHILLIPS HIGH SCHOOL

We love you!

ABIGAIL DESTEFANO

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0 2 0 2 F O S S CLA

. SHINE BR

Southeastern University; Business and College Level Football OBSERVER | OrangeObserver.com

JACOB LOGAN EAST 4.44 GPA I Florida Polytechnic University; Computer Software Engineering

ADELINA CRUZ University of Central Florida; Medicine

0 2 0 2 F O S S CLA

I won’t let my family down.

Paola muchas felicidades por llegar a esta meta tan importante en tu vida tu mama, tu abuela y toda la familia estamos muy orgullosos de ti. Te amamos mucho, sigue adelante que el cielo es el limite.

DAVI SOUZA 3.5 GPA I F.I.R.S.T. Institute, Ringling, Full Sail

LINDA SELMAN, CENTRAL FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Love, Dad, Mom & Avery

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MICHAEL LEMIEUX-BOTT

IGHT.

Life is an adventure, and we are so happy to be a part of yours! We love you, and we’re so very proud of not just what you’ve accomplished but who you are!

We love you son!

We love you Mom & Papi

My entire life coming from a foreign country has led to this moment.

DREAM BIG

When you graduate, rest assured the tears are full of life, joy, memories. Most of all, the tears are anticipation of the journey ahead for you. Your life has a purpose. You will do beautiful things.

Adelina you are strong, confident, fearless, have a compassionate heart and a fire for life.

We couldn’t be prouder. Your path is promising. You’re adored by so many.

2020

I am so proud of you.

I know the Lord has big plans for your life and I can’t wait to see all you’re going to accomplish!

May the Lord bless you and make all your plans succeed.

REACH FAR

.

INE BRIGHT

DREAM BIG

CLASS OF

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4.50 GPA I Lake Sumter / UCF ; Speech Pathology

TCC transfer to FSU program

When you stepped on campus four years ago, you exuded purpose, power and pride, and quickly made a name for yourselves as the Class of 2020. As you transition into your next phase of life, continue to embrace the tenants of purpose, power and pride, and you can achieve all your dreams.

LINDA SCHEFSTAD, FOUNDATION ACADEMY

Love, Mom and Matthew xoxo

HAILEY NICOLETTI

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Savannah College of Art and Design

WILLIAM BLAINE

. SH REACH FAR

“Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.”

— George Washington Carver

Mom, Dad, Ansley, & Maddi Your accomplishments are a reflection of your hard work and dedication. Always shoot for the stars, you have the world at your fingertips.

We love you William, and are so proud of you!

Class of 2020! Praying for an amazing year ahead as you head off to college to pursue your dream.

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Never stop trying.

Never stop learning.

Always stay passionate.

Live life to the fullest and give it nothing but your best!!

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Challenges are what make life interesting.

Overcoming them is what makes life meaningful!

As the Class of 2020 closes this chapter of their lives, they will know that these moments have prepared them for a lifetime.

They will “live out their dash” to leave a legacy!

Graduates, GO FORWARD with confidence!

Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. You have so much MORE to look forward to in the future!

Mom y Micaya

PAOLA GRIJALVA Rollins College; Political Science and Communications GRADUATION

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DREAM BIG

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IGHT.

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. SHINE BR

REACH FAR

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0 2 0 2 F O S S CLA Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Your infectious smile brings joy to all those around you! We are so proud of you and look forward to seeing all that God has planned for you in the future.

Love,

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans” Proverbs 16:3 Love always,

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ANNA BINKLEY

4.5 GPA I University of South Florida; Accounting

4.46 GPA I University of South Florida; Communication Sciences and Disorders

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KAYLA RICHARD

!

S N O I T A L U T A R G CON

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Love, Mom, Dad, and Danny

We LOVE you!

CLASS OF

S!

You have made it. All of those long nights and endless assignments have paid off.

We are so incredibly proud of you and know God has some amazing things in store.

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Anderson University

AUSTIN HIPSKIND

University of Mississippi ; Mechanical Engineering in the Honors College and the Center for Manufacturing Excellence

MORNING CHEN University of Florida

0 2 0 2 F O S S CLA

BRIGHT.

God’s plans for your senior year were different than usual, but you made the most of it and finished strong! We are so proud of the way you battled to the end. Looking forward to your next chapter.

We can’t begin to tell you how proud we are of the young man you have become.

We have no doubt you will influence every person and environment you encounter on your journey ahead.

We love you!

Mom, Dad & Rachel

Love, Mom, Dad and Kaylyn

DREAM BIG

DREAM BIG

We are so proud of all your hard work!

We can’t wait to see how God is going to work in your life!

Dream big and reach high.

Congratulations!

KASSIE KIMPEL

. SHINE REACH FAR

Love, Mom, Dad, Delaney, Ella and Chewy

We love you, Mom and Dad

CULLEN VAN DER RIET

.

INE BRIGHT

Follow the voice in your heart and be brave!

The pursuit of happiness, everyone desires but struggles to attain. Some believe money will give them happiness.

The truth of the matter is happiness is the result of being; kind, peaceful, and thoughtful with others. If you live life this way, happiness is a fruitage of your actions.

ATION L U T A R G N O C

2020

. SH REACH FAR

BETHANY LUKER, WINDERMERE HIGH SCHOOL

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SOLOMON ROBERTSON

3.17 GPA I Lake Sumter State College

Senior Athletes of Olympia High School, Thank you for the four hard years of work you put in here to bring a better name to our school and yourselves. We look forward to following you in your post-high school careers and appreciate your service here!

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Valencia College; Business Administration and Management

KYLIE ROWELL

OLYMPIA HS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT, OLYMPIA HIGH SCHOOL

Dad & Mom

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JUSTIN COLOMBO

ADRIAN VEGUILLA ESPADA Full Sail University

02 0 2 F O S S A L C

Our hearts are filled with pride. May you always follow your dreams and reach for the stars. We love you.

Jeremiah 17:7

Psalms 23:4

Mom, Dad, and Kyle

Dad, Mom, and Kyle

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.

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We’re so proud of your accomplishments and the beautiful person you’ve become.

You did it, now it’s time to celebrate!

0 2 0 2 F O S S CLA

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DREAM BIG

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LANE SHARP

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T.

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SHINE BRIGH

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REACH FAR.

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in ion r e ut n t rib r Pa ist er y D v er Cop s Ob ent ud t S

A Perfect Smile is 45% More Likely to Get You Hired Parents, Thank You for Investing in Your Child’s Success!

(407) 627-1187 www.SakowitzSmiles.com 335316-1

Winter Garden (Hamlin) Location Adjacent to Publix Supermarket 14416 Shoreside Way, Suite 130 Winter Garden, FL 34787

*Kelton “Smile Survey” 2012

OBSERVER | OrangeObserver.com

GRADUATION

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CONGRATULATIONS 2020 GRADUATES TO OUR WINDERMERE PREPARATORY SCHOOL 100% COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE Pre-K3 through Grade 12 SCHEDULE A VIRTUAL TOUR TODAY!

International Baccalaureate Program

407-905-7737

info@windermereprep.com

www.windermereprep.com

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2020 class had 524 college acceptances in 31 different states and 3 countries including Carnegie Mellon University, Barnard College,Berkelee School of Music, Cornell University, Duke University, Northeastern University, University of Chicago, Wake Forest University, and Yale University