Best of the Best

Editor's note: They have the highest grade point averages, but it doesn't stop there. Community service, extra activities and ambitious goals make the Class of 2002 valedictorians and salutatorians the Best of the Best.

BOCA CIEGA HIGH

VALEDICTORIAN: CAROLYN MARIE CONDRON

PLANS: To major in elementary or special education at Palm Beach Atlantic College

HONORS AND AWARDS: Voted Most Intellectual by classmates, Principal's Leadership Award, Community Service Award

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Mu Alpha Theta vice president, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Interact, Faith on Fire Christian club, prom court, Student Leadership at Church By the Sea

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Southside Fundamental Spanish tutor, 2002 Pet Walk, Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, Sun Coast Hospital and All Children's Hospital volunteer, church community services volunteer

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Spending time with close friends and family, goofing off, going bowling, watching movies, shopping

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: Jesus Christ. He's given me life and has blessed me with an amazing one.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: God has blessed me with the motivation, determination and self-obedience to excel in school.

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: Learning to deal with the punches life sends you and not allowing these obstacles to discourage you from doing what your heart desires.

PARENTS: Paula and Billy Houser of Madeira Beach and Sharon and Bill Condron of St. Petersburg

Juggling four AP honors classes and a host of extracurricular activities in her senior year taught Carolyn Marie Condron the value of a free moment.

"This year was insane. I've never been so busy," she said. "I was slammed all the time."

As difficult as it was to sandwich her first love -- working with kids -- between a heavy reading schedule and a mountain of calculus problems, she found time to tutor children at elementary schools and visit them at hospitals.

Her volunteer work convinced her that she wants to be a teacher, a dream she's had since she was a child. Spending time with her cousin, who is autistic, has encouraged her to concentrate on special education.

Because family is important to the 18-year-old, the hardest part about going across the state for college will be leaving her twin sister, Colleen, and her 11-year-old sister, Courtney. The chance to attend a Christian school will make the separation more bearable, she said.

"I'm excited about learning more about Christianity, and about taking classes in what I want to do in life and experiencing different opportunities," she said.

SALUTATORIAN: MICHAEL BLACK

PLANS: To major in premed at the University of Florida

HONORS AND AWARDS: Rensselaer Award in mathematics and science, Principal's Leadership Award, All Children's Hospital Francis Shoemaker Award, Boy's State, Who's Who Among American High School Students, All Children's Hospital Above and Beyond Award, Pinellas Youth Symphony violinist, prom king

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Voted Mr. Boca Ciega High School by classmates, Mu Alpha Theta president, National Honor Society, Heath Occupational Students of America, Students Teach Students, varsity golf team captain, Fellowship of Christian Athletes

COMMUNITY SERVICE: All Children's Hospital Childlife, tutoring and front desk volunteer

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Surfing

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My family, friends and teachers have all served as role models. Each carries attributes that have inspired and shaped me throughout my life.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I have had great teachers, whose energy and willingness to help has driven me to work hard and always give my best.

PARENTS: Madeline and Dell Black of South Pasadena

DIXIE HOLLINS HIGH

VALEDICTORIAN: CAROLYNN MAE CHIN

PLANS: To major in engineering at Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Ga.

HONORS AND AWARDS: Dixie Hollins Athlete of the Year, academic letter, PRIDE awards in math and science, Calculus Student of the Year, Trustees Scholarship to St. Petersburg College, GTE Award, H. Bentley Lawson Award for Academics, Principal's Honor Roll, softball honorable mention, All District softball, Chemistry-Physics Student of the Year, Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, All Conference volleyball, Dr. Voie Stuart Chase Coy Scholar-Athlete Award, school top 10 percent in math, state top 10 percent in math, AP American History Student of the Year, Coach's Award for volleyball, John Lynch Star of the Year, Bell Honors Program Scholarship, Pinellas Park Rotary Student of the Month, St. Petersburg Rotary Student of the Year, Senior Standout Award

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Volleyball, softball, flag football, Academic Team, student council, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Mu Alpha Theta

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Blanton Elementary, Dixie Hollins and St. Petersburg College tutor, Big Brothers Big Sisters, blood drive coordinator, Paz de Cristo homeless shelter, Ronald McDonald House and Mountain Pointe Little League baseball camp volunteer

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Softball

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My dad. Though this is probably a common answer from anyone, I believe my dad is special. No one cares, loves, or supports me and my sisters more than my dad.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: It was always expected of me and my sisters to do well. I grew up in a very positive and supportive environment and I have simply always wanted to do well.

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: Between my sophomore and junior years of high school, I was forced to leave my life in Arizona and build a completely new life in Florida. The drastic change in schools probably affected me the most and it was a very difficult time for me.

PARENTS: Sandra Pepicello of Pinellas Park and John Chin of Arvada, Colo.

Carolynn Mae Chin fell in love for the first time at age 7 -- with softball. She began playing competitively at 9, and for the past few years, has traveled across the country playing in college exposure tournaments.

"My dad is always saying, 'Where is softball going to get you in 10 years?' " she said. "It does take up a lot of time, but I would rather play softball than do anything."

The opportunity to play on Georgia Southern's team was the deciding factor in the 18-year-old's choice of colleges. That, and the fact that she was one of 18 freshmen accepted nationwide for the school's Bell Honors Program.

"I didn't think my academics were good enough," she said. "It was like getting into Harvard for me."

After living in Ohio, Colorado, Arizona and Florida, Carolyn is looking forward to her next adventure.

"I think it's time to move on and start something new," she said.

SALUTATORIAN: STACY LEEANN THORNHILL

PLANS: To major in biomedical or chemical engineering at the University of South Florida

HONORS AND AWARDS: Pinellas County Outstanding Volunteer, Miss Dixie Hollins High School, Botany Student of the Month, St. Petersburg Times scholarship semifinalist, Junior Sungoddess finalist, St. Petersburg Kiwanis Club Al Muter scholarship, Derby Lane and Bright Futures scholarships

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Student Government president, Mu Alpha Theta vice president, Interact treasurer, Student Advisory Council representative, National Honor Society, Multicultural Club, Principal's Advisory Committee, Florida Girls State Delegate, Youth Congress, Academic Team

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Ronald McDonald House and Enterprise Village volunteer, "Raise Your Standards, Not Your Fists" campaign, Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids' Sake, AIDS Walk, Charity Bowling, math tutor, blood drive volunteer, science fair judge volunteer, tobacco awareness mentor

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Skiing

FAVORITE SUBJECT: English

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My mother, because she's been through so much and still manages to greet each day with a bright smile and refreshed hope.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My mom has always been there to back me up and give me motivation. She always told me to be the best I could be, and I always wanted to make her proud and not let her down.

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: In my freshman year, I was diagnosed with cone dystrophy, a disease that causes blindness and is a type of macular degeneration. I have been told that I should be blind by the age of 50.

PARENTS: Janette Thornhill of Pinellas Park and the late Robert Thornhill

SALUTATORIAN: REBECCA LEE ANDERSON

PLANS: To major in law at the University of South Florida

HONORS AND AWARDS: Honor Roll, Dean's List, geometry honors department award, academic letters, Rotary Student of the Month, varsity letters, volleyball team player award, Bright Futures, Derby Lane and LaSertoma scholarships, Ms. Dixie Hollins High School Senior Standout

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Homecoming court, varsity volleyball, National Honor Society president, senior class secretary, Mu Alpha Theta secretary, Interact, Student Rights and Responsibilities, Haynes' Huddle

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Pinellas County Youth Congress, Blanton Elementary tutor, Junior Achievement and Ronald McDonald House volunteer

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Homecoming activities

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My mom, because she has always encouraged me to do my best in everything I attempt. She is hard working and dedicated to not only being a mother, but a teacher and student as well.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I am motivated and want to be successful in life. I know that you have to work hard and be dedicated to everything you do and I think that is especially important in doing well in school.

PARENTS: Patricia Anderson of Kenneth City and Thomas Anderson of Seminole

LAKEWOOD HIGH

VALEDICTORIAN: BLERINA HYSI

PLANS: To major in premed at the University of Florida

HONORS AND AWARDS: All American Scholars finalist, National Merit awards, Bright Futures and Derby Lane scholarships, United States Achievement Academy 2000 national awards finalist, Honor Roll, Dean's List, math department medal of honor

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: English for Speakers of Other Languages Club, Ecology Club, Multicultural Club, National Honor Society

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Bayfront Medical Center volunteer

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Swimming

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I set my goals and don't let anything get in my way. I am focused and determined to reach them.

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: Moving here was pretty tough. I had to learn a new language, make new friends and go to a new school.

PARENTS: Majlinda and Gezim Hysi of St. Petersburg

Blerina Hysi claims there are two secrets to her success: She doesn't take life too seriously, and she always tries to see the good side of things.

Her optimism was tested when her family came to the United States from Albania three years ago. It was difficult, Blerina said, to adjust to a country where the people were so much more outgoing.

"You really don't go out to the movies or to the mall," she said, describing the life she was accustomed to. "You kind of just hang out at home."

During her senior year, the 16-year-old, who skipped ninth grade, worked as a customer service representative from 4 until 9 p.m. She stayed up past midnight most nights doing homework.

"I go to bed at 1 and wake up at 5:30. You just have to get used to it," she said, explaining that she tried to get extra sleep on weekends.

She figures her hectic schedule has prepared her for her future as a cardiologist.

"I'll be on call all the time, but it will be worth it," she said. "I'll wake up in the morning and look forward to going to work."

SALUTATORIAN: KASSIDY ROGERS

PLANS: To major in business at the University of Tampa

HONORS AND AWARDS: Dean's List, Honor Roll, Spartan of the Month and Spirit of Santiago awards, Presidential Scholarship

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Student Government, National Honor Society, Spartan Patrol

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Azalea Middle School volunteer

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Reading

FAVORITE SUBJECT: English

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My mom is my hero because she has had to overcome so much and has still managed to love me, take care of me, and give me everything I could ever need.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I knew that my parents cared about the grades I get and I didn't want to disappoint them.

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: I have had difficulty understanding some of the thoughts and reasonings behind the behaviors that are demonstrated by public school administration. Sometimes it seems to me like behaviors exhibited do not encourage an environment dedicated to learning and growth.

PARENTS: Connie and Bill Kirkpatrick of Treasure Island and Evelyn and Roy Rogers of Largo

SALUTATORIAN: EDMOND MALA

PLANS: To major in premed at the University of Florida

HONORS AND AWARDS: National Honor Society officer, science department and foreign languages department medals of honor, Honor Roll, Dean's List, Bright Futures scholarship

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: German Club, Academic Team

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Bayfront Medical Center volunteer, National Honor Society service projects

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Volunteering at Bayfront Medical Center

FAVORITE SUBJECT: AP Biology

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My parents, because they sacrificed everything we had back in Kosovo so I could have a better education here in the United States.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: At first, competition: knowing that I could do better than some peers I knew. But in high school, it was the only way I had to show my parents that their actions accounted for something.

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: Learning the language when I arrived here was a tremendous obstacle. Having to leave my country and all my friends has to be the most difficult thing I've ever had to do.

PARENTS: Filonza and Nexhad Mala

LAKEWOOD CENTER FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES

VALEDICTORIAN: MORGAN ROY

PLANS: To major in naval architecture/marine engineering at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn.

HONORS AND AWARDS: Voted Most Athletic by classmates, Spartan of the Month, State Final Four in soccer, 100 Percent Award in soccer

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, soccer team captain, homecoming court, Spartan Patrol, senior class officer, Clearwater Chargers club soccer, peer mediator

COMMUNITY SERVICE: YMCA volunteer in youth sports

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Soccer

FAVORITE SUBJECTS: Calculus, history

HEROS OR ROLE MODELS: Mom and Dad. Both have traveled the globe and found their own way to be successful.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I've been motivated to do well. I had a lot of support from family and teachers. I learned good study habits early in high school.

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: Although I've had my share of bad days with school, sports, family, friends and teenage problems, my good days have definitely outnumbered my bad.

PARENTS: Nancy and Raymond Roy of St. Petersburg

Morgan Roy, 18, admits she's not the typical teenage girl.

In the past three months, she's visited friends in Tennessee, flown to Idaho to spend time with a friend from soccer camp, and learned to windsurf.

"I do random outdoor stuff," she said. "That's why I wanted to go into the Coast Guard. It seemed like the perfect fit."

The only downside to the Coast Guard appointment, she said, is that she has to leave for Connecticut next month, nixing her plans for a summer trek through Europe.

An all-around athlete, Morgan is most at home on a playing field. She enjoyed her stint as a sports anchor for Lakewood's morning news show, but would rather be swimming, playing soccer or running cross country.

She approaches work and play with equal enthusiasm.

"I don't procrastinate," she said. "When I get a project, I just do it. I don't think about it anymore."

She will miss her family and friends when she leaves home, but says she is looking forward to new challenges.

"I'm just at that age where I'm ready," she said.

SALUTATORIAN: ROMEO ACOSTA III

PLANS: To major in computer engineering at the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind.

HONORS AND AWARDS: Dean's List, Honor Roll, Pinellas All Star football team, All City academic football team

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Varsity football, National Honor Society, Interact, Mu Alpha Theta

COMMUNITY SERVICE: St. Petersburg General Hospital volunteer, church alter server

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Football

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: I have always looked up to my father because he has overcome so much in his life to become the successful man he is now.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My parents. They have always pushed me to do my best and expected nothing less.

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: The adjustment from a Catholic middle school to a public high school

PARENTS: Elba and Dr. Romeo Acosta Jr.

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