Boca Ciega High School

By CANDACE RONDEAUX
© St. Petersburg Times
published June 6, 2002

[Times photo: Lara Cerri] Mark Kortvely smiles at a friend during the Boca Ciega High School graduation on Wednesday afternoon.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS WALKING IN CEREMONY: 380

VALEDICTORIAN: Carolyn Condron

SALUTATORIAN: Michael Black

SPEAKERS: Valedictorian Carolyn Condron, salutatorian Michael Black, senior class president Britney Scott with the farewell and presentation of senior class gift, teacher Rita Vasquez.

BEST QUOTE: "This year began with tragedy but will end in victory," Scott said to her fellow students about Sept. 11.

LENGTH OF CEREMONY: 100 minutes.

AWARDS: Gold and White Award for best all-around student, Alexander Smith; Humanitarian Award for goodwill and service to school, Scott.

CLASS GIFT: A check for improvements to the school library.

SCENES AND SIGHTS: Seven air horns, two cowbells, one whistle and a whole lot of air kisses from the stage.

SEPT. 11: Vasquez reminded students that terrorists will never win: "Have confidence in your ability to rise above. Don't ever let fear paralyze you."

TOTAL LENGTH OF SPEECHES: 19 minutes

AVERAGE TIME OF HANDSHAKE: 4 seconds

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