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.

By Times staff writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published June 12, 2002

VALEDICTORIAN: DEREK MICHAEL PHILLIPS

PLANS: To major in English/creative writing at Florida State University.

HONORS AND AWARDS: Outstanding Student awards in science and social studies, Princeton Book Award, seven academic letters, Scholastic Art and Writing gold key for writing.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society president, Links Crew, Academic Team captain, prom court, calendar couples.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Shakespeare in the Park, St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen.

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Reading and writing, participating on the Academic Team.

FAVORITE SUBJECT: English.

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: Mr. McKee, an algebra teacher at Gibbs. He has taught me more about classical virtues than algebra, and he shares my literary passion and taste.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My ability to plan and to compromise. I am able to estimate how much of myself something requires in order for me to succeed (and) how to budget my time so I can afford it.

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: I have no sad stories. All I can say is that what little I have accomplished is a direct result of the power of my mind.

PARENTS: Mona and Neil Johnson of Pinellas Park and Jackie and Lyle Phillips of Sandy, Utah.

In Derek Michael Phillips' opinion, the last great American novel was written before 1950. With a little luck -- he's confident he has the talent -- he hopes to change all that.

"I like to think of myself as a pretty good writer," he said, explaining that his inspiration comes from Fitzgerald, Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky. He envisions himself living "a kind of Henry David Thoreau" life, someplace where there are seasons.

An avid skier, he has earned prizes in several competitions. But after playing baseball for eight years, he realized it wasn't his forte. Life is too short, he said, to waste time on things for which he has no talent.

A three-year stint at Emerald City, a comic book store in Seminole, convinced him he's not a businessman. He rose quickly to department manager, but says he's "not so good" with customers.

"I'm good at appeasing them, but I'd be on their side too often," he said. "I don't like confrontation."

He suspects it's because his life has run smoothly so far.

"I hear sad stories all the time, but that's not what it's been for me," he said. "My life has been more than I deserve."

SALUTATORIAN: NICOLE MARIE DALEY

PLANS: To major in music performance (trumpet) at the University of Florida.

HONORS AND AWARDS: Marching band lieutenant, principal trumpet, All State Band, Outstanding Student Award in math, Pinellas County Center for the Arts Outstanding Instrumentalist, John Philip Sousa Award, Helen Torres scholarship.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Academic Team, National Honor Society, PCCA student advisory panel, marching band captain, Pinellas Youth Symphony senior orchestra, All Star marching band, PCCA wind ensemble, brass quintet, brass choir, madrigals, brass ensemble and orchestra.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Reading to the elderly at Grace Healthcare, high school stadium cleanup, math and music theory tutoring, Pinellas Youth Symphony assistant with philharmonia winds, philharmonia orchestra and senior winds, Fun Company picnic.

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Marching band.

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Any music subject. I love playing the trumpet and learning as much about music as I can.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I've never been afraid to ask "Why?"

PARENTS: Carol Daley of Largo.

SALUTATORIAN: ERIN STAGNER

PLANS: To major in life sciences and preveterinary medicine at New College of Florida in Sarasota.

HONORS AND AWARDS: Executive Women International scholarship, National Scholastic Pinnacle Award in art, Dean's List for four years.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Student government student body historian, National Honor Society volunteer hours coordinator, Links Crew.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Honor Society chapter projects including beach cleanup, St. Vincent de Paul food center and St. Jude trivia-a-thon.

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Volunteering at the SPCA.

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Science.

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My hero is my mother. She is an incredible woman who has raised two children into successful young adults.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: The incredible support I have received from my family, but mostly from my mother.

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: A broken finger that required surgery, and the death of an aunt.

PARENTS: Joanne L. Stagner of St. Petersburg and Ralph S. Stagner of Camden, Ala.

SALUTATORIAN: NICOLE LEE BAGLEY

PLANS: To major in premed at the University of Florida.

HONORS AND AWARDS: Hugh O'Brien Ambassador, Outstanding Student awards in math and social studies, Governor's All Star for Pinellas County, Who's Who Among American High School Students, Ronald McDonald Volunteer of the Year.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Academic Team, student government, marching band, concert band, winter guard, Links Crew.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Ronald McDonald House, ASAP Coalition for the Homeless, reduction of euthanized animals in Pinellas County volunteer.

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Marching band.

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math.

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My grandmother, Helen Malenfant, and my mother, Susan Bagley.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I have done as well as I have only through the support of my mom, grandmother and family.

PARENTS: Susan A. Bagley of St. Petersburg and Dondi D. Bagley of Largo.

NORTHEAST HIGH

VALEDICTORIAN: JACQUELINE MARIE PACE

PLANS: To major in international finance and economics at the University of Florida.

HONORS AND AWARDS: National Merit Commended Student, Rotary Exemplary Student of the Year, Northeast High School Hall of Fame, voted "Most Likely to Succeed," All American Academic, prom court, Florida academic scholarship, Northeast High swimming award.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society vice president, student government president, Interact, Mu Alpha Theta, Hi-Y, varsity swim team captain, varsity tennis team, freshman mentor program.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: All Children's Hospital, YOUthLEAD, student advisory committee.

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Spending time with friends and family at the beach or shopping, swimming, inline skating.

FAVORITE SUBJECT: English.

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My mother, because of all the sacrifices she's made for my sister and me.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My parents have taught me to have ambition, and it has made me succeed in everything I've accomplished.

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: I've had to move around frequently because my father was in the Air Force my entire life. I've had to adjust to many different environments, making new friends and establishing my place in each new school.

PARENTS: Kelley and Jon Pace of St. Petersburg.

Just when Jacqueline Pace thought she couldn't squeeze another thing into her hectic schedule, she got an offer she couldn't refuse: an invitation to participate in YOUthLEAD, a program that aims to help young people become successful leaders.

Armed with $500 and unlimited enthusiasm, she and six classmates turned a neglected area at the St. Petersburg YWCA into a children's playground.

"The toddlers didn't have anyplace to play," Jacqueline said. "I thought it would be a good way to give back to the community. It was an honor they chose me, because there were a lot of applicants."

Juggling schoolwork, community service and two part-time jobs was a challenge for the 18-year-old.

"This year I took on a lot," she admitted, "but I think it's important to be involved. Being involved is the best thing you can do."

She was thrilled when her classmates voted her "Most Likely to Succeed."

"I think that since my class thinks I'm most likely to succeed, it means people are seeing the hard work I put into things," she said.

SALUTATORIAN: JAMIE ANN TOON

PLANS: To major in engineering at Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne.

HONORS AND AWARDS: Varsity volleyball captain for three years, varsity volleyball Most Valuable Player for three years, First Team South Pinellas County in volleyball for three years, John Lynch Star of the Month, Heisman nominee, academic letter and bars, Florida Institute of Technology scholarship, Florida Merit scholarship, Meadowlawn Neighborhood scholarship.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta vice president.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Diabetes walk-a-thon, hospice gift wrap, sea oat planting with the Oceanography Camp for Girls.

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Playing volleyball and going to concerts.

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Physics.

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My grandmothers, because they are strong. My parents, because they always told me and showed me that hard work pays off. My uncle, because he is surviving even though the odds are against him.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I can't accept failure. If I keep a good attitude and work hard, it almost always pays off.

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: I have medical problems that are supposed to slow me down in sports, but I still always get out on the court and play 100 percent.

PARENTS: Valerie and David Toon of St. Petersburg.

OSCEOLA HIGH

VALEDICTORIAN: KIMBERLY CONAWAY

PLANS: To major in Elementary Education at the University of Florida.

HONORS AND AWARDS: Seminole Elks Student of the Month, Soccer First Team All-State, Swimming Academic All-American, 50-yard freestyle district champion, four-year state qualifier, track two-year district champ (300 hurdles), regional champ, Athletic Academic All-State finalist, 2002 homecoming court.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society president, Spanish National Honor Society vice president, Mu Alpha Theta, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Future Business Leaders of America, Club '02, varsity soccer captain, varsity track captain, varsity swimming captain.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen, Largo Health Center.

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Going to the beach.

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math.

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My first-grade teacher.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My sports and other activities have forced me to learn how to manage my time wisely.

PARENTS: Carol and Michael Conaway of Seminole.

After playing sports for 15 years, Kimberly Conaway has developed a theory about athletes.

"I think you're born athletic or not athletic," she said. "If you want to do it, you can do it, but I think it comes more naturally for some than others."

Kimberly enhanced her natural athletic ability with hours of practice, but she remembered her priorities.

"All my coaches and my family have said academics come first," she said. "If I had a choice between the two, I would pick academics. That's where you're going to be successful with life."

Academic success runs in Kimberly's family. Her brother, Kevin, was valedictorian at Osceola in 1997. She thought it would be neat to follow in his footsteps, but insists her family put no pressure on her.

"I probably put pressure on myself," she said, explaining that she always strives to do her best. She plans to turn her attention next to becoming the kind of teacher she had in first grade.

"Just the way she was with kids, you could tell she really cared about everyone and tried to make everyone feel special," she said. "I'd like to touch at least one child the way she touched me."

SALUTATORIAN: LINDSEY M. COBB

PLANS: University of Florida; major is undecided.

HONORS AND AWARDS: Seminole Elks Club Student of the Month, Outstanding Student awards in biology, chemistry, Spanish, English, driver's education and trigonometry.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Club '02, Spanish Club, Interact, Arista and Righteous Invasion of Truth clubs, student government.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Gateway Community Pride Center, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Toys for Tots, Interact Thanksgiving baskets, Lake Seminole Park spud busting, multiple sclerosis walk-a-thon.

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Playing tennis and inline skating.

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math.

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My grandmother.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My parents have always been a positive influence and have encouraged me to do my best in school.

PARENTS: Debbie and Ted Cobb of Largo.

PINELLAS PARK HIGH

VALEDICTORIAN: KRISTIN ELIZABETH KIBLER

PLANS: To attend Louisiana State University; major undecided.

HONORS AND AWARDS: Outstanding Student awards in Spanish and math, Rotary Student of the Month, best witness in state mock trial competition, Academic Team second place, Dean's List awards, Brain Bowl first-place team.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society parliamentarian, Future Educators of America historian, Florida Public Service Association historian, Law Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Students Teach Students, mock trial team, student government.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Habitat for Humanity, blood drives, Teen Court, church activities, Christmas Toy Shop, Ronald McDonald House, DARE role model, Cross Bayou Elementary field day volunteer.

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Reading.

FAVORITE SUBJECTS: History, math and English interest me most, but other subjects are more appealing from time to time because of the way they're taught or presented.

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: There is no one person who is my role model because I encounter many people daily who leave me inspired to be better.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Determination and the belief that I can do what I set out to accomplish. I believe there is no task too great to finish successfully, be it becoming valedictorian or tutoring another student, because I appreciate the fact that sometimes you just have to ask for help. My pride in myself and the desire to please my family have also been influences.

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: For a long time, I had a hard time realizing a sense of self. That held me back and kept me from doing things and being someone who did anything meaningful.

PARENTS: Sandra L. Kibler of Seminole and Thomas Bryant Kibler of Lakeland.

Kristin Elizabeth Kibler experienced freedom when, somewhere between middle school and high school, she stopped being a follower.

"It's really been liberating," she said. "I've learned to be myself, to do my own thing. I can do whatever I want to without being bogged down by other people."

She has the distinction of being the graduating senior at her school who is going to college the farthest from home. She knows it will be different when she leaves for Louisiana compared to when she went to Spain for a month between her freshman and sophomore years.

"This is saying bye," she said. "The line between adolescence and being an adult is becoming distinct."

A fifth-generation Floridian, she knows her mother would rather see her stay closer to home, but she says she's ready to spread her wings.

"There are so many things out there. I just need to look around and put my feet in a couple of places and see what I feel like," she said.

SALUTATORIAN: WANYDA JEAN-BAPTISTE

PLANS: To major in mechanical engineering at the University of Florida.

HONORS AND AWARDS: Rotary Student of the Month, Criminal Justice IV Most Outstanding Student, Most Improved Tennis Player, Ebony Scholar, St. Petersburg Times scholarship.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Law Honor Society, school newspaper, school literary magazine.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Westminster Shores Nursing Home, service projects through school clubs.

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Tennis.

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math.

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My mother is my hero because she has always encouraged me to continue being a good person and doing what's right.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I attribute my success to my determination to do well in everything I do and encouragement from my family, friends and teachers.

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: I have had difficulty becoming an outgoing person, but now I am changing that.

PARENTS: Joyce Jean-Baptiste of St. Petersburg.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright