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© St. Petersburg Times, published June 19, 2002
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.
Valedictorian: Diane Michelle Weaver
PLANS: To attend St. Petersburg College for a year and transfer to Palm Beach Atlantic College in West Palm Beach to major in music and sports medicine and minor in political science.
HONORS AND AWARDS: Regiment director's choice for Outstanding Service, regiment attendance officer, regiment librarian, student ambassador, Timothy Award for varsity track, varsity track district finalist in 300-meter hurdles, varsity track regional finalist in 300-meter hurdles and 4x100-meter relay, outstanding academic awards for English, Spanish, chemistry, government, economics and physics.
ACTIVITIES: Student body treasurer, National Honor Society treasurer, varsity track and field, media team, Students with a Testimony, Brain Bowl, Envirothon, band.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Solid Rock Company, Clearwater Jamboree, Paint Your Heart Out, First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks youth center.
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Solid Rock Company, a youth ministry.
FAVORITE SUBJECT: Government, because you have the opportunity to explore how our world functions in the political aspect.
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My high school youth pastor, Tim Jennings, is my role model. He has shown me much direction in my life and has taught me valuable lessons.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Jesus. He has blessed me with a great family and incredible friends.
OBSTACLE I'VE OVERCOME: The biggest difficulty I have is taking on too many responsibilities. I have learned to say "no" sometimes, but I am still working on it.
PARENTS: Glenn Weaver of Seminole and Debbie and Ed Trask of Seminole
Diane Weaver had placed in the top three in most of her races, so she wasn't worried at the regional track and field meet in April.
She was about to leap the third hurdle when she slipped and fell. On the way down, her jaw smacked against the hurdle. She tried to get up and run, but she fell down again.
Weaver was rushed to the hospital, where she had her broken chin stitched up and her jaw wired shut during a two-hour surgery.
Her broken jaw meant missed opportunities. She couldn't compete in the state track meet. She couldn't go on a youth group trip to Philadelphia. And toughest of all, she couldn't test for her black belt in tae kwon do three weeks ago.
Instead, Weaver sat back and watched her boyfriend test for his second-degree black belt.
Rubber bands replaced the wires in her mouth just in time for graduation, which enabled her to deliver her speech, with a bit of practice.
Despite the complications, Weaver said she wouldn't take back the past few months. The outpouring of support after her accident was a life-changing experience: "It really has taught me to appreciate a lot of stuff, and it's given me the strength to know that when things get tough I'll always have friends that are going to be there."
Salutatorian: Sean Cate
PLANS: To attend the University of South Florida; major is undecided.
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Football.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Habitat for Humanity, Indian Rocks Medical Center.
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Fishing.
FAVORITE SUBJECT: Military history.
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: If I had to pick someone, it would be (radio commentator) Bill O'Reilly.
PARENT: Darnell Cate of Seminole.
Valedictorian: Jennifer Brecklin Davenport
PLANS: To major in zoology at the University of Florida.
HONORS AND AWARDS: Voted "Most Likely to Succeed" and "Most Determined" by classmates, American Legion first-place award, Prudential Spirit of Community state level award for excellence, Rotary Club honoree, All American Scholar, academic letter for four years, 2001 University of Florida Student Science Training Program participant.
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society president, Student Council representative, Key Club.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: More than 3,500 community service hours with K-9 Search and Rescue Teams of Florida, Humane Society of North Pinellas, A Lovin' Care Animal Clinic, Tampa Bay Veterinary Emergency Services, SPCA of Pinellas County.
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: My work with K-9 Search and Rescue.
FAVORITE SUBJECT: Biology.
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: Jesus Christ is my role model because he lived the perfect life and paid the ultimate sacrifice for me.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I've done well because God has blessed me with many abilities and allowed me to accomplish things I could not have done on my own.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: I've been involved in a lot of things people my age are not usually allowed to be involved in. Overcoming my age barrier has been a big accomplishment.
PARENTS: Cathy and Thomas Davenport of Largo.
Jennifer Davenport's devotion to animals has taken her places most young people never go. As a veterinary technician for K-9 Search and Rescue Teams of Florida, she has assisted for the past two years in the search for missing persons -- dead or alive.
"We are available 24/7 for any type of law enforcement request," she said, explaining that because a lot of her team members' work involves cadaver recovery, their efforts have helped solve several murder cases.
The work is often stressful, but she finds it rewarding.
"Even if we don't find the person, we are still clearing an area for law enforcement so they can concentrate their efforts," she said. "The best thing is seeing the relief on the faces of the victims' families when they can finally rest."
Jennifer, who decided she wanted to be a veterinarian when she was 5, has always surrounded herself with animals. Her decision to take one of her five dogs to Gainesville figured prominently in her decision to live off campus.
Armed with national certificates that enable her to do search and rescue work anywhere, she hopes to stay involved with it when she leaves home, but says school will be her main focus.
"I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't concentrate on academics," she said.
Salutatorian: Darren Collier Navaroli
PLANS: To major in electrical engineering at the University of Florida.
HONORS AND AWARDS: National Achievement finalist, University of Florida full academic scholarship, voted "Most Likely to Succeed," National Honor Society, academic letter for four years, highest overall grades in AP calculus, physics honors, AP biology, precalculus honors, algebra II honors, American history, AP English literature and composition.
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Marching, symphonic and jazz bands, role in Bye Bye Birdie.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Elementary school mentor.
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Playing in the jazz band.
FAVORITE SUBJECT: AP calculus.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Determination and parents who push me to always do my best.
PARENTS: Davenia and Albert Navaroli of St. Petersburg.
Valedictorian: Jason Richard Lentsch
PLANS: To major in business management/administration at the University of South Florida.
HONORS AND AWARDS: Bright Futures scholar, principal's list.
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Varsity soccer team; school fundraisers, including a garage sale and car washes.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Christmas Toy Shop, Ronald McDonald House, Boyd Hill Nature Park, church activities.
FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Backpacking, rock climbing, rappelling, mountain biking, scuba diving.
FAVORITE SUBJECT: English
HEROS OR ROLE MODELS: Paul Drovin, also known as Coach, for giving me the inspiration to do anything I put my mind to and for offering wise advice when I needed to talk to someone; and my parents, for believing in me and standing by me and every major decision I've ever had to make.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: The Scouting program.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: The death of my uncle in July 2001. As a result, I have learned not to take friends or family for granted.
PARENTS: Jane and Cliff Lentsch of St. Petersburg.
Jason Lentsch has embarked on what he believes will be a life-enhancing adventure. The 18-year-old Eagle Scout left Friday for the Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland where he will spend three months as a staff member.
"It's where all the different scouting organizations come together as one," he said. "I'll be promoting the Boy Scouts of America to 10,000 scouts who will be journeying there."
Being one of four people chosen nationwide to be a guide this summer was an honor, Jason said, but the rewards of scouting go much deeper.
"The program has taught me many of the morals and values that have helped me become a better leader. It's taught me self-respect and self-discipline, and to respect other people. The program in its entirety has taught me to think of others," he said.
The only downside to the trip is postponing college for a semester, because he won't return to the United States until mid-September.
"The way I look at it, there's always the chance to make up school, but there might not always be a chance to take an international trip," he said. "The trip I'm taking is going to be the trip of a lifetime."
Salutatorian: Jessica Robertson
PLANS: To attend Berean Baptist College in Orange Park; major is undecided.
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Senior class fundraisers including a garage sale and car washes.
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Horseback riding.
FAVORITE SUBJECT: Teacher's assistant for first and second grades.
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: David Sepe, a friend since junior high, because he went through a lot. His aplastic anemia recurred after a transplant and he underwent a successful second transplant. My other role model is my preacher at Pinellas Park Baptist Temple, Everett Farris, who has helped me through some tough times.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: A lot of it has to do with God and Jesus, and the other part is the people who were always there making sure I was doing what I was supposed to and who kept me in line.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: Last year my stepdad decided he was going to walk out on us. He left us with no money and we almost lost our house.
PARENTS: Kimberly Curtis of Pinellas Park and Todd Nelson of Bellevue, Wash.
Valedictorian: Travis Snelling
PLANS: To major in aerospace/aeronautical engineering at the University of Florida.
HONORS AND AWARDS: Principal's Honors, Academic Excellence Award, Lamp of Learning, Who's Who Among American High School Students, academic letter, varsity baseball letter, voted "Most Intelligent" by classmates, St. Petersburg College trustees' scholarship, Superior Academic Achievement scholarship, Bright Futures scholarship.
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Habitat for Humanity, Thanksgiving canned food drive, tutoring, church altar server.
FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Anything outdoors but especially activities involving the water such as fishing and water scooters.
FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math.
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My family members, because of their qualities and morals. They have helped me to become who I am.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: As a child, my parents always told me to do my best at everything. Even if I failed, they were there to point me back in the right direction so that I could try again.
PARENTS: Debbie and Larry Snelling of Pinellas Park.
For Travis Snelling, there's nothing like a day of fishing on the flats at Fort DeSoto Park. With a rod and reel in his hand and a friend or family member at his side, he feels closest to heaven.
"It's relaxing," he said. "You can have some good conversations, make some new friends, spend quality time with people who matter to you."
Being with those he loves is so important to Travis that he quit the baseball team last year after playing since he was a freshman. He decided that after-school practices stretching from Christmas to spring break left him too little time for life's more important things.
It also gave him more time to concentrate on academics, and on his longtime friendly rivalry with his school's salutatorian. They have battled for top honors since they were in eighth grade at Sacred Heart School.
He takes his ultimate victory in stride.
"I'm just a normal kid working to the best of my ability," he said.
Salutatorian: Tracy Marie Kelley
PLANS: To attend the University of Florida; major is undecided.
HONORS AND AWARDS: English and science awards, Lamp of Learning, St. Petersburg College trustees' scholarship, Florida Academic Scholar.
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Alpha House, Ronald McDonald House, Sallie House.
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Spending time with my family and friends.
FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math.
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My mom, because she has a successful career and is a wonderful mom at the same time.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My parents never forced me to get good grades. They allowed me to do it on my own and have loved and supported me through the years.
PARENTS: Lilian Eshem of Safety Harbor and Timothy Kelley of Largo.
Valedictorian: Laurel Marie Chadwick
PLANS: To attend Duke University; major is undecided.
HONORS AND AWARDS: Yale Book Award, top scholar in 11th and 12th grades, Shorecrest writing award, National Merit Finalist, homecoming court, soccer team captain, Exchange Club Senior of the Month, Cum Laude Society.
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Junior Exchange Club, Spanish Club, varsity cross country, track and soccer, Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Habitat for Humanity, Pinellas Association for Retarded Citizens.
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Varsity soccer.
FAVORITE SUBJECTS: English and calculus.
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My parents, because they are so supportive of me and have always encouraged me in all my undertakings.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: The continuous support of my family. I have been motivated to succeed, and with all my activities, I have learned to budget my time well.
PARENTS: Cecile and James Chadwick of Clearwater.
When Laurel Chadwick leaves for Duke University in a few weeks, she'll be doing what comes naturally to her.
Her father and grandparents attended the North Carolina school. She's visited the campus many times and has attended soccer camps there. Since she was "old enough to understand," she has followed Duke basketball.
Still, she toured other schools to be sure she was making the right decision, and credits her family for letting her make up her own mind.
"They've just always been there for me. Whatever point I've been at, they're there with me," she said, explaining that her father was always her most enthusiastic cheerleader at soccer matches.
An avid sportswoman, Laurel said soccer gave her a chance to connect with other students. As team captain in her senior year, she had the chance to be a role model for younger girls, paying a debt to the older girls who befriended her when she was a freshman.
Her greatest wish now is to settle on a career choice.
"I hope that I find something that I love," she said. "I don't like the idea of not knowing. I wish I had a little more focus, but at the same time, the open-endedness of that is exciting, too."
Valedictorian: Sarasija Ravindra Nagella
PLANS: To major in biomedical research at Columbia University in New York.
HONORS AND AWARDS: Outstanding scholar in ninth grade, Harvard Book Award, most valuable and most improved player in soccer, Pinellas County Regional Science and Engineering Fair third-place award.
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society vice president, Key Club, Mu Alpha Theta, tutoring director's aid, varsity soccer.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: All Children's Hospital, Child Life, community service day student director.
FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Reading, going to the movies.
FAVORITE SUBJECT: Biology.
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My parents. I will never stop admiring how they were able to travel to America from India with no money and establish a comfortable life for their family.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I know I have to work hard to achieve good grades, so I do. I also try to manage my time and make time to relax from my studies.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: I have overcome being obsessed with grades and have begun to truly appreciate the gift of knowledge.
PARENTS: Chitra Ravindra and Nagella Ravindra of St. Petersburg.
Steeped in the culture of two worlds, Sarasija Ravindra Nagella believes her attempts to navigate both of them successfully have shaped her in profound ways.
"Every day I have to deal with a complete Indian culture at home. I have to mix that with the American culture outside," she said. "It's taught me that everyone's different. Everybody has something wonderful to offer you."
She credits her parents with teaching her to feel comfortable in her own skin.
"In most Indian families, people are more submissive, but I have the type of family where I'm able to speak my mind," she said. "I'm able to ask questions, talk to people, get my views out. That's one thing that has set me apart in the classroom environment."
After stressing over grades for most of her high school career, Sarasija learned to relax in her senior year. Developing a love for learning, she said, proved to be a better use of her time than worrying about her report card. Her advice to incoming freshmen is to enjoy the journey.
"The biggest thing is not to think that every test is the end of the world," she said. "There's always some possibility and some opportunity at the end of the road. Just relax and have fun."
Valedictorian: Nicholas B. Sivulka Wheeler
PLANS: To attend Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.; major is undecided.
HONORS AND AWARDS: National Merit Commended Scholar, University of Chicago Book Award, Outstanding Citizen Award, Northeast Exchange Club Student of the Month.
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society president, French Honor Society co-president, speech and debate club, Latin Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, charity book drive, Sept. 11 disaster relief collection, Christmas toy drive for children of migrant workers.
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Reading.
FAVORITE SUBJECT: History.
HERO OR ROLE MODELS: Politically, Gen. Charles de Gaulle for the tenacity with which he defended French liberty; in literature, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, for his personal and moral struggle against communism; and historically, Marcus Tullius Cicero, for his ultimately fatal defense of the republican institutions of ancient Rome.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Asking questions in class, taking good notes, responsible time management, practicing calculus problems before tests. Beyond these reasons is a broader love of learning, the desire to know, the desire not to disappoint one's teachers, one's family and oneself.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: To the extent that I have faced a difficulty, it has been to be my own person.
PARENTS: Patricia Ann Wheeler and Donald Owen Wheeler of St. Petersburg.
Nicholas B. Sivulka Wheeler insists he's not really much different from other people. He downplays his grasp of politics and philosophy, his proficiency for world languages and his encyclopedic knowledge of European history.
"The truth of the matter is, I'm not that smart. I've never considered myself 'the tops,' " he said, adding that his accomplishments have been the result of hard work and good teachers rather than "native intelligence."
He reduced his study time this past year to a mere two or three hours a day so he would have time for other pursuits, which nevertheless revolved around school. He spent a lot of time on campus involved with National Honor Society and Interact projects and devoted hours to the fledgling student study and learning center.
"Scholastic activity thus far has been my life," he said. "It's what I find interesting. It's what motivates me."
Because his interests are so far-flung, he's had some difficulty settling on a college major. But he does have a vision for where he'd like to be in 10 years.
"I suppose my absolute ideal vision is doing research and writing political papers for the American Enterprise Institute. I could see myself reveling in that," he said. "But there are a number of things I'm interested in. I'm not going to make any life-determining pronouncements."