Click here to view a photo gallery from Wednesday's graduation ceremonies
Seminole High School
NUMBER OF STUDENTS WALKING IN CEREMONY: 475
VALEDICTORIAN: Kathleen E. Bush SALUTATORIAN: Amy Stover SPEAKERS: Principal Rick Misenti; valedictorian Kathleen Bush; salutatorian Amy Stover; Aubrey Phillips and Andrea Vazquez, student government co-presidents; Jessica Vernick and Ashley Moses, senior class co-presidents; Robin Ladd, 2003 Pinellas County Educator of the Year and SHS Honored Educator.
BEST QUOTE: Bush said: "High school shouldn't be the pinnacle of life. There's so much else out there waiting to be seen and appreciated, a walk down a back alley of Venice, a walk down the aisle, a walk up the steps to the 40-year high school reunion. No matter where we move away to in the next few months, whether 3 or 3,000 miles from home, it's not like we're completely saying goodbye and forgetting what's gotten us this far."
LENGTH OF CEREMONY: 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Accomplishments: Principal Rick Misenti highlighted some of the accomplishments of senior class, including 148 seniors named to the National Honor Society; 37 seniors named to the French Honor Society; 86 seniors named to the Spanish Honor Society; and 140 seniors named to Mu Alpha Theta (math honors society). There were 63 seniors graduating with a 4.0 GPA or higher.
HOW MANY ARE GOING INTO MILITARY? 5.5 percent will head off to work or go into the military.
HOW MANY ARE GOING TO COLLEGE? 94.5 percent are seeking post-secondary education.
SPECIAL SECURITY AT THE CEREMONY: Because a former student who disrobed and streaked naked down the aisle during graduation ceremonies at the Bayfront Center last year, 80 teachers were assigned security roles for the ceremony in addition to security provided by Tropicana Field. Teams of teachers sat in the stands and walked down aisles for crowd control while others, dressed in dark suits, bordered the seated graduates. Students were prohibited from carrying cell phones, purses and gum on to the field and were asked to wear keys around their necks if they had no pockets.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Friends embraced, yelled and pumped fists into the air in the hallways leading from the dugout after graduation.
SCENES AND SIGHTS: Erin Gyorkos and Amanda Devasher stayed up until 1:30 a.m. working on a banner they made for their graduating friends Michael Davis and Toni Carrunchio. "Yay Michael and Toni" it read in multicolored letters. "Love Erin and Amanda."
- JANEL STEPHENS
Largo High School
Number of students walking in ceremony: 342
Valedictorian: Kimberly Clancy
Salutatorian: Abby Hunter
Best Quote: "The next step of our lives is going to be awesome ... we can finally wear flip-flops to class and not have to worry about getting Saturday school!," Kimberly Clancy, valedictory speech.
Length of ceremony: An hour and 45 minutes.
Biggest Accomplishment: Class received nearly $2-million in college scholarships.
Percent of graduates going to college: 80
Percent going into the military: 6 - the largest ever, according to principal Barbara C. Thornton.
Behind the scenes: Family and friends in stands chatted with graduates during the ceremony via cellular phones and text messages.
- ANGIE GREEN
Dunedin High School
NUMBER OF STUDENTS WALKING IN CEREMONY: 330
VALEDICTORIAN: Amy Hoover
SALUTATORIAN: Cali Crisler
BEST QUOTE: "Today is the beginning of our lives. With this new freedom comes the responsibility of self. From now on, our lives are governed by us," salutatorian Cali Crisler said.
VALEDICTORIAN'S SPEECH: Hoover spoke about the true definition of common sense.
LENGTH OF CEREMONY: An hour and 20 minutes.
CLASS SONG: For All We Know
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A successful Renaissance program, which rewards students and staff for academics and attitude. Surviving "pod city" (nickname for the once portable-laden campus), flooding and electricity problems during construction.
HOW MANY ARE GOING INTO MILITARY? About eight.
HOW MANY ARE GOING TO COLLEGE OR TECHNICAL SCHOOLS? 260 confirmed through guidance survey.
CLASS GIFT: New costume for mascot Freddy the Falcon, mats for the gym floor and funds for various student organizations.
BEHIND THE SCENES: The ceremony was stalled 25 minutes to wait for a busload of graduates coming from the Dunedin High campus.
SCENES AND SIGHTS: The graduates' names were flashed across the scoreboard. The grads looked pretty sharp, especially Britteny Dixon, who caught the action through the zeros of her "2003" shades.
WHERE WAS THE BEST PARTY SUPPOSED TO BE? Alcohol-free event at Schiller International University in Dunedin, featuring surprise entertainment and cool prizes for all.
- LORRI HELFAND
Pinellas Park High School
NUMBER OF STUDENTS WALKING IN CEREMONY: 361.
VALEDICTORIAN: Michael Gehring.
SALUTATORIAN: Ilida Dzinic.
BEST QUOTE: "Take advantage of life because it is not a dress rehearsal; there's no way to look back in sadness and wish for a reversal," Michael Gehring, valedictorian.
LENGTH OF CEREMONY: One hour, 24 minutes.
CLASS SONG: It's so Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.
ALMA MATER: Hail to thee Pinellas Park
we will always remember thee.
All we ever hope to be
we owe to you, our red and blue.
Deep inside each patriot heart
lives a dream of honor and glory. Always our Alma Mater, Keep us filled with Patriot Pride.
CLASS GIFT: Landscaping in front of school.
BEHIND THE SCENES: "I'm so nervous," salutatorian Ilida Dzinic, standing in front of a mirror and making the final adjustments of her cap.
MEMORIAL: Each senior handed principal Denise Hart a Susan B. Anthony dollar as their contribution to the Richard W. Allen Memorial Scholarship, established to honor the assistant principal who died after a 1988 shooting at the school.
KODAK MOMENT: Two students rang a bell, a symbol of the end of the senior year, as the candidates for graduation marched into Times Arena at Bayfront Center.
SCENES AND SIGHTS: Teachers gave each graduate a white rose.
- MONIQUE FIELDS
Osceola High School
NUMBER OF STUDENTS WALKING IN CEREMONY: 220.
VALEDICTORIANS: Laurie Moreau and Carolyn Anne Lauttenbach.
SALUTATORIAN: Erica Tutschek.
BEST QUOTE DURING THE CEREMONY: "After experiencing the heartbreak of school french fries no longer being free, we kept our heads high and learned the importance of taco salad for lunch. Through sheer boredom combined with extreme creativity, we developed what is quite possibly the greatest game known to man, Lunch Table Survivor," said senior class president Jimmy Palermo.
UNUSUAL EVENT: Instead of following the traditional graduation speech, Lauttenbach shared words of wisdom in a song she wrote titled, My Advice: If you're going to shed your tears, now's the time to cry. ... It's time to say goodbye.
LENGTH OF CEREMONY: 1 hour and 32 minutes.
AVERAGE TIME OF HANDSHAKE: 3 seconds.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Co-valedictorian Laurie Moreau was named All-American swimmer and Lauren Permuy was named All-American diver.
SPECIAL AWARDS: Meagan Miraglia and Jimmy Palermo won the Principal's Outstanding Leadership award. Lauttenbach and Palermo were named St. Petersburg Exchange Club students of the Year. Gloriane Mac received the Herff Jones Leadership award while Laurie Moreau received the Spirit of the Warriors award for being an all-around student at Osceola.
SCHOLARSHIPS: 25 percent of the senior class received Bright Futures scholarships.
HOW MANY ARE GOING INTO THE MILITARY? 5 percent.
HOW MANY ARE GOING TO COLLEGE? 80 percent.
TOTAL LENGTH OF SPEECHES: 3 minutes.
SCENES AND SIGHTS: April Scalisce, 18, had Ruben 205 taped to her blue mortarboard in support of American Idol finalist Ruben Studdard. "I had to show my support for him. He's my big velvet teddy bear." The show was still going on after graduation ended.
WHERE WAS THE BEST PARTY SUPPOSED TO BE? "There should be some this weekend, but if we told you where, there'll be a lot of people showing up. The crazy ones are at night," said graduate David Wolf, 17.
- JANEL STEPHENS
Countryside High School
NUMBER OF STUDENTS WALKING IN CEREMONY: 388
VALEDICTORIAN: Kelsey O'Brien.
SALUTATORIAN: Tracy N. Varga.
BEST QUOTE: "Your future should not be left to coincidence or luck, it should be managed through careful planning, determination and perseverance. We can make a difference in our own lives as well as the lives of others," said Kelsey O'Brien, valedictorian.
HONORED GUESTS: Susan Bailey, director of High School Education, and Jane Gallucci, member of the Pinellas County School Board.
FAMOUS MAN QUOTED: Ralph Waldo Emerson.
NUMBER OF TEACHERS RETIRING THIS YEAR: Seven.
PRINCIPAL JULIE JANSSEN'S MESSAGE: Graduates have the freedom to choose, to disagree, to a free public education, to their own opinion, to make life what they want to make of it and to do nothing.
HIGHEST GRADE-POINT AVERAGE: 4.86.
TRADITION: Seniors always wear black on class color day.
ALMA MATER: Here's to you, our Alma Mater
And, no matter where we roam
We'll remember when, at one time,
you were our second home.
And some friends will be friends
For a lifetime;
We need never say goodbye.
From now on, each fall,
We will all recall
Our days at Countryside High
CLASS GIFT: Sign for marquee.
KODAK MOMENT: Every female graduate received a yellow rose to match their garnet gowns.
WHERE WAS THE BEST PARTY SUPPOSED TO BE? Natalie's house.
BEST QUOTE: "Follow your dreams. Don't let anything get in your way," said Dennis Duda, school principal.
LENGTH OF CEREMONY: 1 hour, 25 minutes
CLASS SONG: Young by Kenny Chesney
BEHIND THE SCENES: The first beach ball only got about 5 seconds of air time, but seniors bounced it around a full 10 seconds the second time around.
UNUSUAL SIGHT: Victoria Murray's victory dance on stage after accepting her diploma.
AVERAGE TIME OF HANDSHAKE: 2 seconds
A SHINING MOMENT: Maurice Adams was fondly remembered by his classmates and family during the ceremony. Adams, 17, died after suffering severe injuries in a Feb. 14 car wreck. A hard-working, funny go-getter with enough heart and hustle to hang with the big boys on the football field despite his 5-foot-10 build, Adams was well-known and well-liked. He is gone, but not forgotten.
- CANDACE RONDEAUX
Lakewood High School
NUMBER OF STUDENTS WALKING IN CEREMONY: 351.
VALEDICTORIAN: Erica Palomo.
SALUTATORIAN: Dana Favero.
BEST QUOTE: "The number you scored on the SAT . . . The number of touchdowns that you made this season . . . The number of gigs in your computer . . . The number of people at your lunch table . . . For four years we have focused on the numbers. But maybe the true lesson of high school is that the numbers don't matter . . . What do matter are our relationships with other people and our passion for life. Good teachers try to get their students to stop being passionate about the numbers and start being passionate about life," graduate Holly Cato in a tribute to the faculty.
GREAT MEN QUOTED: Lou Holtz, Confucius.
LENGTH OF CEREMONY: 96 minutes.
CLASS SONG: Where oak trees tall and waving palms
Can touch the open sky,
Where mockingbirds in chorus join
The seagull's lonely cry,
Here teachers, classmates come to join
In friendship's closest tie.
Here stands our Alma Mater Dear -
Beloved Lakewood High.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Some graduates had large cheering sections. Chris Anthony Odom had his mom, Helena Postell. She screamed "Chris! Chris!" as his name was called. He'll be going to the University of South Florida in the fall to study computers, she said. His best quality? "Being my son."
SCENES AND SIGHTS: A blazing hot dusk gave way to a breezy evening at Spartan Stadium on the school grounds. The bleachers were filled to overflowing and the noisemaker of choice was the air horn. After the ceremony, graduates piled into the gym to collect their diplomas. They hugged and cried. One senior entered the room, saying, "Gotta get my piece of paper."
TOTAL LENGTH OF SPEECHES: 34 minutes, including songs.
SHINING MOMENT: A spirited version of Vitamin C's Graduation Song (Friends Forever) sung by graduates Cristina DeCosmo, Caitlin Jammo, Shelby Reed and Jillian Williams.
WHERE WAS THE BEST PARTY SUPPOSED TO BE? Club Fuel, Ybor City.
- THOMAS C. TOBIN
Gibbs High School
NUMBER OF STUDENTS WALKING IN CEREMONY: 331.
VALEDICTORIAN: Alyssa Grace AlKhowaiter.
SALUTATORIAN: Marisa Calhoun.
SPEAKERS: Superintendent J. Howard Hinesley, School Board member Lee Benjamin, senior class president Wanesha Spencer, valedictorian Alyssa AlKhowaiter, salutatorian Marisa Calhoun.
LENGTH OF SPEECHES: 24 minutes, 35 seconds.
FAMOUS PEOPLE QUOTED: Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, 17th century clergyman and historian Thomas Fuller, Ebony magazine editor Susan Taylor, Aesop.
BEST QUOTE DURING THE CEREMONY: "You may be but one star in a vast sea of blackness, and your luster may not be as glorious as the radiant moon, but you glisten nonetheless." Marisa Calhoun, salutatorian.
BEST QUOTE BEHIND THE SCENES: "Friday night is the big party night. The parents want everyone tonight." Nicholas Franklin, graduate.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: More than $1.8-million in academic scholarships; 35 students with grade point averages of 4.0 or higher; 60 Bright Futures scholars; six Doorways scholars.
SPECIAL AWARDS: Wanesha Spencer won the Principal's Blue and Gold Award; Maria Nelson won the Humanitarian Award.
CLASS SONG: I Will Remember You, performed by the Pinellas County Center for the Arts Vocal Ensemble.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Wind Ensemble member Greg Deane, 15, searching for someone to drive him back to school to retrieve his tuba, which was left behind.
SCENES AND SIGHTS: Graduate Sarah Johnson posing for a photo with her dad, art teacher Alan Johnson; members of the Wind Ensemble giving graduate and fellow musician Conor Canavan a standing ovation when he received his diploma.
NUMBER OF BALLOON BOUQUETS IN THE AUDIENCE: 27.
A SHINING MOMENT: When 31 members of the Gibbs Class of 1953 entered the arena and took their seats alongside the Class of 2003
- DONNA WINCHESTER
Northeast High School
NUMBER OF STUDENTS WALKING IN CEREMONY: 382.
VALEDICTORIAN: Diana Kolman.
SALUTATORIAN: Robert Angel.
SPEAKERS: Social studies teacher Michelle Dudley, student government president Kristina Cameron, valedictorian Diana Kolman, salutatorian Robert Angel.
Length of speeches: 14 minutes, 5 seconds.
Length of time to hand out diplomas: 1 hour, 5 seconds.
Best quote during the ceremony: "Embrace your life. Don't just live through it," social studies teacher Michelle Dudley.
Best quote behind the scenes: "You're going to be alumni in about two hours," principal Michael Miller addressing the graduates before the ceremony.
REFERENCE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS: The audience was asked to remember U.S. armed forces during the moment of silence preceding the ceremony; salutatorian Robert Angel reminded the seniors in his speech that they had been in third period on Sept. 11, 2001, when two planes crashed into the World Trade Center towers.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 24 summa cum laude graduates; 18 magna cum laude graduates; 37 cum laude graduates.
NUMBER OF NATIONALITIES REPRESENTED AMONG THE GRADUATES: 23.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Principal Michael Miller and assistant principal John Frank demonstrating from the Mahaffey Theater stage how diplomas would be handed out.
LAST-MINUTE INSTRUCTIONS TO THE GRADUATES BEFORE THE CEREMONY: "Enjoy it. Have fun. Behave."
SCENES AND SIGHTS: Graduate James T. Lane running back to his seat to get his name card minutes before ascending the stage to get his diploma; a beach ball being tossed among the rows of graduates until it was confiscated by a teacher marching in the recessional.
A SHINING MOMENT: The a cappella harmony of Heather Baird and Brittany Wood singing the national anthem.
- DONNA WINCHESTER
Dixie M. Hollins High School
NUMBER OF STUDENTS WALKING IN CEREMONY: 257.
VALEDICTORIAN: Amanda Kari Castillo.
SALUTATORIAN: Krystal Baird.
BEST QUOTE: Senior council president Rachael Booher looked to MTV's Real World series for inspiration in her farewell address: "This is a true story of a group of strangers picked to go to school together and share their lives," she said in the opening statement of her speech, mirroring the show's opening credits. "All the rush to grow up and the fight for independence is now over and is here. ... Congratulations Class of 2003 and welcome to the real world!"
BEST BANNER: To Marqueal Sandy: "We are so proud of you," held by Eula Williams, his grandmother. The poster included baby pictures of Sandy, who is the first of 13 grandchildren to graduate from high school.
NUMBER OF FACULTY WHO PRECEDED STUDENTS IN THE PROCESSIONAL: 75.
AMOUNT OF TIME THAT ELAPSED DURING THE PROCESSIONAL BEFORE ACTUALLY SEEING THE GRADUATES WALK ONTO THE FIELD: 4 minutes.
AMOUNT OF TIME FAMILY AND FRIENDS STOOD DURING THE PROCESSIONAL: 16 minutes.
NUMBER OF DUETS: 3.
NUMBER OF SPEAKERS BEFORE PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS: 5.
LENGTH OF CEREMONY: 90 minutes.
TOTAL LENGTH OF SPEECHES: 2 1/2 minutes
AVERAGE TIME OF HANDSHAKE: 5 seconds
WHERE THE BEST PARTY WAS SUPPOSED TO BE: No one seemed to know. "We've been trying to find out ourselves," said Mark Georgieff HOW MANY ARE GOING INTO THE MILITARY: 5 percent
HOW MANY ARE GOING TO COLLEGE: 25 percent to a four-year university and more than 50 percent to a two-year college.
CLASS GIFT: A senior table, 4 by 8 feet long, laminated with photographs and placed in the school cafeteria.
SOMETHING UNUSUAL: This was the first time in the school's 44-year history that the graduation ceremony was held at Tropicana Field.
