VALEDICTORIAN: Katharine Bowman Keller, traditional program; Kaley Marie Tash, International Baccalaureate program
SALUTATORIAN: Terra Dunham, traditional program; Kelly Matthes, International Baccalaureate program
BEHIND THE SCENES: School officials decided to move the presentation of diplomas to the beginning of the program shortly before 8 p.m. when they learned a heavy band of rain was moving toward Stewart Field.
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS: Graduates holding on to their mortarboards after gusty winds blew several across the field. The bumper crop of umbrellas that bloomed as the first drops fell during the Pledge of Allegiance.
MOST INSPIRING SIGHT: Nearly 400 graduates in emerald gowns sitting in folding chairs in a pouring rain waiting for their turn to walk across the stage and shake hands with their principal.
SHORTEST VALEDICTORY SPEECH OF 2003: Kaley Tash truncated her speech "in the interest of brevity." Watching the approaching storm reminded her of her freshman year in the International Baccalaureate program, she said. She paid tribute to her mother and wrapped up her talk in less than a minute.
BEST QUOTE AFTER THE CEREMONY: "This is the most fun graduation I've ever been to," said graduate Krystan Menne. "I think it will be something we'll remember more than if it hadn't rained. It will be a story to tell my kids."
- DONNA WINCHESTER
Palm Harbor University High School
NUMBER OF STUDENTS WALKING IN CEREMONY: About 575 exact number unavailable.
VALEDICTORIANS: Maria Khambaty and Holly Schreiber
SALUTATORIANS: Michael DiMattia and Erika East
BEST QUOTE: "Sometimes there's pain in growing up,and it will hurt - the way your tongue hurts when you accidentally staple it to the wall. But one thing we can take with us are the friendships, the lessons and most importantly the memories," said senior class president Joseph DePaolo. "Class of 2003, our futures are so bright," he said, pausing to put on neon sunglasses, "we're going to have to wear shades."
VALEDICTORIAN'S SPEECH: In the most concise speech of the morning, Schreiber urged graduates to get to know themselves before trying to fulfill their dreams. "Get to like yourself," she said during her 60-second speech.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Graduates didn't get the chance to toss the two inflatable beach balls that suddenly appeared at the end of graduation. Audience members booed a security officer who walked off with one of the balls.
BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS: More than 400 students received Florida Bright Futures scholarships totaling more than $4-million. Principal Alec Liem ticked off a list of accomplishments of the graduating class, including the fact that more than 80 percent received a 3.0 grade point average or higher; more than half the seniors received the Presidential or Trustee scholarship from St. Petersburg Community College; and 13 students were named National Merit scholars.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: During their four years, the Class of 2003 contributed more than 40,000 hours of community service. It was also recognized for maintaining the highest grade point average for male and female athletic teams in Pinellas County schools.
CLASS GIFT: $3,800 toward a building fund for a concession restroom on the football field.
