In a way, Thursday night's downpour symbolized the obstacles students from Pinellas County's Technical Education Centers in Clearwater and St. Petersburg overcame to receive their certificates and diplomas.
Kathryn Pender overcame failing grades during her sophomore year in high school before joining the St. Petersburg's Technical Education Academic Model (TEAM) program.
"It seemed like the whole world was crashing in on me," Pender told the standing-room only crowd of family and friends in the Pinellas Park High School auditorium.
She was one of 134 students to graduate during the 56-minute ceremony.
Kassie Finley, whose daughter died in a car accident last year, tearfully thanked the faculty for their support as she continued her studies.
"When I first started school this year, I was just learning how to live," said Finley, in a speech that announced a scholarship in her daughter's honor. "Now I'm living to learn." Three students received $410 each for this year's summer term.
Of the 134 students who graduated, 94 were adults.
After receiving her certificate for dental assistance, 38-year-old Joyce O'Brien posed in front of the stage as her husband of 15 years, Chuck, took her picture. Then she ran into the small embrace of her 7-year-old daughter, Kayla.
"You only get a few moments in the sun in life, might as well take advantage of them," she said smiling.
