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 2003 valedictorians and salutatorians the Best of the Best. This concludes our public school tribute to top students. Next week, we will honor their private school counterparts.
By Times Staff Writer
Published May 27, 2003
BOCA CIEGA HIGH
VALEDICTORIAN: Jessica Goldin
PLANS: To attend the University of Florida and major in biochemistry
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, French Honor Society, Interact, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Faith on Fire, Link Crew
COMMUNITY SERVICE: School Advisory Council, polio project with Interact, St. Vincent de Paul Society project with National Honor Society
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: Jesus Christ, my savior, my Lord, my king
PARENTS: Janet and Marc Golden of Madeira Beach
SALUTATORIAN: Brandon Abbaspour
PLANS: To attend the University of Florida and major in microbiology
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Interact, varsity football and soccer
COMMUNITY SERVICE: 100 hours for Pinellas Habitat for Humanity
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My father, because he came to this country with nothing but was so driven and strong-willed that he became a successful person in all aspects of his life
PARENTS: Ada and David Abbaspour of Seminole
DIXIE HOLLINS HIGH
VALEDICTORIAN: Amanda Kari Castillo
PLANS: To attend the University of Florida and major in nutritional science
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, color guard, Interact, Multicultural Club, Principal's Multicultural Advisory Committee, Haynes' Huddle, Executive Internship Program
COMMUNITY SERVICE: SPCA volunteer, All Children's Hospital volunteer, various projects with National Honor Society and Interact, Operation Shoe Box
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My mom because of how strong she is. My parents divorced when I was 6 and she supported two kids as a single mom. Times got rough, but she always made sure that my brother and I were taken care of. She did without for us, and this went above and beyond day-to-day sacrifices. I love her very much and wouldn't be where I am today without her love and support.
PARENTS: Carolyn and Paul Trocki of Pinellas Park and Emilio Castillo Jr. of Wichita Falls, Texas
SALUTATORIAN: Krystal Starr Baird
PLANS: To attend the University of South Florida in Tampa and major in engineering and education
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Interact, thespians, choir, Future Educators of America, Academic Team
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Usher for Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, tutoring, fundraising
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My mom because she's a hard worker
PARENTS: Joy Baird of St. Petersburg
GIBBS HIGH
VALEDICTORIAN: Alyssa Grace Aikhowaiter
PLANS: To attend the University of South Florida and major in music (voice performance)
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Vocalist for Pinellas County Center for the Arts Jazz Band, PCCA Women's Chorale, All State Women's Chorus, Disney Candlelight choir, Academic Team, Chess Club, Link Crew, cast member in PCCA's production of Les Miserables, graduation committee
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Cooking for families of sick children at Ronald McDonald House
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My grandmother Gladys Jury. In 1939, she was valedictorian of her graduating class. She is my role model because she endured so much hardship in her life and still came out victorious.
PARENTS: Rebecca AlKhowaiter of Largo and Nasir AlKhowaiter of Saudi Arabia
SALUTATORIAN: Marisa Calhoun
PLANS: To attend the University of South Florida and major in music (voice performance)
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society president, All State Women's Chorus, Stetson Honors Clinic, Academic Team, Link Crew, Women's Chorale, Vocal Jazz, Mixed Ensemble, Senior Recital, Disney Candlelight choir, Les Miserables, district choral and solo-ensemble competition, Sunshine State Chorus, Seminar for Tomorrow's Leaders, graduation committee
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Red Cross Youth Corps, meals at Ronald McDonald House, mission trip to Washington, D.C.
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: I look at my friend Sarah Lain as being a good role model because she never ceases to look on the bright side of things. I admire her ability to follow her heart and try things that may put her in new environments and situations. Her determined attitude, genuine love for others and strong faith in God are what make her a great person and someone I can always look up to.
PARENTS: Lanny and Wes Calhoun of St. Petersburg
LAKEWOOD HIGH
VALEDICTORIAN: Erica Marie Palomo
PLANS: To attend Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, and major in biomedical science
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society co-historian, Spanish Honor Society president, YouthLead mentor, Academic Team member, Brain Bowl participant, Fox 13 Magazine reporter
COMMUNITY SERVICE: National Honor Society and YouthLead activities, including adding a butterfly garden at Boyd Hill Nature Park
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: I most admire my mother because she has instilled in me the motivation and determination to make me realize that I can achieve all my goals.
PARENTS: Mary Palomo Viszt of St. Petersburg and Eduardo Palomo of San Salvador, El Salvador
SALUTATORIAN: Dana Favero
PLANS: To attend the University of South Florida and major in psychology
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, DECA, peer counseling
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Suncoast Center for Community Mental Health, tutoring at Lakewood High, judging the science fair at Bay Point Elementary School
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My hero is my former nutritionist. After suffering with anorexia, she was the only person who really understood me and helped me slowly increase my eating.
PARENTS: Deborah and Daniel Favero of St. Petersburg
LAKEWOOD CENTER FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
VALEDICTORIAN: John A. Mouzakis
PLANS: To attend the University of Florida and major in chemical engineering
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Beach cleanup, judging the science fair at Bay Point Elementary School
HEROS OR ROLE MODELS: My English teacher, Dan Epstein, because of his laid-back approach to life, his intellect and his sense of humor
PARENTS: Kathleen Mullarkey of Clearwater and George Mouzakis of Largo
SALUTATORIAN: Jamie Weber
PLANS: To attend the University of Central Florida and major in marketing
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Center for Advanced Technologies' Communications and Original Multimedia, Interact
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Morton Plant Hospital volunteer, community projects through the National Honor Society
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: I have no role model because I believe you should strive to be your own person.
PARENTS: Shelly and Vice Weber of Clearwater
NORTHEAST HIGH
VALEDICTORIAN: Diana Nicole Kolman
PLANS: To attend the University of Central Florida; major undecided
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta secretary, swim team
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Friends of Strays volunteer
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My role model is my mother. I admire her so much for her sincerity and devotion. She is genuinely friendly to everyone and very optimistic. I know I can count on her to be there at any time. I know she would do anything for me. I also admire her for her strength. When my brother and I were old enough, she decided to start her career over. She is now a very successful financial adviser. I am very proud of her because she has gotten so far.
PARENTS: Sherrie Weller and Mark Kolman of St. Petersburg
SALUTATORIAN: Robert David Angel
PLANS: To attend the University of Florida; major undecided
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, senior class vice president, varsity swim team captain, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Hi-Y, Powderpuff cheerleader
COMMUNITY SERVICE: St. Raphael's Catholic Church, Juvenile Diabetes Association
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My parents, for their support and for always pushing me to perform at my best
PARENTS: Nancy and David Angel of St. Petersburg
OSCEOLA HIGH
CO-VALEDICTORIAN: Carolyn Anne Lauttenbach
PLANS: To attend the University of Central Florida; major undecided
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society vice president, Mu Alpha Theta, marching band drum major, concert band, varsity soccer captain
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Organized and performed in a band fundraising program, helped with band instruction at Osceola Middle School, beach cleanup
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: John Mayer is one of my role models. He's a great, young musician with a really unique sound. He gets to tour and travel, playing his music. He's doing exactly what I'm going to do, and I hope I can do it as well as he does.
PARENTS: Peg and Jim Lauttenbach of Seminole
CO-VALEDICTORIAN: Laurie Frances Moreau
PLANS: To attend the University of Florida; major undecided
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society president, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish National Honor Society parliamentarian, Spanish Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Warriors Against Crime, Club '03, varsity swim team captain
COMMUNITY SERVICE: National Honor Society math tutor, clerical volunteer at Fuguitt Elementary School, Toys for Tots, Huff and Puff Fitness Frolic
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: Three-time Olympian Jenny Thompson because of her dedication and accomplishments in swimming
PARENTS: Patricia and Bill Moreau of Largo
SALUTATORIAN: Erica Tutschek
PLANS: To attend the University of Florida and major in physics
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish National Honor Society president, Spanish Club president, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Warriors Against Crime, Club '03, varsity swim team
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Hospice of the Florida Suncoast volunteer, tutor at Starkey Elementary School
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My parents are both role models to me. They hold equal parts that inspire my aspirations in life. From my father's hard work in his business to my mother's dedication toward my family's happiness, they have shaped me to be a dedicated and compassionate person.
PARENTS: Patricia and Paul Tutschek of Largo
PINELLAS PARK HIGH
VALEDICTORIAN: Michael D. Gehring
PLANS: To attend the University of Florida and major in biomedical engineering
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society parliamentarian, Mu Alpha Theta, Law Honor Society, Florida Public Service Association president, Mock Trial Team, French Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions, AWARE, Drama Club, Anona United Methodist Youth Foundation
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Organized projects for Florida Public Service Association including Halloween toy drive, St. Giles Food Pantry food drive and Festival of Trees project; National Honor Society blood drive, Cross Bayou Elementary School field day, Habitat for Humanity
HEROS OR ROLE MODELS: My heros are the teachers who have given themselves to advocating the future. Without their commitment, I would not be able to claim any success.
PARENTS: Jacki and Douglas Gehring of Largo
SALUTATORIAN: Ilida Dzinie
PLANS: To attend the University of Florida; major undecided
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Clubs
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Project judge at Cross Bayou Elementary School, BMX track volunteer
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My parents. They are strong, positive role models who always know what is best for me. When things are at their worst, they always manage to make the best out of the situation.
PARENTS: Amera and Fahrudin Dzinie of Clearwater
SEMINOLE HIGH
VALEDICTORIAN: Kathleen E. Bush
PLANS: To attend the University of Southern California in Los Angeles; major undecided
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, French National Honor Society vice president, French Club secretary, SAVE (environmental club), one of two valedictorian hosts at this year's Pinellas County PRIDE Awards ceremony, Hawk Talk (school newspaper) staff member
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Teen Court member with Pinellas County Juvenile Arbitration, French Honor Society and Largo Fire Department service project, All Children's Hospital art festival volunteer, Relay for Life participant
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: I truly admire my late grandfather, James K. Brady. He fought with the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne division during World War II and with the Engineers Battalion during the Korean War. An orphan, he worked hard to provide his children and his wife with the love and support he never had as a child. I'm amazed at his courage, his strength and his love for all living beings.
PARENTS: Cathy A. and William J. Bush of Seminole
SALUTATORIAN: Amy Beth Stover
PLANS: To attend the University of Miami and major in international relations
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Mu Alpha Theta competitions, French Congres (state competition), Day of Silence, Grad Nite and senior prom committees
COMMUNITY SERVICE: VA Medical Center at Bay Pines volunteer, Relay for Life, National Honor Society and Interact Club service projects including Children's Village, tutoring and writing to overseas service personnel
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: Secretary of State Colin Powell
PARENTS: Fredda and Brian Stover
ST. PETERSBURG HIGH SCHOOL
VALEDICTORIAN: Katharine Bowman Keller
PLANS: To attend Emory University in Atlanta; major undecided
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society, varsity swim team member and captain, Student Government Association Rights and Responsibility officer, Keyette service club, homecoming court, Young Life student leader
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Race for the Cure, Christmas Toy Shop, Ronald McDonald House, Young Life
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: Tod Creneti, a person of strong faith and integrity who reaches out to students and challenges them to be strong people of faith in Christ
PARENTS: Nancy and Gary Keller of St. Petersburg
Katharine Bowman Keller, 18, had an awakening in her junior year that changed her perspective and her life.
SALUTATORIAN: Terra Dunham
PLANS: To attend Florida State University and major in international relations
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, French Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, French Club, Spanish Club, Rojans service club, Rho Kappa, Model United Nations
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Rojans service projects, donations to CASA, Jingle Bell Run
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My mother is my role model because she has overcome so much and has learned how to be happy. I admire her motto "live in the moment" and truly believe it is the key to happiness and therefore to success.
PARENTS: Cheryl and Terry Dunham of St. Petersburg
International Baccalaureate Program at St. Petersburg High
VALEDICTORIAN: Kaley Marie Tash PLANS: To attend Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., and major in biochemistry
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Rojans service club, Student Government Association, Pinellas County Youth Advisory Council, French Congres (state competition), Junior Science, Engineering and Humanities Symposium at University of Florida (presenter)
COMMUNITY SERVICE: St. Petersburg Museum of History volunteer, research in environmental microbiology at the University of South Florida/University of Florida. I have found a bacteriophage (a harmless virus) that could mimic Poliovirus-1 in tracer studies used to determine how waterborne viruses move through the environment.
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My parents are both excellent role models. They each pursue successful careers, yet they are always available to their children and to one another.
PARENTS: Karyn and Paul Tash of St. Petersburg
SALUTATORIAN: Kelly Matthes
PLANS: To attend Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and major in finance and international relations
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society vice president, Model United Nations president, Spanish Club president, political and financial analyst for Quid Pro Quo, intern for Trident Partners Group
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Juvenile Diabetes Foundation volunteer, coordinator for St. Petersburg High School Land Mine Organization
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: Carly Fiorina, CEO of Hewlett-Packard, because she has made it to the top in a landscape dominated by men
PARENTS: Mara and Michael Matthes of St. Petersburg
