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 2004 valedictorians and salutatorians the Best of the Best. We kick off our tribute to these well-rounded teens with south county's top public school students.
By Times Staff Writer
Published May 4, 2004
Boca Ciega High
VALEDICTORIAN: Chad Wilson
PLANS: The University of Florida, with a major in biology
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society vice president, Cobra service club
COMMUNITY SERVICE: St. Anthony's Hospital and Northside Hospital volunteer
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: Thomas Jefferson, for his political beliefs and his leadership
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Diligence and hard work
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: It was hard to adjust to a public school after attending a private middle school.
PARENTS: Lori and Wayne Wilson of St. Petersburg
SALUTATORIAN: Antonio Russo PLANS: Carnegie Mellon University, studying nanotechnology
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Coordinated a math competition for middle school students, tutored high school students
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: Isaac Newton, because he invented calculus, which applies to thinking and understanding the world
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Persistence
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: I have overcome some internal conflicts, such as fear of talking with people.
PARENTS: Laura Falvo and Anthony Russo of St. Petersburg
Gibbs High
CO-VALEDICTORIAN: Devon Haggitt PLANS: St. Petersburg College, major undecided
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society historian, school-based art shows
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Created a mural at a children's assessment center
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My parents, because they're the most wonderful people in the world. They don't pressure me at all to get to the top. They always tell me, "Just do whatever makes you happy." When I'm a parent, I want to be exactly like that.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I'm a very competitive person, but I really like to always show my best side to people. I feel that if I don't work hard, it's a disservice to my teachers. I've also been blessed with a stable household.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: I'm very, very shy. I'm scared of new situations. When it comes to social interaction, I'd rather not interact at all.
PARENTS: Susan and John Haggitt of Clearwater
CO-VALEDICTORIAN: Evie Woltil PLANS: University of Florida, majoring in English
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Church youth group, youth choir and band, elementary school tutor
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My parents, because they never said I had to get all A's but always told me that as long as I was doing my best, they would be happy
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I'm successful because I love to learn. I've taken advanced classes in the hopes of learning more instead of merely raising my GPA.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: I have led a very blessed life as of yet and am glad to say that I can't think of any difficulties.
PARENTS: Laura and Ed Woltil of Largo
SALUTATORIAN: SARAH KELLY PLANS: University of Central Florida, major undecided
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society volunteer hours coordinator, Silver Key recipient at Scholastic Art and Writing regional competition, senior art show award of distinction winner
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Taught art history at Clearwater East Library, created a mural for a children's assessment center
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My parents, because they're both very hard working and have always helped me achieve.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I haven't had as much of a social life as some people have had. I'm in a friendly competition with my three closest friends.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: I'm a worrier. When I get really stressed out, things can become overwhelming. I've had to step back and put things into context.
PARENTS: Linda K. Kelly and M. Sean Kelly of Clearwater
Lakewood High
VALEDICTORIAN: Kathakali Sircar PLANS: University of Florida, studying pre-medicine
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Ecology Club historian, Student Government representative, Drama Club
COMMUNITY SERVICE: St. Anthony's Hospital volunteer, high school and community tutor, beach cleanup
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My father because of everything he has accomplished, and my mother for giving me so much encouragement
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I've set goals that I would love to reach.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: I've had to overcome peer pressure.
PARENTS: Mitali and Kalyan Sircar of St. Petersburg
SALUTATORIAN: Jessica Leonard PLANS: St. Petersburg College and the University of South Florida, studying physical therapy
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: DECA (an association of marketing students)
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Blessed Trinity Catholic Church youth group
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My grandfather, who coached baseball at Eckerd College from a wheelchair
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I believe that if you're going to do something, do it right. Be responsible. Work as hard as you can.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: I'm really shy. Throughout high school, it was hard to get up in front of my classmates.
PARENTS: Marilyn and John Leonard of St. Petersburg
Center for Advanced Technologies at Lakewood High
VALEDICTORIAN: Brett Tartler PLANS: Currently deciding among several colleges, majoring in engineering or medicine
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, technology honor society
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Eagle Scout
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My parents have inspired me to try hard in school.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I'm mostly self-motivated. I set high goals for myself and I'm a quiet competitor.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: There haven't been any difficulties I've had to overcome.
PARENTS: Joanne Feldman and Andrew Tartler of St. Petersburg
SALUTATORIAN: Jeremy Hicks
PLANS: University of Florida and Georgia Tech, studying electrical engineering
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Mu Alpha Theta
COMMUNITY SERVICE: None
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: Srinivasa Ramanujan, a mathematician who created modular mathematical functions
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I believe it's because I never let my ego get in the way. I realize there are always things to improve upon. I'm also a pretty competitive person.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: Trying to hold on to a job while going to school
PARENTS: David and Lou Hicks of Kenneth City
Northeast High
VALEDICTORIAN: David Harmel PLANS: University of Florida, majoring in political science and Spanish
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta president, Academic Team captain, student government senator, Young Democrats, golf team
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Democratic Party of Pinellas County
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My parents, because they've always shown me how important it is to work hard and do my best in everything
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I'm hard working and dedicated. If I pay attention in class, I'll usually understand the material. I don't need to study that much outside of school.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: I've had diabetes since I was 3 or 4. It's hard sometimes to manage insulin injections and blood tests at school.
PARENTS: Carol Harmel of St. Petersburg and Richard Harmel of Clearwater.
SALUTATORIAN: Andriy Lytvyn PLANS: University of Florida, majoring in political science and Russian.
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Academic Team, Spanish Club, Young Democrats, swim team
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Pinellas County Democratic Party, diabetes walk, math tutor
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My parents, because they support me in almost everything I do and they're always there to help me out with good advice.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My parents made sure I had a good education. I do whatever is necessary to succeed. I work hard, stay on task and have good attendance.
DIFFICULTIES: I moved to the United States from the Ukraine about four years ago. It was hard to adjust to the American culture and language.
PARENTS: Olena and Igor Lytvyn of St. Petersburg
Dixie Hollins High
VALEDICTORIAN: Jackie Chin PLANS: University of Central Florida, major undecided
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta co-president, senior class president, Student Council member, varsity soccer, varsity flag football
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Elementary school tutor, CASA volunteer
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My mom, because she's strong and independent, and she raised me and my sister by herself.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I was motivated to impress my parents so they would be proud of me.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: Trying to balance out-of-school activities with academics.
PARENTS: Sandra Pepicello of Largo and John Chin of Colorado
SALUTATORIAN: Ashley Hill PLANS: University of Florida, majoring in pharmacy
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Student Council secretary
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Elementary school tutor, blood drive coordinator
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My mom, because she's always taught me to be a strong person and she herself has always been strong.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: A lot of strength and dedication to school.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: I moved to Florida in ninth grade without knowing anyone. I had been going down the wrong road, and I had to start my life over again. Also, I had a little "senioritis" toward the end of this year. I've tried not to procrastinate so that I can finish and do really well.
PARENTS: Tina and Louis Griffey of Pinellas Park
Osceola High
CO-VALEDICTORIAN: Andrew Siegler
PLANS: Flagler College, studying law and sports management
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, French Honor Society, French Club, Warriors Against Crime, varsity football, varsity baseball
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Eagle Scout, Bayfront Medical Center and St. Anthony's Hospital volunteer, Relay for Life, tutoring
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My dad, because with everything he has been through and continues to go through with his illness, he has always supported me in athletics, academics and life.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My parents have always encouraged me and pointed me in the right direction.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: Learning to cope when I heard the news about my dad five years ago.
PARENTS: Kathy and Tom Siegler of Seminole
CO-VALEDICTORIAN: Amanda Baker PLANS: University of South Florida, majoring in microbiology
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta president, senior class vice president, varsity cross country captain
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Osceola Relays, Huff 'n Puff Fitness Frolic, Relay for Life, judge for elementary science fair, tutoring
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My sister, because she has dedicated her life to helping other people.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My family and friends are very supportive of me.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: It has been very difficult for me to balance school, work, clubs, sports, community service, a job and a social life. I am often pulled in so many different directions at once. It can be overwhelming at times.
PARENTS: Sharon and Jim Baker of Largo
SALUTATORIAN: Tina Engert PLANS: University of South Florida, majoring in math or music
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society president, Mu Alpha Theta, Tri M music honor society president, Interact corresponding secretary, marching band drum major, varsity bowling team
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Osceola Middle School band volunteer, tutoring
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My parents, because they have worked hard to accomplish their goals and have inspired me to achieve my goals through hard work and dedication.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Support from parents, family and teachers and having a positive attitude.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: It has been hard for me to balance school work with band and extracurricular activities, but with dedication and persistence, I have overcome this challenge.
PARENTS: Debbie and Ken Engert of Seminole
Pinellas Park High
CO-VALEDICTORIAN: Melanie Aganon PLANS: University of South Florida, major undecided
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honor Society, Science Honor Society vice president, Academic Team
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Tutoring, soup kitchen and assisted living facility volunteer, Philippine Performing Arts Company performer
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My Aunt Muerina, because she works hard and takes care of my grandparents. She is very down to earth and knows how to have fun.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I've always pushed myself.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: When we moved here from California, I was 9 years old. Leaving friends and family was difficult.
PARENTS: Josefina and Ramon Aganon
CO-VALEDICTORIAN: Liza Laquian PLANS: Florida State University, majoring in biomedical engineering
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society vice president, Mu Alpha Theta president, Future Educators of America president, Academic Team co-captain, Science Honor Society, English Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Clearwater Free Clinic, Sable Palms Rehabilitation Center volunteer, tutoring
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My sister Lynne, because she has always supported me without pressuring me.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Perseverance, ambition and integrity.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: I'm a military child, and the (Coast Guard) life has affected the way I interact with people. I was very shy when I was younger.
PARENTS: Florida and Alejandro Laquian of Largo
SALUTATORIAN: Charli Regel PLANS: University of Florida, major undecided
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society secretary, Mu Alpha Theta secretary, Science Honor Society treasurer, Spanish Honor Society, Academic Team
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Pinellas Park Public Library volunteer, tutoring
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My parents, because they have been behind me in everything I do.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I push myself to do well in school.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: I had an eye surgery in 10th grade that caused me to have double vision. I've had to learn to live with it.
PARENTS: Kelly and Richard Regel of Pinellas Park
St. Petersburg High
VALEDICTORIAN: Aimee Hollingworth PLANS: University of South Florida, major undecided
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Key Club, Rho Kappa, Fellowship of Christian Students
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Red Cross community education trainer, coastal cleanup, Light the Night Walk, Race for the Cure, multiple sclerosis walk, school cleanup
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: Mr. Rogers, because he has taught me the fundamentals of life.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I enjoy learning important and trivial information. I've also always been surrounded by encouraging and supportive people who relate to my nerdiness.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: Getting up before the crack of dawn has certainly been difficult.
PARENTS: Cheryl and Larry Hollingworth
SALUTATORIAN: Joel Lombardi PLANS: University of Florida, studying political science
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Academic Team, Youth in Government, Young Republicans founder, Fellowship of Christian Students
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Christmas Toy Shop volunteer
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: Ronald Reagan, because of his clear sense of right and wrong, his determination and his great political skill.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Encouragement because of faith, family and friends and a sense of personal responsibility.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: None
PARENTS: Donna and Ernest Lombardi of St. Petersburg
International Baccalaureate program at St. Petersburg High
VALEDICTORIAN: Matthew LeVine PLANS: Emory University, majoring in music, and then Georgia Tech, majoring in science and engineering
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Thespian Honor Society, Tri M music honor society, Key Club
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Counselor in training at Camp Kadima, synagogue Torah reader
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: Leonardo da Vinci, because of his wide variety of talents and exposure.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Excellent family support without requirements for success. My parents don't stand over me and make sure I do my work. I motivate myself, and my work is my own priority.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: I think the most difficult problem I have had to overcome is my lack of sleep.
PARENTS: Ellie and Dr. Mitchell LeVine of Seminole
SALUTATORIAN: Hayley Jade Fink
PLANS: Harvard or Princeton, majoring in political science
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society treasurer, Mu Alpha Theta secretary, Academic Team co-captain, French Honor Society co-president, French Club co-president, St. Petersburg High Young Democrats co-founder and co-president, Key Club, Model U.N., Rho Kappa historian, swim team, marching band
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Pinellas County Park board member, Pinellas County Youth Advisory Committee secretary, NAACP Youth Council vice president, Pinellas County Young Democrats historian, hospice teen volunteer, Boyd Hill Nature Park volunteer
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., because of his message of peace, equality and tolerance.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Hard work, support from my family and friends, excellent teachers and schools, mentors within the community, and a desire to learn as much as I can.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: Shyness
PARENTS: Lisa and Edward Fink of St. Petersburg
Seminole High
VALEDICTORIAN: Jennifer Lewis
PLANS: University of Florida, major undecided
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta president, French National Honor Society, Interact
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Horses for Handicapped, beach cleanup, Relay for Life, Bay Pines VA Medical Center volunteer
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My parents, because they're always there for me.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Hard work and motivation.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: None
PARENTS: Donna and Edward Lewis of Seminole
SALUTATORIAN: Julia Fedor PLANS: Northwestern University, major undecided
SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society president, Mu Alpha Theta, senior class vice president, French Honor Society, Student Rights and Responsibilities member
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, beach cleanup, National Honor Society volunteer activities coordinator
HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My parents, because of their patience, support and good work ethic.
THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Self-motivation, hard work and organization.
DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: Fortunately, I have not had any major obstacles in life.
