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Graduation 2005

Best of the best

Editor's note: They have the highest grade point averages, but it doesn't stop there. Community service, extracurricular activities and ambitious goals make the Class of 2005 valedictorians and salutatorians the Best of the Best. This is the second installment in the series.

By Times Staff Writer
Published May 18, 2005

Osceola High

VALEDICTORIAN: STEVEN BURKHOLDER

PLANS: To attend the University of Florida to major in investment banking

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, senior class vice president, student government vice president, Warriors Against Crime, Students Against Destructive Decisions

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Math tutor at Cross Bayou Elementary and Osceola Middle schools

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: I would correct America's trade deficit and the way the country is importing more things than it's exporting. The dollar is becoming weaker and the economy is being hurt.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My parents, definitely. I'd be nowhere without them.

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: I want to make a million dollars. That sounds kind of greedy, but one thing I would do is pay my parents back.

PARENTS: Kathleen and David Burkholder of Largo

When asked to describe himself, Steven Burkholder says he is a social person above all. "If you ever met me, never in a million years would you think I was a valedictorian," he said. "I hear that all the time." He admits he has made a few mistakes in his life. But in retrospect, he thinks the near misses are what have made him successful. "My sophomore year I hung out with the wrong crowd and fell off the track big time," he said. "School became my last priority." He credits his parents for helping him get focused again and for supporting him "no matter what." As he heads for college, he has no doubt he'll be able to keep first things first. "What sets me apart from my peers is my drive for success," he said. "What separates me from the other valedictorians is the way I am able to balance things. I've had a pretty big social life, but I've been able to maintain my grades and keep my head on straight."

SALUTATORIAN: No information was provided.

Pinellas Park High

VALEDICTORIAN: VICTORIA HUYNH PLANS: To attend the University of Florida to major in premed

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta president, Science Honor Society, senior class vice president, Students Working Against Tobacco secretary

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Hospice Tree of Love, Mu Alpha Theta canned food drive, blood drives, Barnes and Noble gift wrapping, leadership conference, book drive

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: I would love for everyone to find peace and happiness within themselves. Simple as that.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My parents' relentless encouragement through the years

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: To survive medical school, to help anyone and everyone I can, to be engaged or married and maybe starting a family, and to go scuba diving

PARENTS: Michelle Dieu Huynh and Chieu Vinh Huynh of Clearwater

After coming close for a couple of years, Victoria Huynh was voted Pinellas Park High's own American Idol this year. Her rendition of Toni Braxton's How Can An Angel Break Your Heart? won her the top spot in the contest based on the TV show. She knows it would be impossible to combine a professional singing career with her goal of becoming a pediatrician, but hopes she'll always sing as a hobby. She also hopes a lesson she learned the hard way about friendship will guide her future choices. "I lost time with my friends this year over stupid things that we shouldn't have argued about," she said. "I learned to weigh what's important and what's not." She put the finishing touches on her valedictory speech this past weekend. "It's basically about how people say, "I can't wait to get out of here,"' she said. "In my speech, I tell them I hope they remember what's behind that door. You can't just forget the past. You need to remember it and build upon it for the future."

SALUTATORIAN: MELISSA BETH FINLEY

PLANS: To attend the University of Florida to major in premed

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society president, Mu Alpha Theta parliamentarian, English Honor Society, senior class secretary, student government, Students Working Against Tobacco state board of directors member

COMMUNITY SERVICE: All Children's Hospital volunteer, Hospice Tree of Love, hospice gift wrapping, Barnes and Noble gift wrapping, leadership conference for underclassmen, book drive

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: I would eliminate cancer and disease especially in young children who haven't even started to experience life.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My parents always standing behind me and the joy I feel when I know they are so proud of my accomplishments

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: Graduate from the University of Florida's medical school, buy a house in North Florida on the beach, start my own practice, get married, and become part of the Doctors Without Borders program to help with medical issues in Third World countries

PARENTS: Sarah and Glenn Finley of Clearwater

St. Petersburg High

VALEDICTORIAN: KATHRYN GANDEZA

PLANS: To attend Florida State University to major in psychology and nutrition

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, student body president, Rho Kappa, swim team, homecoming queen, Miss St. Pete High

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Volunteer at Great Explorations, St. Paul's Catholic Church and the Arts Center; tutor

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: I would want all children to grow up happy and healthy.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My family, especially my mom who has always supported and believed in me

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: I would like to start a family.

PARENTS: Teresa and Michael Gandeza of St. Petersburg

Family has always been the center of Kathryn Gandeza's life. Huge family reunions are among her fondest memories. Through the years, she and her cousins have always talked about having children of their own and continuing traditions. "That's what I think will make me happiest in life," she said. "I can't wait for that time period." She credits her teachers for giving her a love of learning. One of her favorites was Ginger Hanner, her third-grade teacher at North Shore Elementary. Hanner and others, along with her parents, taught her the value of working toward a goal. Recently, she applied the same strategies they taught her to apply to her schoolwork to working out at the gym. She won second place in a scholarship contest. Besides her determination, she thinks her best qualities are her sense of humor, her sincerity and her thoughtfulness. "I've always been a good friend," she said.

SALUTATORIAN: LEANN MARIE GOREE

PLANS: To attend the University of Florida to major in international business

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Spanish Club

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Ronald McDonald House, Christmas toy shop, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Rojans, statistics tutoring

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: I would like to enable every child in the world to have access to a good education. I realize that I am extremely fortunate to live in a society that values and provides excellent public education. I wish everyone could have the opportunities that I have had.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I attribute my success to my wonderful parents. They have pushed and encouraged me to succeed all of my life. Their commitment to education has been a constant source of inspiration.

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: Before I turn 30, I would like to have finished my schooling and earned a master's. Hopefully, I will be well on my way to a successful career and in the beginning phases of starting a family.

PARENTS: Anna and Keith Goree of St. Petersburg

International Baccalaureate Program at St. Petersburg High

VALEDICTORIAN: JAMES T. STENARD

PLANS: To attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; major is undecided

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honor Society, Science Honor Society, National Merit finalist, marching band drum line, rowing with Sarasota Scullers

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Habitat for Humanity, acolyte at St. Thomas Episcopal Church

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: There are many problems which face our world today - hunger, poverty, war, bigotry, terrorism - and while some of these may be temporarily relieved through scientific discovery, the more permanent solutions can only be made by a fundamental change of heart. People who make a lasting and selfless contribution to humanity are never forgotten. With less selfishness in the world, we could move mountains.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: The support of my family and an unbridled ambition

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: Win an Olympic medal and be on the road toward a Nobel Prize.

PARENTS: Amy and John Stenard of St. Petersburg

When James Stenard discovered rowing several years ago, he refused to allow the lack of opportunities for rowing in St. Petersburg to deter him from pursuing his passion. He started competing in indoor rowing and is now ranked in the top 10 in the world in his age group. He also was the first in his age group to enter the 500-meter sprint. Last weekend, he finished second in the Florida State Youth rowing championship held at the Tampa Bypass Canal. The win, which qualifies him to compete in the Youth Nationals next month, came after two hours of rowing practice two or three times a week with the Sarasota Scullers. How did he manage to find the time for rowing while he juggled a demanding school schedule? "I think that if you really want to do something, then no matter how hectic your schedule is you'll find the time," he said. "I actually never gave it much thought. It just came naturally."

SALUTATORIAN: JEFFREY CLINTON HOLDER

PLANS: To attend Harvard University to major in biochemical sciences, chemistry/physics or biomedical engineering

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society, Key Club treasurer, martial arts instructor

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Bayfront Medical Center volunteer, tutor, guitar instructor

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: I would ask that everyone take all the time and energy that they spend complaining and being pessimistic and focus that time and energy on an active and passionate pursuit of their goals, taking positive steps toward a better future.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Self-motivation, organization, work ethic and above all, a desire to succeed. Anything can be accomplished through belief in one's self, support of family and friends and the determination to thrive.

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: I'd like to finish my undergraduate studies, possibly be in medical school or another graduate program, while continuing to explore my interests in nutrition and fitness, music, martial arts and water sports. I also want to settle down and start a family.

PARENTS: Joanne Beaudet and Dr. Clinton D. Holder of St. Petersburg

Seminole High

CO-VALEDICTORIAN: STACY MYTNICK PLANS: To attend the University of Florida to major in public relations

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta secretary, Spanish Honor Society president, multicultural club, marching band

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Sojourn Stuff-a-Bear, children's holiday festival at Largo Botanical Gardens, U.S. Geological Fair, Christmas and Easter cantata performances, Christmas adopt-a-family program

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: If I possessed the power to change anything in the world, it would be the abuse of alcohol, especially among teenagers. The availability of alcohol and the pressure to drink have heart-wrenching effects on a great deal of adolescents. I have witnessed many truly amazing people choose a path full of alcohol for their life, which has led to disastrous consequences.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Many reasons exist as to why I have had such a great deal of success. Above all, I have a great support system. My parents, friends, teachers and most importantly God, all provide me with endless encouragement and strength. Determination and dedication have also been key components attributable to my success. Regardless of the hardships that came my way, I continued to move forward and never gave up.

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: By the time I reach the age of 30, I would mainly like to have accomplished two goals: start a family and have a stable career. I hope to be a loving wife and mother as well as a diligent professional in the work force.

PARENTS: Vicky and David Mytnick of Largo

Faced with the decision to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Rose Bowl parade or spend time with her family, Stacy Dawn Mytnick chose her family. While the rest of the Warhawk marching band went to California in December, she opted to focus on her school work. "I know I would have had a great time out there," Stacy said. "But I wouldn't say I regret my decision, especially since I'm leaving soon. That was a big factor." She considers her mother, a teacher's assistant at Madeira Beach Elementary, a good role model. She'd like to follow in her footsteps and be a good mother and a capable career woman. What makes her different from her peers? "My faith in the Lord," she said. "I've had to explain why I have some views and why I don't do certain things. All my values and all my morals stem from my religion."

CO-VALEDICTORIAN: JULIE PIERCE

PLANS: To attend Cornell University to major in chemical engineering

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society secretary, Mu Alpha Theta, French Honor Society, French Club president, Key Club lieutenant governor

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Established Change for Charley hurricane relief and weekly reading and French lesson programs at Seminole Elementary School; nursing home volunteer

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: I would ensure an equal opportunity for education worldwide and promote education of global issues in addition to the focus on our own communities.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Encouragement from my family, a strong work ethic and a desire to achieve high goals

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: I would like to make a difference in the world even if it is in a small way. I hope to have an established career in engineering that will help me accomplish this.

PARENTS: Lois and Douglas Pierce of Indian Shores

Julie Pierce often wonders why people her age aren't more involved. She considers it not only a right but a responsibility to take an interest in the world around her. "At Seminole, it seems like people are only aware of their immediate vicinity," she said. "If they're aware of more, they choose not to do anything about it." Frustrated that she wasn't old enough to vote in the last presidential election, Julie tried to motivate others to go to the polls. She supported John Kerry, and while her convictions were not shared by the majority of her friends, she learned the value of standing up for her beliefs. Now, she's looking forward for the chance to spread her wings at Cornell. "I'm excited," she said. "I'm ready for a challenge. I'm embracing the opportunity to start a new life."

SALUTATORIAN: SKYLAR SIMONS PLANS: To attend Rollins College to major in premed

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, French National Honor Society sergeant at arms, Academic Team captain, cross country, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, SAVE Club

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Tutor and mentor at Younglife Center afterschool care program, library volunteer

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: Prayer in school

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: Become a missionary doctor overseas

PARENTS: Dawn Simons of Clearwater and Jim Simons of Seminole

[Last modified May 18, 2005, 00:50:19]