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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.

By DONNA WINCHESTER
Published May 25, 2005

Admiral Farragut Academy

VALEDICTORIAN: LAURA JAMES

PLANS: To attend Harvard University to major in business

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: NJROTC 2nd Company commander, student government president, varsity boys soccer team captain and most valuable player (the school has no girls' team); varsity tennis, Countryside under 17 varsity club soccer, homecoming queen

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Youth soccer team coach

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: End prejudice and discrimination

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: To my parents and hard work

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: Travel the world

PARENTS: Mirella and Wade James of St. Petersburg

Laura James entered Admiral Farragut Academy in seventh grade because it was the school her parents wanted her to attend. Her decision to stay there for high school is one she has never regretted.

"The teachers were fantastic," she said. "They were always very interested in seeing you succeed. I also really enjoyed my experience as company commander. It was really good for leadership skills."

Laura secured a spot on the boys' soccer team because the school doesn't have a girls' team. For two years, she was the lone girl until another girl joined last year. Of all her high school activities, she counts being company commander and playing soccer among the most valuable.

"I learned that if you want something, you should go for it," she said. "You can usually succeed."

As she heads for Harvard, she is unsure about where she'll fit into the workforce.

"I just plan to go there to take some different classes," she said. "Nothing is set in stone."

SALUTATORIAN: AMANDA ELIZABETH ALLEN

PLANS: To attend North Carolina State University to major in engineering and linguistics

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, NJROTC, Key Club, yearbook editor

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Tsunami relief fundraiser

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: I would give everyone the gift of instant perspective. Too often, we are absorbed in the moment only to realize later what it really means.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My friends and family. I don't know where I'd be without them.

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: I hope to have a professional degree and be in a fulfilling career that allows me to help the general public. I recently spent time with a local civil engineer. It's really amazing how much impact her projects have on the community. I want to make that type of contribution.

PARENT: Michele Allen of Charlotte, N.C.

Canterbury School of Florida

VALEDICTORIAN: ERIN ELIZABETH COOLEY

PLANS: To attend the University of Florida honors program to major in psychology

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honor Society, tennis team

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Ronald McDonald House

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: I have amazing advantages in my life and I wish that others around the globe had the same opportunities. It doesn't seem fair that some people suffer through no fault of their own.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I believe that if you set clear goals and work persistently toward them, you can accomplish almost anything.

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: I would like to graduate from college and graduate school and have a life partner along with a successful, enjoyable career.

PARENTS: Margaret and Guy Cooley of St. Petersburg

When Erin Cooley started taking tennis lessons at 15, she was older than her competitors but decided not to let that hold her back. She practiced two or three hours a day and soared to her school's No. 1 spot.

Balancing a grueling practice schedule, three Advanced Placement courses and a long-distance relationship with her boyfriend was difficult, but Cooley can't think of anything she would have done differently.

She plans to get a head start on her college reading list this summer beginning with the Bible.

"It's referenced so much in college," she said. "I feel it will be helpful to me."

One of her goals when she gets to Gainesville will be to join clubs so she can meet as many people as she can. She figures it will ease the loss of friends with whom she has grown up.

"I will miss the little cranny I've had my whole life," she said. "But you've got to move on."

SALUTATORIAN: CASSIE ANITA HARRIS

PLANS: To attend Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y., to major in foreign languages and international relations

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society president, Spanish Honor Society, yearbook co-editor, varsity volleyball and tennis, cheerleading

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Volunteer at El Hogar de san Francisco de Asisi in Peru, a home for sick and indigent children

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: For people everywhere to show more tolerance and respect of others' cultures and beliefs

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My family has always expected the best from me and I put a lot of pressure on myself to live up to their expectations as well as my own.

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: To establish a career in international law and to travel to as many countries as possible

PARENT: Sharon Harris of St. Petersburg

Keswick Christian School

VALEDICTORIAN: DANIELLE ESTHER KURANT

PLANS: To attend the University of South Florida to major in biomedical sciences

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: School Praise Band, Bible study, working with glass, We the People competition with global studies class, surfing

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Praise Band pianist, helped with demolition of Tropic Sound Studio so it could move to a new building, church welcome team, assisted with youth group building improvement

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: I would want people to respect each other more and pay more attention to the needs of others.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: God-given ability, encouraging parents, and never giving up

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: Educate America about celiac disease, have a family and record another CD

PARENTS: Jill and Daniel Kurant of Kenneth City

When Danielle Kurant was diagnosed with celiac disease, she was forced to change not only her diet but her way of life. Her allergy to gluten, a mainstay of the American diet, means she can't eat anything made with wheat, rye, oats or barley.

The challenge has heightened her awareness of the struggles of others and has influenced her decision to find a way to be of service.

"I used to always tell my mom I wanted to change the world," she said. "I know that's kind of vague, but I want to be able to impact people for the better as far as I can reach, even if it's just in my community."

Kurant can't wait to start over and get involved with college life.

"I've been at Keswick since kindergarten," she said. "It's nice because it's been like a family, but I think it will be good to meet new people. I'm kind of excited to have that pseudo independence where I'll be on my own, but since I'm going to USF, I'll be close to home."

SALUTATORIAN: ANIKA COLLIER NAVAROLI

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

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, varsity track

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Tutoring elementary school students

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: I would eliminate the bitter sting of racism and prejudice that still exists within the world. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed, I also dream that one day all people will one day be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Firstly, my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, who blessed me with all my talents and abilities. Without him, I would be nowhere. Secondly, my two loving parents who have supported and raised me and, most importantly, loved me enough to push me to succeed and not accept mediocrity.

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: I would like to graduate from UF and proceed to law school, eventually become a successful lawyer, get married and raise a beautiful family.

PARENTS: Davenia and Albert Navaroli of Seminole

Northside Christian School

VALEDICTORIAN: ALEXANDRA JOHNSON

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

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society president, yearbook editor, student council vice president, Key Club president, homecoming queen, Miss NCHS, varsity basketball, morning announcements

COMMUNITY SERVICE: First United Methodist Church Praise Team vocalist, hurricane relief car wash, tsunami relief carnation sale, Angel Tree Christmas gifts, organized Operation Christmas Child, mentored two confirmands, student council Thanksgiving food drive

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: I would either change how divided we are as a people of the world or I would change the fact that there are homeless and hungry children that are desperately in need of parents and love.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I attribute my success to a great family support system and a church family support system that encouraged me and challenged me to go for every goal. Also, my wonderful teachers that guided and directed me through all of high school.

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: I would like to establish a pediatric medical practice and begin to raise a family. I would like to also build lasting friendships at college and deepen my relationship with my heavenly father.

PARENTS: Christa and Justus Essman of St. Petersburg

SALUTATORIAN: CHRISTOPHER RYAN BISHOP

PLANS: To attend the University of Florida to major in mechanical engineering

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Marching, symphonic and jazz bands, chorus, chamber singers, school musical

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Hurricane relief car wash

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: I would make it so that innocent civilians would not have to die in wars.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I attribute my success to God for all he has given me and allowing me to excel in my class.

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: I would like to be set in a firm career where I enjoy what I do for work.

PARENTS: Martha and Ralph Bishop of St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg Catholic High

CO-VALEDICTORIAN: ADRIANA NICHOLSON

PLANS: To attend Vanderbilt University to major in biomedical engineering

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society district secretary, Mu Alpha Theta president, senior class secretary-treasurer, Italian Honor Society, school reaccreditation team, Academic Team

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Bedside Buddy at All Children's Hospital, tutoring

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: I would take away all the obstacles that the poverty-stricken are faced with that hold them back from ever having a normal life.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I attribute my success to the support and guidance from my parents and to the work ethic they have instilled in me.

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: I would like to finish my formal education, learn a new language and be on my way in a solid career.

PARENTS: Patty and James Nicholson of Treasure Island

Adriana Nicholson made a tough decision in choosing to attend Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. She didn't want to pick a school so far from her family, but she knew the program would be best for her career goals.

She plans to major in biomedical engineering and hasn't decided precisely what she'll do with a degree in the field. She may become a surgeon or invent new surgical techniques, or she could develop prosthetic limbs or pacemakers or other things that would enhance the quality of someone's life.

But whatever she does, she wants to make a difference. Her recent experience as a volunteer at All Children's Hospital intensified her desire to help others.

"It was hard to see kids who had never experienced being healthy," she said. "They didn't have the same kind of life a normal kid has. But it was also very rewarding to see kids who were making the most of their lives. They weren't taking anything for granted."

CO-VALEDICTORIAN: MICHELLE ALEJANDRA PALACIOS PLANS: To attend Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., to major in psychology

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta treasurer, Spanish Honor Society, Youth Ministry Team at school and at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, parish council member, horseback riding

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Big Brothers Big Sisters, retreat leader for Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle eighth-graders, student in charge of canned food drive

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: If I could change one thing about the world, I would make people more accepting of and open to new cultures. Diversity is such an amazing thing. It opens people up to new ideas and makes life more colorful and interesting.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My parents have always encouraged me to do the best I can in school and in life. I take pride in everything I do and work to make sure I give everything 100 percent.

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: By the time I am 30, I want to have a satisfying career and live in a city I love.

PARENTS: Marianne and Fernando Palacios

If Alexandra Johnson had a magic wand she could wave over the world to cure its ills, she would create a universe in which people would meet in the middle to find common ground. They would no longer be polarized by extreme views and they would work through their differences.

Above all, they would respect each other's opinions.

"People get so angry with each other because of their political views," she said. "We are so tolerant of so many things we probably shouldn't be, yet we're intolerant of each other's views."

She saw a microcosm of the perfect world in the school's basketball team.

"Basketball is not so much about the sport, it's about the teamwork," she said. "It's about being close with the girls and building a family unit."

Alexandra will miss her immediate family most of all when she leaves home.

"I'm pretty independent, so it won't be nerve-wracking to live on my own," she said. "But it will be weird not being an important part of my family's daily life."

SALUTATORIAN: ANITA E. FRANKHAUSER

PLANS: To attend the University of South Florida honors program to major in biomedical sciences

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society vice president, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honor Society, Academic Team, marching and concert bands, adult choir

COMMUNITY SERVICE: St. Vincent de Paul Food Center, FAST

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: I would make it so that everyone could receive a full education so that true peace might one day be achieved.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I attribute my success to my parents, for it is their dedication and love that has made me the person I am today.

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: I would like to find a career that is fulfilling and makes me very happy.

PARENTS: Aurora and William Frankhauser of Pinellas Park

Shorecrest Preparatory School

VALEDICTORIAN: SARAH DAJANI PLANS: To attend Princeton University SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, French Honor Society, Quill and Scroll Honor Society, Leo Club, varsity basketball, drum lessons

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Fort De Soto beach cleanup, Valentine's crafts for All Children's Hospital

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: If I could change one thing about the world, it would be the method of transportation. I prefer the idea of an immediate transporter rather than a vehicle such as a car or airplane, and I'm sure many people would share the same sentiment. An easy method of jumping around the world would do wonders for people's social lives, leisure activities and, most importantly, their cultural perceptions.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: The people who have surrounded me are without a doubt my greatest inspiration.

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: I would like to create some incredible math theorem, discover a cure for some biological ailment, and design the perfect fashion company. I want to write plays, direct them, attain a professional level of drumming, be a world traveler and never get tired doing any of it.

PARENTS: Nagwa and Bill Dajani of Seminole

Sarah Dajani is only half kidding when she says she wants to reinvent the world's transportation system. Growing up in two countries - she has spent summers in Egypt since kindergarten - has broadened her perspective of life's possibilities.

Sarah also could see herself designing a clothing or cosmetic line, or changing the world through music. Sometimes, the endless possibilities she sees stretching out ahead of her boggle her mind.

"I know I want to do something that is really creative but that involves a lot of hard work, something you need to use your brain to succeed at," she said. "The best way to do that would be to get involved in politics, but that's the last thing I want to do."

She realizes she would have to be "a super Renaissance woman" to reach all her goals.

"If, by the time I am 30, I have a steady career and a good circle of friends, I would be extremely happy," she said. "Perhaps I am too naively optimistic, but I would like to be completely in touch with what I want and be content with who I am. That would probably be the accomplishment of a lifetime."

SALUTATORIAN: EMMA JANE BOSTON

PLANS: To attend Duke University SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society secretary-treasurer, Mu Alpha Theta vice president, Spanish Honor Society president, varsity cross country captain, varsity track and field captain, Fellowship of Christian Athletes

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Fort De Soto beach cleanup, toiletry bags for needy in Guatemala

ONE THING I WOULD CHANGE IF I COULD: I would create world peace, especially because both my brothers are in the Navy and overseas.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: The lack of pressure my parents have placed on me has allowed me to be whoever I want to be. It has allowed me to thrive.

ONE THING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE I'M 30: All I truly want is to be happy and comfortable with who I am. It wouldn't be bad if I was a CEO for a Fortune 500 company, either.

PARENTS: Mary and Ward Boston of St. Petersburg

[Last modified May 25, 2005, 00:40:21]