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Graduation 2006

Two Elfers graduates achieve milestones

One becomes the first to attend the school from kindergarten to 12th grade; the other gets his associate's degree while in high school.

By MICHELE MILLER
Published May 23, 2006

ELFERS - Looking back, there were many firsts to remember, but two would stand out.

Amy McAllister, 18, would forever be known as the first graduate to spend 12 years plus kindergarten at Elfers Christian School and salutatorian Rocky Connolly, 18, would be the first to graduate from Elfers with his associate of arts degree already in hand.

So how does it feel to be finally moving on?

Not such a big deal, according to Connolly, who has been whittling away at his associate's degree at Pasco Hernando Community College since his freshman year.

"I know I'll be fine," said Connolly, who plans to attend the University of Florida.

"Wow," said McAllister, who will attend Pasco Hernando Community College in the fall. "It's exciting and really cool to be venturing out and have new opportunities."

About 100 friends, faculty and family members attended Monday night's graduation at Elfers, the sixth class to graduate since the school expanded to offer high school classes in 1987.

Keynote speaker was Alan Winfield, former Bay News 9 meteorologist who is now pastor at Skycrest Baptist Church.

Other speakers included teacher Doug Nightingale, who lauded the five graduates for embracing the small Christian school environment and standing up for their beliefs. Connolly, the salutatorian, and valedictorian Tarah Wildgoose also gave speeches.

After four years attending high school, said Wildgoose, with her voice wavering, "Elfers pretty much prepared me for everything except this speech."

"Tonight is supposed to be about us, the graduates," she said. "But as I look around this room I see everyone here that has made this possible."

[Last modified May 23, 2006, 08:41:56]