Graduation has a bittersweet flavor

Seniors in Walter L. Sickles High School's second-ever graduating class look to the future while remembering fallen classmates.

By EVE LEBERSON

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 28, 2000

UNIVERSITY NORTH -- The Walter L. Sickles High School Class of 2000 sat together as a group for the last time Wednesday night when 579 graduating seniors accepted their diplomas at the University of South Florida's Sun Dome.

It was a time for graduates, parents and friends to reflect upon the past and look toward the future. "The path we choose to take has destinations unknown," said senior class president Ella Roberts. "We have the whole world in our hands."

But the path to graduation wasn't easy, valedictorian Sarah Wiley reminded them. Not only do high school students have to deal with papers and tests, they also experience the hardships of trying to discover who they are.

"High school was difficult, plain and simple," Wiley said. "We must not forget the experiences we have had here."

Principal Nuri Ayres recognized the academic accomplishments achieved by the school's second graduating class, including a class grade point average average of 3.4 and an estimated $2-million awarded in scholarships. Half of the Sickles senior class earned at least a GPA of 3.0.

Ayres also took a moment to remember two students, Tony Gifford and Alvin Burgos, who died earlier this year. "This class laughed together and mourned together," Ayres said as she choked back tears. "You have left footprints on our hearts."

Looking upon the graduates dressed in green and white gowns, Wiley encouraged her classmates never to underestimate themselves. "My hope for each of us is when we are faced with obstacles, we will stand tall and rise" above them.

"Now let's go out there and kick some butt!"

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