The class of 2017 was celebrated during an emotional commencement ceremony on June 3 at Robarts Arena.
By
Niki Kottmann
| 10:26 p.m. June 3, 2017
Sarasota
Neighbors
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The Booker High School class of 2017 and their loved ones recently proved that it’s possible to be brought to tears at a graduation celebration where you don’t know a single graduate.
There was a particular spirit in the air at Booker High School’s 83rd Commencement Ceremony on June 3, and it was evident the second spectators walked through the doors of Robarts Arena.
After a quick walk around the arena it became evident that the pride these families and friends of the 2017 BHS seniors have for their graduates is truly immeasurable. From the custom “Congratulations ____!” t-shirts to the way their screams echoed throughout the event venue when their loved one crossed the stage (which even resulted in a joyous cartwheel by one spectator), the unconditional love shown for the 292 graduating BHS seniors was both palpable and moving.
But it wasn’t just the spectators who were showing the love. The BHS Gospel Choir’s rendition of “Can’t Give Up Now” and SarahBeth Wheeler’s performance of “Make Them Hear You” were followed by a roar of applause by the student performers’ classmates, the former of which brought the class of 2017 to their feet.
This spirit continued with the speeches, given by students who all faced — and overcame — great adversity before and during their time at BHS. Bailey Lovesky explained how one teacher became the mentor that completely changed her attitude and outlook. Brenda Nunez spoke of her immigrant parents’ relentless efforts to give their children a better education by moving to the U.S. Daquone Tirene told his story of overcoming negative influences in his native Newtown thanks to his multiple “mothers” looking out for him.
Principal Dr. Rachel Shelley summed it up well when she shared the statistic that this graduating class has earned almost $3.3 million in scholarships — that’s something to cheer about.
Sam Fonder, Rogers Knopik and Jessica O’Dell
Ryasia Hennessey and Ashley Huff
Erinn Lee shows off her decorated cap at the Booker High School Graduation on June 3 at Robarts Arena.
Rogers Knopik, Symphony Thompson, Zachary Lutz, Eli Schildkraut, Dominick Turner and Bella Main
Claudia Martinez and Mariah Reyes
Connor Jones and Darius McKinon
Maya Miller and Skylah Mello
Matthew Friedman, Clayton Garofallo, Luigi Lockhart and Javier Hernandez
Tamiyah Mitchell, Tory Mitchell Jr. (holding Tory Mitchell III and Jaievon Mitchell) and Lisa Mitchell
Bailey Lovesky, Madeline Epstein, Kate Schwab, Lena Coleman, Brady Schwabach and Mckensie Murray
Jacorey Williams, Jamal Benson, Eunique Arnold, JacQuez Belvin and Mari Solomon
Cellexia Foster hugs her friend’s little sisters before the Booker High School Graduation on June 3 at Robarts Arena.
D’Mitri Harris, Devanti Skinner and Malcolm Cain-Porter
Carrie Weeks, who recently celebrated her 95th birthday, shows her pride for her great-granddaughter before the Booker High School Graduation on June 3 at Robarts Arena.
The spirited crowd cheers for graduates during the Booker High School Graduation on June 3 at Robarts Arena.
Booker High School graduated 292 seniors on June 3 at Robarts Arena.
Members of the BHS Gospel Choir perform “Can’t Give Up Now” during the Booker High School Graduation on June 3 at Robarts Arena.
Students show off their creativity via their graduation caps during the Booker High School Graduation on June 3 at Robarts Arena.
Members of the BHS Gospel Choir perform “Can’t Give Up Now” during the Booker High School Graduation on June 3 at Robarts Arena.
Daquone Tirene gives his speech during the Booker High School Graduation on June 3 at Robarts Arena.
Latoya Oliver, one of the women student speaker Daquone Tirene referred to as part of his support group of many mothers, records his speech during the Booker High School Graduation on June 3 at Robarts Arena.
SarahBeth Wheeler performs “Make Them Hear You” during the Booker High School Graduation on June 3 at Robarts Arena.
Students show off their creativity via their graduation caps during the Booker High School Graduation on June 3 at Robarts Arena.
VPA Theatre Seniors perform during the Booker High School Graduation on June 3 at Robarts Arena.
Principal Dr. Rachel Shelley introduces the class of 2017 during the Booker High School Graduation on June 3 at Robarts Arena.
Sarasota County School Board Chairwoman Caroline Zucker embraces a graduate after awarding him his diploma during the Booker High School Graduation on June 3 at Robarts Arena.
Sarasota County School Board Chairwoman Caroline Zucker awards a graduate with her diploma during the Booker High School Graduation on June 3 at Robarts Arena.
A spectator celebrates the class of 2017 during the Booker High School Graduation on June 3 at Robarts Arena.
