Jackeline Espinoza, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, decorated her graduation cap to say "Lo logramos Mama, Papa," which means "We did it Mama, Papa" in Spanish.Â
Espinoza wanted to use her cap as a way to thank her parents, Matilde and Andres Espinoza, who migrated to the United States from Mexico, for their support as she went through high school. Espinoza is the first in her family to graduate from high school.
"It feels so amazing," Espinoza said. "I feel so happy I completed my four years, and I'm excited for the next chapter."
At LECOM Park in Bradenton, 580 Lakewood Ranch High School seniors walked across the baseball field June 3 to receive their diplomas.Â
"It's a great feeling after all those hard times in high school to finally reach this point," said graduate Christopher Walker.Â
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Senior Angelika Klein shows off her decorated graduation cap.
Principal Dustin Dahlquist congratulates senior Brooke Anderson after she receives her diploma.
Seniors Jalyn Bell, Abigail Yow and Kristina Miller celebrate their graduation. Bell and Miller have been doing e-learning all year while Yow is graduating a year early.
Seniors Tyanna Smith and Haylie Vela say it feels good to graduate but it's also bittersweet.
Seniors Madyson Flores and Leah Dakin have been friends since kindergarten and are now graduating together.
Senior Christopher Walker stands still as Valerie Finnegan, a Spanish teacher, fixes his tassel.
Terri McAllister, an English teacher, has been teaching senior Lusero Ocosta throughout her four years at Lakewood Ranch High School.
James Golden, a member of the School Board of Manatee County, fist bumps Principal Dustin Dahlquist.
Principal Dustin Dahlquist welcomes families to Lakewood Ranch High School's graduation ceremony.
Senior Shivanie Ghansiam addresses her fellow Lakewood Ranch High seniors.
Senior Brandon Wilson shares his dream of becoming a musician and asks people to think about their dreams.
Seniors in the top 10% of the graduating class prepare to receive their diplomas.
Chuck Noll, Hillary Bello, Jacob Tiefenthaler, Lisa Noll and Tristan Tiefenthaler celebrate Jacob Tiefenthaler's graduation.
Lynn Minnelli is proud of her daughter, Allie Minnelli, for graduating from high school. They commemorate the occasion with Allie Minelli's father, Kevin Minelli, and brother, Alex Minelli.
Assistant Principal Jillian Bieber hands senior Matthew Sidlo his diploma. Sidlo is in the top 4% of his class and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Assistant Principal Jillian Bieber hands senior Michelle Lee her diploma.
Graduate Mathew Dixon waves to his family in the stands after receiving his diploma.
Senior Ethan Spasciani accepts his diploma.
Graduates wait in line to have their tassels moved from the right to left to signify their graduation.
Principal Dustin Dahlquist congratulates Jennifer Campos, who is the first in her family to graduate.
Assistant Principal Valencia Lowen puts senior Hope Clark's tassel on the left side of her cap signifying her graduation.
Assistant Principal Jillian Bieber presents senior Zachary Miller with his diploma.
Andrew Duffy, Diane Duffy, Christopher Duffy, Charles Duffy and James Duffy commemorate Christopher Duffy's graduation. "It feels like a great conclusion to a lot of years of stress and hard work," Christopher Duffy says.
Principal Dustin Dahlquist congratulates senior Marissa Briggs.
Assistant Principal Valencia Lowen moves graduate Jordan Bollinger's tassel signifying her graduation.
Graduate Katelyn Guilamo commemorates her graduation.
Senior Kevin Berthold dances across the field to get his diploma.
Senior William Flood accepts his diploma.
Graduates throw their caps in the air to celebrate their graduation.
Graduate Emar'je Grace shows off his diploma to his family in the stands.
Graduate Yareli Ramirez (center) celebrates her graduation with her family who wore special shirts to mark the occasion.
Assistant Principal Valencia Lowen moves senior Jessica Thompson's tassel.
Graduate Jackeline Espinoza decorates her cap in honor of her parents, Matilde and Andres Espinoza, who migrated to the United States from Mexico. Jackeline Espinoza is the first in her family to graduate.
