Graduation 2023: Booker High School

By Ian Swaby
| 5:30 p.m. May 21, 2023

Sarasota
Schools

Families, friends and students gathered for Booker High School’s 89th commencement ceremony on May 20 at the Robarts Arena.

Graduate Danae Tran played "The Star-Spangled Banner" on violin; the ceremony also featured performances of songs such as “All the Stars” and “True Colors” by members of the Booker High School Visual and Performing Art Center.

Graduate Ivana Rodriguez spoke about the resilience she learned from overcoming the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Another graduate, Nora Mitchell, spoke about writing the story of one’s own life while also understanding others’ stories, describing everyone as “fighting their own battles and facing their own dragons, on their own arduous quest.”

A third graduate, Leah Dubose, spoke about making the most of the future.

“Honestly, it doesn’t feel real, because it’s all just now happening,” said Christian Robinson, who said he was “extremely” excited to pursue a psychology degree at Tallahassee Community College. “Once I get the feeling of it, I will say it was worth it.”

Za'Kiera Williamson wore a cap in honor of her father Antonio Wright.

Inga Wright, Michelle Holton, Beverly Johnson, Latoya Wright, Jala Johnson, and Mela Rainey attended because of graduate Amani Washington.

Graduate Keon Sams' grandmother Kitt West and mother Keasha West sported t-shirts specially made for the occasion.

Bam Bam Johnson accompanied Barbara Purifoy, who dressed in support of her daughter Rejanae Wesley.

Juan Zambrano plays saxophone with the band Fourcast.

Julia Wren Grandpre and other students enter the auditorium.

Luna Bermudez, Lilia Pearson, and Christain Hall watch the procession of students.

The color guard included Mitchell Dominguez, Mariana Guia-Arroyo, Yoan Hernandez, and Lissete Reyes.

Danae Tran plays the national anthem on violin.

Ivana Rodriguez delivered a commencement speech.

Principal Dr. Rachel Shelley speaks at the ceremony.

Danae Tran, Frederick Carr, and Genesis Gutierrez-Ronda were among those who performed the song "All the Stars."

Nora Mitchell delivers a commencement speech.

Tanaysia Talkovic and Claire Nicole Timney sing "True Colors" with the VPA Theatre Seniors.

Parents hold signs for graduates as the ceremony begins.

Students decorated their caps for the graduation ceremony.

Leah Dubose delivers a commencement speech.

Sarasota County High School and Booker High School Teacher of the Year Courtney Smith greets Caleb West.

Lauren Gonzalez Gomez and Fernanda Gonazalez-Alvarado wait to receive diplomas.

School board member Robyn Marinelli greets Ryan Fett.

Lena and Raymond Walker dressed in honor of graduate Keon Sams.

Sarasota County High School and Booker High School Teacher of the Year Courtney Smith greets Briana Cristiani

Students throw their caps as their graduation is formally announced.

Best friends Maximo Garcia and Jesus Trujillo

Zee Singleton, Will Carter, and Christian Robinson

Maribel Rodriguez, commencement speaker Ivana Rodriguez, Abraham Cabral, and Erica Avalos

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.