Graduation 2023: Riverview High School

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

Sarasota
Schools

Riverview High School students finally had the chance to throw graduation caps into the air on May 20 at the Robarts Arena.

Principal Erin Haughey spoke about the importance of following one’s passion, describing the lack of joy she felt while pursuing a physical therapy degree, before realizing that her pursuit of greatness had distracted her from where she truly belonged — in the field of education.

She described each graduate as having “a unique gift,” a skill which they “are better at than anyone else.”

Senior class leaders all offered their own speeches, while the featured student speaker was Josie Liederman.

“Everyone here has the potential to go out into the world and earn everything. All it takes is you, and the desire to commit to hard, hard work. The decision is yours,” Liederman said.

Liederman, who is headed to Florida State University to study music therapy, said she was “so excited” to start the next phase of her life.

Alancia Cox, Marybeth Damico, Mark Asadorian, and Sophia Clabby

Students Madison Baird, Jacob Lirio, and Andaryia Takenova play a medley of music from Star Wars, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial, and more prior to the ceremony.

The band offers a performance of a medley of music from Star Wars, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial, and more prior to the ceremony.

Amaris Gonzalez and Sadorah Lormil of JROTC direct attendees to where they can buy water.

Zachary Rubin and Ava Rudd proceed towards the stage.

Adam Blizzard and Chloe Boggs proceed to the stage.

Laura Christophel and Levon Christophel applaud the graduation of Dahmia Westfall, their daughter and granddaughter, respectively.

Caden Singh exits the stage with his diploma.

Members of the Riverview High School chorus sing the Star Spangled Banner.

Senior Class President Shelby Nobile speaks at the ceremony.

Senior class Historian Cayman Reisky, Treasurer Lilly Mae Stewart, Secretary Emily Lepow, and Vice President Emily O'Neill are introduced.

Josie Liederman was the student speaker.

Principal Erin Haughey presents graduate Ella Williams with the Edward Brown leadership award.

Mickeyshane McGetrick, Apollonia Krolikiewicz, and Anna Fortenberry listen to a commencement speech.

Genesis Orellana, Carlos Fernandez, Dionara Correa, Andres Morales, Belcy Correa, graduate Maria Orellana, Fabian Orellana, Grecia Orellana, and Freddy Orellana

Keisha and Alan Rubin, Alec Rubin, graduates Evan and Zach Rubin, Dana Rubin, Sylvia Haftel, Arthur Rubin, and Andrea and Michael Hopkovitz

Jon Cerrito has his yearbook signed by Angelina Massucco.

Alec and Milton Kruk, graduates Brian Kruk and Sherif Abdou, Abdelhamid Abdon, Lori, Stephanie, Dennis, and Danielle Kruk, and Theresa Govier

Josie Liederman and her boyfriend Brandon Cohen

Sarah Walters, Haylie Smith, and Eden Jones

Karen, William, Jonathon, and Jason Hackney

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.