Siblings Alexandria Smith and Rex Smith
Photo by Ian Swaby
Sarasota
Schools
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Sarasota High School students entered a new stage of life on May 20.
As the commencement ceremony began in Cleland Stadium beside the school, principal David Jones spoke to students, telling them they must not let the mundanities of life distract them from the wonders around them.
Graduate Jennica Charles offered a welcome speech, discussing how students can overcome the challenges they face, including by having the courage to ask for help.
Student speaker Anja Schwarzbauer discussed the importance of having one’s voice heard based on her experiences as an activist for female empowerment.
“Never be afraid to express your opinion,” she said.
Afterward, as graduation caps and confetti fell through the air, tearful goodbyes abounded.
“It feels phenomenal,” said Tatiana Vivoni, who plans to study political science at USF and then attend law school. “I’m going to do great things.”
Briana Raiola and Brooke Olson
Photo by Ian Swaby
Brooke Hann heads to the stadium with Anna Ourednik and Saylor Hann.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Cymari Brewer and Caleb Bradley dance as they prepare for graduation.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Jaqueline Perez and Sigrith Ortega head to the ceremony.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Lucas Pennington, Dylan Henley, and Ben Tooley
Photo by Ian Swaby
Taylor Wertz and Lucia Warren prepare for the ceremony.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Siblings Alexandria Smith and Rex Smith
Photo by Ian Swaby
Neritan Selaj, Ben Shereff, and Valerie Shore prepare to walk to the stadium.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Charles Edgson, Thomas Dye, and David Dutka chat as they wait to enter the stadium.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Graduates proceed to Cleland Stadium for the graduation ceremony.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Graduates are greeted by parents in the stadium.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Graduates applaud during the ceremony.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Sarah Pascual and Anna Smith were among the students who sang the nationl anthem.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Jennica Charles offers an introduction speech.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Principal David Jones delivers a speech.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Anja Schwarzbauer addresses students.
Photo by Ian Swaby
School board member Robyn Marinelli greets Chloe Schale.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Kailee Huguley is excited to graduate.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Mikael Kipila takes a moment to revel in his achievement.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Graduates move their tassels to the left side.
Photo by Ian Swaby
School board member Robyn Marinelli shakes hands with Avalon Selby.
Photo by Ian Swaby
A flurry of confetti appears as students graduate.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Kylie Lally, Elias Corn, and Madelyn Svenson
Photo by Ian Swaby
Terry Smith, Caleb Bradley, and Wretta Bradley.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Shayla White and Reagan Hughes prepare to part ways.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Graduate Analisa Gutierrez and her friend Taelyn Rickwa embrace, as they will not be able to spend the next year together.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Jaclyn Hernandez, Sofia Benitz, and Tatiana Vivoni
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.
