Graduation 2023: Sarasota High School

By Ian Swaby
| 5:20 p.m. May 21, 2023

Sarasota
Schools

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.”

Brooke Hann heads to the stadium with Anna Ourednik and Saylor Hann.

Cymari Brewer and Caleb Bradley dance as they prepare for graduation.

Jaqueline Perez and Sigrith Ortega head to the ceremony.

Lucas Pennington, Dylan Henley, and Ben Tooley

Taylor Wertz and Lucia Warren prepare for the ceremony.

Neritan Selaj, Ben Shereff, and Valerie Shore prepare to walk to the stadium.

Charles Edgson, Thomas Dye, and David Dutka chat as they wait to enter the stadium.

Graduates proceed to Cleland Stadium for the graduation ceremony.

Graduates are greeted by parents in the stadium.

Sarah Pascual and Anna Smith were among the students who sang the nationl anthem.

Jennica Charles offers an introduction speech.

Principal David Jones delivers a speech.

School board member Robyn Marinelli greets Chloe Schale.

Mikael Kipila takes a moment to revel in his achievement.

Graduates move their tassels to the left side.

School board member Robyn Marinelli shakes hands with Avalon Selby.

A flurry of confetti appears as students graduate.

Kylie Lally, Elias Corn, and Madelyn Svenson

Terry Smith, Caleb Bradley, and Wretta Bradley.

Shayla White and Reagan Hughes prepare to part ways.

Graduate Analisa Gutierrez and her friend Taelyn Rickwa embrace, as they will not be able to spend the next year together.

Jaclyn Hernandez, Sofia Benitz, and Tatiana Vivoni

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.