Sarasota High School grads look forward to forging a new path

Sarasota High School students took to the Cleland Stadium on May 18, but it wasn't for a game. It was for the last moments of an era.

“It’s definitely a fresh start for all of us in the future,” said Adam Imre. “I don’t think we know exactly what we will do — but we’ll figure it out. We’ll be alright.”

Imre wasn't the only one with similar thoughts that night.

Followed by an introduction of the distinguished guests by graduate Hayden Wilding, who spoke about meeting the challenges of the future, Nazareth Icabalzeta offered a commencement speech about finding one's path. 

“For those of you who are lucky enough to know me, I know exactly what you’re thinking — what is Nazareth doing up there? After all, I am not headed to an Ivy League school, and I still struggle to properly use a comma. I am just an ordinary student,” she said. 

Icabalzeta encouraged students for the years ahead. 

“We do not need to know all the answers right now, as long as we don’t let the fear of not knowing paralyze us from moving forward, and becoming who we’re meant to be, who we want to be,” she said.

Principal Ryan Chase also offered remarks addressing the future. 

“You're a Sailor; you were meant to navigate any pathway put in front of you, including uncharted waters," he said. "Remember the world needs your unique voices and your fresh ideas."