Graduates walk the stage in record numbers at Sarasota High School

Many people say the four years of high school will simply fly by, noted Jake Brasgalla.

However, he said after walking the stage, four years, for him, felt like 10 — and that was a good thing.

His advice to high school freshman is to avoid focusing on the near or distant future, and take in the smaller moments, as he has throughout his time at Sarasota High School.

It's the place where he met his girlfriend Caprey King when they were in their junior year, and where they graduated together among a record-breaking class of some 560 graduates on May 29 during the school's 111th graduation, held at Charlie Cleland Stadium at Ihrig Field.

"I think it's awesome to see how we've been able to grow together, and then all the opportunities we'll be able to have together," King said.

They will both be attending Santa Fe College in Gainesville, from which he will transfer to the University of Florida and she will transfer to the same school, or to the University of Nebraska. He plans to major in construction management and she plans to major in mechanical engineering.

Principal Ryan Chase told attendees the past years showed the potential of students for the future, emphasizing the concept of the "power of one" because of the event being the school's 111th graduation. 

He said Sarasota High School demonstrated that power at the time Tropical Storm Debby destroyed his home.

"I lost so much, and I felt completely overwhelmed, but then, one knock on the door from a neighbor, one message of encouragement, one phone call from a colleague saying I wasn't alone, one team, our boys' lacrosse team, who showed up and cleared out my yard without ever being asked," he said. "Staff members helped rebuild, and friends brought clothes for my children. Each of those 'ones' mattered more than I can ever say."