Daniel Sanchez, Christopher Schrum and Griffin Shay head onto the field.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Sarasota
Schools
Share
During last year's graduation ceremony in 2025, Principal Ryan Chase announced a record graduation rate for Sarasota High School.
However, after taking to the podium this year, he announced that the last year's 96.5% rate had been exceeded, making 2026 the year with the school's highest-ever graduation rate.
Hundreds of students headed to the school's Charlie Cleland Stadium at Ihrig Field as they prepared to step into the next chapter, on May 15.
Student speaker Eden Hurley reflected on students' growth over the course of their time at the school, recounting their initial arrival at Sarasota High.
"We were wandering around, clutching our schedules, pretending we knew where Building Four was," she said. "Classrooms felt miles apart. We did not know where we fit or who we would become, and now we know every hallway, every shortcut."
She gave students some pieces of advice for their time ahead, saying that most of all, they should not choose comfort over growth.
"The impact of this school and these people does not end today. It continues in everything we do next," she said.
However, some students will still have the chance to keep in touch with their past.
Daniel Sanchez and Anna Sofia have been best friends since pre-K. They will have the chance to continue their friendship as they both head to the University of South Florida.
She will be majoring in nursing, while he will be majoring in risk management and insurance, but they'll both still have the chance to spend time together.
"He copied me because I was going there — silly one," she said.
Fabiana Vera-Nunez and Jermain Trapp make their way off the stage.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Anna Sofia and Daniel Sanchez show their diplomas.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Principal Ryan Chase addresses attendees.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Chloe Rebholz, 3, celebrates with her sister, graduate Braelynn Rebholz.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Rodney Hamilton makes his way from the stage.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Students move their tassels.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Charlie Rasool, Costa Arent, Michael Stahl and Evan Whitlock celebrate graduating.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Jairus Hernandez, 3, looks at the diploma of his sister Genesis Hernandez.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Eleonora Kirilova makes her way down from the stage.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Sloan Cox introduces the platform guests.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Lexi Sanchez hugs Katerina Sidova.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Students get seated in the stadium.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Bodhi Kirschner stands with his family including his Jane, Kelly, Charlie, Phoebe, Kent, Selby and Leila Kirschner, and Tracy and Nate Topjun.
Photo by Ian Swaby
The moment of graduation arrives.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Julio Henrique and Julia Dos Santos celebrate graduation.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Bryce Canfield and Saharat Suwongjun celebrate graduating.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Austin Atkinson receives his diploma.
Photo by Ian Swaby
River Rogers sings the national anthem.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Claudia Viamonte and Bogdan Zverev enjoy being graduates.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Daniela Elizarraras-Saavedra receives a diploma.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Student speaker Eden Hurley addresses the crowd.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Students from JROTC serve as the color guard.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Roy Rivera hugs Hamilton Mendoza.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Carter Flerlage shakes hands with Superintendent of Schools Terry Connor.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Sofia Garofalo Caraballo heads down from the stage with her diploma.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Miracle Farrior greets Superintendent of Schools Terry Connor
Photo by Ian Swaby
Kasey Stancomb blows a kiss towards the crowd as students head onto the field.
