Area seniors say goodbye to high school

More than 1,300 area seniors said goodbye over the last two weeks as their high school days came to an end.

Students from Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest high schools and Simmons Career Center received their diplomas as school officials predicted bright futures ahead for members of the Class of 2011.

Here are the highlights of the graduation ceremonies:

Durant seniors 'left a legacy'

The 15th graduating class in Durant High School's history "left a legacy by which all future classes will be measured," Principal Pam Bowden said as she bid farewell to her graduating seniors.

Nearly 500 Durant students received their diplomas June 3 in a ceremony at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Bowden and other speakers said the class left its mark on the school in such areas as academics, athletics, choir, band and ROTC.

Bowden said about 40 percent of the seniors were honor graduates and 71 percent had a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. They received a combined total of $4 million in scholarships and their ranks included several students bound for the military.

Class President Ashtyn Harris noted that the occasion would be the last time the classmates would be together before they go "our separate ways where our hearts lead us."

Salutatorian Cory King's address included thanks to Jesus Christ, teachers, family and friends before he asked the graduates to prepare to "change the world."

He praised the school for helping craft the seniors as they prepared for their future.

Valedictorian Amy Bearison talked of her own struggles to overcome a learning disability to achieve high grades and said she learned to "never give up even when the chances of success seem dim."

"The class of 2011 has left a legacy at Durant," she said, before urging her classmates to go out a "leave a legacy on the world."

Plant City High seniors urged to give thanks

More than 450 Plant City High School seniors who graduated June 7 were asked to remember the help they received along with way.

"As we recognize our graduates today let's remember that their successes did not come without great effort," Principal Colleen Richardson said. "Family members, friends, faculty and staff, thank you for your support of our senior class."

Richardson urged the graduates to thank those who helped.

"Most teachers would agree that the most cherished gift they can receive is a sincere note of appreciation from their students," she said.

Class valedictorian Nathan Cruzado told his classmates that they graduate in a world with technology that "no generation before us has ever had."

"How we define and use technology now will matter for hundreds of years. We can use the creativity and the intelligence God has given us to create and use technology to make the world a better place. We have been entrusted with much, so let's dream big."

Salutatorian Lauren Morris stressed personal relationships during her address.

"It is crucial that we always remember the relationships that we have formed during our journey to and through high school.  I have without a doubt made friendships that will last forever," she said. "While some will not endure I take great pleasure in knowing that I have at least one relationship that will last forever. This is my relationship with Jesus Christ."

Richardson said the class was impressive in its accomplishments, from academics to athletics.

More than 140 of the 450 graduating students were honor students. Another 90 students finished with a grade point average at or above 3.0, or a B.

Teacher Dale Rice, who is in his 30th year teaching at the school, said he was impressed with the class.

"I've seen a lot of graduating classes," Rice said. "It's nice to send the next wave go on. It's a never ending story. We have done our best to help make them successful, and hope they maintain good thoughts about the future."

Simmons graduates advised to 'dream big'

Simmons Career Center graduates were encouraged to "dream big" as they received their diplomas and their high school days came to an end.

Principal Cleto "Sundy" Chazares told the 60 graduates at the June 8 commencement that he was proud of their accomplishments.

"We will continue to challenge the students to dream big," said Chazares, popularly known around campus as "Mr. C."

Assistant Principal for Curriculum Elizabeth Ohm recognized a number of graduates for winning scholarships and other accomplishments. In total, the class earned scholarships and grants in excess of $80,000.

The career center, which offers such training as nursing and agriculture, has no valedictorian or salutatorian. The featured speaker, pediatrician Gerard Hough, advised the graduates that they would face some tough times as adults – such responsibilities as work, bills and taxes – but to always strive to do their best.

"Your success is based on how hard you work," said Hough, who listed honesty and compassion as character traits needed for the future.

"If you do so, you'll be sought out; you'll be sought after" as an employee, he said.

He paraphrased a creed from a longtime football coach at the University of Auburn:

"I believe in the Simmons Career Center men and women. This is your story. I want you to celebrate your stories."

Simmons graduate Jeanette Cruz, 19, said intends to follow her dreams at Hillsborough Community College.

"I'm going to HCC to get my (registered nurse degree) RN," she said.

Debbie Cobb, mother of graduate Danielle Cobb, said her daughter was also planning to become a registered nurse.

"I am overjoyed at her success," Cobb said.

Strawberry Crest graduates recognized as leaders

During the inaugural graduation ceremony for Strawberry Crest High School, the seniors received high praise for their leadership during the past two years.

"Today is your day," school Principal Davis Brown told the graduating seniors. "Thank you, graduates, for letting me hang out with you during the past two years. Thank you for your unity and leadership. Thank you for making your two years at Strawberry Crest something exciting and new."

The class salutatorian, Gregory Alfonso, remarked how the past two years transformed students from various schools into graduates now calling themselves "Chargers."

"As I look through the crowd at all of you today, people who were strangers to me are now my family," Alfonso said. "Everyone in this room today has contributed to Strawberry Crest as we know it. What started out as an empty building of just stone and glass has come to life with a personality that brings on the best in all of us.

"All of our actions combined are what really represents our generation. As we move on to the real world we must stay true to ourselves. Let's hold our morals and principles close to us and find our own growth to happiness."

Valedictorian Jennifer Chen recognized students from different schools who unified over time to become one at Strawberry Crest.

"We basically became a family," Chen said. "We have shared in crazy times, some fun times, involved ourselves in pranks and somehow made it through the year. Everyone in this room today, faculty and parents, have made a difference in our lives. Without them we wouldn't be here today. And now we have made it. Put your names on it."

Strawberry Crest opened in 2009 but didn't have a senior class its first year. About 300 seniors made up the inaugural graduation class.

Student Samantha Corsi, 18, likes being in the first graduating class at the school.

"I think it's awesome. We made our own mark. It was a good experience. Go Chargers," Corsi said.

"We're No. 1," graduate James Cowart said.