By B.C. Manion
One wants to be a scientific researcher.
Another, a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Others eye careers in chemical engineering and energy.
One’s main goal is simply to “be happy.”
Such are the aspirations of just a few of the thousands of Hillsborough and Pasco high seniors in the Class of 2011. They’ll be donning their caps and gowns and crossing the threshold into adult life this week during commencement ceremonies.
The settings will be different: The Tampa Convention Center, the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall, W.F. Edwards Stadium at Pasco High and the Lakeland Civic Center.
But the atmosphere will likely be much the same: Graduates will march to pomp and circumstance, while proud friends and family member vie to get their attention.
People will capture video or take photographs. Songs will be sung. A speaker or two will talk too long.
As similar as the ceremonies may be, however, each graduate is unique.
Czarino Teano of Wesley Chapel High credits her parents for much of her success. They moved the family from the Philippines when she was 9 and now she “wants to make the best of what they did.”
Classmate Nick Cox eyes some kind of scientific breakthrough, but admits in his future he really just wants “to be happy.”
In addition to sharing the stage at Wiregrass Ranch High’s commencement, the top two graduates have another bond — the same favorite teacher, Nicholas Cuviello.
“He seems really experienced and he knows what he is talking about,” notes Fiona Chai about her AP Chemistry teacher.
“He enjoys what he does and he dedicates himself to it,” adds Levi Davidson. “He’s excited to teach so it kind of spreads throughout the classroom. He’s also funny.”
Echoing a theme from other grads, Chai and Davison also singled out their moms for their inspiration.
