The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Hats off, grads!

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The Laker/Lutz News salutes grads of all ages!

There were lots of big moments being celebrated around our coverage area in recent weeks, and there will be more before Graduation Season 2022 concludes.

Whether your favorite graduate was making the transition from prekindergarten, finishing up a doctoral degree, or progressing at any stage in between — it was a time to pause and celebrate.

We invited you to share photos of your favorite graduates, and you responded.

Here’s a look at the gallery of photos we compiled.

Alexandra Paige Hendrix is a member of the Land O’ Lakes High School Class of 2022. Her mother, Lara Hendrix Brennan writes: ‘She loves God, family, friends, playing golf and animals. Alexandra will be attending Pasco-Hernando State College in the fall.’ (Courtesy of Lara Hendrix Brennan)
Cannon Frisco is a member of the Sunlake High School Class of 2022. Tammy Frisco writes: ‘Cannon will graduate with cum laude honors. He also won the Senior Superlative for Best Smile.’ Cannon plans to pursue the path to become an emergency medical technician/paramedic and firefighter. (Courtesy of Tammy Frisco)
Daniel Urbonas is the IB Valedictorian of the Class of 2022 at Land O’ Lakes High School. He is a National Merit Scholar and will attend the University of Florida, studying in the College of Engineering, Honors Program. (Courtesy of Pam and Allan Urbonas)
Ellie Guglietta graduated from voluntary pre-kindergarten at Kids’ Stuff Preschool, in Lutz. Jessie Guglietta writes: ‘When asked, Ellie wants to be a dog sitter, and singer and songwriter when she grows up. But for now she enjoys school, swimming and Disney!’ (Courtesy of Jessie Guglietta)
Nathan Christ is a graduate of Discovery Point Terra Bella in Land O’ Lakes. Victoria Christ writes: ‘He is very excited to graduate VPK (vol- untary pre-kindergarten).’ (Courtesy of Victoria Christ)
Trinity Swets is a member of the Class of 2022 at Land O’ Lakes High School. Katy Swets writes: ‘In this photo, she is at her annual dance banquet, for Contempo School of Dance. She currently is a dance student at Contempo, as well as a teacher.’ Trinity plans to continue to teach dance at Contempo and to attend Pasco-Hernando State College, in the fall. (Courtesy of Katy Swets)
Andrea Burgess is a graduate from Steinbrenner High School. She is the great-niece of Mary Jane Weeks, an account manager for The Laker/Lutz news. Mary Jane writes: ‘She graduated with a 6.04 GPA and will attend the University of South Florida this fall, working toward a double major in computer science and music. I am so proud of her.’ (Courtesy of Mary Jane Weeks)
Ethan Carnahan, of Lutz, graduated with honors from Hillsborough Virtual K-12. He will be attend- ing Florida Polytechnic University in the fall. (Shana Carnahan)
Katilyn Tawzer poses on her big day. Terry and Carroll Carpenter, longtime residents of Lutz, submitted this photo of their grand-daughter, Kaitlyn Tawzer, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. Her grandparents were there to see their first grandchild to graduate from college. Kaitlyn is a graduate of Blake High School. Her family lives in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Terry and Carroll Carpenter)
Lutz resident Mariah Tirado is a member of the Gaither High School Class of 2022. Her mom, Carolann Newsome, writes: ‘We are so proud of Mariah, she is truly one of a kind. She loves cowboy boots and rac- ing. Mariah races go-karts at Dirt Devils Speedway in Land O’ Lakes. She plans to become a Realtor.’ (Courtesy of Carolann Newsome)
Tracy Gaschler, who describes her- self as a super-proud momma, writes: ‘Rebecca Gaschler, of Lutz, graduat- ed with honors from the University of Central Florida Burnett Honors College with degrees in political sci- ence, pre-law and psychology. The National Merit scholar is the 2022 Austyn White Memorial Award recipi- ent for her contributions to the UCF Moot Court team, She placed in nationals this year.’ (Courtesy of Tracy Gaschler)
Daniella Gutiérrez graduated from Wesley Chapel Elementary School and will attend Thomas Weightman Middle School. Karem De La Hoz writes: ‘Good luck in middle school and remember, a positive mindset brings positive things.’ (Courtesy of Karem De La Hoz)
Kelsey Strigler, a graduate from Wiregrass Ranch High School, is heading to Florida State University. (Courtesy of Tara Strigler)
Kylie Strigler, left, and Delaney Strigler are both graduates of eighth grade at John Long Middle School, in Wesley Chapel. They’ll be attend- ing Wiregrass Ranch High School. (Courtesy of Tara Strigler)
Sebastian Gutierrez is a graduate of the Class of 2022 from Wesley Chapel High School. Karem De La Hoz writes: ‘Sending warm congratu- lations today and wishing you all the best at Wittenberg University. We are so proud of you!’ (Courtesy of Karem De La Hoz)
Nicole Sanchez is a graduate of the Class of 2022 from Saint Leo University, in St. Leo. She’s the digital content assistant for The Laker/Lutz News. The Laker/Lutz News staff says to Nicole: ‘We’re proud to salute our very own graduate! Congratulations, Nicole. We’re happy you’re part of our team.’ (Courtesy of Nicole Sanchez)
Rielly Perez, who played varsity baseball, and Brooke Lea, who played varsity softball, are both graduates of the Zephyrhills High School Class of 2022. Hiedi Perez writes that Rielly and Brooke have been friends since elemen- tary school and both are big believers in giving back to the community. Rielly will attend Nova Southeastern University. Brook will
attend the University of Central Florida. (Courtesy of Heidi Perez)
Everett Walker graduated from kinder- garten in Alpine, Wyoming. He lives with his mom, dad and little brother, Evan. He attends Thayne Elementary School. He is the great-nephew of Mary Jane Weeks, account manager for The Laker/Lutz News. (Courtesy of Mary Jane Weeks)
Kaylee Grace Billek is a volunteer prekindergarten graduate from The Cherry Tree. Shannon Billek writes, ‘I can’t believe your VPK year is over! Kaylee girl, you are the answer to my dreams. I am so proud of you and beyond excited you are now a Wildcat! Kindergarten here she comes!!!’ (Courtesy of Shannon Billek)
Luna Mistretta, 5, graduated from VPK at Temple Terrace Presbyterian Weekday School in Temple Terrace on May 26. She said she wants to be “a copy editor like Mama” when she grows up. She is the daughter of Ashley and Matthew Mistretta, art director of The Laker/Lutz News. (Courtesy of Ashley Mistretta)

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