Class of 2013 heads into future
By B.C. Manion
One thing is a constant for the members of the Class of 2013: The technology of their lives is continuously evolving.
Graduates of today tweet highlights of the ceremony, take pictures with their cell phones and post videos on YouTube – hoping they’ll go viral.
Tools of communication may be radically different than for previous generations of graduates, but one thing is the same: Receiving a high school diploma remains one of life’s big moments.
And, thousands of graduates are lining up now, as commencement season is in full swing in Pasco and Hillsborough counties. Some schools have had their ceremonies, and others are gearing up.
Roughly 4,000 students from area public and private high schools will complete this rite of passage this year, stepping over the threshold to adult life.
Seniors from Gaither, Steinbrenner, Freedom and Wharton in northern Hillsborough County will accept their diplomas at ceremonies for Hillsborough County public schools.
And, graduates from Sunlake, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch, Pasco and Zephyrhills high schools will shift the tassels on their caps at commencement ceremonies for Central Pasco and East Pasco schools.
Ceremonies are also planned or have been concluded for private high schools serving the communities of Trinity, Odessa, Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, New Tampa, Dade City and Zephyrhills.
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School in Spring Hill held its graduation on May 14, with 60 graduates receiving their diplomas during a ceremony in the school’s auditorium.
Forty-five graduates received their diplomas during a May 19 ceremony in the theater at Carrollwood Day School. This was the fifth crop of seniors to graduate from the school in North Tampa, and it was the final graduation ceremony for Mary Kanter, who is retiring in June, after being of head of the school since 1998.
While CDS has concluded its festivities, Academy at the Lakes and Land O’ Lakes Christian School are preparing for their events.
Land O’ Lakes Christian School will confer diplomas to eight graduates during an evening ceremony on May 31 in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Land O’ Lakes.
Academy at the Lakes will have its graduation exercises in the school’s gymnasium on June 2. In addition to the Class of 2013’s academic achievements, which garnered $2.4 million in scholarship offers, seven of the 39 graduates have been recruited by collegiate athletic teams.
Other settings for upcoming commencement ceremonies for area public schools are at the W.F. Edwards Stadium in Dade City, the University of South Florida Sun Dome in northeast Tampa and the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in east Tampa.
Many graduates have gone far beyond the call of duty, demonstrating their commitment to learning by achieving grade point averages well beyond the 4.0 that comes from earning straight As in traditional courses.
Those students embraced more rigorous courses, including Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses that can earn them college credit during high school.
Jackie Lawson of Gaither High, had the highest grade point average across The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area and the highest in Gaither High history, exceeding 8.71 on a 4.0 scale.
As graduates wrap up their high school academic career, these students see themselves playing varied roles in their future careers. Some will continue their studies at prestigious schools in far away places, while others will stick closer to home.
For now, though, it’s time to savor their accomplishments, pose for pictures, send texts or tweets and enjoy the moment – before setting off on their new adventures.
