SUNDAY , MAY 26 , 2013 | THE GAINESVILLE SUN SECTION F

COMMEMORATIVE SECTION FOR ALACHUA COUNTY’S

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATING CLASS OF 2013

INSIDE:SENIORS OVERCOME SOME TOUGH CHALLENGES, PAGE 2

PHOTOS OF TOP GRADUATES, PAGES 4-5

2013Class of

By Erin JesterStaff writer

High school is a hard enough time in anyone’s life.

The subjects get more and more diffi cult, building to a cre-

scendo of Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate classes for some, while others scrape by with just enough credits to graduate.

The pressure to earn high marks and get into college is intense, and coupled with the emotion-al challenges of being a teenager, those four years are a dramatic time.

But some students have a harder way to go than others.

And even with life’s obstacles, a few special students overcome adversity to become top achievers in high school.

Here are the stories of a few of Alachua County’s brightest graduating seniors.

Domonique CudjoSometimes, just getting

to school is the hardest part.

For the last four years, Domonique Cudjo rose at 5:40 a.m. to take a 90-min-ute bus ride from her home in northeast Gainesville to Newberry High School.

She could have attended Eastside High School, her neighborhood school. But she said she wanted to get away from some of the people she’d gone to school with previously. She said she was setting her sights high.

In middle school, Domonique, now 18, decided she wanted to become a lawyer. She applied to Newberry’s criminal justice academy and was accepted.

She excelled at Newber-ry, taking a total of seven AP classes over four years.

“She’s a very focused individual,” said guidance counselor Gail David.

A couple of years ago, David said, Domonique noticed the school library was somewhat lacking in titles that might appeal to high schoolers.

For the last three years, she has submitted a list of suggested books to Newberry’s media special-ist, who uses the list to order new books for the

library.“Instead of complaining,

(Domonique) came up with a solution to a problem,” David said.

Now about to graduate in the top 20 percent of her class, with two college scholarships, Domonique said she hopes to become a writer.

But there was a time when Domonique said she felt like taking the easy way out.

At the end of her fi rst week of high school, she told her mother, Betsey Walker, that going to Newberry had been a mistake. The commute left Domonique exhausted and with little time to fi nish her homework.

But she stuck it out. She wanted a bright future.

In a family of 14 children, times were sometimes tough. While she was in middle school, Domo-nique’s family was once evicted from their home.

“I really hated the feeling,” she said.

She vowed to never let it happen to her.

Domonique will attend Florida Gulf Coast University in the fall, where she will study

English and keep working on her writing.

She said she would like to write a mystery novel, or a paranormal romance. Kind of like Twilight, she said. “Except my vampires won’t sparkle.”

Tyler ParkerEven with all the support

in the world, sometimes life throws curveballs.

Tyler Parker, 17, was always a stellar student.

He said his biggest motivator was his mother, Joycette Hickmon-Parker. She never stopped pushing him to achieve more.

For example, when Tyler brought home a high score on the PSAT.

“OK,” he remembers her saying, “now you just have to do great on the SAT.”

When Tyler was in seventh grade, his mother became ill.

For the next three years, she and Tyler’s father, Burton Parker, spent a lot

of time away from home, traveling around the state getting treatment for her pancreatic cancer.

“As a 13-, 14-year-old, I still thought that a miracle could occur,” Tyler said.

Joycette died in June 2010 after a long struggle.

Tyler said he was devastated. Though the rest of his family was equally supportive and loving, he had lost the person who most encour-aged him to be great.

“I really miss that push,” he said.

But Tyler’s loss didn’t slow him down. As he watched his mother grow weaker with her illness, his desire to achieve grew stronger, he said.

By the time his mother passed away, Tyler said he had found the willpower to push himself forward.

He continued on in the rigorous Cambridge Program at Gainesville High School, taking the 90-minute bus ride each way from his home in High Springs.

Nearly three years later, he’s graduating at the top of his class, with a full ride

to Harvard College and a long list of accolades and scholarships.

He’s also been an active member of the GHS marching and concert bands, where he plays percussion under band director Bill Pirzer.

This year, Tyler was a drum major in the march-ing band, the highest position of leadership in the band.

Pirzer said Tyler’s presence has been inspirational for other students.

“He is one in a million,” Pirzer said. “I know that I can always count on him to do the right thing, but I can also count on him to lead others the same way.”

Tyler reluctantly admits he’s proud of himself, but he said he knows he can’t rest on his laurels too long.

He can still hear his mother saying, “That’s great. But what are you going to do next?”

Anna Sucsy Anna Sucsy said she

thought the hardest parts were over by the time she entered high school.

Now 18, Anna was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer in kindergarten, just after her sixth birthday.

Words of WisdomThe Sun asked area high

school seniors to share a lesson they have learned in high school that will serve them in college and beyond. Here is what they said:

“Never regret your bad decisions, but take them and learn from them to better yourself.” — Karl Zink, Key-

stone Heights Jr./Sr. High School

“An immature prank is not worth a lifetime of regret.” — Jarred Mercer,

Keystone Heights Jr./Sr. High School

“Be who God made you to be … who you are is more than enough.” — Meghan Helsley,

Keystone Heights Jr./Sr. High School

“Work fi rst and play later.” — Phillip James,

Bradford High School

“Don’t let other people dictate your future.” — Shauna Gilson,

Bradford High School

“Your nightmares and fears are only as strong as you allow them to be. Turn them into strengths, and nothing can hinder your dreams.” — Tiffany Ruggles,

Buchholz High School

“When you fi nally stop making excuses and blaming others for your mistakes, then you realize that anything is pos-sible.” — Brandon Han, Bu-

chholz High School

“In high school it may sometimes appear that your world is falling apart, but just remem-ber, there is always something beautiful just around the corner.” — Aubri Spurgin-

Kabinu, Buchholz High School

“Keep the drama in Drama.” — Schaefer Lloyd,

Buchholz High School

“Never choose between having good grades and having fun. Bust your butt and do both!” — Hailey Bason,

Chiefl and High School

“Getting involved is so important. You learn so much more from your experiences in extracur-ricular activities than you can learn from sitting in a classroom.” — Summer Toler,

Chiefl and High School

“It doesn’t matter where you come from; if you possess the will to do something, do it! Don’t let opportunities slip away from you. High school only comes once in life, so make the best of those times and trust God to get you through these so-called ‘hard years.’ ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philip-pians 4:13.’” — Adam Edwards,

Chiefl and High School

Compiled by Sun corre-spondent Stacy Fournier

Against all oddsAlachua County’s brightest seniors overcome some of life’s toughest challenges

ERICA BROUGH/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Newberry High School senior Domonique Cudjo, 18, has been recognized as a top graduate. Domonique takes a 90-minute bus ride each way every day from her home in northeast Gainesville to Newberry High School.

MATT STAMEY/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Gainesville High School graduate Tyler Parker plans to attend Harvard in the fall. Tyler’s mom, who he says was his biggest motivator, died of pancreatic cancer in 2010.

SENIORS on Page 7

“Instead of complaining, (Domonique) came up with a solution to a problem.”

GAIL DAVID, Newberry High School guidance counselor

“I know that I can always count on him to do the right thing, but I can also count on him to lead others the same way.”

BILL PIRZER, Tyler’s band director at Gainesville High School

2 F | THE GAINESVILLE SUN | SUNDAY , MAY 26 , 2013 www.gainesville.com

www.gainesville.com SUNDAY , MAY 26 , 2013 | THE GAINESVILLE SUN | 3 F

Marissa MooreBradford High SchoolUSF

Raquel AlfonsoBronson High SchoolFlagler

Katelyn Nicole CartyBuchholz High SchoolUF

Keshav VemuriBuchholz High SchoolBrown Uni-versity

Logan SmithChiefland High SchoolUF

Cole KruggelDixie County High SchoolSFC

Juliana Garcia-MejiaEastside High SchoolHarvard

Emilie SongEastside High SchoolDuke Univer-sity

Carolee MorrowFt. White High SchoolU.S. Navy

Alanna MarkowitzGainesville High SchoolBrown

Dustin SwainBradford High SchoolUSF

Mary Sue Cano-HillBronson High SchoolSFC

Ju Kyung ChoiBuchholz High SchoolUC Berkeley

Tony ZengBuchholz High SchoolMIT

Summer TolerChiefland High SchoolUCF

Dylan MarcksDixie County High SchoolEmery Riddle

Jessica GowerEastside High SchoolEmory

Rebecca SugrueEastside High SchoolMIT

Sarah RhoadesFt. White High SchoolFlorida Gulf Coast

Tyler ParkerGainesville High SchoolHarvard

Ariana FennellBranford High SchoolSFC

Olan GonzalezBronson High SchoolSFC

Daniel DewittBuchholz High SchoolStanford University

Alicia LambertCedar Key High SchoolUniversity of North Florida

Zachary DurkinColumbia High SchoolWashington Lee University

Laina MoyerDixie County High SchoolUniver-sity of Central Florida

Bushra GuenounEastside High SchoolUndecided

Carsten Thue-BludworthEastside High SchoolUndecided

Shana RobinsonFt. White High SchoolFlorida Gulf Coast

Clairee PetersonGainesville High SchoolUSF

Kendall HallBranford High SchoolNorthwest-ern Okla-homa State University

Mikala MarlettBronson High SchoolSFC

Benjamin DiuguidBuchholz High SchoolUF

Sarah MartinCedar Key High SchoolSFC

Andrew JohnsonColumbia High SchoolUniversity of Alabama

Coatland Hunter RobsonDixie County High SchoolFlorida Gate-way College

Madison HousdenEastside High SchoolFSU or Flagler

Lauren von ZabernEastside High SchoolUF

Brianna RodriguezFt. White High SchoolSFC

Asher ShoucairGainesville High SchoolUF

Keysha HornBranford High SchoolNorth Florida Community College

Dakota RobertsonBronson High SchoolSFC

Davis FooteBuchholz High SchoolUC Berkeley

Hailey BasonChiefland High SchoolUF

Holly WheelerColumbia High SchoolUniversity of North Florida

William Tanner RobsonDixie County High SchoolFlorida Gate-way College

Flora HuangEastside High SchoolDartmouth

Ashley BeckmanFt. White High SchoolFSU

Conny RuizFt. White High SchoolSFC

Madison SzarGainesville High SchoolUniversity of North Caro-lina

Rickie RoeBronson High SchoolStetson

Steve HanBuchholz High SchoolUniversity of Chicago

Danielle DrummondChiefland High SchoolLeeward Community College

Devin GregoryCornerstone AcademyUF

Kyndal VanAernamDixie County High SchoolFlorida Gate-way College

Erin IsazaEastside High SchoolCaltech

Rafael ComesanaFt. White High SchoolFlorida Gulf Coast

Sarah StringfellowFt. White High SchoolLake Sumpter College

Allen CurrieHawthorne High SchoolUF

Kelsey RussellBronson High SchoolUCF

John HuberBuchholz High SchoolNotre Dame

Adam EdwardsChiefland High SchoolU.S. Army

Tori MantelCornerstone AcademyTrinity College

Mandy WeaverDixie County High SchoolUF

Austin LandisEastside High SchoolUndecided

Kara DavisFt. White High SchoolFlorida Gulf Coast

Brady WilkinsonFt. White High SchoolFlorida Gate-way College

James McDuffie Jr.Hawthorne High SchoolUF

Lyndsey Horton BrowningBranford High SchoolHopkinsville Community College

Pablo SanchezBronson High SchoolSFC

Jennifer LiBuchholz High SchoolMIT

Sarah IveyChiefland High SchoolCollege of Central Florida

Lane BoalsCountryside Christian SchoolSFC

Samantha MorrisDixie County High SchoolUF

David LiuEastside High SchoolBrown

Kassy DavisFt. White High SchoolFlorida Gulf Coast

Mathew ArmasGainesville High SchoolUF

Jailyn McGruderHawthorne High SchoolSFC

Jessie Lynn KelleyBranford High SchoolUF

JD ShouseBronson High SchoolSFC

Kea ParkynBuchholz High SchoolUF

Hayley PateChiefland High SchoolSFC

Sophia FanelliCountryside Christian SchoolSFC

Angela AcostaEastside High SchoolSmith College

Anne LottEastside High SchoolDuke Univer-sity

Christina HarveyFt. White High SchoolSFC

David BarbetGainesville High SchoolGeorgia Tech

Courtney O’BrienHawthorne High SchoolSFC

Deesa PatelBranford High SchoolUF

Kyndall TurnerBronson High SchoolUniversity of West Florida

Alexander SongBuchholz High SchoolDuke Univer-sity

Ansley PentzChiefland High SchoolUF

Austin SnookCountryside Christian SchoolSFC

Shakita CashEastside High SchoolUndecided

Akshaya NatarajEastside High SchoolUF or Barnard

Lucas HigginbothamFt. White High SchoolUCF

Jamie BlackbandGainesville High SchoolFSU

Kanisha WhiteHawthorne High SchoolUF

Aubrey SappBranford High SchoolUF

Kaitlin AbbottBuchholz High SchoolBrigham Young Univer-sity

Mary-Kate WilsonBuchholz High SchoolUF

Timothy ReidyChiefland High SchoolClearwater Christian Col-lege

Shayna ChewningDixie County High SchoolUF

Bradley CraigEastside High SchoolUndecided

Annalee PerezEastside High SchoolHarvard

Robert HowellFt. White High SchoolUCF

Alessandra CianconeGainesville High SchoolUF

Denna AcreeInterlachen High SchoolUndecided

Carolyn WoodsBranford High SchoolSt. Johns River State College

Joshua BrownsteinBuchholz High SchoolUF

Ashley WiltBuchholz High SchoolUF

Austin SheffieldChiefland High SchoolSFC

Summer CroftDixie County High SchoolUF

Nicholas FethiereEastside High SchoolUSF

Juan RuedaEastside High SchoolVanderbilt

Sitia MartinezFt. White High SchoolFlorida Atlan-tic University

Travis MarkhamGainesville High SchoolUF

Alexis AdkinsInterlachen High SchoolUndecided

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GRADSTOP20132013TOPGRADS

6G | The Gainesville sun | Sunday, May 26, 2013 www.gainesville.com

Masha BeckInterlachen High SchoolUndecided

Anthony Parris Jr.Interlachen High SchoolUndecided

Garrett Scott McGeeKeystone Heights Jr./Sr. High SchoolUF

Charlene StainfieldNewberry High SchoolUniversity of North Florida

Nicole Marie YeltonOak Hall SchoolUniversity of Miami

Julia BrownProfessional Academies Magnet @ Loften High SchoolCollege of Central Florida/St. Leo

Bailey GamageSanta Fe High SchoolUF

Mikhail BelibasisSt. Francis Catholic High SchoolUF

Michael NevilleSt. Francis Catholic High SchoolVirginia Mili-tary Institute

Jessica LoznickaUnion County High SchoolFlorida Gate-way College

Kris ClarkInterlachen High SchoolUndecided

Nicholas PeacockInterlachen High SchoolUndecided

Brittany Jean RiviereKeystone Heights Jr./Sr. High SchoolUF

Serena Colten StarkNewberry High SchoolUSF

XinQi ZhaiOak Hall Sak Hall SchoolGeorgia Institute of Technology

James Cichewicz IIIProfessional Academies Magnet @ Loften High SchoolSFC/Harvard

Elizabeth HarreSanta Fe High SchoolUF

Andrew BowserSt. Francis Catholic High SchoolUF

Max OwenSt. Francis Catholic High SchoolUF

Danielle PateUnion County High SchoolLiberty Uni-versity

Crystal EasonInterlachen High SchoolUndecided

Taryn PetersenInterlachen High SchoolUndecided

Bailey Jo SlaterKeystone Heights Jr./Sr. High SchoolFSU

Yujing ChenOak Hall SchoolNew York University

Imari AllenP.K. YongeUF

Brittany DunnamProfessional Academies Magnet @ Loften High SchoolSFC/UF

Wayne KempSanta Fe High SchoolUF

Aimee GauvinSt. Francis Catholic High SchoolUF

Marc ParochaSt. Francis Catholic High SchoolUF

Dana SeagerUnion County High SchoolFlorida Gate-way College

Larissia ErlandsonInterlachen High SchoolUndecided

Astrid RodriguezInterlachen High SchoolUndecided

Raymond Joseph StricklandKeystone Heights Jr./Sr. High SchoolUF

Amanda Suzanne EvansOak Hall SchoolNew York University

Kailyn AllenP.K. YongeUNC Chapel Hill

Sarah LovettProfessional Academies Magnet @ Loften High SchoolSFC/UCF

Elizabeth KollerSanta Fe High SchoolUF

Julia GeraldeliSt. Francis Catholic High SchoolUF

Victor Viramontes-PattisonSt. Francis Catholic High SchoolUF

Caitlyn ShealyUnion County High SchoolFlorida Gate-way College

Dijon GreenInterlachen High SchoolUndecided

David SmithInterlachen High SchoolUndecided

Clayton BoettcherNewberry High SchoolUF

McKenzie Katherine HollenOak Hall SchoolDuke Univer-sity

Eva ArandaP.K. YongeUF

Mallory MartinProfessional Academies Magnet @ Loften High SchoolSFC/UF

Kiana RappaSanta Fe High SchoolFlorida Gulf Coast Univer-sity

Ryan HerringSt. Francis Catholic High SchoolUF

Andrew WasikSt. Francis Catholic High SchoolUF

Dalton TownsendUnion County High SchoolFlorida Gate-way College

Skyler WeemsInterlachen High SchoolUndecided

Emily GroebNewberry High SchoolFlagler Col-lege

Manwen LiOak Hall SchoolUniversity of California, Los Angeles

Victoria BannerP.K. YongeUSF

Thaddeus MorganProfessional Academies Magnet @ Loften High SchoolSFC/UF

Melinda RhodesSanta Fe High SchoolSFC

Kathryn HerringtonSt. Francis Catholic High SchoolThe Catholic University of

Gerda KruckauskaiteThe Rock SchoolIllinois Institute of Technology

James Quincy CasonWilliston High SchoolHarvard

Sydney Kristine BrownKeystone Heights Jr./Sr. High SchoolUF

Kimberly HippNewberry High SchoolSFC

Joshua Evan PincusOak Hall SchoolUF

Dylan BatlleP.K. YongeUF

Stanley AlvarezSanta Fe High SchoolSFC

Kristen Tapia-RuanoSanta Fe High SchoolUF

Michael HughesSt. Francis Catholic High SchoolFSU

Rachel PenumudiThe Rock SchoolUF

Jace ColinaWilliston High SchoolUF

Autumn GriggsInterlachen High SchoolUndecided

Alivia Jane CombassKeystone Heights Jr./Sr. High SchoolUF

Demi HuntNewberry High SchoolUF

Nicklas Alexander SarantosOak Hall SchoolDuke Univer-sity

Juliana CarrilloP.K. YongeUF

Christian BinghamSanta Fe High SchoolSFC

Samantha UnietisSanta Fe High SchoolUF

Alexander KniseleySt. Francis Catholic High SchoolUF

Jessica ChurchUnion County High SchoolWest Point or community college

Makayla Baker Williston High SchoolFlorida Atlan-tic University

Brittany HeederInterlachen High SchoolUndecided

Taryn Marie DavisKeystone Heights Jr./Sr. High SchoolUndecided

Megan MarcotteNewberry High SchoolFSU

Henry John SchottOak Hall SchoolRhodes Col-lege

Laykin ForthunP.K. YongeUF

Sean CalderonSanta Fe High SchoolUniversity of North Florida

Ashley WillisSanta Fe High SchoolSFC

Ryan McCloskeySt. Francis Catholic High SchoolUF

Kelsey HarrisonUnion County High SchoolFlorida Gate-way College

Ty Cramer Williston High SchoolUF

Jordan MasseyInterlachen High SchoolUndecided

Carson Canova DraneKeystone Heights Jr./Sr. High SchoolFSU

Ena NaterNewberry High SchoolUniversity of North Florida

Jason Scott SharkeyOak Hall SchoolUF

Valerie Torres-RosarioP.K. YongeUF

Sierra ClemonsSanta Fe High SchoolSFC

Madeline AdkinsSt. Francis Catholic High SchoolSFC

Cameron MeyerSt. Francis Catholic High SchoolFSU

Shane HendricksUnion County High SchoolFlorida Gate-way College/SFC

Scott Cunningham Williston High SchoolUniversity of West Florida

Alexis MethvinInterlachen High SchoolUndecided

Alexander Ray JohnsonKeystone Heights Jr./Sr. High SchoolUF

Morgan OggNewberry High SchoolUF

Daniel Andrew StirtOak Hall SchoolDuke Univer-sity

Kaleigh WasdinP.K. YongeUF

Rachel FarmerSanta Fe High SchoolUF

Cara AndersonSt. Francis Catholic High SchoolUF

Ted Mitchell, Jr.St. Francis Catholic High SchoolStetson Uni-versity

Tanner LemayUnion County High SchoolFlorida Gate-way College/UF

Elizabeth Erickson Williston High SchoolUF

Skylar MidkiffInterlachen High SchoolUndecided

Mallory Marie MauldinKeystone Heights Jr./Sr. High SchoolUF

Brodie RolandNewberry High SchoolUF

Zhuowa WuOak Hall SchoolHarvey Mudd College

Jazz WhittakerP.K. YongeUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore County

Bradley FeagleSanta Fe High SchoolUniversity of Tennessee

Emilio Miguel AragonSt. Francis Catholic High SchoolUF

Jake NangleSt. Francis Catholic High SchoolUF

Vanessa LoveUnion County High SchoolFlorida Gate-way College/SFC/UF

Laquisha HillWilliston High SchoolSFC

GRADSTOP20132013TOPGRADS

www.gainesville.com Sunday, May 26, 2013 | The Gainesville sun | 7G

Madeline Suzanne Adkins***Cole Alexander McClean Akerman

Cara Ellen Anderson***Emilio Miguel Arevalo Aragon***

Mikhail Emil Belibasis***Caroline Michelle Bolch**Andrew Paul Bowser***Jessica Arlene Bradley**Steven Michael Bunde*Marvin Shan Cohen**

William Raymond Creamer*Dorothy Amelia Diblin**Darian Gromov Domer*Austin Curran Edwards

Sarah Ann EllisFelicia Grace Fallo**

Thomas Emmett Henslee FerryManuel Antonio FuentesSkylor Gerard Galipeau*Aimee Alissa Gauvin***

Julia De Padua Geraldeli***Ryan Matthew Herring***

Kathryn Mary Herrington***Megan Elizabeth HowellMichael Jesse Hughes***Kevin Alexander Jasinski

Alexander Philip Kniseley***Celia Ann Kniseley

Katrina Bente Lagos*Christopher Max Lawson

Megan Ryan Lee**Cameron Kennedy Lescault

Christiana Yvonne Marcus*Mason Wade MarkhamMouhamadou Mbodj

Ryan James McCloskey***Alyson Nicole McQuillan**Cameron Heyden Meyer***Ted David Mitchell, Jr.***Lucas Christopher MuzzeyJohn Alexander Nangle***Michael Ander Neville***

Max Lee Owen***Bryan Pacheco Espinal

Marc Benedict Parocha***Juliana Isabel Pernini**Shannon Leigh Richards

Gabriel Thomas Salamida**

Andres Luis SamarkosJohn Michael Sansalone**Austin Randolph Scott**Victoria McKenna SmithAshton Graziani Stone**

Joshua Tyler Stull**Scott Andrew Sturgill-Trahan*

Victor Georg TrinidadViramontes-Pattison***Christian Yatil WallaceSean Adam Walter

Andrew Ryan Wasik***Hunter John Williams*Grayson Alyse Zabel

The 2013 Graduates

Congratulations to the Class of 2013 on their college acceptances!

Academic Accomplishments

Our graduates haveperformed over 11,725 hours

of community service.69% Florida Bright Future Scholars

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College**Art Institute of Jacksonville**

Auburn UniversityAve Maria UniversityAverett University

Belmont Abbey CollegeBerry College

Canisius CollegeThe Catholic University of America**

The Citadel**Clarkson UniversityClemson University

Coastal Carolina UniversityCollege of Charleston

Colorado State UniversityConcordia University Ann Arbor**

Congressional Nomination to the UnitedStates Military Academy

Diocese of St. Augustine-seminarianFlagler College

Florida Atlantic UniversityFlorida Gulf Coast University**

Florida Gulf CoastUniversity-Honors ProgramFlorida Southern CollegeFlorida State University**

Florida State University-Honors ProgramFlorida State University-Panama City

Fordham UniversityFranciscan University**George Mason University

Georgia Institute of TechnologyGreensboro College

Jacksonville UniversityLaGrange College**

Louisiana State University**Marietta College

Marymount UniversityMercer University

Methodist UniversityOlivet Nazarene UniversityPensacola Christian College

Providence CollegeRivier University

Roger Williams UniversityRollins College

Saint Leo University**Saint Mary's College**Saint Vincent CollegeSamford UniversitySanta Fe College**

Shenandoah UniversitySilver Lake CollegeSpring Hill College

St. John Vianney College Seminary**Stetson University**

Tallahassee Community College**Tulane University

Universidad de Morelia MichoacanUniversidad NacionalAutónoma de MéxicoUniversity of Alabama

University of Central Florida**University of Florida**

University of IowaUniversity of Maine

University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesUniversity of Mississippi

University of North Florida-Honors Program

University of North Florida**University of South Florida St. Petersburg

University of South FloridaSt. Petersburg-Honors ProgramUniversity of South Florida**University of West Florida**Virginia Military Institute**Virginia Polytechnic Institute

and State University**Warner UniversityWinthrop University

** Indicates that graduatewill attend in the fall.

Mission/Vision Statement

The mission of St. Francis Catholic High School is to developyoung men and women into leaders who exhibit service, faith,community, honor and scholarship in the Catholic tradition.

Faith...Knowledge...

Virtue...Catholic Values In An

Excellent Educational Environment

School Community61 Seniors • 59 Juniors • 53 Sophomores • 64 Freshmen

20% of our students are non-Catholic

www.sfchs.org • 4100 NW 115th Terrace • Gainesville, FL 32606 • 352-376-6545

SA I N T FR A N C I SCAT H O L I C H I G H SC H O O L

HONORSAND

CELEBRATESOUR SIXTH GRADUATING

CLASS AS THEY GO TO COLLEGE

*** Summa Cum Laude 4.0+ | ** Magna Cum Laude 3.6-3.99 | * Cum Laude 3.3-3.59

Community Service $2.5 millionin

scholarships

6 F | THE GAINESVILLE SUN | SUNDAY , MAY 26 , 2013 www.gainesville.com

Saint Leo University Gainesville Graduating Class of 2013

352-336-3600 or 352-367-1192

Master of AccountingEdwin S. Allen III

Master of Business AdministrationLoreth Darecla Elizabeth Graham

Hamleen GregoireWalinda Hart

Kinn’zon M. J. HutchinsonMarquetta Monique Lee

Claudia RasnickMarcia L. Richardson

Samuel Christopher RogersTracy Lynn Ryan

Veronica Renee ThompsonMaster of Education

Laura Kay AshleyShaci Davis

Master of ScienceLetisha ElstonSheron O. LittlesBachelor of ArtsDortha J. AlbertJennifer L. Allen

Mac Eugean AllisonJessica Lynn AndersonKrystle Nakita Bickford

Tracie BlackfordAmanda M. BoggsBen H. Boukari*Michelle M. Brady

Alyanne Janis BrantleyKaitlyn Elaine BrownChristopher F. BushSebastian J. CanalCarmen I. Carrera

Margarita B. CarreraJesus Alberto Chapellin

Diamond T. CollierNykeadra Nashay Cooper

Irma CornejoShirley Courtney

Bonnie Anne CowieMonica Whitt CoxKara Ann Devoe

Arneth DixJessica DouglasSable Nicole DyeCheryl L. Farrell***Amy Lynne Fehrs

Chessie Jennings FlandersRaymond H. FitzgeraldAmanda Beth FrancoHolly Anne Fremen

James GallFernando Miguel GarciaLindsay Chantal Garner**Elizabeth Nichole Gonzalez

Naomi Lynn GrahamRube Isiah GrantMonica A. GreeneLeanne Grinstead**Jaine Alisha Grogan

Mya Michelle Harris***Easter Cendara HeadAmanda Jean HebertRyan Keith Helsel

Elizabeth Kay HighsmithKara Hill

Stephanie Florence HopkinsKrystal Nicole Hovey*Marisa Anne IngramLuis Armando InojosaJonathan C. JamesJeri Lynn Jarvis

Lashanda Sherie JelksGabrielle Johnson

Gregory Scott Johnson

Daniel Richard KirkendallAshley Kroll*

Dalane Marie Lamm*Rembert Leigh LaVonne

Carlo LongoriaMarissa Anne Mackritis*Morgan A. Macnichol*Lindsey K. MatthiesSavitri MauriceMarian J. McCall

Antron DeMario McCulloughKris Nicole McDilda

Patrickk Wilson McDonald*Karen Boston McGinnisAshley Marie McGrawKimberlee A. McLeodJessica Nicole Melton*Valarie Marie Merrifield*Jerremy Allen Miller*Matthew MoodyKristi Lynn Neal

Valerie Boyett Nipper*Andy Nguyen

Nina Lynn Oswald**Valerie Ann OteroCrystal A. Padgett

Nicole Elizabeth PaisleyAmy Melinda PalazzoloDevin Elizabeth PattersonJames Michael PearsonAlicia Jennifer Peaslee

Diana Nathalie Pena-SteinGregory R. Peterson**

Shirley Mitchell Polvere*James Thomas Powell**

Joseph Rawley**Dakota Gabrielle ReddishLaVonne Leigh Rembert

Samantha-Lee Helen RobertsMichael James Riling*Angela Michelle RossBrenda Lee Rowe

Cynthia De Los Angeles Sandi-ColonCarmen Iris Santos

Ryan Michael SchmittGregory D. Schultze

Danielle Nicolemitchell SeayYuki Sekiguchi*

Widline D. SenecharlesRobin D. ShanksKatie Lynne Sharp

Dana Renee SlaughterSequita J. Solomon

Cassandra Lynn StegallDonald A. Stuve

Victoia Lynne TakácsDestany Cornelia TannerAdrian Shuron Taylor*Jessica Lynn Taylor

Christopher Ian TedderRandal Edwin ThompsonChristopher Ande Van AkenAmanda Kristine WalkerChristine Michelle WalkerMarqitta Toyetta WhiteheadAnthony Bryce WhitsonStephen Douglas WilderAnitra Michelle WilsonLynn M. Bush WilliamsDanielle Marie WolfTrista Lynn Wright

Bachelor of ScienceRamon Paul Alvarez*Mose E. Campbell

Irma CornejoChristopher Brian Ellis*

Fabiola Andreina Garcia*Edward Ian Ginn*

Angela Lynne GoguenSylvia Patrice Hayes

Joseph T. HuntKaren Nicole LawyerJason P. O’Brien

Marette Lynn Rockman-Pidhajecky*Narjodh SinghHeather Seidl

Latonja H. SpencerNicholas William Stires

Nicole Naomi TaftBachelor of Social Work

Eldritha CalderonDana Carmel Coleman**

J. Eugene Griffis*Tawanda Latoya Gross

Regina Renee Harper WimsChayson Carl Kirkpatrick**Mindy Jeanette Lowery**Rebekah Ann McDonald*Katia Janice Mercedes*Kevin Tyrone Nattiel

Lasunya Vanore RossinPatricia Lynn Spencer*Ashley Shanbrea TensleyAmaris Cornelia WaldenAssociate of Arts

Yolanda Annette Brown

daughter of William and Sandra

Pintos, graduated from the United

States Naval Academy in Annapo-

lis, MD on May 24th, 2013 and

was commissioned as an Officer

in the U.S. Marine Corps. 2nd Lt.

Pintos successfully completed four

years of intensive academic, physi-

cal, and professional training,

resulting in a Bachelor of Science

Degree with a major in Political

Science and a minor in both Japa-

nese and Spanish. As a graduate of

the Naval Academy, 2nd Lt. Pintos

completed a four-year, total im-

mersion program where a strong,

balanced academic program, fo-

cused on the educational needs

of the Navy and Marine Corps is

superimposed on a strict, profes-

sional military training environ-

ment emphasizing the develop-

ment of leadership skills.

U.S.Marine CorpsSecond LieutenantDorindaA. Pintos,

Considered one of the top educational institutions in the country, the U.S. NavalAcademy was founded in 1845 and has graduated more than 60,000 men andwomen as Naval and Marine Corps Officers. Its graduated include 4,000 Admi-rals and Generals, one President, 200 members of Congress, three Governors, 73Medal of Honor winners, one Noble Prize winner, and 40 Astronauts. The NavalAcademy currently has more than 4,000 students who comprise the Brigade ofMidshipmen and who come from every state in the union.

Following graduation, 2nd Lt. Pintos has been assigned to The Basic School(TBS) located in Quantico, VA where she will continue training in preparationfor her future duty as a company grade officer.2nd Lt. Pintos is a 2009 graduate of Buchholz High School, Gainesville, Florida.

Anna Pallone Williston High SchoolUSF

Samantha Sandlin Williston High SchoolUSF

Chloe Young Williston High SchoolUF

She underwent opera-tions and recovered, but three years later needed more surgery.

At a young age, Anna said, that kind of illness didn’t slow her down much. She made a full recovery.

But during her junior year at Eastside High School, doctors discov-ered Anna had an ovarian cyst. Normally, cysts don’t require surgery, but because of her medical history, her doctors decided to remove it. She spent fi ve days in the hospital and a total of two and a half weeks out of school.

At the time, Anna had rigorously trained with Eastside’s swim team for two years and had fi nally qualifi ed for the regional competition. But after her surgery, Anna missed most of the season.

“I didn’t think it was fair,” she said.

Although pain from her last surgery sends Anna to

physical therapy at Shands twice a week, she has bounced back enough to return to the swim team.

She qualifi ed for region-als again and, this time, competed. Her swim coaches awarded her “most improved.”

Anna said her condition never held her back, especially in school. Her parents, Peter and Eleta, instilled in Anna and her brother, Kai, a love of education at a young age.

Her focus on school turned out to be a blessing, she said. “It doesn’t give you the time to dwell on it.”

She’s particularly gifted in English, said Sarah Reynierson, who instructs Anna in the International Baccalaureate program at Eastside.

Reynierson said Anna brings a unique perspec-

tive to every class meeting. Her understanding of the poetry and prose studied is far beyond her years.

“She’s just this little package of strength — ev-ery kind of strength,” the 25-year veteran English teacher said. “I’m so glad I had the opportunity (to work with Anna). It certainly enriched my experience as a teacher. I’ve learned from her.”

This fall, Anna will begin classes at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, where she plans to study interna-tional relations.

Anna said she hopes to go into politics or to work with a nonprofi t organiza-tion — wherever she can do the most good.

“I think the whole experience has made me want to help people,” she said.

Kanisha WhiteAgainst steep odds,

Kanisha White is coming out on top.

Kanisha was 5 years old when her mother died. Her father wasn’t in the picture, so her mother’s sister, Jacklyn Williams, took her in.

Kanisha grew up in Haw-thorne and said she threw herself headfi rst into her studies. Hawthorne Junior/Senior High School doesn’t have as many high-level courses as other schools in the district, but Kanisha took the ones that were offered, including AP statistics and AP literature and composition.

She also got involved in extracurriculars, running track and playing basket-ball and volleyball, as well as joining the cheerlead-ing squad. She said she met students who didn’t care about school, but Kanisha, now 18, wanted a purpose in life.

Another student may have gotten lost without a stronger support system, said school counselor Jill Geltner.

But Kanisha has a good head on her shoulders. Geltner said she doesn’t have to worry about Kanisha. “She has a good compass,” she said.

A few times this year, Geltner said she would let Kanisha know about a scholarship opportunity, only to fi nd out the senior had already submitted an application.

So far, Kanisha has received two scholarships that she will put toward a degree in sports manage-ment at the University of Florida.

She said she hopes to be a sports trainer after college.

Kanisha said she’s motivated to do well in school partly because she wants to thank her aunt by making something of herself.

She has the support of her aunt and her older

brother, Keon Williams, with whom Kanisha is close.

But she said she does miss her mom. The hardest part about senior year is not having her around, she said.

“It’s hard because I don’t have her to attend Parent Night with me. I don’t have her to be excited for me at

prom, and I won’t have her at graduation,” Kanisha said. “I don’t think I could’ve made it through senior year if it wasn’t for the support of my aunt and brother.”

Contact Erin Jester at 352-338-3166 or erin.jester@gainesville.com.

Continued from Page 2

ERICA BROUGH/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Eastside High School senior Anna Sucsy, 18, is shown in the media center at Eastside High School in Gainesville. Anna was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer when she was in kindergarten.

ERICA BROUGH/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Kanisha White, 18, is among the top of her class at Hawthorne High School. Kanisha, whose mother died when she was 5 years old, was raised by her aunt.

SENIORS: Students balance school, their personal lives“She’s just this little package of strength — every kind of strength.”

SARAH REYNIERSON, who instructs Anna in the International Baccalaureate program at Eastside

“I don’t think I could’ve made it through senior year if it wasn’t for the support of my aunt and brother.”

KANISHA WHITE, Hawthorne High School senior

C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 5

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