Freedom High School ā Graduation Ceremony: Thursday, May 28, 8 a.m., at Florida State FairgroundsĀ
1. Maggie Takamatsu, Valedictorian
GPA: 8.64
Clubs/Activities: SGA VP, HOSA president, United in Christ president, varsity golf, varsity track & field, varsity cross country, volunteer for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
College planning to attend: University of South Florida
Planned major or future career: Health Sciences on pre-med track aspiring to be an ophthalmologist.
Best thing about high school: Getting the opportunity to challenge myself both in & outside of the classroom while meeting my best friends.
2. Stephanie Daglo, Salutatorian
GPA: 8.56
Clubs/Activities: SGA, black student union, NHS, National English Honor Society, French Honor Society, Rho Kappa, DECA, FBLA
College planning to attend: Howard University
Planned major or future career: Political Science major/lawyer
Best thing about high school: Hanging out with friends.
3. Leah Wood
GPA: 7.96
Clubs/Activities: Spanish Honor Society, Book Club, Key Club, Little Lives Club, Junior Class Council, Senior Class Council, Tri-M Music Honor Society, NHS, Girl Scouts Bronze, Silver & Gold Award recipient, varsity swim, varsity track, varsity lacrosse
College planning to attend: Florida State University Honors
Planned major or future career: Sports management & economics/international sports agent
Best thing about high school: Baking for my friends to celebrate every holiday and their achievements
4. Zuri Moore
GPA: 7.43
Clubs/Activities: Lacrosse, Math Honor Society, math tutoring, Cause for Paws Club, Environmental Sciences Club, Science Honor Society
College planning to attend: University of Chicago
Planned major or future career: Environmental Science
Best thing about high school: Hanging out with friends at lunch and football games
5. Hayder Alfatlawi
GPA: 7.26
Clubs/Activities: FBLA, golf at First Tee
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned major or future career: Biomedical engineering/ dentist
Best thing about high school: The people. My friends made the journey so much more enjoyable & helped me decompress after a stressful schedule throughout the years.
6. Meera Jamro
GPA: 7.12
Clubs/Activities: National Art Honor Society president, National English Honor Society VP, Key Club VP, NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa, varsity lacrosse, basketball, varsity golf
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned major or future career: Biology/ pre-med
Best thing about high school: Getting the chance to play sports and join clubs, where I met some of my closest friends.
7. Raj Guntuku
GPA: 6.90
Clubs/Activities: FBLA president & district president, HOSA VP, MAO president, Speech & Debate founder & president, Senior Class secretary, Little Lives secretary, DECA treasurer, varsity tennis
College planning to attend: University of Florida Honors College
Planned major or future career: Computer science & business
Best thing about high school: All the friends I made. Without them, high school would have been a completely different experience that I just cannot imagine going through. I am forever grateful for meeting my friends
8. Ainsley Meyer
GPA: 6.88
Clubs/Activities: International Thespian Society, softball, Best Buddies, French Honor Society, NHS, Girl Scouts
College planning to attend: Savannah College of Art & Design
Planned major or future career: Film & TV
Best thing about high school: Meeting all kinds of people who love and support me.
9. Brooke Teague
GPA: 6.88
Clubs/Activities: NHS, Tri-M president, other Honor Societies, Cause for Paws Club founder & president, orchestra (first chair, violin)
College planning to attend: Univ. of South Florida
College planning to attend: University of South Florida
Planned major or future career: Exercise Science & Kinesiology/Physical Therapist or Endocrinologist
Best thing about high school: The friendships I made, the fun times at lunch & at football games, the variety of classes I got to take, and all the teachers who supported me.
Wiregrass Ranch High School ā Graduation Ceremony: Saturday, June 6, at USF Yuengling Center
1. Gavin Sawall, Valedictorian
GPA: 4.7368
Clubs/Activities: NHS, Science NHS, Alpha Theta, Senior Research Officer of Research Club
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned major or future career: Mechanical Engineering
Best thing about high school: Hanging out with friends & engaging in new opportunities.
2. Vaishnavi Panchavati, Salutatorian
GPA: 4.73
Clubs/Activities: HOSA, FBLA, Indian classical dancer
College planning to attend: University of Florida Honors Program
Planned major or future career: Microbiology & Cell Science
Best thing about high school: Meeting my closest friends and enjoying every single day with them in class.
3. Nathan Finkel
GPA: 4.0/4.7077
Clubs/Activities: SADD chapter president, varsity boys basketball manager & statistician, SAC chairman, FTSDC teen ambassador board member, District Student Congress Representative, girls flag football announcer, NHS, basketball summer camp counselor, Culverās Crew member
College planning to attend: Univ. of Florida
Planned major or future career: Sports Management/Sports & Media Journalism
Best thing about high school: Assisting the coaching staff & recording stats for the basketball team as we won four consecutive District championships.
4. Sarah Khatib
GPA: 4.67
Clubs/Activities: Student Council President, Moffitt Cancer Center Intern (Fall 2024), HOSA member & State competitor, Founder of World Matters Human Rights Club, Associate of Arts Degree at PHSC through Dual Enrollment
College Planning to Attend: University of South Florida Honors College
Planned major or future career: Physician Assistant specializing in neurology
Best Thing about High School: The supportive community & the meaningful connections you build along the way!
5. Carson West
GPA: 4.0/4.49
Clubs/Activities: Varsity cross country, FBLA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter treasurer, varsity lacrosse offensive captain & starter, varsity golf starter, Teen Court Regionally Celebrated Attorney, Class of 2026 Treasurer& volunteer coordinator, NHS Service Group member, SADD, Rho Kappa HS, Bulls Nation spirit leader & pep rally lead, Intl. Science & Engineering Fair finalist, Science Research Club co-founder & senior research lead, Red Shift robotics club CAD design team, Stockholm Jr. Water Prize State competitor & honoree, Chemathon chemistry competition selected representative
College planning to attend: Vanderbilt Univ.
Planned major or future career: Biomedical Eng. & Human & Organizational Development
Best thing about high school: Learning more about yourself, your interests & who you want to become in the future. Research, where I developed & tested my own project which ended up leading me to International Science Fair my junior & senior years.
6. Sophia Zhang
GPA: 4.68
Clubs/Activities: Crochet Club (among other things)
College planning to attend: Yale Univ.
Planned major or future career: Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology
Best thing about high school: The wonderful people & teachers I got to meet!
7. Bomin Kwon
GPA: 3.98/4.66
Clubs/Activities: Tampa Museum of Art Youth Council member (pd. internship), Green Club (co-founder), piano study (10 years)
College planning to attend: Univ. of California at Berkeley
Planned major or future career: Chemistry
Best thing about high school: Collectively stressing out about school with friends.
8. (tie) Kylie Glatfelter
GPA: 3.98/4.66
Clubs/Activities: Varsity softball 3 years, Student Council, Mu Alpha Theta, Teen Court, Key Club, Red Cross
College planning to attend: Univ. of Tampa
Planned major or future career: Major in Business Management, Minor in Law, Justice, & Advocacy in hopes to be a corporate attorney
Best thing about high school: The support system my teachers & guidance counselor has given me to achieve my goals & succeed in the future.
8. (Tie) Karl Bufe
GPA: 4.6604
Clubs/Activities: President of Spanish NHS, President of English NHS, Co-President of Book Club, secretary of Rho Kappa Social Studies NHS, volunteer at St. Josephās Hospital & concessions at Dr. John Long Middle School
College planning to attend: University of Florida Honors Program
Planned major or future career: Psychology, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience specialization
Best thing about high school: Meeting the absolutely amazing people ā staff, teacher & friends ā who have supported me & helped me get where I am today.
10. Isabella Stevenson
GPA: 4.63
Clubs/Activities: Club ECNLR soccer, varsity soccer, varsity flag football, volunteer with Feeding Tampa Bay & Grace Family Church
Congratulations to the graduating classes of 2025! For those in our community graduating from college, high school, or even kindergarten or preschool, itās an exciting time to look forward and chase your dreams. At Wesley Chapelās four public high schools, hundreds of students are anticipating tossing their caps and moving on to the next phase of life, whether itās further education or starting their careers. This includes the first-ever graduating class at the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, which opened for the 2022-23 school year with just freshman and sophomores. We salute these top students at each of our Wesley Chapel public high schools and say congratulations to you and all of the graduates!Ā
Cypress Creek HighĀ
1. Anastasia Herzek
GPA: 4.7143
Clubs/Activities: National Honor Society (NHS), American Sign Language Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, Clemson Summer Scholars, Game Master at Arcanum Escape Room
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned major or future career: Chemistry
Best thing about high school: Making connections with friends and staff at Cypress Creek.
2. Daniel Garcia
GPA: 4.7000
Clubs/Activities: Science National Honor Society, NHS, Custodial Service with Robotics team, Volunteer at pharmacy, Work at Kohls & Publix
College planning to attend: University of Central Florida
Planned major or future career: Mechanical Engineering
Best thing about high school: Being able to see my friends!
3. Nico Gust
GPA: 4.6780
Clubs/Activities: NHS, McDonaldās, Raising Caneās, Martial Arts (black belt), Model UN, Crochet Club, National Merit Scholarship Finalist
College planning to attend: University of North Florida
Planned major or future career: Marine Biology
Best thing about high school: Being done!
4. Keira Lefebvre
GPA: 4.6885
Clubs/Activities: Track, Cross Country, NHS, Science National Honor Society, Volunteer at AdventHealth, Insurance Marketing Associate, Crochet Club, Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned major or future career: Chemistry
Best thing about high school: Hanging out with my friends.
5. Marisa Morales
GPA: 4.6275
Clubs/Activities: Volunteered at Pasco County Animal shelter, Volunteer at Pasco Schools, Clemson summer scholar, NHS, NSHS, HOSA
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned major or future career: Biochemistry
Best thing about high school: My friends
6. Cristina Dima
GPA: 4.6146
Clubs/Activities: Author & illustrator of a childrenās book, Elem. school volunteer at library, Bioengineering research program (Clemson Summer Scholars), NHS, HOSA, Hillsborough State Park Halloween Event Volunteer
College planning to Attend: Univ. of Florida
Planned major or future career: Biological Sci.
Best thing about high school: My friends
7. Hannah Hershey
GPA: 4.6019
Clubs/Activities: Student Government, Treasurer of Spirit Club, Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy, National Honor Society, Volleyball, Job at Chicken Salad Chick & Pack Leader
College planning to attend: Univ. of Central Florida
Planned major or future career: Accounting
Best thing about high school: Meeting new people and making connections.
8. Diana Le
GPA: 4.5673
Clubs/Activities: Lady Coyote Engineering, Vietnamese language tutor, part-time retail job
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned major or future career: Accounting
Best thing about high school: The community.
9. Camryn Paradise
GPA: 4.5600
Clubs/Activities: NHS, National English Honor Society, spirit club, Science NHS, Spanish NHS, Club volleyball, Volleyball
College planning to attend: Clemson University
Planned major or future career: Business; minor in Biology
Best thing about high school: Being involved with clubs and organizations and putting events together especially (my favorite) pep rallies!
10. Jacob Sheldon
GPA: 4.5510
Clubs/Activities: National English Honor Society, Book Club, Art Club, Reading/Writing, Poetry, Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, Weightlifting
College planning to attend: University of Central Florida
Planned major or future career: Neuroscience
Best thing about high school: The unique personalities and people that I got to know over the years. My friends mean so much to me.
Kirkland Ranch Academy ofĀ Innovation
1. Diana Bisekeeva
GPA: 4.59
Clubs/Activities: GPS Robotics (VEX & FIRST Team), Founder & Pres. of ResuPrep, Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer, GPS Connect Outreach Founder & Pres., R:ED Robotics Education Software Engineer Intern, Mediacube UI/UX Designer Intern, The TCK Times Founder & Editor-in-Chief, NHS President, Science NHS, Women of Tomorrow, Math Peer Tutor, Varsity Tennis
College planning to attend: Univ. of Florida
Planned major or future career: Industrial & Systems Engineering
Best thing about high school: The connections you build with your peers.
2. Sarah Streeter
GPA: 4.34
Clubs/Activities: Editor-in-Chief of yearbook, Officer of FFA, SGA representative, Dual Enrollment Student
College planning to attend: Georgia State University
Planned major or future career: Neurology (pre-med)
Best thing about high school: The opportunity to connect with your peers and enjoy your youth together in one place.
3. Nolan Correa
GPA: 4.46
Clubs/Activities: Volunteer at Star Academy
College planning to attend: Pasco Hernando State College
Planned major or future career: Radiology
Best thing about high school: The overall freedom that you have.
4. Rudra Patel
GPA: 4.40
Clubs/Activities: Chess Club, math tutor, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation News
College planning to attend: Florida Polytechnic University
Planned major or future career: Computer or Cybersecurity Engineering
Best thing about high school: The people you meet.
5. Giovanni Ventilato
GPA: 4.40
Clubs/Activities: Health & Fitness Club, Church activities
College planning to attend: University of South Florida
Planned major or future career: Aerospace engineering
Best thing about high school: Having a good amount of freedom.
6. Donovan Arteaga
GPA: 4.55
Clubs/Activities: National Honor Society member, Flower power club member
College planning to attend: University of South Florida
Planned major or future career: Chemical engineering
Best thing about high school: The friends you make and the people you meet.
7. Alexi Sanchez
GPA: 4.49
Clubs/Activities: NHS, Volunteer at Marine Corps League & Special Olympics, initiated a program to promote oral health to underprivileged children, participated in World Stride Educational Travel-STEM & Cultural Immersion program, dual enrollment student at Pasco Hernando State College, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
College planning to attend: Univ. of Florida
Planned major or future career: Biology (pre-med)
Best thing about high school: Hanging out with friends.
8. Jansen Warren
GPA: 4.34
Clubs/Activities: Volunteering at Kirkland Ranch K-8
College planning to attend: Pasco Hernando State College
Planned major or future career: Computer Science
Best thing about high school: Spending time with friends.
9. Camden Chase
GPA: 4.42
Clubs/Activities: Soccer, Student Government Vice President, NHS Officer, Health and Fitness Club Member, Dual Enrollment Student
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned major or future career: Finance
Best thing about high school: Figuring out what you want to do in the future.
College planning to attend: Pasco Hernando State College
Planned major or future career: Business
Best thing about high school: The ability to branch off and learn more about yourself.
11. Dalyn Brown
GPA: 4.54
Clubs/Activities: Dual Enrollment Student at Pasco Hernando State College, earned Associate of Arts, Track & Field Athlete, Volunteer: AdventHealth, Employed Student, National Future Medical Leaders Conference, National Society of High Scholars
College planning to attend: Univ. of Florida
Planned major or future career: Pre-Med/ Biomedical Sciences
Best thing about high school: The friendships and company you keep, along with the memories you make, define your journey through these four years.
College planning to attend: University of South Florida
Planned major or future career: Biomedical science/neuroscience Pre-Health USF
Best thing about high school: All the friends I made and the labs I participated in at KRAIās Biomedical Science program.
13. Tessa Mast
GPA: 3.92 (unweighted)
Clubs/Activities: Bowling
College planning to attend: University of Central Florida
Planned major or future career: Business (pre-accounting)
Best thing about high school: Getting real-world experiences and skills through the programs at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation.Ā Ā
Wesley Chapel High SchoolĀ
Wesley Chapel Highās Top-10 Graduating Seniors are (l.-r.) Caique Santos-Silva, Sean Donahue, Luiza Guryeva, Maya Almodovar, Pierre-Etienne Boisvert, Erin McDermott, Filipp Ramsey, Nikki Watson and Ming Yang. Not pictured here: Luanna Mineiro De Souza. (Group photo provided by Wesley Chapel High)Ā
1. Sean Donahue, Valedictorian
GPA: 4.7213
Clubs/Activities: Eagle Scout, Debate Club Co-founder, IPPF Policy Debate, Lacrosse, SAT & Elementary Tutor, NHS Vice President, AP Capstone Diploma
College planning to attend: Yale University
Planned major or future career: Computer Sci.
Best thing about high school: Away games with the lacrosse team
2. Pierre-Etienne Boisvert, Salutatorian
GPA: 4.71
Clubs/Activities: Taught myself how to program and make video games, AP Capstone Diploma
College planning to attend: Univ. of Florida
Planned major or future career: Physics
Best thing about high school: How much I was able to test my own skills and limits, pushing myself further and further every day to accomplish goals.
3. Luanna Mineiro De Souza
GPA: 4.68
Clubs/Activities: Associate of Arts degree at PHSC through Dual Enrollment
College planning to attend: Pasco Hernando State Collegeās Nursing Program
Planned major/future career: Nurse Anesthetist
Best thing about high school: Going to volleyball and football games with my friends and enjoying the school spirit!
4. Filipp Ramsey
GPA: 4.67
Clubs/Activities: Programming/Game development, AP Capstone Diploma
College planning to attend: USF
Planned major or future career: Computer sci.
Best thing about high school: Opportunity to learn alongside some of the smartest and hardest-working students I have met.
5. Caique Santos-Silva
GPA: 4.65
Clubs/Activities: VP of WCHS Business & Finance Club, Secretary of NHS, Secretary of Science NHS, FCA Member, Varsity Lacrosse, AP Capstone Diploma, Associate of Arts degree at PHSC through Dual Enrollment
College planning to attend: University of Florida Honors
Planned major or future career: Business Administration or Accounting
Best thing about high school: Meeting all my friends and the staff. I continuously grew as a person, and so did those around me. I found people who pushed me to improve and held me accountable in all the things I do. I doubt that I would be who I am now without all those who kept me laughing, smiling and working hard.
6. Maya Almodovar
GPA: 4.63
Clubs/Activities: Dance teacher, tutor, receptionist, barista, Rho Kappa (president), NEHS (vice president) & NEHS (member), Earned my Associate of Arts degree at PHSC through Dual Enrollment
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned major or future career: Civil Rights Lawyer
Best thing about high school: Having the opportunity to attend USF my senior year.
7. Nikki Watson
GPA: 4.62
Clubs/Activities: Golf (First Tee team and players club), Band, including marching band as drum major and playing flute, wind ensemble playing flute and piccolo, and concert band playing trumpet, NHS, Associate of Arts degree at PHSC through Dual Enrollment
College planning to attend: Univ. of Florida
Planned major or future career: Biology with a specialization in Biotechnology
Best thing about high school: Finding a āfamilyā in the band and also finding who I really am through all of my experiences. Making it as drum major in my senior year, and making friends with everyone. Everyone is growing in life just like you, so you can always find people that you connect with.
8. Ming Yang
GPA: 4.62
Clubs/Activities: Clean Earth Club, National Honors Society, Tennis AP Capstone Diploma
College planning to attend: University of Pennsylvania or Brown University
Planned major or future career: Physics
Best Thing About High School: The amazing people I met, both peers and teachers, that made school enjoyable.
9. Erin McDermott
GPA: 4.608
Clubs/Activities: Club Gymnastics, NHS, Wesley Chapel Dance Program, AP Capstone Diploma, Anne Frank Humanitarian Award
College planning to attend: United States Air Force Academy
Planned major or future career: Biology/Pre- Health Professions. I plan to become a Flight Surgeon.
Best thing about high school: Meeting all of my best friends.
10. Luiza Guryeva
GPA: UW: 3.98/ W: 4.56
Clubs/Activities: ResuPrep Startup Founder & CEO, Florida Founder & Executive of Active Hearts Association, GPS Robotics Business Lead for FIRST Competition, author of Comparative Case Study on Immigrant Entrepreneurship, Market Research Website & Analysis Report Creator, Founder and President of Business & Finance Club, Team Leader & Strategy Coordinator for Wharton Global Investment Competition, Calaton Systems Business Development Manager Trainee, Varsity Tennis, AP Capstone Diploma
College planning to attend: Georgetown University
Planned major or future career: Finance
Best thing about high school: Hospital visits with the Active Hearts Association club.
Wiregrass Ranch High SchoolĀ
Wiregrass Ranch Highās Highās Top-16 Graduating Seniors are (l.-r.) L to R: Vedanti Patel, Sydney Ficks, Nicholas Kovacs, Vishnu Araveeti, Daniel Cheng, Rohit Naras, Tristan Pasquale, Ian Kim, Austin McCallister, Jack Flanary, Aubrey McKeon, Nicollette Watson, Brenden Brewer, Vera Zheng, Darren Lin & Hunter Paladio. (Group photo provided by Wiregrass RanchĀ
1. Austin McCallister, Valedictorian
GPA: 4.75
Clubs/Activities: Science Olympiad
College planning to attend: Georgia Institute of Technology
Planned major or future career: Computer Engineering
Best thing about high school: Mr. Cuvielloās and Mr. Corderoās science labs.
2. Nicholas Kovacs, Salutatorian
GPA: 4.7302
Clubs/Activities: Studying, focusing on academics
College planning to attend: USF
Planned major or future career: Mechanical Engineering
Best thing about high school: Meeting people. If I hadnāt attended high school, I wouldnāt have met all these other bright students. I am hoping we can all stay in contact.
3. Ian Kim
GPA: 4.69
Clubs/Activities: Science Fair, Science Olympiad, Orchestra, Mu Alpha Theta, FBLA, Tri-M, Science National Honor Society
College planning to attend: California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Planned major or future career: Electrical Engineering
Best thing about high school: Hanging out with friends and Mr. Cordero in AP Physics every day.
4. Daniel Cheng
GPA: 4.6897
Clubs/Activities: Future Business Leaders of America, Cybersecurity Club, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Piano, Volunteer at MD Oriental Market
College Planning to Attend: Univ. of Florida
Planned major or future career: Computer Science or Computer Engineering
Best Thing about High School: Collecting memories, not just homework.
5. Vishnu Araveeti
GPA: 4.6639
Clubs/Activities: FBLA, Science Olympiad; I also ran a commerce business.
College planning to attend: Univ. of Florida
Planned major or future career: Data science/ Computer Science
Best thing about high school: Having great teachers to learn from and creating many friends.
6. Aubrey McKeon
GPA: 4.6591
Clubs/Activities: Tutored for math & science honors societies, leadership in music honors society, 9 years of choir, FMEAās All-State Chorus, member of the Science Olympiad team
College planning to attend: University of Central Florida
Planned major or future career: Aerospace Engineering
Best thing about high school: Friends and relationships you create along the way.
7. Rohit Naras
GPA: 4.6604
Clubs/Activities: FBLA, Science Olympiad, Varsity Tennis, Research
College planning to attend: Georgia Institute of Technology
Planned major or future career: Computer engineering, hopes to start my own tech company
Best thing about high school: Having genuine fun with my friends inside & outside of the classroom.
8. Darren Lin
GPA: 4.6346
Clubs/Activities: Mu Alpha Theta, Key Club, FBLA, Asian Association &Allies, Amnesty Intāl.
College planning to attend: Univ. of Florida
Planned major or future career: Mechanical Engineering
Best thing about high school: Itās a great place to meet good people who share your values
9. Vera Zheng
GPA: 4.6296
Clubs/Activities: Mu Alpha Theta, Key Club, FBLA, Asian Association & Allies, Amnesty Intāl.
College planning to attend: Univ. of Florida
Planned major or future career: Computer Science
Best thing about high school: Getting to find new friends and hanging out with them.
10. Krish Patel
GPA: 4.6207
Clubs/Activities: SHNS tutoring, FBLA, HOSA & Key Club, Passion project to showcase the benefits of vegetarianism for the body & the environment, helped coordinate the first-ever fire ritual for youths to honor the largest Hindu temple outside of India.
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned major or future career: Microbiology and Cell Science (Medical Career)
Best thing about high school: All the friends and memories that you can make before heading to college.
Editorās Note – We appreciate that all four local high schools provided us with the photos and information you see on these pages. We have no idea why some schools provided more than their top-10 graduating seniors, why some of the studentsā photos were not provided nor why the studentsā GPAs at Kirkland Ranch appear to be out of order. All weāve done is provide an outlet for each school to provide their photos & information.Ā
We wish we could congratulate every student graduating from Wesley Chapelās three high schools, but we simply donāt have room to even list every name in these pages. Rather than just do our usual recognition of each schoolās valedictorian and salutatorian, freelance correspondent Celeste McLaughlin aimed a little higher ā or lower, in this case ā as she actually got the top-10 students (with just a few exceptions) in the 2022-23 graduating classes of Cypress Creek, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass Ranch high schools to provide some pretty terrific information about themselves for this article and photo spread. Congrats on a job well done, Celeste, and to all of those graduating at and near the top of their respective classes! Get ready to don those caps & gowns! ā GN
Cypress Creek High
1. Anastasia Bogdatova
(Co-Valedictorian/not pictured)
GPA: 4.7182
College planning to attend: University of South Florida
1. Sienna Silvest (Co-Valedictorian)
GPA: 4.7054
Clubs/Activities: Varsity weightlifting (captain). Varsity cheer (co-captain & team academic advisor). National Honor Society (NHS; secretary).
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned Major or Future Career: Geology & Sustainability Studies
Best thing about High School: Being involved in sports & senior activities like Powderpuff and Grad Bash.
2. Reagan Alapa (Co-Salutatorian)
GPA: 4.602
Clubs/Activities: Varsity & club softball, varsity weightlifting, National History Day Fair researcher, youth softball summer camp coach, NHS.
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned major or future career: Political Science
Best thing about high school: The freedom to define who you are as a person, the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them, time to figure out where my values and passions lie and opportunities to pursue those passions through a variety of extracurricular activities.
2. Sarah Nasreen Raza (Co-Salutatorian)
GPA: 4.602
Clubs/Activities: NHS, NEHS, Girl Scouts, volunteer at Moffitt Cancer Center, Radiant Hands, Feeding Tampa Bay
College planning to attend: University of South Florida
Planned major or future career: Biomedical Sciences
Best thing about high school: Dedication from my teachers, always ready to answer my questions and have their doors open for tutoring when Iām dealing with a difficult topic.
4. Brian Roof
GPA: 4.6019
Clubs/Activities: ASL Club, ASL Honor Society, NHS, volunteering at Wesley Chapel Elem.
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned Major: Engineering
Best thing about high school: Being able to make connections and friends that will last a lifetime and the unique ability to get involved with various clubs, communities, and activities.Ā
6. Advika Snigda DuggudurtiĀ (not pictured)
Clubs/Activities: Piano, including musical performance exams and theory exams conducted by Trinity College London. NHS (VP of service)
College planning to attend: University of South Florida
Planned major or future career: Biomedical sciences/microbiology major, planning to attend med school in the future
Best thing about high school: My best friends who helped make happy memories with me.Ā
7. Gabriel M. Fernandez
GPA: 4.5686
Clubs/Activities: NHS, Tampa Bay United Recreational Soccer, volunteering, Phi Theta Kappa
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned major or future career: Nurse anesthetist
Best thing about high school: How I found myself & became independent.
8. Colin Mendoza
GPA: 4.549
Clubs/Activities: NHS
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned major or future career: Computer Science
Best thing about high school: Meeting new friends and talking to old ones.
9. Name: Madeleine Ward (not pictured)
GPA: 4.5313
Best thing about high school: Learned how to create decent study habits and conquer procrastination.
10. Nouri Clarke
GPA: 4.5196
Clubs/Activities: Robotics Club
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned major or future career: Computer Science
Best thing about high school: Getting to make friends.
Wesley Chapel High
1. Julia (Faith) Olsen (Valedictorian)
GPA: 4.66
Clubs/Activities: NHS
College planning to attend: University of South Florida
Planned major or future career: Nursing
Best thing about high school: The teachers and staff!
College planning to attend: Georgia Institute of Technology
Planned major or future career: Computer Science
Best thing about high school: All the time I spent and friends I made through Colorguard
3. Hannah Burkhart
GPA: 4.630
Clubs/Activities: Colorguard/Winterguard
College planning to attend: University of Central Florida
Planned major or future career: Optical or Photonics Engineering
Best thing about high school: Spending time with friends and laughing until we felt like we couldnāt breathe.
4. Alex Leon
GPA: 4.58
Clubs/activities: NHS, NEHS, Envirothon, SNHS
College planning to attend: University of Central Florida
Planned major or future career: Major in Communication Sciences & Disorders and Masterās degree in Speech & Language Pathologist
Best thing about high school: The clubsĀ
5. Alexis Simpson
GPA: 4.57
Clubs/Activities: Clean Earth Club, National English Honor Society, NHS, Science National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Varsity Tennis, JV Cheer, Steering Class of 2023
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned major: Computer Science
Best thing about high school: Making new friends and exploring interests through clubs.Ā
6. Isabella Guzman
GPA: 4.57
Clubs/Activities: Founder of the Art & Gaming Club, NHS, NEHS, Best Buddies Club & Gay Straight Alliance.
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned major or future career: I am majoring in Biology, following the pre-med track. Iām aiming for a future career in invasive cardiology.
Best thing about high school: My friends! The experiences Iāve had alongside them have always brightened my day, providing me with many memories to forever cherish.
7. Wen Yang
GPA: 4.56
Clubs/Activities: Clean Earth Club, president. Science National Honor Society, president. NHS, historian. NEHS, Spanish NHS
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned major or future career: Biology
Best thing about high school: All of the relationships with classmates and teachers that are formed and being able to enjoy my teenage years with friends and people who helped make it enjoyable.
8. Samantha Tejerero
GPA: 4.55
Clubs/Activities: NHS
College planning to attend: University of South Florida
Planned major or future career: Nursing
Best thing about high school: Prom and Homecoming dancesĀ
College planning to attend: Florida Gulf Coast University
Major: Elementary Education, Master in speech pathology
Best thing about high school: The opportunity to do dual enrollment classes!
10. Preston Hammons
GPA: 4.51
Clubs/Activities: GSA, NHS, Science NHS, writing.
College planning to attend: Florida Institute of Technology
Planned major or future career: Biomedical Engineer
Best thing about high school: Progressing and developing through the years. Not only academically, but also socially and emotionally, meeting new friends, development of new passions and even learning itself.
Planned major or future career: Undergrad in Zoology, hopefully followed by a DVM and a career as an exotic animal veterinarian.
Best thing about high school: The opportunities it grants you. You get to learn so much about yourself and who you want to become.
1. Landyn Williams (Co-Valedictorian)
GPA: 4.7213
Clubs/Activities: Varsity cross country, varsity basketball, varsity track, NHS, Fellowship of Christian Athletes
College planning to attend: University of Central Florida
Planned major or future career: Biomedical Sciences/Doctor
Best thing about high school: Going to the State Championships with my cross country team. Surrounding myself with people who lift me up and inspire me has made the past four years incredible.
3. Marissa Adams
GPA: 4.6967
Clubs/Activities: NHS, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Computer Science Honor Society, Rho Kappa History Honor Society, Best Buddies, Chamber Orchestra/Principalās Quartet, Varsity Tennis
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned Major/Future Career: Political Science
Best thing about high school: I have really enjoyed the friendships that Iāve made throughout high school. They have helped to balance out the rigor of my coursework and make high school a good experience.
4. Rebecca Rose Nieves
GPA: 4.6667
Clubs/Activities: Basketball all four years of high school, Coachās Award. Musician at church. Phi Theta Kappa. NHS, Legacy, National Hispanic recognition program.
College planning to attend: University of South Florida
Major/career: Biology. Plan to go to Medical School and become an anesthesiologist.
Best thing about High School: Learning about myself and about who I want to be as a person. In high school you really are exposed to many different types of people and I was able to learn from them and become a better person because of it.
5. Ella Riddle
GPA: 4.6522
Clubs/Activities: Work at Sand Pine Elem.
College planning to attend: Nova Southeastern University
Planned major or future career: Marine Biology
Best thing about high school: Having the opportunity to succeed in many different ways.
Best thing about High School: When I got to pet a pony in freshman year.
7. Emaan Ahmed
GPA: 4.6452
Clubs/Activities: HOSA, Key Club, NHS, SADD club, Mu Alpha Theta, volunteering at AdventHealth
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned major or future career: Biology/Pre-med
Best thing about high school: Lifelong friends that make the high school experience so much better.
8. Ella Rivera
GPA: 4.6316
Clubs/Activities: NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, CNA Program, SNHS, job as gymnastics coach
College planning to attend: University of South Florida
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Best thing about high school: Finding my best friends. My best friend Rachel & I have gotten each other through high school. I donāt know what I would do without her.
9. Kate Niehoff
GPA: 4.625
Clubs/Activities: NHS (president). Earth Club (secretary). Class of 2023 Senator for 4 years, Key Club, Student Council, State Delegate for Florida Science and Engineering Fair 2023. Science NHS, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, Event & Auction Manager for Uncork for a Cause.
College planning to attend: Florida State University
Planned major or future career: Double major in psychology & criminology
Best thing about high school: Iāve taken a lot of great classes that have challenged me and helped me grow into a stronger person.Ā
10. Megan Kelly
GPA: 4.6140
Clubs/Activities: School newspaper, photo editor. NEHS, secretary. NHS, Key Club, dual enrollment AA degree with 4.0 college GPA from PHSC.
College planning to attend: University of Florida
Planned major or future career: Accounting & Data Analytics
Best thing about high school: Being so close to my friends and family, and I will definitely miss that when I go college. However, I am looking forward to growing independently in college while I pursue my academic goals, participate in clubs and volunteering, and build new relationships.
