Graduation 2020

Hillsborough Seniors Honored for their Academics and Resilience

During this Unprecedented Time in Our Country

Tampa, Fla. – (May 20, 2020) – Our district’s graduates have so much to be
proud of and to celebrate. Though it is not the end of their Senior year that
anyone could have predicted or wanted, their accomplishments and
recognitions will shine far brighter than any national emergency.

More than 13,000 seniors in Hillsborough County Public Schools will obtain
their high school diploma this year and continue their future plans in college,
the military, or directly into a rewarding career.

Our valedictorians and salutatorians worked tirelessly to reach the top of their
class and are honored for their hard work and dedication to excellence. The
students who earned top honors in their class include one set of twins
(Strawberry Crest HS), co-valedictorians (Durant HS), and a valedictorian who
earned a 10.87 GPA (Plant HS).

Our district’s graduation committee was proactive, making alternate plans to

ensure all Seniors have the opportunity to experience the graduation
ceremony they deserve. Instead of graduation ceremonies in May, our
district’s tentative plan is to hold traditional ceremonies the week of July 13-26
at the Florida State Fairgrounds. We will continue to monitor CDC guidelines
and recommendations from the Florida Department of Health at that time.

Please see the list of graduations below and help us congratulate all of our
graduates.

School Name: Alonso High School

Principal: Kenneth Hart
Anticipated # of graduates: 595 Phone: 813-356-1528
Valedictorian: Arlene Midulla GPA: 7.668
Salutatorian: Walter Acosta GPA: 7.0487
Class president: Levian Hall
Graduation: July 21, 4 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Navy Blue, Gold and WhiteSchool mascot: Ravens

School Name: Armwood High School

Principal: Joseph Castelli
Anticipated # of graduates: 498 Phone: 813-744-8040
Valedictorian (Traditional): Lora Tuzzolino GPA: 6.02
Salutatorian (Traditional): Isaac Fernandes GPA: 5.85
Valedictorian (Collegiate Academy): Lizett ChavezGPA: 7.96
Salutatorian (Collegiate Academy): Megan GaffordGPA: 7.74
Class president: Valentina Montoya
Graduation: July 18, 12:30 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Gray, Blue and Maroon School mascot: Hawks

School Name: Blake High School

Principal: Jesse Salters
Anticipated # of graduates: 342 Phone: 813-272-3695
Valedictorian (Traditional): Abelardo Iglesias GPA: 6.0162
Valedictorian (Magnet): Leigh Raquel Ives GPA: 7.9200
Salutatorian (Traditional): Nathalie Ninfa Gonzalez GPA: 5.3442
Salutatorian (Magnet): Annagrace Wonders BrackinGPA: 7.4036
Class president: Synaa Colon
Graduation: July 16, 12:30 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Black and Yellow School mascot: Yellow jackets

School Name: Bloomingdale High School

Principal: Sue Burkett
Anticipated # of graduates: 589 Phone: 813-744-8018
Valedictorian(s): Andrew Tidd GPA: 8.64
Salutatorian(s): Jordan Chastain GPA: 8.52
Class president: Gabriella Martinez
Graduation: July 15, 8 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Red, Black, and WhiteSchool mascot: Bulls

School Name: Bowers/Whitley Career Center

Principal: Derrick Gaines
Anticipated # of graduates: 26 Phone: 813-558-1750
Valedictorian: N/A GPA: N/A
Salutatorian: N/A GPA: N/A
Class president: N/A
Graduation: July 14, 9 a.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Navy/Carolina BlueSchool mascot: Vikings
School Name: Brandon High School
Principal: Jennifer Sparano
Anticipated # of graduates: 455 Phone: 813-744-8120
Valedictorian(s): Gerardo Aponte GPA: 8.14
Salutatorian(s): Catherine HarmanGPA: 6.88
Class president: Shamaniqua Lessane
Graduation: July 13, 8 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Maroon and White School mascot: Eagle

School Name: Caminiti Exceptional Center

Principal: Roberta Jakubowski
Anticipated # of graduates: 12 Phone: 813-975-7611
Valedictorian(s): N/A GPA: N/A
Salutatorian(s): N/A GPA: N/A
Class president: N/A
Graduation: July 23, 1:30 p.m. at Caminiti Exceptional Center Multipurpose Room
School colors: Teal Blue and Gold School mascot: Cougar

School Name: Carver Exceptional Center

Principal: Earnest Wood
Anticipated # of graduates: 2 Phone: 813- 236-3500
Valedictorian(s): N/A GPA: N/A
Salutatorian(s): N/A GPA: N/A
Class president: N/A
Graduation: July 23, 10:30 a.m. at Dorothy Thomas Center Gym
School colors: Blue, Orange and White School mascot: Tigers

School Name: Chamberlain High School

Principal: Jake Russell
Anticipated # of graduates: 345 Phone: 813-975-7677
Valedictorian(s): Jonathan Raymond Clark GPA: 6.2385
Salutatorian(s): Gabrielle Suzanne MitchellGPA: 6.2152
Class president: Kacy-Noel Danette Baker
Graduation: July 13, 4 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Green and Gold School mascot: Chiefs

School Name: Dorothy Thomas

Principal: Kimberly Jahn
Anticipated # of graduates: 2 Phone:813-975-7355
Valedictorian: N/A GPA: N/A
Salutatorian: N/A GPA: N/A
Class President: N/A
Graduation: July 23, 10:30 a.m. in Dorothy Thomas Gym
School Colors: Navy, White and GoldSchool Mascot: Jaguars

School Name: Durant High School

Principal: Gary Graham
Anticipated # of graduates: 550 Phone: 813-757-9075
Co-Valedictorian(s): Christopher FelegyGPA: 7.560
Co-Valedictorian(s): Miranda Bihler GPA: 7.560
Class president: Madison Smith
Graduation: July 16, 4 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Navy, Gold, White School mascot: Cougar

School Name: D. W. Waters Career Center

Principal: Holly Frazier
Anticipated # of graduates: 40 Phone: 813-233-2655
Valedictorian(s): N/A GPA: N/A
Salutatorian(s): N/A GPA: N/A
Class president: N/A
Graduation: July 14, 9 a.m. Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Black and GoldSchool mascot: Cheetah

School Name: East Bay High School

Principal: Amy Stevens-Cox
Anticipated # of graduates: 580 Phone: 813-671-5134
Valedictorian(s): Ethan SisouphoneGPA: 7.64
Salutatorian(s): Perla Gonzalez GPA: 6.91
Class president: Alexis Velazquez
Graduation: July 14, 4 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Red and Gray School mascot: Indians

School Name: Eisenhower Exceptional Center

Principal:
Anticipated # of graduates: 3Phone: 813-671-5121
Valedictorian(s): N/A GPA: N/A
Salutatorian(s): N/A GPA:N/A
Class president: N/A
Graduation: July 8, 1 p.m. at Eisenhower ESE Center
School colors: Red and Blue School mascot: Generals

School Name: Freedom High School

Principal: Kevin Stephenson
Anticipated # of graduates: 360 Phone: 813-558-1185
Valedictorian: Taravat Tarahomi GPA: 7.382
Salutatorian: Cynthia Nguyen GPA: 7.28
Class president: Owen Barno
Graduation: July 18, 9 a.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Red, White and BlueSchool mascot: Patriot

School Name: Gaither High School

Principal: Thomas Morrill
Anticipated # of graduates: 490 Phone: 813-975-7340
Valedictorian: Kateri Caridad EspinosaGPA: 8.30
Salutatorian: Caitlin Grace Singer GPA: 8.24
Class president: Winter Whipple
Graduation: July 15, 9 a.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Blue, Silver, and White School mascot: Cowboys

School Name: Hillsborough High School

Principal: Gary Brady
Anticipated # of graduates: 355 Phone: 813-276-5632
Valedictorian (Traditional): Kyla Battle GPA: 6.47
Valedictorian (IB): Brianna “Meimei” Wang GPA: 7.5365
Salutatorian (Traditional): Duncan McEwen GPA: 5.83
Salutatorian (IB): Dylan Houchin GPA: 7.48
Class president: Co-Presidents: Diadelys Mena and Cassandra Truong
Graduation: July 14, 12:30 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Red and Black School mascot: Terriers

School Name: Hillsborough Virtual School

Director: Christina Russell
Anticipated # of graduates: 48 Phone: 813-983-7278
Valedictorian: Andrea Colon GPA: 6.10
Salutatorian: Alexander Capalbo GPA: 5.64
Class president: N/A
Graduation: July 23, at 4 p.m., D.W. Waters Career Center
School colors: Green, Black and GoldSchool mascot: N/A

School Name: Jefferson High School

Principal: Robert Quinn
Anticipated # of graduates: 366 Phone: 813.875.5251
Valedictorian (Traditional): Samantha Groves GPA: 6.1296
Valedictorian (Magnet): Leslie Facio-AguinigaGPA: 7.7055
Salutatorian (Traditional): Daniel Pimienta GPA: 5.8679
Salutatorian (Magnet) : Amine Rizk GPA: 6.5831
Class President: Deana Gallegos-Walters
Graduation: July 17, 9:00 a.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Blue and Gold School mascot: Dragon

School Name: King High School

Principal: Arlene Castelli
Anticipated # of graduates: 400 Phone: 813-744-8333
Valedictorian (Traditional): Reagan Overton GPA: 8.64
Valedictorian (IB): Aniruth Narayanan GPA: 8.92
Salutatorian(Traditional): Jenifer Mejia GPA: 8.24
Salutatorian (IB): Nafisa Uddin GPA: 8.66
Class president: Khegan Meyers
Graduation: July 15, 1:00 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Columbia Blue, Scarlet, White School mascot: Lions

School Name: LaVoy Exceptional Center

Principal: Amber Statham
Anticipated # of graduates: 6 Phone: 813-872-5285
Valedictorian: N/A GPA: N/A
Salutatorian: N/A GPA: N/A
Class president: N/A
Graduation: July 8, 10:30 a.m. at Roland Park K-8 School Multi-Purpose Room
School colors: Blue and Silver School mascot: Lancers

School Name: Lennard High School

Principal: Denise Savino
Anticipated # of graduates: 600 Phone: 813-641-5611
Valedictorian (Traditional): Ashaunti Harvin GPA: 7.4483
Valedictorian (Collegiate Academy): Sarah Hofman GPA: 8.3600
Salutatorian (Traditional): Beri Gill GPA: 6.4375
Salutatorian (Collegiate Academy): Araceli Gonzalez-RochaGPA: 8.2553
Class president: Chanel Campbell
Graduation: July 18, 4 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Orange and White School mascot: Longhorns

School Name: Leto High School

Principal: Larissa McCoy
Anticipated # of graduates: 525 Phone: 813-872-5300
Valedictorian (Traditional): Lensay Leon GPA: 7.37
Valedictorian (Collegiate Academy): Karen Rodriguez-FiguereGPA: 8.09
Salutatorian (Traditional): Gabriela Hondal GPA: 7.05
Salutatorian (Collegiate Academy): Giana Perez GPA: 7.79
Class president: Faith Pinamang
Graduation: July 21, 12:30 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Red, White and Gold School mascot: Falcons

School Name: Lopez Exceptional Student Center

Principal: Joseph Hilbush
Anticipated # of graduates: 8 Phone: 813- 744-8008
Valedictorian: N/A GPA: N/A
Salutatorian: N/A GPA: N/A
Class president: N/A
Graduation: July 9, 1:30 p.m., at Lopez Elementary Cafeteria
School colors: Black and Gold School mascot: Leopard

School Name: Middleton High School

Principal: Tiatasha Brown
Anticipated # of graduates: 365 Phone: 813-233-3360
Valedictorian (Traditional): Lauren MatthewsGPA: 6.4231
Valedictorian (Magnet): Mauli Bhogade GPA: 10.33
Salutatorian (Traditional): Roshard Jackson GPA: 5.3611
Salutatorian (Magnet): Aayush Singh GPA: 9.544
Class president: Victoria App
Graduation: July 21, 9:00 a.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Maroon and Gold School mascot: Tiger

School Name: Newsome High School

Principal: Carla Bruning
Anticipated # of graduates: 750 Phone: 813-740-4600
Valedictorian: Alexander Dyer GPA: 9.68
Salutatorian: Alexander Fullerton GPA: 9.4061
Class president: Alec Moskowitz
Graduation: July 16, 9 a.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Navy, Carolina Blue and WhiteSchool mascot: Wolves

School Name: Plant High School

Principal: Johnny Bush
Anticipated # of graduates: 592 Phone: 813-272-3033
Valedictorian: Riley Schofner GPA: 10.87
Salutatorian: Alixandra Rubin GPA: 10.40
Class president: David Tuohy
Graduation: July 14, at 8 pm. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Black and Gold School mascot: Panthers
School Name: Plant City High School
Principal: Susan Sullivan
Anticipated # of graduates: 500 Phone: 813- 757-9370
Valedictorian: Simran Kumar GPA: 9.64
Salutatorian: Kyle Hamilton GPA: 9.635
Class president: Kyle Hamilton
Graduation: July 17, 8:00 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Orange and Teal School mascot: Raiders

School Name: Riverview High School

Principal: Danielle Shotwell
Anticipated # of graduates: 633 Phone: 813-671-5011
Valedictorian: Miranda Holder GPA: 8.4641
Salutatorian: Brantley Neer GPA: 8.400
Class president: Jaime Carradero
Graduation: July 17, at 4:00 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Royal Blue, Black, and SilverSchool mascot: Sharks

School Name: Robinson High School

Principal: Robert Bhoolai
Anticipated # of graduates: 346 Phone: 813-272-3006
Valedictorian (Traditional): Myron Ausby GPA: 6.287
Valedictorian: (IB): Srikavin Ramkumar GPA: 8.078
Salutatorian (Traditional): Kaleigh McFaddenGPA: 6.142
Salutatorian (IB): Esha Babu GPA: 8.04
Class president: Joshua Hall-Gomez
Graduation: July 15, 4 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Black, White, and Silver School mascot: Knights

School Name: Sickles High School

Principal: Mary Freitas
Anticipated # of graduates: 560 Phone: 813-631-4742
Valedictorian: Sara Rusheidat GPA: 7.95
Salutatorian: Brian Pholvichitr GPA: 7.63
Class president: Rama Al-Samkari
Graduation: July 20, 4:00 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Green and Grey School mascot: Gryphon

School Name: Simmons Career Center

Principal: Sundy Chazares
Anticipated # of graduates: 127 Phone: 813-707-7430
Valedictorian: N/A GPA: N/A
Salutatorian: N/A GPA: N/A
Class president: N/A
Graduation: July 14, at 9:00 a.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Red, Black, and SilverSchool mascot: Stallions

School Name: South County Career Center

Principal: Jennifer Davis
Anticipated # of graduates: 100 Phone: 813-233-3335
Valedictorian: N/A GPA: N/A
Salutatorian: N/A GPA: N/A
Class president: N/A
Graduation: July 14, 9 a.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Black and Gold School mascot: Bobcat

School Name: Spoto High School

Principal: Dr. Jazrick Haggins
Anticipated # of graduates: 382 Phone: 813-672-5405
Valedictorian: Amy Lamas GPA: 8.6652
Salutatorian: Shirleann Quinones GPA: 6.5270
Class president: Amy Lamas
Graduation: July 20, 12:30 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Purple and Silver School mascot: Spartan

School Name: Steinbrenner High School

Principal: Kelly King
Anticipated # of graduates: 605 Phone: 813-792-5131
Valedictorian: Jonathan Barbara GPA: 8.60
Salutatorian: Rebekah Hurwitz GPA: 8.32
Class president: Ava Merquetegui Lucke
Graduation: July 16, 8:00 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Navy Blue and Athletic GoldSchool mascot: Warriors

School Name: Strawberry Crest High School

Principal: Christina Raburn
Anticipated # of graduates: 496 Phone: 813-707-7522
Valedictorian (Traditional): Brindha-Lee IyerGPA: 8.54
Valedictorian (IB): Benjamin Sherwin GPA: 8.50
Salutatorian (Traditional): Arturo Fuentes Jr. GPA: 7.12
Salutatorian (IB): Nicholas Sherwin GPA: 8.49
Class president: Autumn Miller
Graduation: July 18, 8 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Red, Black, and Silver School mascot: Chargers

School Name: Tampa Bay Technical High School

Principal: Michael Ippolito
Anticipated # of graduates: 466 Phone: 813-744-8360
Valedictorian (Traditional): Sophia Alonso GPA: 7.47
Valedictorian (Academy of Health): Eileen Vara GPA: 7.99
Valedictorian (Academy of Architecture): Deven Brown GPA: 7.07
Salutatorian (Traditional): Lon Schultz GPA: 7.02
Salutatorian (Academy of Health): Emeraude Wilson GPA: 7.96
Salutatorian (Academy of Architecture): Cody Sackles GPA: 7.0
Class president: Samaiya Jackson
Graduation: July 20, 9 a.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Red, Navy and White School mascot: Titan

School Name: Wharton High School

Principal: Michael Rowan
Anticipated # of graduates: 553 Phone: 813-631-4710
Valedictorian: Sarrah Abdulali GPA: 8.88
Salutatorian: Yash Patel GPA: 8.64
Class president: Madelyn Crum
Graduation: July 17, 12:30 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds
School colors: Navy Blue, Black and WhiteSchool mascot: Wildcats

School Name: Willis Peters Exceptional Center

Principal: Gina Becker / Site Administrator Sue Bennett
Anticipated # of graduates: 5 Phone: 813- 757-9462
Valedictorian: N/A GPA: N/A
Salutatorian: N/A GPA: N/A
Class president: N/A
Graduation: July 9, 10:30 a.m. at Dover Elementary School Cafeteria
School colors: Royal Blue and White School mascot: Dragon