Sarasota County celebrates its exceptional high school graduates, recognizing students who have distinguished themselves through academic excellence and community involvement. This feature highlights those from schools with two or three students ranking in the top 5% of their graduating class. These individuals have not only maintained outstanding GPAs, often 4.0 or higher, but have also demonstrated a commitment to making a difference both inside and outside the classroom.
Booker High School: Leaders in the Making
Booker High School proudly acknowledges J’siyah Taylor and Hannah Williamson for their remarkable achievements.
Hannah Williamson is described as a dynamic force, radiating energy and demonstrating outstanding leadership. Beyond her impeccable GPA, Hannah significantly impacted Booker’s extracurricular activities, notably revitalizing the debate club and guiding it to state-level recognition. Her peers admired her eloquence and persuasive skills. For both J’siyah and Hannah, their time at Booker High School was about more than just personal success; it was about building a foundation for futures where they could contribute meaningfully to society, embodying the school’s commitment to excellence.
Venice Senior High School: Architects of Tomorrow
Venice Senior High School celebrates the accomplishments of Abigail Yan and Austin Joyner.
Abigail Yan, known for her calm and sharp intellect, excels in STEM fields. Her advanced physics projects were celebrated for their innovative solutions, and she dedicated considerable time to robotics, with ambitions of pursuing a career in engineering. Abigail quietly mentored younger students in the science lab, patiently explaining complex concepts. Her goal is to develop sustainable technologies, fueled by her environmental concerns.
Austin Joyner is known for his vibrant personality and infectious enthusiasm for learning. He shines in mathematics, frequently finding elegant solutions to challenging problems. Austin actively participates in the school’s community service club, organizing food drives and tutoring programs for underprivileged youth. He firmly believes in the transformative power of education. Together, Abigail and Austin represent the intellectual curiosity that defines Venice High, prepared to innovate and build for a better future.
North Port High School: Scholars of Society
North Port High School recognizes Hannah Gore and Layla Brownell as shining examples of academic achievement and civic engagement.
Hannah Gore, with her strong interest in social justice, is a prominent voice in her history and sociology classes. She is passionate about policy reform and plans to pursue a career in law, where she can advocate for equitable change. She will pursue both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida.
Layla Brownell’s thoughtful demeanor and artistic talent shine in the humanities. Her English essays are known for their intricate narratives and insightful perspectives. Layla also has a deep appreciation for language and culture, is fluent in Spanish, and actively participates in the school’s cultural exchange programs. She envisions a future in international relations, utilizing her linguistic skills and cultural understanding to promote global connections. Hannah and Layla, in their unique ways, demonstrate North Port High’s dedication to developing well-rounded individuals prepared to engage with and improve the world.
Sarasota High School: Minds on the Horizon
Sarasota High School honors Ella Collier and Wyatt Wrigley for their dedication to academic pursuits and their commitment to making a difference.
Ella Collier, with her bright and inquisitive mind, is a dedicated science scholar. Her passion for biology is evident in her detailed lab reports and her active participation in the school’s environmental club. Ella volunteers at a local marine biology research center during the summer, captivated by the complex ecosystems of the Gulf Coast. She aspires to become a marine biologist, dedicating her life to understanding and protecting ocean life.
Wyatt Wrigley, a student of quiet brilliance, is a computer science prodigy. He spends countless hours coding, designing complex programs, and even developing an app to help his fellow students manage their assignments. Wyatt has a logical mind and a talent for problem-solving, skills that will undoubtedly benefit him in his future career in software engineering. Ella and Wyatt share a common dedication to intellectual curiosity and a desire to contribute meaningfully to their chosen fields.
Out-of-Door Academy: The Collaborative Trio
Out-of-Door Academy celebrates Allison Rice, Josey Rubinstein, and Kaitlyn Roman for their exceptional achievements and contributions to the school community.
Allison Rice, with her infectious enthusiasm and leadership skills, excels in both academics and athletics. She balances her challenging coursework with her role as captain of the soccer team, demonstrating exceptional discipline and teamwork. Allison excels in economics and business and plans for a future in entrepreneurship, eager to create innovative solutions to societal challenges.
Josey Rubinstein finds her passion at the intersection of creativity and science. She is a talented musician, playing multiple instruments skillfully, but also excels in physics, drawing parallels between the harmony of music and the laws of the universe. Josey plans to pursue a career in architectural design, combining her artistic sensibilities with her understanding of structural integrity.
Kaitlyn Roman is a natural humanitarian. Her empathetic nature draws her to subjects like psychology and sociology, where she explores the complexities of human behavior and societal structures. Kaitlyn is deeply involved in community service, dedicating countless hours to tutoring children and volunteering at local shelters. She aspires to a career in public health, driven by a desire to improve the well-being of underserved populations. Allison, Josey, and Kaitlyn exemplify the holistic approach to education at Out-of-Door Academy, each ready to make their unique mark on the world, united by a shared commitment to excellence and community.