

Graduation 2020: Hillsborough Seniors Honored for their Academics and Resilience During this Unprecedented Time in Our Country
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja
Office of Communications
813-272-4060
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 White | School mascot: Ravens |
School Name: Armwood High School |
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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 Chavez | GPA: 7.96 |
Salutatorian (Collegiate Academy): Megan Gafford | GPA: 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 |
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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 Brackin | GPA: 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 White | School 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 Blue | School 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 Harman | GPA: 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 Mitchell | GPA: 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 Gold | School mascot: Jaguars |
School Name: Durant High School | |
Principal: Gary Graham | |
Anticipated # of graduates: 550 | Phone: 813-757-9075 |
Co-Valedictorian(s): Christopher Felegy | GPA: 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 Gold | School mascot: Cheetah |
School Name: East Bay High School | |
Principal: Amy Stevens-Cox | |
Anticipated # of graduates: 580 | Phone: 813-671-5134 |
Valedictorian(s): Ethan Sisouphone | GPA: 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: 3 | Phone: 813-671-5121 |
Valedictorian: N/A | GPA: N/A |
Salutatorian: 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 Blue | School mascot: Patriot |
School Name: Gaither High School | |
Principal: Thomas Morrill | |
Anticipated # of graduates: 490 | Phone: 813-975-7340 |
Valedictorian: Kateri Caridad Espinosa | GPA: 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 Gold | School 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-Aguiniga | GPA: 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-Rocha | GPA: 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-Figuere | GPA: 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 Matthews | GPA: 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 White | School 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: Graduation: July 17, at 4:00 p.m. at Florida State Fairgrounds | |
School colors: Royal Blue, Black, and Silver | School 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 McFadden | GPA: 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 Silver | School 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 Gold | School mascot: Warriors |
School Name: Strawberry Crest High School | |
Principal: Christina Raburn | |
Anticipated # of graduates: 496 | Phone: 813-707-7522 |
Valedictorian (Traditional): Brindha-Lee Iyer | GPA: 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 White | School 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 |
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- Board Members in the Community: January 11-15
- Hillsborough County Public Schools Reaches Highest Graduation Rate in District History
- Hillsborough County Public Schools and District Offices Closed for Winter Break
- Board Members in the Community: December 12-14
- Superintendent Davis Chooses 50 Accomplished, Diverse Educators to Serve in Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council
- Board Members in the Community: January 11-15
- Hillsborough County Public Schools Reaches Highest Graduation Rate in District History
- Hillsborough County Public Schools and District Offices Closed for Winter Break
- Board Members in the Community: December 12-14
- Superintendent Davis Chooses 50 Accomplished, Diverse Educators to Serve in Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council