/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/65YCBQGIC4I6TJTLIBWI6S7HAY.jpg "Graduates from River Ridge High in New Port Richey celebrate before their commencement ceremony in 2014. The class of 2022 in Pasco County will get its chance in the coming days, with graduations scheduled through late May and early June.")
The list below is part of the Tampa Bay Times’ annual salute to the area’s top students. Those from Hillsborough County’s public and private schools were previously featured, as were students from Pinellas County’s public and private schools.
Academy at the Lakes
Valedictorian
Vishnu Malhotra
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/TN3JKOLG4ZEKTJVFHKDDR5FLAA.jpg "Vishnu Malhotra")
GPA: 4.0
Parents: Vikas and Meenakshi Malhotra
College: University of Florida
Major: Economics and political science (pre-law)
Salutatorian
Elise Faith
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/EFFWQ2TK7NEVVGRWENCI6VEGP4.jpg "Elise Faith")
GPA: 4.0
Parents: John and Jennie Faith
College: Florida State University
Major: Political science
Anclote High
Valedictorian
Denicia Finney
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/CDCQMFD4SNE2NKTLR7CONYJPXM.jpeg "Denicia Finney")
Parent: Joscelyn Gaphardt
College: Undecided
Major: Philosophy
Salutatorian
Emma McConnell
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/P7AHMFY7KVB5FG536RQQ6B27UE.jpeg "Emma McConnell")
Parent: Rae McConnell
College: Pasco Hernando State College
Major: Chemistry
Cambridge program at Anclote High
Valedictorian
Emma Wegener
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/4PAHXKKDT5D4NMOMA3SE5RONHU.jpeg "Emma Wegener")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/SFA5GAXLCZAUJOIDJCKMUZVQ7Q.JPG "Follow what’s happening in Tampa Bay schools")
Follow what’s happening in Tampa Bay schools
Subscribe to our free Gradebook newsletter
You’re all signed up!
Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.
Explore all your optionsParents: Susan and Greg Wegener
College: University of Florida
Major: Pre-pharmacy
Salutatorian
Bentley Aing
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/DTF6YF7U35G5ZMVTRCAUHTU5QY.jpeg "Bentley Aing")
Parents: Kuy and Cheng Aing
College: University of Central Florida
Major: Computer science
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High
Valedictorian
Hannah Fox
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/XK7R7XD2MVH5LAA2J6JEHMCBO4.jpg "Hannah Fox")
GPA: 4.55
Parents: Laura and Joseph Fox
College: Villanova University
Major: Biology (pre-med)
Salutatorian
Alexandra Fouad
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/SD3JPL77YJELDDEUBABBZEKIGQ.jpg "Alexandra Fouad")
GPA: 4.50
Parents: Christine Mousa and Mena Fouad
College: University of South Florida
Major: Pre-med
Classical Prep
Valedictorian & Salutatorian Respondeo
Gabriela Deluca
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/U3WQGOHWNVGKRK5KB637VVEZYE.jpg "Gabriela Deluca")
GPA: 4.2
Parents: Adrienne and David Nole
College: University of South Florida
Major: Biomedical sciences
Salutatorian
Matthew Black
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/QJIZYBFZCRDWNIOT7I32WTCENI.jpg "Matthew Black")
GPA: 3.99
Parents: Beth and Allan Black
College: Word of Life Bible Institute/Cedarville University
Major: Digital media and broadcasting
Valedictorian Respondeo
Caroline Corcoran
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/M46ODCBDMNFJTN3VVNZXMBOFGQ.jpg "Caroline Corcoran")
GPA: 4.2
Parents: Anne and Richard Corcoran
College: Florida State University
Major: International Affairs
Cypress Creek High
Valedictorian
Brianna Sharpe
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/Z5GYXA4ONFGTRAKKKW3QF4HA2M.jpeg "Brianna Sharpe")
Parents: Richard and Wendy Sharpe
College: University of Virginia
Major: Political philosophy and law
Salutatorian
Mackenzie Noble
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/ZJRU24EVPNC6VALBL4DUAPSS3Q.jpeg "Mackenzie Noble")
Parents: Chasity and Darren Noble
College: Barton College
Major: Criminal justice
Dayspring Early College Academy
Valedictorian
Sandra Mampilly
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/4ZPGQJDJJRGIXF3NAU3Y3U6UUE.jpg "Sandra Mampilly")
GPA: 4.71
Parents: Binu Paul Mampilly and Cathrine Parakal
College: University of South Florida
Major: Pre-med
Salutatorian
Madison Weinhauer
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/XWTZUDMAIJDEPEURC2H2NV732Q.jpg "Madison Weinhauer")
GPA: 4.69
Parents: Eric and Maureen Weinhauer
College: University of South Florida
Major: Pre-med
Fivay High
Valedictorian
William Cao
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/QIX3UYZ6JBHMXGAU5OMLRYEH2U.jpeg "William Cao")
Parents: Chunhong Ye and Chun Xi Cao
College: Undecided
Salutatorian
Nevaeh Hodierne
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/67FPQAQLSFHM3JJMXK2J37FDAM.jpeg "Nevaeh Hodierne")
Parent: Ashley Hodierne
College: University of South Florida
Major: Nursing
Grace Christian Schools of Pasco
Valedictorian
Osita Tara Okoli
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/3GL7PRZRW5HF5O7ARSK75HRPZU.jpg "Osita Tara Okoli")
GPA: 3.26
Parent: Comfort Wilson
College: Pasco Hernando State College
Major: Undecided
Salutatorian
Tyler Smith
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/KYY34FX7GFFXPMHBJ27VFCISQQ.jpg "Tyler Smith")
GPA: 3.23
Parents: Ronald and Tanya Smith
College: Pasco Hernando State College
Major: Undecided
Gulf High
Valedictorian
Terry Cao
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/WGHYRNL4XNECBGIXCEKQYPSQ3A.jpeg "Terry Cao")
Parent: ChunLin Cao
College: New York University
Major: Computer science
Salutatorian
Tyler Burley
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/366BPHNTXJBD3LP257YCHWS6DU.jpeg "Tyler Burley")
Parent: Lynetta Lee
College: Rice University
Major: Applied and computational mathematics
International Baccalaureate program at Gulf High
Co-valedictorian
Gedeon Cseh
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/2GKAB3IFOVGM5PZERFIBQ4YU4Q.jpg "Gedeon Cseh")
Parents: Gyorgy Cseh and Gabriella Kalvin
College: University of South Florida
Major: Biomedical sciences
Co-valedictorian
Marydin Llanto
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/TJOHZCFWINDXJI4AXKKUQ5JYYE.jpg "Marydin Llanto")
Parents: Modesto and Merly Llanto
College: University of South Florida
Major: Political science (pre-law)
Salutatorian
Kifayat Sadia
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/EOJCJZ4RRRFSXLDP4BE5RL7FMY.jpeg "Kifayat Sadia")
Parents: Khaleda Begum and Mohammad Kamaluddin
College: University of Florida
Major: Biology (pre-med)
Hudson High
Valedictorian
Anya Gorgas
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/IGZQUPE4AFGHPA47RNNG4AITE4.jpeg "Anya Gorgas")
Parents: Christopher and Linda Gorgas
College: University of South Florida
Major: Animal biology
Salutatorian
Elliana Gorecki
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/PHP4EPY27BHQ5PZMAYP4GF6SPY.jpeg "Elliana Gorecki")
Parents: Thomas and Jaime Gorecki
College: University of Tampa
Major: Musical theater and design
J.W. Mitchell High
Valedictorian
Kole Kemple
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/LGVZRVSMLRCDNJDH4TUBBVXTFM.jpeg "Kole Kemple")
Parents: Kris and Nicole Kemple
College: University of Florida
Major: Political science and journalism
Salutatorian
Paul Surkov
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/RQLILQUIVVE33OLLAZEXO6QLKI.jpeg "Paul Surkov")
Parents: Kostyantyn Surkov and Viktoriya Surkova
College: Bowdoin College
Major: Sports medicine
Land O’Lakes High
Valedictorian
Isabelle Blasdel
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/4MLZQBQ7ZZCHZKHH2L6ID4MORA.jpeg "Isabelle Blasdel")
Parents: Duane and Tiana Blasdel
College: University of Mississippi
Major: Accounting
Salutatorian
Sun Hyun Park
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/YGDWURIQWVBXTOGXN4HMECEZ7U.jpeg "Sun Hyun Park")
Parents: Jong Hwa and Eun Suk Park
College: University of Florida
Major: Health science
International Baccalaureate program at Land O’Lakes High
Co-valedictorian
Benjamin Mellin
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/YYMW7TSLIFDFBCCGUIBUJMIBG4.jpeg "Benjamin Mellin")
Parents: Ric and Leslie Mellin
College: University of Florida
Major: Biomedical engineering
Co-valedictorian
Andres Quast
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/BXBGT2KOWREXDJCXUTHUBHQKTM.jpeg "Andres Quast")
Parents: Troy and Daniela Quast
College: Georgia Institute of Technology
Major: Computer science
Co-valedictorian
Abhay Thungathurthi
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/TEEW5OAJEFBKLAQ3ER3RFIKUMM.jpeg "Abhay Thungathurthi")
Parents: Sampath and Ruchita Thungathurthi
College: University of Florida
Major: Biology
Co-valedictorian
Daniel Urbonas
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/J5T6HBEJXBGXDBQO3GKCSWINA4.jpeg "Daniel Urbonas")
Parents: Allan and Pamela Urbonas
College: Georgia Tech or University of Florida
Major: Computer science
Salutatorian
John Pham
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/LX7PRUER3ZDPTMZQMPKI2ZTSDE.jpeg "John Pham")
Parents: Thao and Tuan Pham
College: University of South Florida
Major: Computer science
Pasco eSchool
Valedictorian
Jenna Poulton
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/CZ6DUMOZABAYRKTOS4A2JEQWHA.jpeg "Jenna Poulton")
Parents: Alan and Caryn Poulton
College: Palm Beach Atlantic University
Major: Cinema arts
Salutatorian
Louis LaFramboise
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/JILOS5VATRCJBD52NUPSRSHY3M.jpeg "Louis LaFramboise")
Parents: Trish and Chris LaFramboise
College: University of Tampa
Major: International business management
Pasco High
Valedictorian
Zoe Howell
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/UZEHXJMZBNFFLDFCRDJ25GBKCM.jpeg "Zoe Howell")
Parents: Shanna and Joey Durden
College: Baylor University
Major: Apparel design and product development
Co-valedictorian
Alexis Musser
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/RIXVNM3FNZGXXEKEADTSQONTHU.jpeg "Alexis Musser")
Parents: Amanda and Tim Musser
College: Saint Leo University
Major: Elementary education
Salutatorian
Kaylen Falleck
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/GQGBLBMOFNASJO2ZORCH32ZMFA.jpeg "Kaylen Falleck")
Parents: Michael and Dawn Falleck
College: Florida State University
Major: Biology
Cambridge program at Pasco High
Valedictorian
Cory Rhinesmith
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/GYLQPMHAAVHHVJJJPTAHILXUTM.jpeg "Cory Rhinesmith")
Parents: Philip and Robin Rhinesmith
College: University of Florida
Major: Political science
Salutatorian
McKenzie Pangallo
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/5OPVPGSYPFBZXIISHXQLP65OTM.jpeg "McKenzie Pangallo")
Parents: Darbi and Chuck Pangallo
College: University of Florida
Major: Nursing
River Ridge High
Valedictorian
Alexis Staveski
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/W4THRL6ZMNFGVMUED7L3NZ2ZSM.jpeg "Alexis Staveski")
Parents: Sherri and Michael Staveski
College: Florida State University
Major: Computer science
Salutatorian
Ethan Westbrook
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/BFQEGH4TKRAW7I66E4EQTQX4Q4.jpeg "Ethan Westbrook")
Parents: Beth and Jason Hoffmeister
College: Georgetown School of Health
Major: Human science (pre-med)
Sunlake High
Valedictorian
Olivia Firlejczyk
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/4OBYR62QPZA4BLGB7VFOQVPFAI.jpeg "Olivia Firlejczyk")
Parents: Urszula and Derek Firlejczyk
College: University of South Florida
Major: International studies
Salutatorian
Caitlyn Culpepper
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/EPL7ESL2AJBNJBO4ODSMV2PUJA.jpeg "Caitlyn Culpepper")
Parents: Shannon and Beverly Culpepper
College: University of Mississippi
Major: Biochemistry
Wendell Krinn Technical High
Valedictorian
Aaliyah Hattach
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/KT2YOLCXHNFVRG7WETA27YDSWU.jpeg "Aaliyah Hattach")
Parent: Shauna Hattach
College: Florida State University
Major: Management
Salutatorian
Ryan Hanley
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/KEFJ67SQ6JEPVFXOVBQZ6GI4SY.jpeg "Ryan Hanley")
Parents: Luke and Patty Hanley
College: University of South Florida
Major: Mechanical engineering
Wesley Chapel High
Valedictorian
Alexander Raatma
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/VO7XAEHKVBFTRNRVMDQ227GLAU.jpeg "Alexander Raatma")
Parents: Andres and Lucia Raatma
College: Boston College
Major: Finance
Salutatorian
Isabella Villegas-Lombeyda
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/LNYIM7IGNNFHFFXOJ77JPZKFPA.jpeg "Isabella Villegas-Lombeyda")
Parents: Jose Villeyas and Patricia Lombeyda
College: University of Florida
Major: Psychology
Wiregrass Ranch High
Valedictorian
Samantha Scott
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/JKJOBT4XEREPBCKPDEBQYVY4Y4.jpg "Samantha Scott")
Parents: Elizabeth and Ricky Scott
College: University of Florida
Major: Material science
Salutatorian
Joseph Benigno
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/PETC6C7ZBFGPVGWDAFLGIXKLEE.jpg "Joseph Benigno")
Parents: Edward and Joanne Benigno
College: University of Florida
Major: Computer science
Zephyrhills High
Valedictorian
Alyssa Perez
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/OHP56NWSXFAKNJ7YJ6JBD3WCLA.jpeg "Alyssa Perez")
Parent: Adam and Kimberly Perez
College: University of South Florida
Major: Cell and molecular biology
Salutatorian
Madison Poe
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/6OVSDAHHLZDWDC2S4Y6OZKSJ3A.jpeg "Madison Poe")
Parents: Kimberly and Billy Poe
College: University of Florida
Major: Pre-med
(Editor’s note: A previous version of this story contained incorrect information provided by Pasco County Schools, including several name misspellings, omissions and an incorrect photo placement. The errors have been corrected.)
• • •
Sign up for the Gradebook newsletter!
Every Thursday, get the latest updates on what’s happening in Tampa Bay area schools from Times education reporter Jeffrey S. Solochek. Click here to sign up.
/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/tbt/8e7b85c0-5b8f-4eec-a4bd-913a30a492f8.png "Thomas C. Tobin - Editor, Education and Clearwater")
/www.tampabay.com/resizer/E41bUCUzzQHiG9_29uuqrCsxG0I=/1200x675/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/VQ3NJBWLB5FBNB753UX6KEE4MU.jpg "Here are Tampa Bay’s National Merit semifinalists for 2024")
/www.tampabay.com/resizer/m1fdXKFvq1M3usovX_3v-SuFFxE=/1200x675/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/B4CBIN5JJZHJ7GX2BNNY7COK7Q.jpeg "Mick Jagger and Joe Biden are both 80: Discuss | Column")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/BK7T5GZP5FDRXLYLUDNXJ33KXE.jpg "Corcoran, 2 others make their case to be New College’s next president")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/VHFW4IEELJAUOQEA4WGJUK2RCY.jpg "Florida families say school vouchers are unpaid, causing major disruption")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/O47K6JSI7VM6AV2GHPEX3FXOAQ.jpg "Effort to ban books with graphic public readings spreads in Florida")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/SCTUU26QFVAHVDQPW7UI7V4IDQ.JPG "On campus with UF President Ben Sasse as he seeks a ‘north star’ beyond rankings")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/GRVJJNWS7Q2YNDVY6XSHPACJMM.jpg "Florida university staff could be fired under proposed restroom policy")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/4KXH4CGHLUI6TBKNIBWI6S7HAY.jpg "This Florida college chose a president outside the DeSantis orbit")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/WRT77NNVKJGSLHA36XWHJRS7OI.jpg "Pasco-Hernando State College announces new president")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/ZYZHV27GEZFTXMKSPLW4WLXUVQ.png "Pinellas schools ban 5 books after hearing passages read aloud at meetings")