Parents Pen Touching Messages To 2020 Pasco County Graduates

PASCO COUNTY, FL -- With Florida schools canceled for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year due to the coronavirus, high school seniors are missing out on once-in-a-lifetime memories.
Proms, grad bashes, spring concerts and graduation commencement ceremonies have been postponed or canceled, leaving high school seniors with no opportunity to take part in these traditional milestones.

Florida Patch wants to help families share the achievements of their high school graduates. We're asking families to fill out a short form for their graduates, and Patch will compile the information and share it on an ongoing basis throughout the month of May.

We hope this will give the community a way to share its pride in the Class of 2020.

You can find the form here.

Congratulations to these graduates:

Bryan Sollberger, Sunlake High School, will enter the Florida National Guard and then the University of South Florida.

Message: We are very proud of you, Bryan.

Mackenzie Hannah, Sunlake High School, will attend the University of South Florida.

Message: Congratulations, Mackenzie. We are so proud of how far you have come. We cannot wait to see what your future holds. We love you, Mom and Brad.

Matthew Santiago, Wesley Chapel High School. Matthew will be attending the University of South Florida to major in nursing.

Message: We are so proud of all of the hard work, challenges overcome and perseverance you have demonstrated throughout your high school years! We can’t wait to see what the future holds! This isn’t the end, but the beginning of something grand! Congratulations! We love you!

Ryan C. Santiago, Wesley Chapel High School, will attend culinary school.

Message: Just because you took longer than others, doesn’t mean you failed. It means that you never gave up trying. We love you and we are proud of you.

Drew Knobl, Sunlake High School, will attend Southeastern University to study aviation and has a scholarship for cross-country and track and field.

Message: We’re so proud of you, Drew! You have worked so hard and you deserve to celebrate your accomplishments. We know you’re going to do great things in this world and we can’t wait to come along for the ride. We love you.

Sydney Simon, Sunlake High School, is attending the University of Florida, majoring in preprofessional biology.

Message: Sydney, you have made me proud beyond my wildest dreams, and I am honored to be your mom. You are one of the most dedicated students I have ever seen and such a funny and good person. I love you so much!

Nicholas Politano, Wesley Chapel High School, is attending Pasco-Hernando State College.

Message: Nicholas we are so proud of you and all your accomplishments in high school.

Jillian Ruffner, Land O' Lakes High School, is attending Johnson and Wales University Miami campus.

Message: So very proud of you, Jill! Keep chasing your dreams. We believe in you!

Joseph Corley, River Ridge High School, has received a scholarship to Saint Leo University to study secondary education and plans to be an assistant principal.

Message: Joseph we are so proud of you!

Mikaela Home, Land O' Lakes High School, will attend the University of Florida in the fall.

Message: Your family is proud that your efforts have helped you meet goals.

Edward Cuao, Wesley Chapel High School, is attending the University of Florida to major in biology.

Message: Congratulations, son. We are so proud!!

Selena Ruiz, Anclote High School, is attending a local trade school for massage therapy.

Message: Congratulations, my baby girl. Way to go and, man, what a comeback you did after the move. I’m beyond proud of you and so excited to see who you've become. I love you so much. Love, Mom

Jennifer Fajardo, Pasco High School, is attending Pasco-Hernando State College Going to PHSC for her associate of arts degree and working part time at Cornerstone Solutions Group.

Message: Mom is so proud of you and I know that this is just the beginning of many more milestones. You are well-equipped to accomplish anything you set your mind to. We all love you very much.

Sydni Parrish, Pasco High School, is attending Saint Leo University to complete her associate of arts degree, then to the University of Florida.

Message: Sydni, From the beginning of your life you have had to deal with some pretty big disappointments from people who you wanted in your life. You chose to stand tall with your chin held high and embrace the people who surround you with love and support. You have looked death in the face square on, said not today, and you recovered and achieved your goals to enter Cambridge. Now, you face this pandemic and are robbed of your senior year milestone celebrations. This is, in fact, very unfair to you seniors of 2020. However, my sweet girl, life has never extended the promise to be fair and it never will. The way we navigate through life during these times is what molds our characters and strengths. There is no doubt in me that you will climb this mountain, conquer fears and disappointments, and stake your claim in this world. I love you, I admire you, I support you, and I could not be any prouder of you. You make my heart smile every day.

Love, Mom (I speak for Gma and Gpa too)

Destiny Parker is graduating from Gulf High School.

Message: I'm so proud of you for doing so good in school. Sorry you're missing out on senior activities. We all love you and know you will go far. Grandma Kathy, Liz and Cj

Madison Askins, Land O' Lakes High School, is attending Florida State University.

Message: We are so proud of you! Are hearts are full as your adventure awaits!

Dalton Kellett, Fivay High School, is going into the U.S. Marine Corps.

Message: Congratulations. Dalton. Mama and Papa are so proud of the young man you've become. We can't wait to see all you'll accomplish!!

Nathan Merriam, Fivay High School, will go on to attend either culinary arts school or major in music production.

Message: It's been a long road, but you never gave up! We couldn't be more proud of you! Way to go, Nathan! Love, Mom, Dad, Linda, Lexie, Ayden and Jayce!

Mya Ortiz, Fivay High School, is taking time to figure out what she would like to do with her life but it will involve animals most likely.

Message: Congratulations, Mya, Titi is very proud of you. Can't wait to see what you decide from here... Love you...

Elijah Colon, Fivay High School, is attending the University of West Florida.

Message: Dream big! Have a ton of new adventures! Don't forget to call me and tell me about each one. Proud of you!

Emmaleigh Elisabet Rodriguez, Sunlake High School, wants to pursue ASL, art and photography.

Message: Emmy, we are so proud of you and all your hard work. A beacon of light and love that this world has been blessed with! Congratulations

Love you to the moon and back!
Xoxo

Daniella Dunning, James W. Mitchell High School, will be attending college in Tallahassee and working toward a degree in the medical field.

Message: Congratulations on all your hard work paying off with all the honors and awards you are earning! Mom and I are so proud of you! Love, Dad

Noah Dibattista, James W. Mitchell High School, will be attending college in Tallahassee and working toward a degree in the business sector.

Message: Congratulations on all your hard work earning your Cum Laude! Chris and I are so proud of you! Love, Mom

Shea Brock, Zephyrhills High School, will attend Pasco-Hernando State College in the fall.

Message: Congrats, Shea. You have had a lot of obstacles in your high school career! You have fought through them and conquered! Your mom and I are so proud of your success.

Emma Sura, Land O' Lakes High School, is attending Rasmussen College to become a radiology technician.

Message: Congratulations Emma! You've done it! Can't wait to see where life takes you!

Macy Dumond, Land O' Lakes High School, is attending the Aveda Institute.

Message: Congratulations, Macy. We are so proud of you! Can't wait to see what your future holds. We love you!

Max Allen, Land O' Lakes High School, will be attending the University of South Florida.

Message: Congratulations, Max! We are all so proud of you!

Romil Estrella, Land O' Lakes High School, will attend Pasco-Hernando State College in the fall.

Message: We cannot believe 13 years of schooling is already coming to an end but we are excited for what your future holds. Dream big, reach high and work hard. Congrats, Class of 2020!!

Jaylen Taylor, Land O' Lakes High School, is attending the University of Central Florida.

Message: Jaylen, congratulations on your well-deserved success! We love you and are very proud of you. Love, all of us.

Hannah Meid, Land O' Lakes High School, is attending Florida State University.

Message: We are so proud of your accomplishments and can’t wait to see what you do with your future. Love, Mom and Dad

Mya Ortiz, Fivay High School, plans to work with animals or do photography.

Message: Mya, Poppop and I are so proud of you. You have become a beautiful young lady. We want nothing but the best for you. Congratulations, Mya. We love you.

Kristopher Ashley, Sun Lake High School, will be joining the Lowes Corp. and furthering his major in business management.

Message: Kristopher, we are all so proud of the man you have become. Your accomplishments have been amazing in your Iifetime and I know they will continue to grow. This is just the beginning of your next chapter in life. Good luck and reach for the stars!

Erika "Rick" Jelm, Gulf High School, will be attending college to get a nursing degree and then plans on going to medical school to become a doctor.

Message: Congratulations, Rick, on doing your best and succeeding in your academic endeavors. You have proven you can do anything you set your mind to. We love you and know you will be a great doctor. Love Mom, Nanny, Kaelyn, Aunt Paula and Uncle Dave

Ken Winters III, Gulf High School, is studying to become an electrician.

Message: We are so proud of the positive changes that you made in these last few months! Keep pushing forward and doing your best each day! Congratulations on graduating! We love you!

Marian Pulgar, Sunlake High School, will attend the University of Florida.

Message: We are very proud of the perseverance and responsibility that you have always shown. A new path awaits you. Remember that we are always with you. Congratulations, mommy and daddy.

Kaitlyn Clark will graduate from Hudson High School.

Message: Congratulations, Kaitlyn. We are so proud of you. We cannot wait to see what your future holds. We love you, Mom and Chris.

Mya Ivette Ortiz, Fivay High School, is pursuing a career in photography or working with animals.

Message: Mya, I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. May you strive in whatever your future holds for you. Mom and Dad are so proud of you. Congratulations.

Mackenzie Hannah, Sunlake High School, is college bound.

Message: We are so proud of all you have achieved these past few years!! We cannot wait to watch the beautiful woman you have become follow all your dreams and be a part of them!! This is the beginning of the next chapters in your life; fill those pages with many memories with all the opportunities you will have!!!

Mimi & Grandpa

Hunter Drum, Anclote High School, has enlisted in the Army and will be leaving for basic training in July.

Message: Hunter, so proud of you! Follow your dreams. Love, Meemaw

Sophia Colon, Mitchell High School, will attend the University of North Texas College of Music to study music performance and production with double major in cybersecurity.

Message: We are so very proud of you! You have endured so many obstacles with faith, poise and grace. You did it!! CONGRATULATIONS, super girl! Soar High like an Eagle! Mom and dad love you so much!! Shine bright! You are a star!

Christian Daniel, Wiregrass Ranch High School, will attend St. Leo University studying sports science.

Message: We are so proud of you, Christian! You made it and this is only the beginning of GREAT THINGS to come. Congratulations, sweetie. We all and adore love you!

Alex Iannucci, East Lake High School, is attending the University of Central Florida as a scholarship recipient and member of the LEAD Scholars program.

Message: Congrats to our hard-working and amazing son. You have worked hard to achieve your goals, and your success shows it. Your family recognizes the terrific young man you have become and is extremely proud of you in every way!!! GO KNIGHTS!!!!! Love always, Mom, Dad, Nattie, and Nani.

Ashlynn Nicole Diaz, Wiregrass Ranch High School, is attending the University of Florida to study to be a pharmacist.

Message: Remember to always have courage and be kind. Congratulations, Ashlynn, on all your accomplishments!