Brandon High Eagles Set Their Sights on Life After Graduation

Brandon’s oldest high school said goodbye to another group of seniors marking yet another milestone in the school’s trek toward its 100th anniversary, in 2014.

“Let’s walk out with our diplomas and our heads held high and climb that mountain because as Lil Wayne said, ‘You know you are at the top when only heaven is right above you,’ ” Brandon High School Valedictorian Michael Calzadilla told his classmates as they themselves came one step closer to gracing the stage.

And by the sound of the cheers for the school’s Class of 2001, heaven just might have heard him.

Calzadilla was one of some 480 graduates who donned cap and gown June 9 for the commencement commences at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall. Barely an empty seat was left in the hall as thousands of friends and family cheered on the grabs and snapped photos of the ceremonies.

Waiting under the stairs for the ceremonies to start, Monet Lane could barely contain her excitement.

“It feels great today. I feel one step closer now to achieving my goals in life.”

Richard Bartels was glad he had heard his last school bell.

“It’s amazing,” he said. “Finally, no more school. I can start my life.”

“This class has certainly left its mark on Brandon High,” principal Carl Green told his graduating seniors. “You helped continue the strong academic tradition of Brandon High. Now I want you to go on and achieve. If you are confident, educated and have a purpose, you have a chance to succeed in life. Congratulations and go achieve your dreams.”

To cheers and applause, Green also noted several class accomplishments:

• 144 members of the class graduated on the honor roll with a grade point average of 4.0 or higher.

• Eight students graduated with a grade point average of 6.0 or higher, and

• Fifteen students graduated with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher.

• As a group, the class compiled 4,500 hours of community service.

• More than 400 members of Brandon’s Class of 2011 have earned scholarships and grants totaling $4.2 million.

Telling classmates, “I know you have waited for this day for 12 years like I have,” Calzadilla encouraged graduates to not just think of themselves.

“The goal in life should be to make an impact on their lives of others.,” he said. “Society has invested in us with education and we should give back.”

Thanking his family, Calzadilla singled out his mom for helping him still go to school even on days when “I had those life-threatening coughs and headaches.”

Salutatorian Amanda Lee told classmate and teachers she would treasure her memories of her time at Brandon High and offered thanks to “all the moms, dads, friends and family who have helped us.”