ZHS Class of 2021 handles adversity and brings a tough school year to a close
It seemed like a homecoming and an end of a journey as the Zephyrhills High School Class of 2021 graduated at Bulldog Stadium Thursday morning after a year-long challenge of returning to school for their senior year in the midst of a world-wide pandemic.
ZHS Class of 2021 Valedictorian Taija McCullough. told her fellow graduates that they faced adversity through the pandemic and came out the other side. McCullough spoke to the more than 250 graduates and their families on the football field at Bulldog Stadium and a near-packed house in the bleachers.
“My point being we all faced adversity,” McCullough said. And everyone who walks the stage today should be proud of this achievement. I know I am.”
Salutatorian Alexandria Poulimenos praised her classmates determination to get through the difficult senior year of high school.”I see you all here, ready to graduate, in the middle of a pandemic,” Poulimenos said. “From where you started up till now, you have used the challenges presented to you as a means to grow and become your own person, and for that I personally commend each one of you.”
Senior Class President Madison Aguilera reflected on how memorable high school was and wishing she could do it all over again.
“Because all of the good and even all of the bad is what made high school the most enjoyable four years of my life thus far,” Aguilera said. “Most of the school days from the past four years were always long, but the years were so short.”
ZHS Principal Dr. Christina Stanley certified that the class successfully fulfilled their requirements and presented the diplomas.
At the end of the ceremony, the graduates filled an area marked with a giant “21” and turned their tassels and tossed their caps in the air.