Challenging, exciting, and memorable -- three words Maquinn Havig uses to describe her senior year at Barron Collier High School (BCH). Despite the loss of her father and changes in traditions due to COVID, Maquinn has continued to persevere in her academics and personal life. She is an AP Scholar with honors and has soared through high school while never having less than an “A” on her report card. She is a National Honor Society officer, swim team Captain, and member of numerous clubs and activities. Maquinn will major in Engineering this fall at the University of Florida as she pursues her love of math and physics. She leaves high school more resilient from the challenges the year has brought and will take with her all the memories of the good times at BCH.

Alexis Hendrickson is a successful student-athlete and leader at Everglades City School (EVG). During high school, Alexis played basketball and softball for the EVG Gators. She was accepted into Florida Atlantic University where she will major in Biology. Her goal is to study pre-med and pursue a career in dermatology. When asked, “What will you always remember about high school?” a smile illuminated her face as she said, “I will always remember the sports.”

Wrapping up her senior year at Golden Gate High School, Arlenys Soler finds herself feeling very nostalgic. During her high school years, she was part of the drumline and is the first chair flute player. She has held leadership positions in clubs and is currently the Senior Class President, Student Government President, and Model United Nations President. Although her list of achievements is long, Arlenys considers her greatest accomplishment is being a first-generation college student from her Cuban family and going to Bowdoin College on a full-ride scholarship. She will focus her study on government and legal studies, and dreams of one day becoming an immigration lawyer. According to Arlenys, this year may have been unprecedented, but it has given her the gift of innovation…finding ways to become closer with friends and creating lasting bonds.  

With a love for computers, solving problems, and puzzles, it is obvious that Mia Ginsberg will continue to succeed as she travels to the University of Pennsylvania this fall, majoring in Computer Science. Mia has shown dedication to academics and extracurricular activities throughout her high school career. Mia is an active member of Vex Robotics, Mu Alpha Theta, and Key Club – among others. Being a senior during a pandemic has presented many challenges, but for Mia, it has taught her to strengthen virtual ties with friends – a great skill to have as she moves on to her next adventures in college.

Growing up, Jean Colas faced many struggles. Speaking Haitian Creole at home and only English in school presented numerous difficulties that left him feeling unmotivated. Jean thanks his father for showing him the importance of working hard for a successful future, and made a promise to take advantage of every available opportunity presented to him. In sixth grade, Jean kept that promise by learning how to play the trombone from watching online videos. During his sophomore year, Jean auditioned and was accepted into the CCPS Honors Band. A student who once had challenges excelling in reading, now composes music to relieve stress. He has also been part of the Key Club and Beta Club, and became an Academic Advisor. Jean will travel to Notre Dame University to major in Bio-Chemistry and pursue a pre-med track. He is working towards becoming a physician and researching for a cure for sickle cell anemia.

Cori Holloway has spent her time at Lely High School (LHS) soaking up every memory and opportunity that crosses her path. A four-year varsity cheerleader, captain of the cheerleading team, 2020 Sunshine State Scholar Winner, National Merit Scholar, founder of the school’s Model United Nations Club, and member of the National Honor Society, Cori has managed to keep a focus on academic excellence. Her personal greatest accomplishment was starting the LHS Model United Nations Club. Being able to provide students with an opportunity to be involved in diplomacy and conferences has been a very rewarding experience. Cori will attend the University of Florida (UF) and major in Biology. She chose UF for the research, scholarships, and general opportunities – not to mention the Florida weather. The loss of a close friend and the unprecedented times this past year has shown Cori the importance of public health. Seeing firsthand how we can be responsible members of the community has strengthened her interest in a career in medicine and working in a hospital in acute care.  

Georginia Charles has a captivating personality and her passion for learning is extraordinary. Elementary school was a struggle for Georginia as her grades were below average, but she discovered her hidden abilities in late middle school and early high school. The girl who once struggled with grades will now graduate 6^th in her class from Lorenzo Walker Technical High School, and earn her associate degree in general studies. Georginia will attend Florida SouthWestern State College to study radiology and plans to take the prerequisite courses to study biomedicine at the University of South Florida. The medical field has always been a dream of her mother’s since moving to the U.S. from Haiti, and that dream has since been handed down to Georginia. By following her passion, Georginia will be able to give back by helping her mom navigate the medical field and be an example to all the little girls like her that may struggle with school.

Kathryn Regala is not just a senior at Naples High School (NHS), she makes a difference. In addition to being a member of the NHS dance team, completing over 300 hours of community service, and demonstrating academic excellence, Kathryn has also dedicated her time to helping other middle and high school students express their creativity. During Kathryn's sophomore year, she co-founded “Literacy Magazine,” a student-run magazine focused on student artwork and creativity. Kathryn has also developed “The Story Lab” for middle school students to have a place to explore and a chance to learn how to write creatively. This fall Kathryn is attending Notre Dame University to pursuit a degree in liberal studies. She plans to continue her passion for storytelling and the learning that takes place when reading. Kathryn describes her senior year as unconventional, fulfilling, and happy. She adds that the COVID-19 pandemic has helped her re-evaluate what makes her happy and how to create balance in life.

Leslie Rodriguez, of Palmetto Ridge High School (PRH), is a born leader. She has poured her heart and soul into being the Battalion Commander of the PRH JROTC. While Leslie’s mom attended nursing school, Leslie would often help her study by reading questions and quizzing her. This, in turn, led Leslie to fall in love with nursing and the medical field. Leslie has accomplished great self-growth this year, despite the recent loss of her father. She has a pleasant demeanor, incredible self-confidence, consistent strive for leadership, and a focus on academic excellence. Leslie will continue with greatness at Florida Gulf Coast University, majoring in Biology with a goal of becoming a Physician’s Assistant.