Our Senior Spotlight shines bright on Gibson Ardoline from Aubrey Rogers High School! With over 1.2 million followers on social media, he's truly making a mark. Gibson is heading to the University of Florida to study business administration with a focus on finance or marketing. His advice? Get involved early, be outgoing, and build connections. As National Honor Society President, Key Club member, and Student Government leader, Gibson's journey at Aubrey Rogers showcased his dedication to building a strong foundation for clubs and organizations and creating new traditions for future Patriots. He’ll tell you that making the switch to Aubrey Rogers was the best decision he’s ever made. Gibson Ardoline: A name to remember for his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to make connections. 

Introducing Anna Buonocore, a true embodiment of determination and passion! Her journey from a second-generation Cougar to securing a spot at the prestigious Coast Guard Academy is a testament to her unwavering dedication. Embracing her love for the water, she aspires to delve into naval architecture and marine engineering, with dreams of designing coast guard ships. Anna's advice to freshmen resonates with wisdom and positivity: “Stay focused, tackle challenges head-on, and cherish every moment…from spirited football games to Senior Spirit Week!” Anna, may your ambitions soar as high as the sea breeze, and may your journeys be filled with endless possibilities!

eCollier Virtual Academy's Campbell Nead describes herself as accountable, maturing, and persevering. Originally from Kentucky, Campbell moved to Naples at 15 and formed new, enduring relationships that have contributed to her personal growth. She plans to attend Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) for its dental hygiene program and aspires to work locally and volunteer post-graduation. Campbell's interest in the scientific and medical fields led her to focus on dental health, realizing its importance during her studies in microbiology and anatomy. Her advice emphasizes early planning and seizing opportunities like ACE and dual enrollment to pave the way for future success. Campbell's journey exemplifies the importance of foresight and seizing opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Katie Collins, the star of Everglades City School’s Senior Spotlight, is truly a shining example of purpose and passion! Her senior year was a whirlwind of excitement, complexity, and challenges, but she tackled them all with grace and enthusiasm. As she sets her sights on studying political science at the University of Florida and eventually pursuing a law degree, Katie's future is as bright as her spirit! From her early days attending a congressional debate camp to her time as a student ambassador for Incubate Debate and a Washington, DC, fellowship participant, Katie's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her most cherished moment of speaking to Neil Gorsuch from the Supreme Court is a testament to her drive and ambition. As she looks ahead to the future, Katie is eager to continue blazing her unique path, staying involved, and using her education as a tool for greater things. The world better watch out for this future leader!

Golden Gate High School is proud to recognize Maria Acosta as its 2024 Senior Spotlight. Maria is getting ready to embark on a journey towards independence through the military. Before her deployment, she plans to cherish the memories and friendships she's creating in her final year of high school, including the Senior BBQ. Her upcoming years in the Army and reserves will pave the way for her future education with the GI Bill. Maria's advice to freshmen emphasizes the importance of participating in sports and activities for the invaluable lessons in leadership and sportsmanship they offer. Softball will always hold a special place in her heart, and she treasures the relationships she's built with teachers and peers over the years. Words from a fellow student’s backpack resonated with her deeply: "Nobody cares, work harder!" Maria's strength and positive outlook shine through as she approaches the exciting opportunities ahead.

Let's give a round of applause to Andrew Herrmann, our Senior Spotlight from Gulf Coast High School! Andrew's passion for environmental science has led him to pursue a major in environmental studies and chemistry at Dartmouth College. His dedication to the Shark Model UN program and efforts to rebuild a winning team showcase his strong leadership skills. One of Andrew's favorite memories from his time at Gulf Coast was the infectious energy surrounding the school’s football games, where he was able to dance and celebrate with the drumline and his fellow students. Andrew shares these words of advice: “Stick to your goals, do what you’re passionate about, and make time for yourself!”

Maria Rueda is a shining star at Immokalee High School! With a remarkable 4.0 unweighted GPA and a stellar 5.48 weighted GPA, she's not only the top-ranked student at the school, but she’s also graduating with her associate degree—talk about impressive! Balancing academics, club involvement, family time, and volunteering effortlessly, Maria truly embodies dedication and warmth. Her role as a tutor at Pinecrest Elementary holds a special place in her heart and allows her to give back to a community that means so much to her. Undecided on her college choice but certain about her path in public service, Maria's involvement in the Morgan Stanley Jump Start Program speaks volumes about her commitment to making a difference. Excited for her future studies in international relations or political science on a pre-law track, Maria's journey is filled with promise and purpose.

Yorney Licourt is the embodiment of true grit and unwavering perseverance. He’s also this year’s Senior Spotlight for Lely High School! From excelling in academics to being a standout varsity wrestler and cross-country runner, Yorney does it all. His involvement in numerous campus clubs and commitment as an officer in the JROTC program showcase his exceptional leadership skills. Despite facing challenges and making sacrifices, Yorney's positive energy and hard work shine through, inspiring all around him. His faith is his guiding light, propelling him to achieve great heights, like earning a scholarship to the University of South Florida. High school has been a journey of growth and unforgettable memories for Yorney, and he has embraced it all with grace and determination.

Sutton Crouch, the Senior Spotlight for Lorenzo Walker High School, described his final year as busy, memorable, and fast-paced! As he wraps up his associate's degree and gears up to start college as a junior at the University of Florida, studying political science with a minor in Arabic, his eyes are set on law school and a future as an international diplomat with the State Department. Sutton's passion for law blossomed during his time volunteering in Teen Court and solidified his career path. He emphasizes the importance of balancing work, school, and personal life, believing that true value comes from a well-rounded approach. Offering advice to freshmen, Sutton encourages careful class planning, getting involved in clubs (like when he kickstarted the school newspaper!) and volunteering. With Sutton's ambition and drive, there's no doubt he'll achieve great things ahead.

Let's turn the spotlight on Hector Toro of Naples High School! Hector, with an infectious smile that lights up the room, embodies the true spirit of leadership and positivity. As a standout student-athlete and school record holder, his legacy at “The Nest” is notable. Heading off to Florida Gulf Coast University on a well-deserved scholarship, Hector's future in software engineering and cross-country running is as bright as his winning personality. With a passion for computers and coding, he's set to conquer new horizons with his talents. Naples High School will surely miss Hector, but his memories of football games and lasting friendships will always hold a special place in his heart. Here's to Hector Toro, a true Golden Eagle with wings ready to soar!

Introducing Palmetto Ridge High School’s Senior Spotlight—Bailey Giles! Heading to Washington University in St. Louis to pursue biochemistry, Bailey's journey from a Google search to campus discovery is truly inspiring. Initially eyeing journalism, a biology class revelation freshman year ignited her passion for the medical field. It’s through her volunteer work in the medical field that she knew she had found her calling! Despite the challenges, Bailey's unwavering enthusiasm shone through her senior year. To incoming freshmen, her advice is simple yet powerful: “DO EVERYTHING! From clubs to sports, embrace it all!” Her involvement in cross-country not only shaped her core friendships, but it also provided invaluable support and life lessons. Academics matter, but sports can elevate you in ways you never imagined—join in fearlessly!