The 2018 crop of Hernando County’s valedictorians and salutatorians will continue their studies in a wide range of areas including law, philosophy, nursing, computer animation, mathematics, english education, biomedical and mechanical engineering.
Most will remain within the State of Florida to continue their education, but a few will attend out of state colleges: Boston University, Liberty University in Virginia and Bob Jones University in South Carolina.
F.W. Springstead High School
Valedictorian: Joseph Masotti
GPA: 4.71
College: Florida State
Honors College
Planned Major: Philosophy
Extracurricular Activities: Model United Nations, Springstead Political Initiative (SPI), National Honor Society
Most looking forward to: New friendships and working towards a law degree
Who helped along the way: My parents
Most Thankful for: Family that supported me through school
Salutatorian: Briana Morgan
College: Honors College at
Boston University
Planned Major: English Education for Students of Other Languages, with a minor in Women’s and Gender study
Extracurricular Activities: VP of National Honors Society, academic team captain placing 4th at State, Spanish Club scoring superior at State, Thespian State Festival
Most looking forward to: A different environment, with the diversity found in a big city
Who helped along the way: My family and our IB Coordinator Mr. Imhof
Most Thankful for: The IB community I was able to be apart of for the last four years, and the close family that it created.
Spring Hill Christian Academy
Valedictorian: Ashley Banas
GPA: 4.28
College: Bob Jones University – South Carolina
Planned Major: Master of Science in Exercise Science
Extracurricular Activities: Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, X-Country, volunteering at my church as a teacher in Children’s church, volunteering in Vacation Bible School, Youth Group Council member, Student Council member
Most looking forward to: The experience of being on a college campus and experiencing campus life while furthering my education..
Who helped along the way: Many people have helped me along the way including my pastors, my teachers and my friends. My mom has been my biggest supporter and always encouraged me to always do my best and be the best I could be.
Most thankful for: My relationship with God. I am thankful to my parents, my family and friends, and my teachers for always being there with me in the good times, and for helping me when times have been tough.
Salutatorian: Austin Farmerie
GPA: 4.21
College: Liberty University – Virginia
Planned Major: Mass Media / Communications
Extracurricular Activities: Karate, Volunteering and teaching the PreK Kids at my church. I also enjoy making YouTube Videos.
Most Looking Forward to: Pursuing a degree. I am also excited to explore and live in a new place and see what it has to offer. I am also looking forward to making new friends and moving forward to my future.
Who has helped you along the way: God, my mom, my family and my friends. They have always encouraged me to keep going and have taught me to be the best version of myself. My mom has always been my biggest supporter with everything I do.
What are you thankful for: I am thankful for the unconditional love shown for me throughout my whole life. Without God and each person alongside me on my journey, I would not be the person that I am today. I am also thankful for the ability to have an education, because it is the stepping stone for my future.
Nature Coast Technical High School
Valedictorian: Olivia Schlum
GPA: 4.57
College: University of Florida
Planned Major: Studying Law
Salutatorian: Justin VanCleave
GPA: 4.56
College: Florida State University
Planned Major: Economics and Statistics.
Weeki Wachee High School
Valedictorian: Trista Whiteaker
GPA: 4.54
College: PHSC
Planned Major: Pediatrician
Extracurricular Activities: Cheer, soccer, work, helping/working with children
Who helped along the way: Parents, teachers, coaches, and a special thanks to my mom and Mr. Fierro! Couldn’t of done it without them.
Most Thankful for: Having the opportunity to partake in the dual enrollment program that gave me a head start into my future.
Salutatorian: Victoria Goldner
GPA: 4.5
College: New College of Florida
Planned Major: Marine Biology
Extracurricular Activities: Marching Band (head drum major), Track & Field (high jump school record holder, district champ), National Honor Society (president)
Most looking forward to: Learning Sign Language, sailing in college, earning dive certification, and my intended career rehabilitating and restoring coral reefs.
Who helped along the way: Coaches, teachers, several other mentors, and most importantly, my amazing Parents. I would not be who or where I am today without these people and I am forever grateful for the impact they’ve had on my life.
Most Thankful for: Everything in my life thus far, whether positive or negative; without all those experiences, I would not be the individual I am today. I am most thankful, though, for my parents, who love, encourage, and support me in everything I do and do absolutely everything they can to help me succeed.
Hernando High School
Valedictorian: Alison Pager
GPA: 4.723
College: University of Florida
Planned Major: Double major in Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering to pursue a career in prosthetics, health technology, and bionic robotics.
Extracurriculars: President of National Honor Society, President of Key Club, Secretary of Interact Club, Secretary of the Class of 2018, Secretary of the School Advisory Council, HHS Senior Student Delegate, Academic Team Captain, Envirothon Team Captain, U.S Presidential Scholar Semifinalist, received AA degree from PHSC.
What to look forward to: I am very excited to embark on this next journey in continuing my education! I plan to pursue a career in prosthetics and health technology and, eventually, health care reform. My time at Hernando has taught me so much, and one of the most important factors is that I want to be successful in my future and be able to give back to others and help others.
Who has helped you along the way: I am very thankful for my leopard family at Hernando, all of the teachers, staff, students, and administration have been the most amazing people I could ask for in my life. My family has played such a huge role in my life, I am so thankful for their never ending love and support!
What are you thankful for: I’m super thankful for the opportunities that this county and HHS have presented to me over the years. We are part of such a loving community and I am so appreciative of all of their support and encouragement!
Salutatorian: Karli Kimbrough
GPA: 4.69
College: University of Florida
Extracurriculars: All County Athlete, starter in volleyball, basketball and softball; In tennis district/regional champion
Central High School
Valedictorian: Nicholas Vollmer
GPA: 4.27
College: PHSC then University of South Florida
Planned Major: Mathematics
Extracurricular Activities: NHS and Beta Club
Most looking forward to: Being a fun math teacher one day like Mrs. Kelton and Mrs. Trowell
Who helped along the way: Mrs. Kelton and Mrs. Trowell
Most Thankful for: That I’ve had really great teachers that didn’t get mad when I’d throw humor into assignments rather than just doing a boring, simple assignment.
Salutatorian: Lydia Iravani
GPA: 4.23
College: Florida State University
Planned Major: Exploratory
Most looking forward to: The opportunities that the future holds
Who helped along the way: Parents, family, teachers
Most Thankful for: The opportunities I have been given.
Wider Horizons School
Valedictorians
Hannah Lindsey Chua
GPA: Unweighted 4.0
Completed AA degree at PHSC
College: USF Honors College, Pre-Nursing
Planned Major: Nursing, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia
Extra Curricular: singer-songwriter-guitarist, Phi Theta Kappa, National Honor Society
Looking Forward to: Studying abroad,
Who helped along the way: Parents, brother, aunt and uncles, and friends
Most thankful for: Endless support and love from my family and friends
Keryth Rowland
GPA: Unweighted 4.0
Completed AA degree at PHSC
College: Full Sail University
Planned Major: Computer Animation
Who helped along the way: Parents, Sisters, Family
Faith Christian Academy
Valedictorian: Magnolia Harper
GPA: 3.73
College: PHSC
Planned Major: Completing Associates in Arts Degree
Extracurricular Activities: Several statewide academics competitions for quizzing, spelling, writing and Bible, Volleyball and Basketball.
Who helped along the way: Principal
Most Thankful for: Parents and teachers for all their help
