Zayn Jerrett, left, claps along with Darrion Jenkins and Imani Jacobs during the Plant High School graduation ceremony at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall on Thursday in Tampa.

Hillsborough County Schools graduations get underway

Plant High held commencement ceremonies today, one of many for the district in the coming days.
Zayn Jerrett, left, claps along with Darrion Jenkins and Imani Jacobs during the Plant High School graduation ceremony at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall on Thursday in Tampa. [ DIRK SHADD | Times ]
 
Plant High held commencement ceremonies today, one of many for the district in the coming days.
By
Published May 25, 2023|Updated May 25, 2023

It was Day 2 of the large undertaking — the delicate dance — that is graduation week for Hillsborough County public schools. More than 600 seniors from Tampa’s Plant High School, along with family and friends, spilled into Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds for Thursday’s 8:30 a.m. ceremony.

After that, Steinbrenner, Armwood and Strawberry Crest high schools were scheduled to hold their graduations, one after another into the evening. The Fairgrounds will have hosted 31 dates over eight days for the school system by the time it’s all over on Thursday, June 1.

Related: Hillsborough public schools celebrate 2023 valedictorians, salutatorians
Related: Meet the top students for 2023 at Hillsborough private schools

Among the Plant High Class of 2023, 94% will attend college. Here are some of the faces we saw at their milestone event Thursday:

Samya Merkison talks with friends while getting ready during the H.B. Plant High School graduation ceremony Thursday.
Samya Merkison talks with friends while getting ready during the H.B. Plant High School graduation ceremony Thursday.
The H.B. Plant High School graduation medallion is displayed by graduate Nakayah Jones.
The H.B. Plant High School graduation medallion is displayed by graduate Nakayah Jones.
Student Class President Hyatt Criser speaks to classmates during his graduation address. Criser plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Student Class President Hyatt Criser speaks to classmates during his graduation address. Criser plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The American flag is displayed as the class of 2023 graduates.
The American flag is displayed as the class of 2023 graduates.
Family members and friends look out at the assembly of graduates during the ceremony.
Family members and friends look out at the assembly of graduates during the ceremony.
A class of 2023 tassel hangs from the cap of one graduate.
A class of 2023 tassel hangs from the cap of one graduate.
Mirelyz Paz talks with social studies teacher and department head Tamara Phillips.
Mirelyz Paz talks with social studies teacher and department head Tamara Phillips.
Jasmine Meredith adjusts the cap of fellow graduate Samya Merkison as they line up for the ceremony.
Jasmine Meredith adjusts the cap of fellow graduate Samya Merkison as they line up for the ceremony.

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The class of 2023 graduates head to their seats during the processional.
The class of 2023 graduates head to their seats during the processional.
Graduates line up during the ceremony at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall on Thursday in Tampa.
Graduates line up during the ceremony at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall on Thursday in Tampa.
Darrion Jenkins, who plans to attend and play football at Livingstone College in North Carolina, adjusts his tassel while getting ready for the ceremony.
Darrion Jenkins, who plans to attend and play football at Livingstone College in North Carolina, adjusts his tassel while getting ready for the ceremony.
Felipe Pineros, who plans to study business administration at the University of South Florida, smiles while lining up to walk for his diploma.
Felipe Pineros, who plans to study business administration at the University of South Florida, smiles while lining up to walk for his diploma. [ DIRK SHADD | Times ]
Imani Jacobs, who plans to attend culinary school at the Art Institute of Houston, shows off her decorated cap.
Imani Jacobs, who plans to attend culinary school at the Art Institute of Houston, shows off her decorated cap.
Parker Maney, right, hugs Plant High School testing coordinator Cassie Russell while Maney's sister, fellow graduate Bryce Maney, smiles at left.
Parker Maney, right, hugs Plant High School testing coordinator Cassie Russell while Maney's sister, fellow graduate Bryce Maney, smiles at left.
Up next:What books are being challenged in schools? Florida is making a list.

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