On Friday night, June 3, 69 graduates in the Class of 2016 walked across the stage of the Neel Auditorium at State College of Florida to receive their diplomas. The impressive group was the 42nd to graduate from Saint Stephen’s since its founding in 1970 and all will continue on with higher education at a college or university. As has become tradition, the commencement speech was delivered by a 10-year graduate of Saint Stephen’s. This year’s speaker was Dr. Nicholas Mollanazar, who urged the graduates to be open to opportunities, unafraid to fail, and unswayed by “those who will tell you it can’t be done.” The evening also featured another beloved tradition – a musical performance by our pre-kindergarten class.

Class of 2016 highlights:

• Students received acceptances to 19 of the nation’s 40 most selective colleges (as ranked by Washington Post), including eight of the top 10, and seven of the eight Ivy League schools
• 86-percent of seniors who identified a first-choice college were accepted to that institution
• Students earned more than $4.4-million in merit aid, including four graduates who have been awarded their institution’s top full-ride scholarship with additional funds for research and travel
• Five students were named National Merit Scholarship finalists
• Two students – of three total in the Sarasota/Manatee area and 141 statewide – were named prestigious Presidential Scholar invitees
• Six graduates will compete at the collegiate level in football, soccer, lacrosse, sailing, and rifle

Coverage from the Bradenton Herald

Coverage from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune