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The 18th Commencement Ceremony was held on May 16
On Thursday, May 16, Academy Prep Center of Tampa honored the 8th grade students as they graduate and matriculate to some of the best college prep programs in the Tampa Bay area.
Our English teacher, Deja Houston, was selected to deliver the faculty reflection. She shared memories of this class during their time at APT. She reflected on the growth of these young students as they matured into leaders on our campus, acting as role models for our lower classmen and stepping in to assist faculty on many occasions. She shared this advice, an echo of our school pledge, with them: "You are the future. Be a way maker. When I look around, I see this is the smartest, most committed, most responsible high school freshman class this world has ever seen."
Lincoln Tamayo, our head of the school, announced the winner of the Kathleen Hyer Memorial Award. This award is given to a parent who embodies a commitment to family and service. The recipient, Nezrine Beasley, demonstrates unwavering commitment to her niece, Tamonia Holley, and her dedication to her education. She is selfless as a second mother to Tamonia, as well as her commitment to all APT students. She has given well over 500 service hours by covering our reception desk, covering for administrative assistants on numerous occasions, and helping in a wide capacity of areas. Her positive attitude and willingness to help exemplify the core values of Academy Prep, as well as those of Kathleen Hyer, who cherished her family above all else, finding her greatest happiness in wholeheartedly supporting her children and grandchildren as they pursued their life's endeavors.
The much anticipated annual Spirit Awards were presented by Jenna Dufficy, our assistant head of school. Briana Henriquez and Rashaun Fitts received the Spirit Award in recognition of their outstanding leadership qualities: integrity, perseverance, kindness, and positivity. Both students have been a source of inspiration to their peers, always greeting others with a smile, by leading as an example in convocation, and having a profoundly positive impact on our school community. Briana and Rashaun will become freshmen at Cristo Rey and Jesuit, respectively, this fall.
The class of 2024 valedictorian, Malachi Brady-Ayers, delivered an inspiring speech to his peers, family and staff. "Being a student at Academy Prep provided me with a once in a lifetime opportunity, one that I knew I would not take for granted. During my time here I made connections with my classmates and teachers, ones that will last a lifetime." Malachi shared memories from this year as he and his classmates took part in the inspiring Black History Month celebration, prepared for the SSAT test, and went on the annual Washington, DC trip. He concluded his thoughts, "It takes grit, discipline, and determination to be an Academy Prep student. You have to show up for yourself every single day, and as 8th graders, in having the privilege of wearing the white polo shirt, you are leaders and role models for the underclassmen." Malachi will become a freshman at Berkeley Preparatory School this fall.
The commencement address, delivered by APT trustee and Hillsborough County Judge Jessica G. Costello, reflected on her time volunteering at Academy Prep when she was a practicing lawyer. She also shared about one of her favorite authors, Shel Silverstein, and spoke about his poem titled, Magic Carpet. "The magic carpet represents the skills, smarts, and talents you have inside you." How, she asked, “will you use it?” She challenged the class to continue to live up to their promise to uphold the Academy Prep code, which implores them to act as mature and responsible individuals who contribute to your communities and demonstrate charity and concern in all their actions. Judge Costello concluded, "Dream big, have courage to lead, be role models as alumni, work hard, follow through on your plans, and come back and give back to your community!"
As our 2024 APT graduates turn the page and look forward to their high school years, they leave with a deep sense of accomplishment and newfound confidence. They are poised and prepared to embark on the next challenging milestones of their educational journey. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and celebrate this significant achievement with them. Congratulations, graduates!
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