Walking across the stage to grab your diploma from the principal seems like a faraway dream for most high school students.

That dream came true for Robinson High Schools Senior Class of 2022 Monday morning at the Florida State Fairgrounds EXPO Hall, where the school had its first full-capacity graduation since 2019.

The ceremony commenced with RHS Principal Robert Bhoolai taking the stage with Hillsborough County school board and district representatives and Robinson administrators. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Senior Class President, Amani Haskins (’22) and the Nation Anthem was sung by Maddie Frank (’22).

“I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at graduation. I’m happy to take part in recognizing our country, especially since I’m going into the Navy,” Frank said.

Following the introductions were speeches from the IB Valedictorian and Salutatorian, Sriya Kollipara (’22) and Priya Sambasivan (’22), and Traditional Valedictorian and Salutatorian, Marina Werkmeister (’22) and Lindsey Chadwick (’22).

“Now parents, I know I sound like a bad influence telling your kids to slack off right now. But what I’m trying to say is that in any aspect of your life, it’s important to stop and consider the value of your time,” Werkmeister said in her speech.

Haskins then presented the Senior Class Gift for the Class of 2022: new trophy cases for display on campus, dedicated to the growing athletic accomplishments of the school.

This year’s graduating class was accepted to over 60 colleges and universities around the world and received an estimated total of $6.7 million in scholarships.

At long last, Seniors walked across the stage, where Bhoolai handed them their diploma covers. Seniors like Andrew Brinn (’22) may have been jittery at the start of the morning but found a rewarding feeling by the end of the ceremony.

“After I shook [Bhoolai’s] hand and walked back down, it felt like everything I’d worked for and done had meant something, like I had really and finally earned that diploma,” Brinn concluded.

Missed the ceremony? Watch the recorded stream on HillsboroughTV.

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Photo Cecilia Cheng