The graduating class of 2025 is projected to be around 3.9 million students, the largest graduating class in U.S. history. In Florida, the projected number of graduates is about 191,140. As the graduating class of 2025 prepares to take their next steps, the air is filled with a sense of excitement, anticipation and nostalgia. In high school, you spend four years in school reflecting on how much you have learned. Your high school experience either prepares you to further your education in college or sets you up to go straight into work. Jupiter High School’s graduating class is committing to a variety of colleges on an academic or athletic level.
“Since I first met her I have seen how passionate Gabby is for lacrosse and how hard she has worked to get where she’s going,” John Aiello, girls lacrosse head coach, said.
Gabriella Palomba will attend Stony Brook University on a Division I scholarship for lacrosse. Stony Brook’s out-of-state acceptance rate averages around 49%. Initially aspiring to be a veterinarian, Palomba shifted her focus to sports broadcasting. Despite initially not wanting to attend Stony Brook, she chose it after receiving a supportive offer on Sep. 1.
“I knew that Stony Brook was the one for me because they came out of their way and really showed their support and love and this made me think, this is the school for me,” Palomba said.
The words of her teachers, Brian Goodman and Doug Uccellini, supported Palomba throughout her high school years. Although she is nervous about attending college out of state, her connections with the lacrosse team comfort her. Palomba advises underclassmen to work hard without stressing too much.
“Keep working and never settle. Whatever is asked of you should always try to do a little more so it will be easier the next time,” Goodman said.
Jayden Jackson will attend Columbia University on a Division I scholarship for football. Columbia has an out-of-state acceptance rate that averages around or below 4%. When he was younger he wanted to be a doctor and he still wants to be a doctor now. Jackson is majoring in biomedical science but knows he can change his mind in the future. Jackson has had endless people to turn to throughout his high school career and sees it as a blessing to have a good village behind him.
“I’m excited to see where his career leads him. With his dedication and the influence of his incredible mother, I have no doubt he’ll accomplish great things,” Casey Runner said.
Jackson is nervous about going to college out of state mainly due to the shift from the Florida sun to the New York snow, but Jackson knows that he can rely on football which comes naturally to him, and is choosing to trust the process for everything else.
“Always recognize a blessing to be able to further your education regardless of where you currently are and where you will be in the future,” Jackson said.
Ava Webster will be attending George Washington University (GWU) on an athletic scholarship for volleyball which will pay for all four years she spends at that school. GWU has an out-of-state acceptance rate of about 44%. Webster never had a ‘dream school’, but she felt confident in knowing that wherever she ended up would be the right place for her.
Although she got accepted for business, Webster plans on changing her major to criminology since she has always wanted to be a lawyer. After college, Webster intends on attending law school to be a corporate lawyer. Webster is grateful for the support system she has at Jupiter, the biggest supporter being her mother, Sherry Webster.
“They always push me to be my best, and have created such a safe environment for me to be able to be myself,” Ava Webster said.
Webster is excited to attend college out of state because it will be a new experience with new people. Webster looks forward to the fun she will have with her new team. She is also excited about the chance to live in a new city with new people. Webster also knows she will miss her family, dogs and friends.
“The journey you are on is unique to you and only you know what is best for you. So just follow your heart and don’t listen to other people or compare yourself,” Ava Webster said.
Eliana Cohn will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) with the Chancellor’s Award. The Chancellor’s award is offered to first-year students who do not reside in Massachusetts who have shown strong academic and personal achievements. UMass Amherst has an out-of-state acceptance rate of around 57.7%. Her biggest support system in school has been her Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) advisor Jessica Levitsky.
“Mrs. Levitsky has pushed me to leave my comfort zone and take every opportunity given,” Cohn said.
Cohn is excited to move to the New England area and get to know a whole new atmosphere. She is especially excited to experience all four seasons and the snow. Although she is happy about this new way of life, Cohn is still sad about the things she is leaving behind.
“Don’t overwhelm yourself with coursework. Enjoy high school with your friends and all that Jupiter High School offers you,” Cohn said.
Matthew Rivieccio is attending the University of Tampa (UT) with the help of the AICE diploma from Cambridge University. UT has an in-state acceptance rate of 26%. Rivieccio has wanted to attend UT since he first toured the campus. When he was younger, Rivieccio wanted to be a veterinarian but over the years he has changed his mind and plans to major in marine biology. In school, Rivieccio’s support system is David Anderson and Michael Hammet. Rivieccio felt like he could always turn to them to talk every day and believes that they have left a large impact on his life.
“Enjoy the Journey. College goes by fast,” Hammett said. “Soak in the experiences, make lasting friendships and enjoy the transition into adulthood.”
Rivieccio isn’t nervous about attending college, the course load or meeting new people, but is nervous about the change of location. He is aware that college life will be different from high school, but openly welcomes that change and the new experiences that come with it.
“I am excited to start a new journey and part of my life that will help me grow not only in life but as a man and human being,” Rivieccio said.
Jordan Lambert is attending Clemson University purely on her academic skills. Jordan has wanted to attend Clemson for as long as she can remember. Clemson has an out-of-state acceptance rate of 38%. When she was younger, Lambert wanted to be an interior designer but over time she has found a new passion in the special education field. Lambert’s biggest support in school is the girl’s lacrosse coach John Aiello.
“Coach John was always someone who influenced me to try my hardest no matter what,” Lambert said.
Lambert recognizes her nervousness with mixed feelings. Lambert is excited to attend an out-of-state school due to the new opportunities and the chance to meet new people. She is nervous to leave all of her friends that she has in Florida but the excitement helps soothe those nerves.
“Don’t think about what other people have to say about the college you are going to,” Lambert said. “Just go with your gut feeling.”
This diverse group has shared countless memories and experiences, and while they may be going down different paths, those bonds and friendships will stay strong. They will carry the lessons they have learned and face these new challenges that will lead to endless opportunities. Good luck class of 2025.
