More than 750 Jupiter High seniors earned their high school diplomas on May 21 at the Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Most of these Warriors are going on to pursue degrees in higher education; others plan to travel before college or join the workforce.

Senior Matthew Webber will attend Duke University, a highly competitive university with an acceptance rate of just nine percent.

“I chose Duke because it’s a really good school, and I felt like I fit in really well. I really wanted to go to a school that had a good ‘vibe,’ and Duke was that school for me,” Webber said.

As for Webber’s major, he is currently undecided, but he thinks he will choose political science, math or economics.

“I’m honestly not sure if I am prepared. I’d like to think I am, but the future is scary, and I won’t really know if I’m ready until I go to college,” Webber said.

Although some students will attend out-of-state schools, others will attend schools a little closer to home. Senior Sam Derosa will attend Florida State University to major in digital media.

“It seemed like the best option for my major, and it’s just a plus that the campus is beautiful…As much as I’ll miss this place [Jupiter], I’m ready for a big change,” Derosa said.

Senior Cassidy Batts will be travelling out-of-state to attend Suffolk University in Boston. She plans to study politics, philosophy or economics.

“The campus is a very urban style campus in the heart of downtown Boston. I am glad that I’m leaving Jupiter. I am ready for the cold weather and to live in the city, but it is also hard to leave my friends and family. It’s very bittersweet,” said Batts.

Unlike those attending college right after graduation, senior Anthony Castelli will be taking a year off before he makes his way to Universal Technical Institute to earn his Diesel Certification. He plans to study skills such as welding and fabrication.

“I chose not to attend college right after school to gain a little more experience in my mechanical abilities. In my time off, I will be working as much as possible and building project cars on the side,” Castelli said.

Although Castelli is taking some time off from school, he does support seniors going to college right after graduation.

“I do encourage others to go to school. Most people are accustomed to the classroom-type setting, but my mind just doesn’t work like that,” Castelli said.

At the graduation ceremony, before presenting diplomas to the graduates, Jupiter High Principal Dr. Colleen Iannitti gave a heartwarming speech to the nearly 4,500 people in attendance.

“I’ve watched you navigate through magnificent moments, tragic events, and even natural disasters. And each day you’ve grown stronger…During your time as Warriors, you’ve done it all. You’ve learned early to work hard for what was most important to you. Whether in the classroom, on the court or on the field, you put forth your best effort on everything you did,” Iannitti said.