Class of 2025: EMPOWER YOUR MIND; PURSUE YOUR DREAM
Class of 2025: this is your time to shine. You have spent the past 12 years preparing for this day and are ready to embark on your future, whatever that might be: college, technical school, the military or the work force. Whatever you decide as you commence your path, do so with pride and purpose; pursue your dream. In the words of Oprah Winfrey, “you don’t become what you want, you become what you believe.” There is no expiration date to begin or complete your journey. You just have to start.
Over the upcoming weeks, Tempo News will focus on our graduates, highlighting their achievements and accomplishments, as they begin the next chapter. Class of 2025: go forth and prosper.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
Ibre Edwards – Ibre graduated from Booker High School with a 3.5 GPA. She was active in flag football and track and field. She also participated in AAU Track and Field. While at Booker, Ibre’s honors, recognitions and scholarships include the Principal’s Award, entrepreneurship and business certificates, Shari’s Fund Scholarship, Take Stock in Children, Booker Promise and the Troy E. Quinn Award. She was also on the AB Honor roll and received track and field offers from Tennessee State University, Indiana Tech, St. Thomas University, Earlham College and the Coast Guard. Ibre will attend Florida A&M University in the fall as a Pre-Business major, with plans of excelling both on the track and in the business world. She aspires to become a successful businessperson and a professional track star and has already started building her brand, “Set in Stone” with plans to create multiple successful ventures. She is the daughter of Sherria Phillips.
Layla Hines – Layla graduated from Southeast High School and was a full time dual enrolled student at State College of Florida. At Southeast, she maintained a 3.9 GPA and was active with the National Honors Society, Student Government Association, and was a varsity cheerleader and volleyball player. In the community, Layla served as president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s Delta Gems program and was active in Manatee County’s Teen Court Program, earning 688 community service hours. Among her honors include UCA All American Cheerleader, Stop the Bleed Course certificate, Teacher’s Choice Award, Class Superlatives Award, the Most Decent Human Being Award, and the G.D. & Minnie Rogers Commemorative Community Youth Award. She has received scholarships from several community organizations and scholarship funds, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Business and Professional Women of North Sarasota and the William G and Marie Selby Foundation. . Layla will attend Stetson University as a Biology – Premed major to become a pediatrician. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Yantee (Monique) Hines.
Addison Shea McRae – Addison graduated from Blue Valley North High School in Leawood, Kansas with a 30 GPA. She was active in the school’s drama department where she participated in the school’s play productions throughout her high school career. She served a summer internship with CRUX – KC, Inc., a marketing company in Kansas City, Missouri. Addison has been accepted into the Honors Program at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas to major in English Literature and minor in Theater. She is the daughter of Brian W. and Melea McRae and granddaughter o of Mr. and Mrs. Hal (Johncyna) McRae of Bradenton.
Cullen Hal McRae, II – Cullen graduated from Lakewood Ranch High School with a 3.2 GPA. His high school activities included varsity football from 9th through 12th grades; captain of the varsity football team during his senior year; he was on the track team from 9th through 11th grade and was on the weightlifting team throughout his high school career. He was also active with the Student Government Council during his senior year. Cullen also participated with the Young Life Ministry of Manatee County from 9th through 12th grades. Cullen received Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence and will be studying business and playing football at St. Thomas University in Miami, Gardens this fall. He is the son of the late Cullen Hal McRae, Sr. and Stephanie Pacheo. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Hal (Johncyna) McRae of Bradenton.
Aliyah Naomi Robinson – Aliyah is a graduate of Manatee School for the Arts where she maintained a 3.96 GPA. She was in the Key Club and volunteered with Meals on Wheels, the Humane Society and community service activities with her church. She was on the Dean’s List was in the top 20% of her graduating class. Aliyah was a dual enrolled student at State College of Florida throughout her senior year. She plans to continue at SCF to earn an Associates degree, after which she will attend cosmetology school to pursue her passion in the field. She is a member of Increasing Joy Ministries where she was active in the youth ministry and the praise dance ministry. Aliyah is the daughter of Tarleena Walton and James Walton and the granddaughter of Nathaniel and Carol Jenkins.
MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADUATE: Cheyenne Byrd, a rising 6th grader, graduated from Glenallen Elementary School in North Port, Florida and will be attending
Heron Creek Middle School in North Port in the fall. Cheyenne is an art enthusiast. One of her many art pieces was selected “Best of the Best” in the 20242025 Artwork Showcase in Venice earlier this year. She completed the Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (LEAD Program) and was also on the A/B Honor Roll. Cheyenne has been a cheerleader for the North Port Lil Cats for the past three years and has attended cheer clinics at University of South Florida and Florida Gulfcoast University where she had the privilege of performing with college level cheerleaders. She is the daughter of Jamille Byrd and the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Byrd.
