The Youth Leadership Pasco Class of 2024 celebrated their graduation at breakfast on March 15, 2024, at Timber Greens Country Club. More than 100 sponsors, school officials, parents and Leadership Pasco Board members were there to cheer on the graduating students.

Youth Leadership Pasco Program Graduates Class of 2024

Youth Leadership Pasco is a leadership development program that informs, motivates, and increases the awareness of selected high school aged students (Sophomores and Juniors) through issue-oriented seminars and interaction with community leaders. Sessions include Orientation and Team Building, Law Enforcement, Health Care/Community Services, Government/Economic Development and Education.

Leadership Pasco is able to keep the student fee at $35 due to generous support from our sponsors: the Law Office of Tara O’Connor, United Way of Pasco County, Pasco Hernando State College, Fred K. Marchman Technical College, Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, Olympus Limo, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Pasco Education Foundation and the Rotary Clubs of Dade City Noon, Holiday, New Port Richey, Seven Springs, Trinity, and West Pasco Sunset.

Applications for the Class of 2025 will open for Sophomores and Juniors at the beginning of the school year.

According to program co-chair, Barbara DeSimone, Leadership Pasco director emerita, “Each year, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome bright and ambitious young individuals into the Youth Leadership Pasco Program. It’s truly inspiring to witness their growth, enthusiasm, and commitment to becoming the leaders of tomorrow. As organizers, we are thrilled to embark on another year of empowering these exceptional students and equipping them with the skills and insights needed to
shape a brighter future for Pasco County.”

Youth Leadership Pasco Class of 2024 Graduates

• Colt Blancher, Angeline Academy of Innovation
• Katarina M. Boglino, Gulf High School
• Isabella C. Bowling, River Ridge High School
• Thomas Celotto, Jr. Hudson High School
• Noah J. Downey, Sunlake High School
• Vincent J. Farides, River Ridge High School
• Dominic Fusco, Wesley Chapel High School
• William C. Gantt, J.W. Mitchell High School
• Jake Giber, Genesis Preparatory High School
• Nadama N. Gilkerson, Pasco High School
• Sophia M. Giri, Wiregrass Ranch High School
• Nathan M. Grimes, J.W. Mitchell High School
• Luiza Guryeva, Wesley Chapel High School
• Allan Guzman, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation
• Elissa A. Hill, JW Mitchell High School
• Liam C. Hornung, J.W Mitchell High School
• Melodi Kazazi, Sunlake High School
• Calina M. Levy, Wiregrass Ranch High School
• Alina Manadyel, Dayspring Early College Academy
• Ethan A. Mendez, Cypress Creek high School
• Alyssa B. Mintrone, Land O’ Lakes High School
• Montana T. Montayre, Wendell Krinn Technical High School
• Morgan T. Montayre, Wendell Krinn Technical High School
• Alfonso E. Nava, Dayspring Early College Academy

• Victoria Ogundeyin, Cypress Creek High School
• Xiomig N. Ozorio Matias, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation
• Trinity Perry, Wesley Chapel High School
• Justyce P. Rice, Anclote High School
• Ethan Rubin, Hudson High School
• Lilliana E. St Aubin, Hudson High School
• Paul L. Steele, Land O Lakes High School
• Hailey J. Suggs, Anclote High School
• Gianna Walsh, Fivay High School

Class Quotes

The Youth Leadership Pasco program is truly one of a kind. Throughout the program I have made lifelong friendships, restored old ones, and got a much deeper grasp of what happens in Pasco County. My favorite part of the program was the sheriff’s department. We got to see just how big the department truly is and the amazing technology they are incorporating into their line of work. I used to only want to leave Pasco County but throughout this program I have found a new love for it and all of the amazing
opportunities it has to o ffer. I can truly see myself living here forever. – Noah J. Downey,
Sunlake High School

“As I reflect on my time in the Pasco Youth Leadership, a moment that stands out for me was when the program had economic day. That day I and many others in my group learned about how our leaders here in Pasco County work tirelessly to grow and provide new opportunities to all those who live in its community. It was that day that I realized it does not take someone who is in a high position to be a leader but someone who genuinely cares for their community and the people who reside in it. The program allowed its members to meet many leaders form doctors to business leaders and even our very own superintendent of schools Kurt Browning. In the end I am profoundly grateful for the privilege of being part of this amazing program, the Pasco Youth Leadership program. It has been an amazing experience that has given all who have joined new experiences, skills, and memories that can be taken further on the journey we call life.” – Ethan A. Mendez, Cypress Creek high School

About Youth Leadership Pasco

Youth Leadership Pasco was founded in 1999 by the Leadership Pasco Class of 1998 and graduated its first class of youth in 2000. Youth Leadership Pasco is organized by Leadership Pasco in collaboration with local educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations, aims to empower high school students with essential leadership skills, civic awareness, and a commitment to community service. Through interactive sessions, workshops, and hands-on experiences, participants develop the tools they need to become effective leaders and contribute positively to the future of Pasco County.

Website: https://leadershippasco.com/Youth_Leadership_Pasco_Program

About Leadership Pasco

Leadership Pasco, established 1988, is a highly respected leadership development
program designed to connect, educate, and engage emerging and existing leaders in
Pasco County. The program focuses on fostering a deeper understanding of the
community, promoting collaboration, and inspiring participants to take an active role in
shaping the future of the county.
Website: https://leadershippasco.com