'You are champions': Matanzas High School graduates Class of 2023

The class performed more than 12,000 hours of community service.

By Brian McMillan
| 5:24 p.m. May 30, 2023

Senior speaker Melissa Braflat. Photo by Brian McMillan

Victoria Mena Montiel wipes a tear as she recounts her journey from Venezuela to graduation. Photo by Brian McMillan

Senior speaker Sydnee Wong. Photo by Brian McMillan

Senior speaker Melissa Barflat with class Vice President Maria Kelly. Photo by Brian McMillan

Matanzas High School Principal Kristin Bozeman. Photo by Brian McMillan

The crowd gave the sign language cheer to celebrate the graduation of Kimberly Anne Martinez-Muir. Photo by Brian McMillan

Kristin Bozeman and Michael Ulysse Ajram. Photo by Brian McMillan

Mya Barker. Photo by Brian McMillan

Jasmine Wright and Sydney Woolley. Photo by Brian McMillan

Zander Zaidel, Kevin Zheng and Daniel Zuluaga Restrepo. Photo by Brian McMillan

Monica Stevens, Taylor Stevenson, Rylee Stives and Alayah Stricklin. Photo by Brian McMillan

Britney Van Houten, Jovan Vazquez and Clayton Vogel. Photo by Brian McMillan

Matanzas friends and family filled the Ocean Center for the 2023 graduation. Photo by Brian McMillan

The Bre'Nisha Lumpkin fan club: Delavia Williams, Antonio Bell Jr., Quionna Williams, Quivious Williams, Reginald Lumpkin and Julie Williams. Photo by Brian McMillan

Matanzas High School Principal Kristin Bozeman. Photo by Brian McMillan

Gianna Bennici takes a selfie as she switches her tassels. Photo by Brian McMillan

Gianna Bennici. Photo by Brian McMillan

Roman Martin and Herby Tima. Photo by Brian McMillan

Kimberly Truhe and Clover Tuck. Photo by Brian McMillan

The Class of 2023. Photo by Brian McMillan

Joshua Sepe, Leiahna Omalley, Ravenna Reed, Maria Kelly, Kendall Duckett, Jimmy Kelly. Photo by Brian McMillan

Palm Coast Observer

As the members of the Matanzas High School Class of 2023 flipped their tassels May 30 in the Ocean Center, in Daytona Beach, they were reminded to stay grateful.

“The Pirate village helped you to get to this moment,” Superintendent Cathy Middeltstadt said, adding that the graduates were resilient, empathetic people with grit.

“Remember to continue to elevate excellence regardless of any adversity you face,” she said.

Principal Kristin Bozeman also spoke to the graduates, asking segments of the class to rise and be recognized for their hard work.

There were more than 12,000 volunteer service hours performed by the class; 33 graduated with an associate degree in addition to their high school diploma; 34 earned an AICE diploma, and 68 earned one or more industry certifications.

Melissa Braflat was one of the senior speakers. She concluded her remarks by quoting the class song, “We Are the Champions,” by Queen: “We mean to go on and on and on and on.”