An annual tradition is for the graduating class of seniors to vote in their peers for “The Lundy’s.” Students are selected for numerous titles that best represent a friend. This year’s ceremony was held on April 2, 2024, and it had a high turnout as friends came to support friends.
Senior Avery Ridder won the “Most Likely to Fall off the Grid” award. Most people know Ridder as a routine camper and nature-lover in this age where most people in this generation prefer indoors playing video games rather than going off somewhere with no Wi-Fi. They enjoy boating, white-water rafting, camping, and traveling to state parks.
“I do believe that people are glued to their phones – I am glued to mine as well,” Ridder said. “I find it very therapeutic sometimes to go on white water rafting trips and have no service to escape for a couple of days from my phone.”
Ridder plans on becoming a national park ranger to educate others on conservation and have the opportunity to work alongside nature, rather than against it.
“I want to be able to stay outdoors. I want to be able to do what I enjoy for a living, even if I don’t get paid well for it,” Ridder said.
Students voted in senior Diego Lara for “Fun Uncle.”
“It brings me joy to get to know that I make people laugh and give them something to smile about,” Lara said. “I can see myself being a fun uncle to my friends and siblings’ kids. I do love a good party and I like to go dancing with my friends.”
The winner for “Most Likely to Hold a Guinness World Record” is not just likely to – they do hold a Guinness World Record. That record holder is senior Tejasri Yarlagadda. Representing their Indian culture, Yarlagadda performed a routine with their dance school in April of 2017.
“The record is for the largest Bharatanatyam dance, which is a traditional classical dance in India,” Yarlagadda said. “I plan to get my bachelors and masters degree in computer science at the University of Central Florida. I also plan to try out for dance groups at UCF.”
The Lundy’s is an event that each graduating class looks forward to and the auditorium is always full of laughter. Students who won an award were voted in – even if it is a silly title – because they make someone’s day brighter.
“I do enjoy bringing a happier mood to a room and that it brings me joy to get to know that I make people laugh and give them something to smile about,” Lara said.
Johnny • May 20, 2024 at 8:30 AM
I liked how the diverse interests of the graduating seniors were captured, as well as how it showcased the special personalities and accomplishments of the seniors. ” The record is for the largest Bharatanatyam dance…classical dance in India”. The way it described the winners of “The Lundy’s” awards provided a personal touch and pointed out the students’ passions and goals.
aria • May 7, 2024 at 10:28 AM
This story was good! I loved the way that the story clearly represented multiple people and the reasons for their awards. It was nice that it was kept short and sweet and easy to read. It was just cool to see WHY the people deserved the rewards that they got at the Lundy’s.