- December 27, 2024
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Principal Dr. Joseph Castelli started his career at Mainland High School in 2020 during COVID with the Class of 2024. He said he will remember those four years, and the seniors that graduated Friday, May 24, at the Ocean Center, for the rest of his life.
“My hope is that Mainland has given you as much Buc pride as each of you have provided me,” he said.
Before the commencement began, Castelli asked for a moment of silence to remember the life of a Sugar Mill Elementary student who had died that morning.
The Buccaneer symphonic band performed “Pomp and Circumstance” followed by the pledge of allegiance, led by Cadet Landon Baliles. The Mainland concert choir then sang the “Star-Spangled Banner” and later the alma mater, led by Mainland Director of Bands Gregory Dukes.
Class of 2024, congratulations to all of you. I am truly honored and proud of your accomplishments. Please never forget when you go forth and challenges come your way that the knowledge and experience you have gained at Mainland High School has prepared you for what lies ahead." — DR. JOSEPH CASTELLI, Mainland High School principal
In attendance were Carmen Balgobin, the superintendent for Volusia County Schools, with select cabinet members, Volusia County School Board members and Castelli’s administrative team.
Assistant Principal Julian Gutierrez announced the student speakers: Valedictorian Mateo Antonio Castillo and Salutatorian Camille Pereira Baniqued.
Castillo earned an associate degree from Daytona State College and will be attending the University of Central Florida in the fall, where he will either major in engineering or the medical field.
“Let us take forth the lessons we have learned at Mainland High School,” Castillo said. “Let us embrace the unknown with the knowledge that each challenge we face is an opportunity for growth. Finally, let us make the most out of every second life has to offer.”
Castelli said that when it comes to accomplishments, this class has left quite a mark for the underclassmen to attain.
“Each individual member has made a special contribution to Mainland High School during his or her career,” he said. “Their accomplishments have been remarkable.”
Fifty-three percent of the class graduated with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and 30% graduated with a 3.5 GPA or higher. Graduates accumulated over 10,000 hours of community service and earned $2.5 million in total scholarship funds.
Castelli asked the Mainland alumni to stand and be recognized by the Class of 2024. As the crowd remained standing, he asked everyone to say the Buccaneer motto together
“Buc pride never dies,” he said.
The crowd cheered as Castelli stood before the podium.
“Class of 2024, congratulations to all of you,” he said. “I am truly honored and proud of your accomplishments. Please never forget when you go forth and challenges come your way that the knowledge and experience you have gained at Mainland High School has prepared you for what lies ahead. Thank you, Class of 2024.”