Congratulations to three more Pine Island grads
Each year the Pine Island Eagle recognizes island residents graduating from area high schools. Following are three more students who have completed their studies to obtain their diplomas at the close of the 2009 school year.
Justin Ray Wentz
Justin Wentz is a graduate of Mariner High School and a native of Pine Island. He is the son of Kacee (Joe) Spradlin and Ed (Gina) Wentz. Justin attended Pine Island Elementary and Gulf Middle School prior to his enrollment at Mariner. In his spare time, Justin is an avid hunter and fisherman who knows and loves the waters around Pine Island. He also is an active member with the Pine Island Community Church and is proficient in American Sign Language and participates in monthly “silent dinners.” He has been a huge supporter of his community and this is evident through is participation in the Adopt-A-Road program. He also has been a volunteer during the annual Taste of Pine Island presented by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island as well as many other community out-reach activities.
While at Mariner, Justin became a part of the Matlacha-Pine Island Fire Department Explorer Program. He has completed that program to become a volunteer firefighter. This fall, he plans to attend Edison State College to pursue his ambition to become an EMT. He then plans to transfer to the Central Fire Academy in Ocala to earn his Firefighter degree.
Michelle Troost
Michelle Troost is a graduate of Mariner High School and also a native of Pine Island. She is the daughter of her proud parents, Rodney and Beth Troost, and attended Pine Island Elementary School. Also recognizing her accomplishments is her baby girl, Julia.
This fall, Michelle plans to attend nursing school.
Reanna Edwards
Reanna Edwards, 17, is a graduate of Cape Coral Christian School. She has been honored the position of salutatorian, ranking second in her class. Her final grade point average was 4.26. Reanna has influenced her school’s recycling program and has always loved being involved with her school. She participated in the school TV production department by being technical director for all the years she spent in high school. She also played the bass guitar in the school band. She especially enjoyed being involved with her Art 1 and 2 classes.
When not at school, Reanna has participated in dance at the Pine Island Dance studio for eight years and intends to study for her Cecchetti Ballet Teacher Level 1 exam next year so she can also teach at the studio in the future. She also is an active member of the Young Democrats of Lee County and plays acoustic guitar and sings for the Praise Band of the Pine Island Community Church.
Reanna will attend the Florida Gulf Coast University this fall and will major in biology in hopes of becoming a wildlife biologist inspired by her passion for animals and nature.