Every year, May is a time when families across town find themselves reflecting on the memories of the past 18 or so years. As high schoolers prepare to leave their childhood behind and walk across the stage to get their diplomas, the community pauses and takes a moment to cheer on the young students.
This year, there was an added layer of emotion to the event. Plant City High School had its high school graduation on the same night as a group of its seniors threw the first pitch of the 8A baseball state championship game. Many of the teammates were graduating seniors and several of the cheering fans in the crowd were as well. To make up for them missing their big ceremony, PCHS held a special ceremony the next day in their honor.
Local schools also added a new aspect for seniors to help get them excited for their next stage in life. While high school athletes usually have ceremonies when they sign National Letters of Intent, those preparing to enter the workforce following graduation rarely receive any recognition. To remedy that, Durant High School, Plant City High School and Simmons Career Center held post-grad hiring celebrations in the form of a pseudo National Signing Day.
The Boys and Girls Club of Plant City hosted its first corn hole tournament at Hillsborough Community College at the beginning of the month. The competition raised nearly $7,000 despite rain and twelve teams competed for the the top spot. Drew and Paul Lovelace took first place and a $200 cash prize. Ryan and Christine Schwartzkopf placed second and won $100 for their efforts.
Of course, every spring one of the biggest events is Little Miss Plant City. This year’s pageant was Alice in Wonderland themed. Marley Grace Mueller ended up taking the crown. On the completely opposite spectrum the first Mud Titan race of 2019 was also held in May. Hundreds came out to the cow field on Prevatt Road for the obstacle-packed 5K. The top overall male finisher was Esdras Castillo, who finished the course in 29:21.30. The top overall female finisher was Brittney Martinez, who finished in 52:43.90.
One of the highlights of the month was at the very start. May the Fourth Be With You is an internationally celebrated holiday where fans of the Star Wars universe dress up and celebrate the journeys of those rebel heroes who live in a galaxy far far away. Downtown businesses decided to get in on the action by having a day of discounts and specially themed goodies. Children and adults alike flocked to the stores — many of whom wore costumes — to purchase Death Star soaps, wookie cookies, Star Wars LEGO sets and more.