Drew Winchester Oasis High School’s first graduating class wait to receive their diplomas at Sunday’s commencement at Tarpon Point.

Twenty-seven seniors represented the first graduating class of Oasis High School on Sunday, making history when they accepted their diplomas during a ceremony at Tarpon Point. Family and friends, Charter school system faculty and city dignitaries Mayor John Sullivan and Council member Bill Deile all bore witness to the historical event, “Our school system has been a true oasis for the community, living up to its namesake,” said Dr. Lee Bush, Charter School System administrator.

Oasis High School opened in 2009, after parents of the city-operated charter system students wanted to keep their children in the system beyond middle school.

The 27 seniors will be the first of many graduating classes to come, of course, but those who walked the stage on Sunday will be remembered as the first graduates of the city’s burgeoning charter system.

“They were brave to be the first,” said Principal Chris Terrill. “And they set a high bar for the classes that will follow.”

Oasis Seniors boasted the highest SAT scores in all of Lee County, according to Terrill, and are all headed for success.

“We have future lawyers, doctors, teacher and veterinarians in this group,” he added.

Rachel Lucia graduated summa cum laude with a 4.76 grade point average and plans on attending on the University of Florida to study veterinary medicine.

Lucia spoke about her fellow seniors’ self-discipline, which has helped them to be successful and to understand that its entirely up to them to decide the course of their lives.

“We made it. All we have to do today is not trip over our gowns and we’re done with high school,” Lucia said.

Ellen Ann Sockman, who also graduated summa cum laude, and was a National Honor Society member, said she overcame adversity to graduate with her fellow classmates. She said the Oasis High School has been instrumental in getting her ready for the future.

“We’ve been well prepared to take the next step in our lives,” she said.