Coed, independent, PK3-12th grade school in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Class of 2023 Valedictorian: Dylan Winer ‘23

As the centennial Class of 2023 prepares to bid farewell to Shorecrest Preparatory School, there is an individual who stands out as a true scholar. Valedictorian Dylan Winer ‘23 has left an indelible mark through his exceptional academic achievements, dedication to Shorecrest robotics, and kindness towards others. 

Throughout his time at Shorecrest starting in the seventh grade, Dylan has consistently displayed a remarkable level of maturity and thoughtfulness that has earned him the admiration and respect of students and faculty. Upper School Math Teacher Mike Battle, Dylan’s advisor the past two years, aptly describes him as "incredibly kind and always willing to help out his classmates." 

Upper School Math Teacher Jessica Thorn described Dylan's broad intellectual aptitude as “wise beyond his years, about everything.” His course curriculum, which includes 10 Advanced Placement classes (school policy limits students to a maximum of 10 AP classes) and fourteen honors courses, reflects the highest level of rigor in every core discipline. Dylan was approved to take AP Spanish Language and Culture but could not add this to his schedule because of our school's AP limit. Instead he took an independent study in Spanish V Honors while studying the AP curriculum individually in preparation for the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam. This level of motivation and intellectual curiosity has earned him recognition as a National Merit Finalist, an AP Scholar with Distinction, and membership in the Cum Laude Society.

With his deep interest in STEAM subjects, Dylan pursued Shorecrest's STEAM Signature Program, which is a pathway for Upper School students to pursue STEAM-related coursework and allows them to apply critical thinking and 21st Century skills while investigating a specialized area of interest. In addition to delving into courses within his area of study (Computer Science), Dylan completed a self-directed, culminating project to support the fourth grade environmental unit of study: Environmental Sustainability Application for the Lower School.

Dylan describes his STEAM project: “For my personal project I created an iPad application that educates fourth grade students on topics including global warming, renewable energy, plastic pollution, and sustainable farming in accordance with their environmental sustainability unit. This application combines article-like pages that simplify these concepts, along with interactive elements, such as categorizing activities and self-reflection. I chose this topic because I have always been passionate about environmental stewardship and promoting awareness regarding the importance of integrating sustainability into society.”

Dylan has demonstrated this passion through his participation in Keep Pinellas Beautiful as a member of the Youth Advisory Board. For four years he has contributed to their environmental conservation initiatives in the community and at school.

Dylan's desire to expand his knowledge in engineering and social sciences has led him to pursue opportunities outside of traditional coursework. As Vice President and later President of the VEX Robotics Team, Dylan's leadership and organizational skills were instrumental in winning the Design Award in their first year of competition. His team's outstanding performance at the 2022 CREATE Robotics Open World Championship is also a testament to his leadership and organizational skills. Robotics Coach Melissa Estremera credits Dylan's guidance as a key factor in the team's success.

National History Day competitions have also allowed Dylan to combine his interests in STEAM and humanities beyond the confines of the classroom. His team project website, "Cracking the Enigma: Crucial Communication in WWII," earned 2nd place in the state of Florida in 2021 and 1st place in Florida in 2022. Dylan's ability to integrate his technological skills with his fascination for historical events showcases his interdisciplinary approach to learning.

In addition to acknowledging Dylan's intellect and work ethic, classmates and teachers have praised him for his kindness, willingness to help others, and dry sense of humor that pops up unexpectedly - which adds a unique charm to his personality. As described by Upper School Spanish Teacher, Al Irwin, “In the person of Dylan, you will also find a young man who is unwaveringly empathetic and compassionate, coachable, appropriately humorous, and always utmost appreciative and respectful toward his teachers and other school staff.” 

We celebrate Dylan Winer, the Valedictorian of the Class of 2023; his exceptional achievements, his relentless pursuit of knowledge, and his compassion towards others. Congratulations, Dylan, on your well-deserved success, and may your future endeavors be as bright as your time at Shorecrest Preparatory School.

2023 Matriculation List

Arizona State University
Auburn University
Belmont University
Bethune-Cookman University
Boston College
Boston University
Case Western Reserve University
Colorado State University
Davidson College 
Drexel University
Eckerd College 
Elon University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Polytechnic University
Florida Southern College 
Florida State University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Hillsborough Community College
Indiana University
Lehigh University
Louisiana State University
Marist College
Michigan State University
Monmouth College (IL)
New York University 
Northeastern University
Otis College of Art and Design
Piedmont College
Pratt Institute
Roger Williams University
Rollins College
St. Petersburg College
Tallahassee Community College
The Ohio State University
University of Alabama
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Florida
University of Kansas 
University of Miami 
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
University of Mississippi
University of New Hampshire
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Rochester
University of South Florida
University of Southern California
University of Tampa
University of Virginia
University of Washington
Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech)

More about college acceptances.

Shorecrest Preparatory School

5101 First Street Northeast
St Petersburg, FL 33703
Phone: (727) 522-2111  |  Fax: (727) 527-4191
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Privacy Policy | Faculty


Shorecrest Preparatory School is a private, non-sectarian, coeducational, college preparatory day school for students preschool through high school, located in St. Petersburg, Florida.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Shorecrest acknowledges its obligation to prohibit discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin sex, citizenship status, genetic information, handicap or disability in admissions, access, employment, tuition assistance, educational policies, or other school administered student and employee programs and activities. Questions regarding the School’s compliance with the application and administration of the School’s nondiscrimination policies should be directed to Kristine Grant, Head of Middle School, 5101 First Street Northeast, St. Petersburg, Florida 33703, (727)-522-2111, kgrant@shorecrest.org or to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Please refer to the School’s Non-Discrimination Compliance Policy on the School’s website for information on how to file complaints with OCR.