First Coast High student who died in crash remembered with honorary diploma
Share this @internewscast.com

Loved ones remember Marques Rodriguez as someone with a beautiful soul and a passion for singing who brought joy and laughter to everyone around him.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — An exceptional student was recognized in a moving tribute at the First Coast High School graduation for the Class of 2025 on Friday.

Marques Rodriguez is remembered as someone with a beautiful soul who loved to sing and brought joy and laughter to everyone around him.

During the ceremony for the Class of 2025 at First Coast High School, Marques’ parents crossed the stage to receive an honorary diploma in their son’s memory. 

School officials called Marques an “eternal Buccaneer,” which is the school’s mascot.


Marques was on track to graduate with his peers in 2025, but tragically lost his life in a car accident in June 2023 at the age of 16. He had recently finished his sophomore year.

Ten days from Sunday will mark two years since Marques’ death, his family said.


While Marques’ time at the school was cut short, his impact on his classmates, teachers and faculty is long-lasting.

“Though his time with us was far too short, his spirit and legacy will forever shine bright in our hearts,” First Coast High School said in a post on social media. “As we remember him today, let’s hold onto the moments we shared and the impact he made on our lives.”

🌟 In loving memory of our Eternal Buc, Marques Rodriguez. Though his time with us was far too short, his spirit and…

Posted by First Coast High School on Friday, May 30, 2025

Marques’ mother, Jonalyn Rodriguez, told First Coast News she was thankful to the school’s principal, superintendent and the senior class for keeping his memory alive.

She said her son had a passion for singing and fell in love with being a part of his high school’s chorus group. Last year, the choir paid tribute to Marques during the group’s spring concert.

Jonalyn Rodriguez said her son’s love for singing inspired his family to create a scholarship under his name for students who shared his love for the arts. The Marques D. Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship is available to any Florida high school senior involved in an arts program.

Marques is buried at the Jacksonville National Cemetery. His father and brother are both actively serving in the military.


Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Aerial view of a fenced-in facility in a desert landscape.

Israel Reveals Some Iranian Underground Uranium Reserves Withstood Trump’s Assault, Warns of Potential New Strikes

ISRAEL says some of Iran’s highly-enriched near weapons-grade uranium stockpile survived US…
Man in suit reviewing documents.

Evidence of Torture Discovered on Fired Putin Minister’s Body Before Alleged Suicide

The Kremlin has been charged with concealing the demise of a dismissed…
ESPN tried to destroy me with 'smear campaign' after I left

Former ESPN Employee Claims Network Launched Smear Campaign After Departure

Dan Patrick had the ESPN machine behind him for all those years…
When Does ‘Foundation’ Season 3 Come Out on Apple TV+?

When Is ‘Foundation’ Season 3 Premiering on Apple TV+?

Since its debut in 2019, Apple TV+ has quietly emerged as a…
Flood recovery in San Marco faster with new pump station

Rapid Flood Recovery in San Marco Boosted by New Pump Station

A city spokesperson says many streets flooded in Wednesday’s deluge drained in…
Daywalkers vs Vampires: Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly, Freya Skye, Malachi Barton on the new rivalry in 'ZOMBIES 4'

Daywalkers vs Vampires: Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly, Freya Skye, and Malachi Barton Discuss the New Feud in ‘ZOMBIES 4’

LOS ANGELES — This summer, the popular “ZOMBIES” franchise makes its return…
Florida tourist hotspot nearly becomes sanctuary city before leaders reverse ICE policy

Florida Tourist Destination Almost Becomes a Sanctuary City Before Officials Change Course on ICE Policy

Key West city officials have decided to renew their local law enforcement’s…
My partner's daughter is jealous of me

My Partner’s Daughter Feels Envious Towards Me

DEAR ABBY: I have been involved with my partner, “Gil,” for five…
Supreme Court blocks Florida immigration law

U.S. Supreme Court Halts Enforcement of Florida’s Immigration Legislation

The Supreme Court blocked Florida’s immigration law, supporting ongoing legal challenges. WASHINGTON…
Iranian flag held aloft by a statue in Tehran, with an anti-Israel billboard in the background.

The UK warns that Iran now presents a serious physical threat to residents, similar to the risk from Russia.

IRAN poses a significant threat to Britain with Tehran’s spies targeting the…
Satellite image of Ingram Dam in Ingram, Texas before flash flooding.

Before-and-After Photos Highlight the Devastating Impact of Texas Floods and the Heartbreaking Closure of Camp Mystic

SATELLITE images snapped before and after the Texas floods reveal the complete…
Man in a red safety vest standing in a lumberyard.

First Image Released of ‘Superyacht Slasher’ Accused of Stewardess’s Murder in ÂŁ9.5m Yacht Engine Room Before Her 21st Birthday

THE man accused of murdering young stewardess Paige Bell aboard a ÂŁ9.5million…