April brought countless events many of which revolved around educational institutions. The Learning Experience School’s (TLE) 21st annual Fashion Show with a theme of “Let’s Rock” did just that.
More than 720 guests attended the afternoon of fun that included a silent auction and a rock ‘n’ rock fashion show that brought tears of joy to an appreciative audience gathered for the event on Apr. 12 at the Doubletree Miami Airport Convention Center.
This was a first time event for Ann Stith de las Pozas, TLE’s new executive director, who knows from staff that these TLE students have been stealing the hearts of everyone for the past 21 years. You can be sure that this year was no different. From the first group of tykes who took the stage, the crowd fell in love.
As The Learning Experience School’s primary fundraiser, support for the fashion show is enormous and critical. In fact, many of the students are only able to attend the school through use of scholarship dollars raised at this affair.
TLE counts among its generous sponsors and partners the likes of Dillards, Zayas Fashion, Miranda Production, Pete Diaz Production, A.J. Video, Vitagraphics and Moulin Rose Bakery, who continue to help them every year.
Instrumental in the success of this event was event chair Terry Alverez-Arango, who has been the lead on this for more than 10 years together with her co-chair, Barby McDaniel. Also lending a hand was Henk Milne, a board member, and father of TLE student, Alexander. Both made opening comments and helped kick-off the event. For those unfamiliar with The Learning Experience School, it is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit school for children and adults with developmental disabilities with the goal of maximum independence for each student.
Woman’s Club from Dr. Teri Logan, ISSF executive director.
For more info on the school, visit www.thelearning-experianceschool.org.
Also in the news, The Cushman School’s third grade students recently participated in the Sumdog.com National Math Contest online. With 369 schools participating, The Cushman School ranked an impressive second place overall.
Of the 14,411 students participating, Cushman student Oliver Diskin tool first place while Jonathan Pollak placed third. Other students placing included Teddy Caralis, ranking 15th; Sasha Gilling, 17th, and Andrew Arvin, 32nd. These are great rankings considering over 14,000 students participated. Congrats to all.
The Independent Schools of South Florida (ISSF) Star Luncheon attracted more than 700 guests to its 24th annual Star Awards at the Doubletree MACC Hotel where select students from independent schools were honored. Among the many sponsors recognized at the event was the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club that hosts the ISSF’s spelling and geography bees at its clubhouse every year. Accepting a plaque from ISSF executive director Dr. Teri Logan with this writer was Debi Moore.
Speaking of the CGWC — the club recently elected its officers for the 2014- 2016: President, Mayra Dominguez; first director, Mireya Kilmon; first vice president, Deborah Van Stone; second vice president, Kate Swain; third vice president, Dorothy Thomson; secretary, Carmen Suarez, and treasurer, Nancy Des Mangles.
Officers will be installed at an Installation Dinner on May 7. The club will be installing new members in May and always is looking for women who want to serve the community through volunteerism. For more information on the club and its free children’s dental clinic, visit www.coralgableswomansclub.org.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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