By Gloria Burns….
Four Miami Christian School students were recently honored by The University of Rochester, a school that recognizes juniors who excel in various areas with university awards and the potential to apply for scholarships as seniors. The MCS end-of-the-year awards ceremony provided an opportunity to recognize and present several students with the following awards from the University: Kunal Khiyani, Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award; Rebecca Naranjo, Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences; Juan Tapia, Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology; Victoria Gonzalez, George Eastman Young Leaders Award.
Presidential Academic Fitness Awards were also presented and graduating seniors, based on cumulative grade point averages of 3.5 (or better) and scoring in the top 15 U. S. percentile in math, reading or complete battery. Taking the honors this year in the MCS senior class were Marcus Bello, Jacqueline Diaz, Andrea Garcia, Milton Mercade, Brandon Rodriguez and Hannah Sielk. Eighth graders honored: Alina Andrews, Matthew Gaydos, Naomi Granado, Sheila Linares, Michelle Lopez, Elizabeth Rosillo and Susana Vasquez.
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On the sports front, six MCS graduates will be participating in athletics while they attend college. Nicole Beckelheimer is an invited as a walk-on for the Florida International University Lady’s Volleyball team; Kevin Gonzalez and Eric Santamaria will play baseball at Florida Christian College; Paola Grande will attend Barry University on a full golf scholarship; Stephen Machin will be playing baseball at North Wesleyan University in North Carolina, and Erik Rodriguez will play baseball at Connecticut’s Post University. All six will be attending their universities on scholarship.
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Miami Christian’s faculty is also in the news for achievements with MCS Art instructor Charlene Coulter receiving a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for outstanding and invaluable service to the community. Coulter was instrumental in submitting work for Natalya Galarza and Bernardo Hevia Lima Meireles, both of whom received congressional recognition. Coulter also commits time to community outreach and organizes several blood mobile drives at the school. She follows that up by working to gain scholarships for deserving students who assist in the blood drives.
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Another faculty star: MCS Associate Head Dr. Teri Logan, re-elected to a second term as Vice President of the Florida Association of Academic Non Public Schools. FAANS is made up of accrediting associations recognized by the State of Florida and represents more than 300,000 students who attending Florida’s accredited private schools.
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As summer comes closes, students will soon return to class; parents looking for more information about the school and taking a tour may call 305-221-7754 Monday thru Thursday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The first day of school for the 2011-2012 school year is Wednesday, August 24.
