Celebrating 10 Years of the Mas Scholar Program

ADELANTE
THE CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI MAGAZINE
SPRING/SUMMER 2015
Celebrating 10 Years of the Mas Scholar Program
Preparing Students for College and Beyond
President’s Letter
Dear Alumni:
We had another historic year at Columbus! Our Explorers excelled in and out of the
classroom, on and off the field. Merit Finalists, Silver Knights, and State Championships,
we are so proud of all of these accomplishments.
I can’t say enough about the great work that Mr. David Pugh has done during his first
year as principal. He, along with members of our administration, have guided this school
through another year of success. I thank them greatly.
I am also happy to say that our alumni broke a record this year by donating the highest amount of money ever to our development
program. Our development director Mr. Juan Gomez is certainly leaving on a high note. We thank him for his dedicated service
and great work for Columbus. We are sad to see him leave but wish him well in his new endeavors. We look forward to working
with our new, incoming development director, alumnus from the class of 1988, Mr. Mike Harris. As a former board member
and development committee member with over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing who possesses a great love for
Columbus, Mike is perfect for the job. Please join me in welcoming him to his new position at Columbus.
We are now in the midst of summer school and summer construction and maintenance projects. We are expanding our CCNN
Live studio, installing new synthetic turf on the football field and a new roof on the C building. With a 57 year old building that
sits on 19 acres, there is always a multitude of projects to tend to. It is because of your support that we are able to undergo these
projects.
Thank you to all of you who gave to the Lemonis Challenge, the Annual Fund, and to our Tuition Assistance Programs. I
especially thank Marcus Lemonis for putting us to the challenge and helping us raise the much needed funds.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s golf and fishing tournaments, especially the committee members who
worked so hard to make these events successful. Special thanks to Tim Plummer (Golf Tournament Chairperson), Hernan
Organvidez (Fishing Tournament Chairperson), and the Barreto and Hernandez families.
I wish you all a restful, healthy, and rewarding summer. I hope you all spend lots of memorable moments with your family, loved
ones, and Columbus friends. Looking forward to another great year ahead.
May God bless you always,
Brother Kevin, F.M.S.
President
­­­­Upcoming Events
Class of 2005 10 Year Reunion: September 19, 2015
Class of 1995 20 Year Reunion: October 4, 2015
Decade Reunion 1959 -1969
(Special Recognition Class of `65): October 10, 2015
Class of 1985 30 Year Reunion: October 24, 2015
Class of 1975 40 Year Reunion: December 5, 2015
CCHS vs. Belen Football Game & Tailgate: September 25, 2015
10th Annual Food & Wine Festival: November 7 - 7:00 - 11:00pm
In The SPRING/SUMMER 2015 Issue:
President’s Letter.....................................................................2
School Accomplishments Ad............................................3
Mike Harris Joins Columbus/
Juan Gomez Farewell.........................................................4
Lemonis Challenge Results.................................................5
Why I Give...Michel Deschapelles.....................................8
Congratulations Class of 2015...........................................11
Br. Eugene’s Book................................................................. 13
Mas Scholar Program Celebrates
10th Anniversary.................................................................. 14
Silver Knight Award Recipients.....................................24
New Entrepreneurial Course........................................... 25
Golf and Fishing Tournaments....................................... 26
CCNN Live National Wins................................................. 28
2nd Annual Media Excellence Awards.......................30
Baseball Team Wins State Champioship.................. 32
Columbus Connects
Paul Mainieri/Victor Triay............................................. 33
Best Wishes to the Retirees............................................ 33
Alumni in the News..............................................................34
Shingles...................................................................................... 47
Congratulations Christopher Columbus High School!
School Programs Win Top Honors at the Local, State and National Levels in 2014-15
Five National Merit Finalists
Luis Moas, Sebastian Polo, Christian Llop,
Daniel Padron, and Gabriel Sieglie
Silver Knight Awards
Joseph Corderi (Business), Tyler Anderson
(Honorable Mention, Speech)
*This is the 4th Silver Knight Awarded to a
Columbus student in the last two years.
Class of 2015 Will Attend
Ivy League and Top
National Universities
Debate Team Ranked in the
Nation’s Top 5% for 5th Year
Thomas Barrera - State Champion
Baseball Team
- State Champions (8A)
CCNN Live
#1 High School Broadcast
Journalism Program in the Nation, STN
#1 High School Daily News Show
in the U.S., NSPA
Football Team - State
Championship Runner-Up (8A)
STEM Club Chosen from over 200 Teams
(worldwide) to Present at the Kennedy
Space Center through the Conrad Spirit
of Innovation Challenge
Best Boys
Sports
Program in
Miami-Dade
Band Wins 10th First Place
at Music USA Festival
A Catholic School for Young Men
in the Marist Tradition since 1958
3000 SW 87th Ave., Miami, FL 33165
www.columbushs.com
Track & Field
State Champion
Humberto Freire
- All Dade
Athletic
Awards
2nd in Florida
- Sunshine
State Cup
Mike Harris (’88)
Joins Columbus as
Development Director
A 1988 Columbus graduate, Mike Harris is
excited to return to Columbus to serve as the new
development director, replacing Juan Gomez.
For the past 21 years Mike has been with Merck
& Co. Inc., a global pharmaceutical company.
Mike held several sales and marketing positions
with Merck which included stints in Ft. Myers,
Philadelphia, and Atlanta before returning to
Miami in 2005 as a District Sales Manager.
Mike has served on the Columbus School Board
for the past three years and was Chair of the
Development Committee this past year. He
has also been active in the community, serving
on the Board of Directors for the Coral Gables
Community Foundation. A graduate of the
University of Florida, Mike currently lives in
Coral Gables with his lovely wife Heather and
their son Mac.
You can contact Mike at: 305-223-5650
ext. 2237 or [email protected]
Mike says that he is honored and excited about
the opportunity to return to his alma mater as
development director and is looking forward
to build upon the tradition that his friend and
previous development director Juan Gomez
established with Brother Kevin. “It’s been
twenty-seven years since I graduated from
Columbus and I still cannot say no to Brother
Kevin. When he called me to ask me if I would
take the position I automatically said yes and so
here I am,” joked Mike.
When Mike returned to Miami in 2005 he started
reconnecting with Columbus by attending many
of the alumni events and activities. He hopes to
encourage even more alumni to take advantage of
all the Columbus networking opportunities like
he did. “The Columbus alumni brotherhood
is stronger than ever. For those of you who
are involved in our initiatives – Thank you!
For those not involved, I encourage you to do
so and I look forward to meeting with you,”
said Mike.
A Farewell Message from Juan Gomez
Dear Alumni,
It has been my honor to serve
the Columbus Community for
23 years. My decision to accept
a position at another school was
difficult and the last few weeks have been very
emotional. The outpouring of support and well
wishes has been humbling. I have mentioned
on several occasions that sometimes it takes
someone dying before you hear how people really
feel about them. Well, I am blessed to be alive
and blessed to have so many of you in my life!
4
I want to thank the Marist Brothers for being a
second family to me, Br. Kevin for the various
“going away” parties he has arranged, and you
the alumni whom it has been my privilege to
serve. I will leave behind some great memories,
but I will also leave behind my son who will be
a junior this upcoming school year. He will have
the honor of graduating an Explorer and being
part of a special fraternity.
Lastly, I was given some good advice about
leaving. I was told to take my friends and those
that I am close to with me. Not literally, but in my
heart and mind. So that is what I will do with all
of you. I will always have a special place in my
heart for Columbus.
Adelante!
Juan Gomez
Development Director
The Lemonis
Challenge
Resulted in $250,000
in Donations
Over 1000 alumni aided Columbus,
inspiring an unbelievable camaraderie
You all know about the Lemonis Challenge. You’ve gotten the emails, been pestered by your class reps maybe
you even received a personal call or letter in the mail from Br. Kevin. All the effort paid off. In late March we
reached our goal and met Marcus Lemonis’ challenge of getting 1000 alumni to make a $150 donation to the
school. As a result, he will give us $50,000.
We want to thank all of you who participated and
especially Marcus. He has shown over and over that
he knows how to help companies make profits on
his CNBC show “The Profit” and now he has helped
Columbus make some serious money as well.
Lemonis Challenge Donations
Decade Winners
Class Year........ Amount of Donations
1967................... 24
“It was spectacular seeing each class rally together.
1977 .................. 32
I’m proud to say that it was my ’85 class that got the
1988 .................. 109 (*overall winner)
ball rolling,” said Carlos Luis, Alumni Association
1990................... 64
President. “In the end, each class went beyond what
2008.................. 11
anyone expected,” he said. If an alumnus knew that
one of their friends hadn’t given, they would let them
have it until they did. Many alumni gave donations on
behalf of their deceased classmates. Somehow through the email chains, alumni who had never stayed in touch
with the school resurfaced and alumni were sharing old high school stories and reminiscing. “I think what is
most compelling about this effort is how a group of men responded and came to the aid of their alma mater…
it shows the real brotherhood and camaraderie that Columbus alumni share,” commented development director,
Juan Gomez. “Our alumni always come through when our school is in need,” said Brother Kevin. “Whether
we need them to help fund new facilities, provide professional advice, or speak to our students, they are always
there. We are blessed to be able to count on them,” he said.
The final count of the Lemonis Challenge on March 31st was 1,196 alumni giving
over $250,000. The class of 1988 came through with the most donations (109). A
special engraved paver has been installed outside of the Bernhardt Wellness Center
recognizing this accomplishment. Second and third place went to the class of 1986 (92)
and the class of 1985 (74). “Receiving the $50,000 from Marcus is nice, but being able to
proudly proclaim that our alumni came through is priceless,” added Juan Gomez. Marcus
sent the school a congratulatory message and posed the question
“Who will join the challenge next year?”
5
Proud to Support
the Castaways Against Cancer!
Annual Event Benefits the
American Cancer Society
6
aunching on June 6th, for the 16th consecutive year, the Castaways
Against Cancer team paddled 160 miles from Miami to Key West
to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Founded by Columbus High School Teacher Steve O’Brien,
the Castaways raised more than $125,000 in 2015,
Kayaking for the Cure to cancer,
increasing their total since 2000 to more than $739,000.
TotalBank is extremely proud to sponsor, support and
participate in this life saving and life affirming cause.
Proudly supported by
strength
commitment
expertise
totalbank.com
Member
FDIC
14074-0615
Why I Give to Columbus
Michel Deschapelles (‘84)
Sometimes it takes real-world perspective to appreciate how a touchstone institution can shape a life. I
rediscovered CCHS and how its special mission was a great launch-pad for me and for thousands of other
students over the years. I did not come to this realization overnight, but it is one that is dear to me now.
And I hope it becomes the same for you.
I graduated from CCHS in 1984. It prepared me well for a college education, which I completed four years
later in 1988. Within five years, the university had decided to check on me to see how I was doing and
whether I would consider making a donation. The requests became more relentless by the year, especially
following graduate school. This multiplied further with my wife’s college and graduate schools soliciting
donations from us as well. Whew, funds! The pressure from solicitations collided with our concerns about
family expenses, mortgage, our daughters’ care and education.
So when Juan Gomez of CCHS reached out to me around 2008, I said to myself, here we go again, another
solicitation! I politely explained to Juan that I would not be donating because of home and family living
expenses. Plus I noted my three daughters would certainly not be attending Columbus. Juan responded
that he was not looking for a donation but rather building a vibrant alumni community, bringing together
the thousands of alumni the school was honored to have; he uttered “we are stronger with you than without
you, please come to our events.”
I have to admit, I was intrigued. I accepted Juan’s invitation and attended several alumni functions. Wow,
was I impressed. I found every single event extraordinary. It wasn’t just the content that impressed me. It
wasn’t the new CCHS facilities. It wasn’t even the chance to see old friends, though this was wonderful.
“
What drew me back every time was the amazing emotional connection I felt again for the
school. Every time I stepped into a CCHS event, it felt like I was coming home to share
with family—I discovered an eternal friendship and shared experience as alumni, and it
was visceral, unique to us from CCHS. It became clear to me these feelings I had stemmed
from Columbus and its mission—the school’s passion for students and its special learning
and social culture. I came to see from the events that we continue to live these feelings
toward the school today, and we thrive in its resonance. It is a privilege that continues to
beat within our hearts today whenever we recall our days at the school and reconnect with
others who went to Columbus. Not many kids got to experience high school the way we did,
and we know it.
”
8
Brother Kevin always speaks from the heart at these alumni events. Inevitably his conversation turns to the
need for alumni to step up and donate. But he isn’t asking for much to keep the spirit of CCHS’s mission
humming: Just sparing the cost of a single dinner with our significant other, and donating this amount instead
to the school, would allow Columbus to continue to thrive and serve our local community, he says. And a
dinner at home perhaps co-prepared might be a welcome change!
What does such a relatively small gift offer? Thanks to alumni generosity, Columbus tuition remains lower
than comparable schools in the area, while also providing some $1 million in financial aid to needy families
yearly. Ours isn’t a bare-bones school either; Columbus has state of the art facilities, and it is able to hire
outstanding faculty. Add to this top-flight Marist Brothers supervision and lay teachers, who have dedicated
their lives to educating young people. It is a great legacy that launched us and will propel countless others
into successful lives for years to come.
“
I guess you can tell from my story that since my visits I have been making a small donation
every year. Brother Kevin has it right: If each alumnus would just donate the cost of a single
dinner out to the school, this great institution can continue to be extraordinary across all
dimensions.
”
So when my wife asks why we donate every year? It is not that I feel I owe the school. It is not because
I hope to send my daughters to Columbus. It is because I believe in the mission of Columbus to continue
making a special place for high school students to learn and thrive and get a good start on a great future.
Because every little bit helps, I give what I can. Giving is good. I hope you will join me and give too, so the
school that gave us so much—our school with its great mission—will endure.
Adelante!
Would you like to share your reason for giving to Columbus?
Contact Mr. Mike Harris at 305-223-5650 ext. 2237.
This was a record year for Columbus’ Development
Program. More donations were received in 2014/15
than in the school’s history. Were you part of the
history? There’s still time, make your donation
by July 31st
9
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Congratulations to the Class of 2015!
Learn where some of our top graduates are going.
Andrew de la Osa
(Co-Valedictorian)
University of Florida
Accepted to: University of
Pennsylvania (Wharton School
of Business), the University
of Notre Dame, Florida
International University,
University of Miami,
University of Texas,
University of Virginia
Daniel Carbonero
University of Miami
Accepted to: Florida
International University,
Florida State University,
University of Florida, The
University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill, Vanderbilt
University
Jackson Martinez
(Co-Valedictorian)
University of Miami
Accepted to: Boston College,
Rice University, Emory
University (Scholars Program)
Jonathan Nickas
University of Florida
Accepted to: Florida
International University,
Florida State University,
University of Miami,
University of Michigan, The
University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill
Anthony Rios
(Salutatorian)
University of Florida
Accepted to: University
of California (LA),
Duke University, Florida
International University,
University of Florida,
University of Miami,
University of Notre Dame,
Villanova University,
Washington University
(St. Louis)
Tyler Anderson
Southern
Methodist University
Accepted to: Boston College,
Emory University (Scholars
Program), University of
Florida, Fordham University,
University of Miami, New York
University, The University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
Vanderbilt University
Pedro Rodriguez
University of Florida
Accepted to: Florida
International University,
Florida State University, Saint
Mary’s College of California
Sebastian Polo
University of California,
Los Angeles
Accepted to: The University
of Alabama, University of
California, Berkeley, University
of Florida, University of Notre
Dame, Vanderbilt University
11
12
Christopher Nickas
University of Florida
Accepted to: Florida
International University,
Florida State University,
University of Miami,
University of Michigan, The
University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill
Cristian Llop
Swarthmore College
Accepted to: University of
Florida, University of Miami,
Northeastern University
Pablo Mila
The University
of Texas-Austin
Accepted to: Clemson
University, Florida
International University,
University of Florida,
University of Miami, Southern
Methodist University
Andrew Forero
Georgia Institute of
Technology
Clemson University, Florida
International University,
University of Florida,
University of MassachusettsAmherst, University of Miami
Matthew Fernandez
Johns Hopkins University
Accepted to: University of
Florida, University of Miami,
Northwestern University,
University of Notre Dame, Rice
University, Tufts University,
Vanderbilt University
Matthew Ley
George Washington
University
Accepted to: American
University, Boston College,
Boston University, University
of Central Florida, University
of Florida, Fordham University,
University of Maryland,
University of Miami, New York
University
Andres Gomez
Rice University
Accepted to: Fordham
University, University of
Miami, New York University,
Tufts University, Washington
University-St. Louis
Sergio Pagliery
University of Florida
Accepted to: Florida State
University, University
of Florida, University of
Michigan, Tulane University,
Vanderbilt University,
Washington University-St.
Louis
Thomas Tercilla
University of
Pennsylvania
The Wharton School of
Business
Accepted to: Columbia
University, Emory University,
University of Miami,
University of Michigan, The
University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill, Northeastern
University, Tulane University,
Vanderbilt University,
Villanova University,
University of Virginia
Stefan Zachar
University of Virginia
Accepted to: Loyola
University Maryland,
Loyola University-New
Orleans, University of New
Hampshire, Northeastern
University (College of
Engineering), University
of the Pacific, Quinnipiac
University, Southern
Methodist University (School
of Engineering), Texas
Christian University
Gabriel Seiglie
Florida International
University –
Honors College
Accepted to: Accepted to:
University of Miami, George
Mason University, Miami-Dade
Honors College
Francisco de la Torre
Wake Forest University
Accepted to: Emory
University, University of
Florida, Fordham University,
Lehigh University, University
of Notre Dame, University of
Richmond, University of San
Diego, University of Southern
California, University of
Virginia
My Quest: The Search for Truth and Beauty –
Br. Eugene’s 2nd Book
This volume is the capstone to the
Noble Mind Project that was
begun in 2010 to publish all of Br.
Eugene’s works. It encompasses
a wide variety of topics covered
during his class.
Book Cost
$10.00 (all proceeds will go towards the
Columbus Tuition Assistance Program)
My
Quest
Searching
for
By Br other Tr uth and Beauty
Eugene
How to Purchase
The book is available through the Columbus e-store at columbushs.com/e-store. Or, you can send a check
for $14.00 (which includes shipping and handling) made payable to “CCHS” and mail to Christopher
Columbus High School, 3000 SW 87th Avenue, Miami, FL 33165, Attn: Br. Eugene. Include your mailing
address. The book will be shipped to you. It is also available in the school store, which is open for a short
time on school days before and after school.
13
Mas Scholar Program Celebrates
Columbus is proud to be celebrating the 10th anniversary
of its unique and successful Mas Scholar Program. It was
August, 2005 when the first group of 26 Mas Scholars started
in this accelerated program of studies. Since then hundreds
of students have graduated with the Mas Scholar distinction.
They not only learned how to handle a high-level of rigorous
coursework and attained a multitude of AP/Dual Enrollment
college credits, but also left Columbus with valuable
enrichment and career experiences, exceptionally prepared to
succeed in our nation’s top universities.
Today the program accepts an average of 50 students each year
and is respected by many colleges and universities for academic
excellence. College admissions directors know that Columbus
Mas Scholar graduates possess a unique set of talents, skill
sets, and experiences that will make them great assets to their
institutions.
14
10th Anniversary
How did the program get started
and how did it grow to be the
prestigious program that it is today?
of CCHS who are Mas
“Graduates
Scholars are a cut above the rest!
They enter the University of Miami
well prepared to not only face
the rigors and challenges of our
curriculum, but to excel. The Mas
Scholar Program provides
The total package:
Mind, Body and Spirit.
”
-James P. Sullivan
Senior Associate Director of Admission
University of Miami
The Mas Scholar Program was the vision of Br. Patrick
McNamara, former Columbus Principal. He worked with
members of his administration and department heads to create
the program’s model. Academic Dean Pat Call, Science
Department Chair Alina Sanchez, and Br. Eugene were all
great contributors. Mrs. Dalila Pita, long-time Columbus
science teacher, took the role of the program’s first director.
“Columbus always had an Honors Program but our goal was
to take it up a notch and offer a program for academically
gifted students who were truly brilliant,” said Mrs. Pita.
At the time, no other school in Florida had a program like it.
The team looked into International Baccalaureate Programs
but instead wanted to create a more flexible program that
would enable its students to fit in better to the overall
Columbus environment. The goal was to offer a program at
Columbus where students could also blossom in the areas they
had a passion for. Br. Pat and Mrs. Call visited Marist High
School in Chicago to learn about their Honors program that
involved prep classes for the ACT and SAT tests and hinted
at a scholars program, but fell short in terms of creating a
four year curriculum. When they returned the team designed
the four year comprehensive curriculum that truly developed
“scholar” students.
With suggestions from Br. Eugene for summer programs and
writing projects, internships at local hospitals and laboratories
organized by Mrs. Sánchez, and cultural activities planned by
Mrs. Pita, the program started to come together. Emphasis
was placed on AP and Dual Enrollment courses and Columbus
honors classes. The program ensured that students would
complete a minimum of 30 college credits prior to their
graduation from Columbus. In addition, students would
receive specialized academic and college counseling, PSAT/
SAT training starting in freshmen year, and would go on tours
to visit some of our country’s top colleges and Ivy League
universities.
15
Mas Scholars visit over 20 colleges each year
through the Ivy League and Mid-Atlantic
Campus tours and participate in informational
sessions by the deans of admissions.
Mas Scholars visiting Columbia University.
When Br. Kevin started to strategize on how to fund the
program, he approached the Mas brothers Jorge, Juan, and
Jose Mas, alumni who are great supporters of the school.
The family immediately got on board and have been heavily
involved ever since. “For those students who want to go
to the best universities and strive to go to the ivy leagues,
the Mas Scholars program offers them a very challenging
curriculum, one of the best in the country,” said Jose
Mas (’89). “It is an honor to help Columbus carry on the
tradition of providing an outstanding Catholic education
through the Mas Scholar Program,” he said.
The Mas Scholar Program may have been the first program of
its kind in the country. Since then, several high schools have
taken on the model. Since the program’s beginning, students
who score in the top 10% on the entrance exam are invited
to join. Junior high school transcripts and recommendations
from junior high school principals and counselors are
also taken into consideration. Columbus freshmen who
demonstrate the qualities of a Mas Scholar, such as superior
academic performance and strong leadership skills may also
apply during their second semester.
Freshmen Mas Scholars at the Biltmore
during a business etiquette seminar
program is always evolving. We are always looking
“ The
for new opportunities to enrich our scholars and equip
them to be successful in college and in life.
”
- Mrs. Sylvie Galvez-Cuesta,
Mas Scholar Program Director
Through the years, the program has added more and more
required courses and seminars like Public Speaking &
Effective Communication, a Business Dining & Etiquette
Seminar at the Biltmore, and a Financial Literacy Seminar.
The latest exciting addition to the Mas Scholars Program
is the adoption of the College Board’s new innovative AP
Capstone Program. As part of the program, all Mas Scholars
will take two new Advanced Placement courses: AP Seminar
and AP Research which will equip them with the independent
research, collaborative teamwork and communication skills
valued by prestigious universities.
16
Internships
Mas Scholar internship opportunities have flourished and
now include the fields of law, medicine, scientific research,
engineering, business, banking & finance, broadcast, and
marketing. This is partly due to the great number of supportive
alumni who want to provide work experiences to our students
at their companies.
Mas Scholars interning at Total Bank, seen
here with Luis de la Aguilera, President and
C.E.O. (Class of ‘77)
“Internships are the perfect opportunity for Mas Scholar
students to explore potential careers, gain valuable job
experience and learn about themselves,” said Dr. E. Carter
Burrus, Columbus Guidance Counselor and former Mas
Scholar Program Director. “The hands on real-life experience
that students encounter during an internship program enable
them to develop their potential and make key contacts for
future networking,” he said.
Every Mas Scholar takes part in a highly engaging internship
in the field of his choice. Though students are required to
complete one internship, they may participate in as many as
they choose.
Mas Scholar: Andrew Forero ‘15
Internship: The University of Florida Tropical Research and Education Center
Andrew’s interest in research led him to intern at the UF lab in Homestead, where
he learned to clone Jatropha plants that survive harsh winters. The findings of this
experiment will benefit biodiesel production.
Mas Scholar: Anthony Rios ‘15
Internship: Howard Hughes Medical Institute High School Scholars Program
Anthony competed against public and private school juniors to earn acceptance
into this prestigious 7 week summer internship at the University of Miami Medical
Campus where he conducted research on the DNA repair process.
Calling Alumni Interested In Providing Internships
If you would like to offer internship opportunities to
Columbus students, please contact Mrs. Sylvie Galvez-Cuesta
at [email protected].
17
Cultural and
Enrichment Activities
Visits to important cultural and community events for the
Mas Scholars has grown as well. Most recently, the program
added the technology conference eMerge Americas to their
list as well as Art Basel and number of theater and musical
productions at the Adrienne Arsht Center. Mas Scholars also
benefit from a lecture serie s whereby industry experts visit the
school to speak about their professional experiences.
Past Cultural and Enrichment
Activities Include:
eMerge Americas
Everglades National Park
Art Basel
eMerge Americas
Aida
Les Miserbles
La Traviata
Wicked
King Tut Exhibit
Titanic Exhibit
Everglades National Park
New York Stock Exchange
Fairchild Tropical Gardens
Marist Youth Camp
Miccosukee Indian Village
Art Basel
NY Stock Exchange
A Bonding Experience
The Mas Scholar Program offers many opportunities for these
intellectually curious and highly driven students to create
lasting bonds and inspire each other. In particular, the school
offers a one day, off-campus retreat where students partake in
dynamic activities, such as a challenging ropes course which
builds teamwork.
18
Community Involvement
To continue with the Marist philosophy of teaching a common humanity to leadership, Mas Scholars
are encouraged to take an active role and initiate their own service projects. This is an area Mas Scholar
Program Director, Mrs. Sylvie Galvez-Cuesta has been particularly involved in over the last two years.
“Dedication to community service is not only important to Columbus as a Marist school but it is also a
trait that colleges look for in their potential candidates and that good leaders possess,” said Mrs. GalvezCuesta. Many Mas Scholars have created unique and helpful non-profit organizations.
Organization: Player to Player
Founder: Peter Gonzalez ‘16
Mission: To provide soccer equipment,
including soccer cleats and
uniforms, to children in Africa
and Haiti
Website: www.playertoplayer.org
out my closet I found 6 pairs of old soccer cleats. I wondered how many of
“Cleaning
my teammates were in the same situation and thought how great would it be if we all
”
donated them together to one needy community. That’s how Player to Player was born.
- Peter Gonzalez ‘16
Organization: Play Smart Stay Smart
Founders: Billy Reis ’16 and Jake Reis ‘17
Mission: To create concussion awareness amongst their peers.
Website: www.playsmartstaysmart.org/
goal is to educate our peers in how to protect themselves from the long term effects of a
“Our
concussion. We want kids to be able to play the sports they love without the fear of brain injury.”
- Billy Reis ’16
Organization: Get Smart Bimini
Founders: Robbie Sanchez ‘13,
Michael Sanchez ’14
and David Sanchez ‘17
Founders: To provide the less fortunate children
of Bimini with much needed
school supplies.
Website: www.getsmartbimini.com
vacationed in Bimini most of my life, I have developed a real love
“Having
for this place. My brothers and I felt that it was important to give back
somehow to this community that has become a second home for us. We
have raised money to purchase school supplies for needy children on the
island. We have distributed these supplies in new books bags along with
members of the Royal Bahamas Police Department.
- David Sanchez ‘17
”
19
Proven Success
See what some of our Mas Scholars are doing.
Stephen Cutie (’13)
Attending: The University of Miami Honors College (pursuing a Bachelor of
Science in Biology & Microbiology (Double Major with a Minor in Organic
Chemistry)
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Foote Fellow and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholar
Works at the UM Abess Center for Ecosystem Science & Policy, researching the
origin of biological species, studying the population genetics of island wasps in
collaboration with Dr. Mora-Kepfer.
Completed the 2014 MIT Summer Program in Biology and Neuroscience in the
Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences Center for Brains, Mind and Machines.
He was the youngest applicant who was ever accepted in this program.
Selected as a Genetics Scholar in the 2015 Stanford Summer Research Program.
Fewer than 50 applicants were selected out of 800 who applied nationwide.
Interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in genetics and a career in genetic research with a
focus on regenerative medicine.
“I am very grateful to Columbus and the Mas Scholars Program for the
tremendous job they did in preparing me for the rigors of college academics and
my future endeavors.”
Daniel Cervoni ‘12
Attending: The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business
(pursuing a degree in entrepreneurial management)
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Interned at JP Morgan in Sales and Trading
Chief Marketing Officer for RedCup, Penn’s mobile-based app that allows
students to discover events and happenings on campus
Heavily involved with several entrepreneur ventures on campus
Currently interning abroad at the social reward startup PopDeem in Dublin, Ireland
Hopes to be a successful entrepreneur working in startups and venture capital
Daniel says that one of his greatest strengths has always been his entrepreneurial
spirit - something that he first displayed during his time at Columbus when he helped
begin the non-for-profit organization Leading Miami Inc., which
mentors public middle school students.
“As a Mas Scholar, Columbus provided me with much
opportunity in-and-out of the classroom. The program was a
true blessing and invaluable experience because it prepared
me for the rigorous course load that I experience at Penn. I am
grateful to Mrs. Pita and Mrs. Call for having admitted me into
the program.”
Daniel speaking to Mas Scholars
during their Ivy League College
tour.
20
Enrique Viciana ’09
Graduated From: Harvard University (B.A. in Applied Math & Economics)
• Member of the Harvard Financial Analysts Club
• Member of the Harvard Cuban-American Undergraduate Students Association
• Upon graduation worked at Blackstone®, the a premier global investment
and advisory firm, as an Analyst in its Restructuring & Reorganization Group
• Currently with Silver Point Capital, an investment firm that specializes
in distressed credit and special situations
• Plans to become a successful investment professional
“The Mas Scholar Program helped prepare me for success at
Harvard and beyond by instilling a strong work ethic in me and by
exposing me to diverse subjects at a high level of rigor. My friends
from the program are still my best friends today, and developing
intellectually and emotionally with a group of driven and curious
students was one of the biggest determinants of who I am today as a
person, as a student, and as a professional.”
Enrique speaking to Mas Scholars
during their Ivy League College
tour.
Michael C. Herrera ‘08
Graduated From: Johns Hopskins University (B.A. in Political Science)
Attending: Duke University School of Law (JD Candidate)
• Played football and was a decathlete for 3 years at Johns Hopkins
• Member of the Army National Guard and ROTC; Commissioned as an Army Officer
• Interned at the National Defense University’s Institute of National Strategic Studies
• Awarded the Aitchison Fellowship (he was 1 of 7 students in the U.S. chosen for this
public service fellowship in government)
• Currently in his 3rd year at Duke University School of Law where he is the Vice
President of BLSA and President of the Sports and Entertainment Society. He is also a
staff editor at the Law and Contemporary Problems Journal (the oldest flagship journal
at Duke)
• As an Arent Fox Diversity Scholar, he was a summer associate at Arent Fox LLP and
Fox Movie Studios in Los Angeles
• After college he became Scout Reconnaissance Platoon Leader and holds the position
of Plans and Operations Officer/he plans to take command of a scout troop within the
next two years
• This summer he will intern at Sheppherd Mullin LLP in Century City (Los Angeles)
to work in the areas of intellectual property in entertainment
• He plans to graduate from law school in May, 2016 and take on a position at
Sheppherd Mullin
“The Mas Scholar Program made me think beyond my current situation and plan
for my life. I am proud that I was a positive role model for my younger brother
Christopher who also became a Mas Scholar and is currently at a top engineering
university.”
21
Andrew Reducha ‘09
Graduated From: Dartmouth University (B.A. in Spanish Language & Literature)
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Teaching Assistant at Dartmouth in Spanish and Portuguese Departments
Led Dartmouth Study Abroad Program to the University of Barcelona in 2010
Spent a term reading French literature at the Université de Toulouse-Jean
Jaurès, 2011
Worked as a manager at Dartmouth’s Jaffe-Friede and Strauss Galleries
House and Risk Manager at Beta Alpha Omega
Upon graduation volunteered as a classroom teacher in the Republic of the
Marshall Islands, a tiny developing nation and former U.S. Trust Territory in
the equatorial Pacific
Currently working as a permanent teacher and senior class advisor at Laura
High School on Majuro Atoll. He teaches English as a second language at the
11th and 12th grade levels and chairs the committee on staff development as
the school works toward a U.S. accreditation designation
Intends to complete a third year in the Marshalls before continuing his studies
in the fall of 2016
Currently applying to several competitive graduate school programs in
education specializing in bi-lingual and bi-cultural learning
“I believe that the Mas Scholars program allowed me to receive a comprehensive
and competitive education that prepared me well for the demands of an Ivy League
education. Aside from the cultural activities and independent study opportunities,
I most appreciated the personalized counselling I received through the Scholars
program: That level of attention and support helped me to confidently study what
I felt most passionate about, and to make the right choices to get there.”
Congratulations to
all our Mas Scholars!
22
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23
Joseph Corderi (’15)
Wins Silver Knight Award;
Tyler Anderson (’15) Receives
Honorable Mention
This Marks the 4th Silver Knight
Awarded to a Columbus Student in
the last Two Years
Columbus is proud to announce that Joseph Corderi
(’15) has won a Miami Herald Silver Knight, one of our
nation’s most highly regarded awards that recognizes
the “record of service to school and community” of our
area’s academically high achieving students. Joseph
won in the Business category and was presented with the
award on May 20, 2015 at a special ceremony. Tyler
Anderson (‘15) was also recognized with an Honorable
Mention in the Speech category.
As a Marist Brothers school that emphasizes a love for
service to others, we are especially proud that this is the
fourth Silver Knight awarded to a Columbus student in
the last two years. This also marks the second year in
a row that Columbus is the only Miami-Dade Catholic
school to bring one home. Last year, Columbus won
three Silver Knights (more than any other private or
Catholic school in Miami-Dade County).
Congratulations to Joseph, Tyler, and all the 2015 Columbus Silver Knight Award nominees. We also
congratulate Mrs. Sylvie Galvez-Cuesta who coordinates the Silver Knight nominees at Columbus on a
wonderful job.
About Joseph Corderi:
Joseph saw firsthand how hard it is to get back on your feet once you lose your home:
When his best friend’s family was evicted, it took them more than three years to find stable
housing. That’s why, besides donating his time building homes with Habitat for Humanity
and raising money for the organization, he tapped his school’s alumni community and
started Suit Up Miami. The program collects formal attire, has it washed and pressed, and
donates the clothes to homeless shelters in hopes of getting employers to hire indigent
applicants. If you would like to donate a suit to his organization, please contact Mrs.
Sylvie Galvez-Cuesta at [email protected].
A founding member of his school’s FBLA chapter, Joseph is also an AP Scholar with
Honor; a UC Berkeley National Debate Tournament winner; a National Honor Society
tutor; and a volunteer with Shake-a-Leg Miami, the Humane Society and the Angel
Tree Project.
24
New Entrepreneurial Course to Begin in 2015/16 as Plan
Gets Underway to Expand Business Program
There is a new elective course starting at Columbus in
the fall and it already has over 100 students signed up
for it – Principles of Entrepreneurship. This may be of
no surprise given that Miami has recently become a rising force as a hub for tech and innovation in the Americas and has ranked #2 on the Kauffman Foundation’s
index of startup activity. One need only look to our
alumni to find successful entrepreneurs. Many of our
students have taken note and have interests of starting
their own businesses.
“I have great respect for tech-savvy generation
Y, the most informed generation of all time. I
approach them with great passion and respect. It
is imperative that they become well rounded and
possess transportable skills and mindsets. Through
the disciplines I teach, I hope to help them broaden
their perspectives and look beyond the immediate
and the obvious, ” said Dr. Callava.
Trini Callava, PhD
Mrs. Callava has over 13
years of business education
New faculty member Trini Callava, PhD will be teachexperience at the university
ing the course along with three other courses: Marlevel, having held adminketing & Business Principles, International Business,
istrative and faculty posiand Personal & Family Finance. Dr. Callava comes to
tions at both University of
Columbus with a wealth of business experience as a
Miami’s School of Business
professor at the university level and from the corporate
and Miami-Dade College’s
business world. “This class will provide an excellent
School of Business. At these
overview of the issues and activities an entrepreneur
institutions she has worked
faces in developing and launching a new business
as a professor and in reventure. It is the first step in the development of a more search and curriculum development in the areas of mancomprehensive business program,” said Mr. David
agement, marketing, business analytics, statistics, and
Pugh, Columbus Principal. “Our young men are comcomputer information systems, among others. While at
petitive, driven, and have been enthusiastically waiting UM she developed a teaching abroad Global Marketing
for a business class like this,” he added.
Program in Paris, London, and Barcelona and while at
MDC she developed technologically-infused intensive
Dr. Callava has many innovative ideas that she plans to ‘fast-track’ educational programs in partnerships with
bring to Columbus’ business program including creating businesses and implemented student-led internship
a “headquarters/garage” (a creative space at Columbus projects with Fortune 500 companies. In addition, she
to be used for brainstorming). Several alumni business has over 17 years of experience in the fields of business
professionals will be invited to lecture to the class and
management and marketing from the corporate world,
many have already been involved like Robert Sanchez
having worked as an Account Manager, Marketing and
(Ryder CEO) and Luis de la Aguilera (Totalbank CEO). Communications Associate, and Sales Territory Manager for Eli Lilly and Company’s Pharmaceutical Division
and as an Assistant Director of Strategy & Planning for
Burger King Corporation.
Special thanks to Marcus Lemonis (`91)
for his generous donation which will help
Columbus offer this class.
Dr. Callava meeting with alumni to discuss
the new entrepreneurship class.
25
Thank You to the Participants and S
Tournaments! Congratulations to th
27 thAnnual
Dick Pollock/Tom O’Neil
Memorial Golf Tournament
Held June 6, 2015 - Trump National
Doral Miami
Golden Palm Course
Silver Fox Course
1st Place
Tim Plummer
Robert Cielo
Charles Frazier
Javier Portal
1st Place
Ricardo Sanchez
Ricardo Sanchez
Carlos Dorrego
Oscar Fernandez
2nd Place
Giancarlo Fanuele
Nicolas Alexander
Greg Lebess
Fernando Gayo
2nd Place
Chard Horta
Jose Perez
Jose Perez Jr.
3rd Place
Tony Cossio
Joe Montesinos
Andy Diaz
Javier Henry
26
3rd Place
Cheryl Montour
Debbie Albergo
Ezequiez Conil
Gian Rodriguez
Sponsors of our Golf and Fishing
he Winners!
1st Place:
Nicholas Guzman - 26.2 lbs.,
Boat: Alacrity
2nd Place:
Daniel Brea (‘95) - 11.6 lbs.,
Boat: Sea Section
3rd Place: Bo Texas - 11.6 lbs.,
Boat: Bam Bam
Junior Angler Division:
1st Place:
Ben Cosio - 8.6 lbs.,
Boat: Team Barflies
2nd Place:
Justin Roca - 7.4 lbs.,
Boat: R&R Back In Black
3rd Place:
Jordan Tong - 3.2 lbs.,
Boat: Boston Whaler
Held on May 16, 2015 –
Coco Plum Yacht Club
Female Angler Division Winner:
Marcie Fernandez - 9.4 lbs.,
Boat: Pepito 56
Demersal Division Winner:
Mario Pena - 11.6 lbs.,
Boat: Skeeter One
Wahoo Division Winner:
Mario Pena - 22.6 lbs.,
Boat: Skeeter One
Tuna Division Winner:
Erik Sunset - 24.2 lbs.,
Boat: Plan B
27
CCNN Live Takes Top Honors at
the National Level
Where is the best high school broadcast journalism
program in the country? The answer is right here at
Columbus. Our student-led TV station, CCNN Live,
has won a multitude of awards over the past few
years and they returned from the Student Television
Network’s (STN) National Convention in San Diego,
CA in April with the top honor – “First Place in the
Broadcast Journalism Crazy 8.” The accomplishment
comes a few months after being been chosen “#1
Daily High School News Show in the U.S.” by the
National Scholastic Press Association.
#1 High School Broadcast Journalism
Program in the Nation, STN
#1 High School Daily News Show
in the U.S., NSPA
The CCNN Live team competed at the STN
Convention the week of March 30th with
approximately 3,000 students from close to 200
schools. On April 5th they were greeted at Miami
International Airport by
family and friends with
celebratory balloons
and banners and
were interviewed by
members of the press.
Subsequently they
appeared on several
local South Florida
News stations including
a live interview on
CBS4 news and a
feature on NBC6’s Brag
About Your School
segment.
by example,”
said David Pugh,
school principal.
“Christina
Hidalgo and
Omar Delgado
have done a
phenomenal job.
They have a true
passion for what
they do and have
grown CCNN
into the finest program
of its kind in our
Click Here To View
nation,” he said. CCNN
NBC6 Segment
students can be found
with their cameras and
microphones covering
stories on campus from
early in the morning
before school starts to late
in the day. The students
are given an average of
four packages per month
and they go on air live
with their 20 minute
show every morning.
CCNN appearing live on NBC 6.
“They do it all to include
What makes the team so successful is greatly due to
research, writing, interviews, filming, editing,
the strong work ethic and dedication that the team’s
graphics, and production,” said Omar Delgado,
moderators have instilled in the students. “They lead
28
CCNN Live Moderator. “They even sell and produce
the advertising that goes into the show that helps
fund our program,” he said. Moderator Christina
Hidalgo commented “At CCNN Live students gain
the knowledge and experience of what it is like to
produce a real news show. By the time a student
graduates from our program, he is a practiced multimedia journalist.” Many CCNN Live graduates have
commented that their experience in high school gave
them an advantage in college and have even said that
the CCNN Live work was more challenging than their
college level work.
What also makes the program unique and beneficial
to the aspiring journalists is the abundance of “real
world” experiences that are presented to them. The
team goes on an average of four field trips per year
to include visits to local TV and radio stations and
CCNN Live at CBS 4.
CCNN Live at Radio Station FM 104.3 The Ticket.
print publications like the Miami Herald. Their
annual Media Excellence Awards gives them
the opportunity to meet their role models in
the news media industry in person. M any of
these journalists keep in touch with the program
and offer advice. The program even has an
advisory board made up media and business
professionals.
CCNN Live at NBC 6 and Telemundo 51.
Due to the success and growth of the program
the CCNN Live station is undergoing a
renovation and expansion this year.
29
CCNN Live’s 2nd Annual Media
an incredible night at Columbus where members
Excellence Awards was
of the local South Florida news media were honored
by our students. Twenty news reporters attended the
event which was emceed by NBC6’s Entertainment
Reporter Roxanne Vargas. Special guests included
Tom Shilen (CCHS alum and Senior VP/Chief
Financial & Administrative Officer for CBS News),
Bob Orr (former CBS News Correspondent) and
Andy Triay (CCHS alum and CBS News Producer
who was honored with a lifetime achievement award).
It was a night where local journalists were able to
socialize with each other and give advice to our
Columbus students who aspire to get into the industry.
About Andy Triay ’81
(2015 MEA Lifetime Achievement
Award Recipient)
After graduating from The
University of Florida where he
majored in broadcast journalism,
Andy worked for CBS News in
Miami for 12 years covering stories
from all over the world and was promoted to producer.
Andy has reported from war zones in Central
America, the first gulf War, Hurricane Andrew, and
everything in between. In 1997, he moved to the CBS
News Washington Bureau to work with correspondent
Bob Orr covering transportation safety -- including
TWA 800. He spent a few years as an investigative
producer, the Supreme Court producer as well as a
stint as the White House producer. During that time,
he won an Emmy Award for coverage of the DC
sniper case. In 2005, he moved on to law enforcement
and has spent the last ten years covering the Justice
Department and terrorism issues. With Bob Orr,
he covered the rise of the Islamic terrorism and the
Boston Marathon bombing, for which we won an
Emmy Award. He also covered the mass shooting in
Newtown, for which he won a Peabody Award. Andy
is married to his wife Cathy and he has three children.
30
Click Here for Video Nominees Perspectives
of the MEAs
The Winners:
News Anchor Category:
Pamela Giganti (NBC6)
General Assignment Reporter Category:
Laura Rodriguez (NBC6)
Investigative Reporter Category:
John Turchin (Local 10)
Sports Reporter Category:
Will Manso (Local 10)
Entertainment Reporter Category:
Mariana Rodriguez (Telemundo-51)
Weather Personality Category:
John Morales (NBC6)
Use of Social Media Category:
Joy Taylor (FM 104.3 The Ticket)
Local News Station of the Year:
Local 10
Local News Station of the Year (Spanish):
Telemundo-51
On Air Radio Personality:
Lucy Lopez (Power 96)
Best Print Writer:
JT Wilcox (South Florida High School Sports)
Special thanks to event chairperson
Mick Maspons (’81), founder Jorge Ortega (’81)
and advisor Nestor Yglesias (’87)
Thanks to our Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
John S. and
James L. Knight
Foundation
Deco Productions
Suzanne Michael
Catering
Silver Sponsors
Maspons, Sellek,
Jacobs, LLP
Oliva Cigars
TotalBank
Bronze Sponsors
E & P Printing
Maspons Funeral Home
ORA- Oncology
Radiation Associates
Tommy’s Tuxedos
VSBooks
31
Baseball Team
Wins State
Championship!
What a historic year for Explorer Athletics!
Not only did out football team play for the state
championship but so did our baseball team and
they won it.
On May 21st they defeated Orange City
University at JetBlue Park in Ft. Meyers,
marking the second baseball state title for
the Explorers in school history.
The first baseball state championship was won
by Columbus in 2003.
We congratulate Coach Joe Weber (’83) on his
second state title and all the Columbus players
and coaches!
State Title Won in Track & Field
by Humberto Freire (’16)
He won the state championship in the 4A 800 Meter at the same time setting a
school record (1:53). This win makes him our school’s first state champion at
that distance. Congratulations to Coach Foyo (’75), Cabrera, and Jumelius for
their part in helping Humberto achieve this victory.
As a result of all the successes, Christopher Columbus High School
won the 2015 All Sports Award for having the best boys sports
program in Miami-Dade County (8A) at the Miami Herald All Dade
Athletic Awards.
Three coaches won “Coach of the Year” in their respective sport - Chris
Merritt (football), Joe Weber (Baseball), and Mike Marinelli (Golf *winner
3 years in a row). Chris Coipel and Julio Betancourt won pitcher and golfer
of the year, respectively.
Columbus also placed second for the best boys sports program in Florida,
Sunshine State Cup. Congratulations to the coaches and players in all sports!
These awards represent your hard work and dedication to your sport and the
amount of pride and determination you have for your school.
Great job Explorers!
32
Thank you Paul Mainieri and
Victor Triay for Participating
in Columbus Connects!
Paul Mainieri ‘75
Victor Triay, PhD. (’84)
• Head Baseball Coach, Louisiana State
University
• Novelist and historian specializing in
Cuban exile topics
• Member of the American Baseball Coaches
Association Hall of Fame
• History Professor at Middlesex
Community College in Middletown, CN
• Three-time National Coach of the Year
• His books include: Fleeing Castro:
Operation Pedro Pan and the Cuban Children’s
Program, Bay of Pigs: An Oral History of
Brigade 2506, and The Cuban Revolution:
Years of Promise
• Guided the Tigers to three College World Series appearances, winning the national championship
in 2009.
Thank you to our
Columbus Connects sponsor:
•
His recently released work of historical
fiction is a 3 book series entitled The Unbroken
Circle (The Struggle Begins, Freedom Betrayed,
and On Freedom’s Shores)
Best Wishes to the Retirees
We take this opportunity to recognize our three
teachers who retired at the end of this school
year - Mrs. Irene Culmo, Mrs. Rosa Pardo,
and Mrs. Dalila Pita. Thank you for your many
years of dedicated service to Columbus, helping
carry out the mission of the Marist Brothers and
enriching the lives of so many explorers.
33
Alumni in the News:
Castaways Against Cancer Completed Their 16th Annual
Kayak Trip in Memory of Lt. Ralf Garcia (‘05)
Artist Romero Britto Supported the Effort by Donating a Kayak
with Firefighting Theme Artwork
The Castaways Against Cancer, the Relay for Life team that ranked
1st in the state last year and which is made up of five Columbus
alumni, completed their “East of Midnight Tour” on June 12th. The
team, founded by Mr. Steve O’Brien (’72), counted on the support of kayakers Patrick Linfors ’94, Adam
Scholer ’81, Eric Pino ’00, and Lou de la Aguilera ‘77 who is also the team’s sponsor through his company
TotalBank.
This year’s trip which launched from Virginia Key and ended 160 miles and 7 days later in Key West was
paddled in memory of City of Miami firefighter Lt. Ralf Garcia (‘05) who passed away earlier this year of
cancer. A group of Miami firefighters also joined the Castaways on the first leg of their trip represented by
the Miami Fire Fighters Benevolent Association.
Internationally renowned artist Romero Britto contributed his support to the Castaways by painting one of
the kayaks with a firefighting theme which will be auctioned off in the near future, with proceeds going to
the American Cancer Society.
As of June, 2015, the Castaways are proud to report that they reached this year’s goal, generating
over $125,000 in donations. All of their proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. Since 2000, the team
has raised over $730,000. The $1 million mark is now in sight for them. To learn more about the Castaways
and to make a donation to their efforts visit castawaysagainstcancer.com.
Ramon “Ray” Abadin (’77), a partner at Sedgwick LLP’s Miami office,
has been sworn in as president-elect of the Florida Bar Association in June.
With more than 100,000 members, the Florida Bar is the second largest
mandatory bar association in the United States. In his high-profile position,
Mr. Abadin is a frequent speaker before many of Florida’s most influential
business, bench and bar organizations. He is also the past president of the
Cuban American Bar Association. Mr. Abadin is among the less than one
percent of Florida attorneys invited to be a Fellow of the American College of
Trial Lawyers. He is a member of the Florida Chapters of the American Board
of Trial Advocates, the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel and the
International Association of Defense Counsel.
Full profile to be published on Ray Abadin in the Fall 2015 Adelante.
34
The eMerge Americas/Columbus Connection Grows as
Michael Rodriguez (’85) is Named CEO
Michael T. Rodriguez (’85) was named CEO of
eMerge Americas, the innovative global technology
summit focused on promoting South Florida as a
technology hub. Michael, the former vice president
and general manager of WLTV and WAMI (Univision
flagship stations in South Florida), is a 20-year veteran
Michael Rodriguez of the media industry having served in a variety of
leadership roles at CBS and NBCUniversal. Most
recently, he helped drive revenue, ratings, and bottom-line growth for
WLTV and WAMI.
Manuel D. Medina
CCHS parent/Founder & Chairman of eMerge Americas/Managing
Partner, Medina Capital
Richard de la Rosa ‘92
VP Business Affairs of eMerge Americas
Nelson Fonseca ‘91
Board Member of eMerge Americas / Partner at Medina Capital
Rene A. Rodriguez ‘94
CFO/Partner at Medina Capital
Albert Santalo ‘85
Chairman, Founder, Chief Strategy Officer of CareCloud – eMerge
Americas Speaker
Eddy Arriola ‘90
Chairman & CEO of Apollo Bank – eMerge Americas Speaker
Manuel Medina
Richard de la Rosa
Rene Rodriguez
Nelson Fonseca
Eddy Ariolla
Albert Santalo
Not only have Columbus alumni participated in eMerge over the last two years but also have Columbus
students. Mas Scholars network in panel discussions with industry leaders, the Robotics Club has competed
and won the Tech VEX competition, and CCNN Live has covered the event. We look forward to future
involvement in this most important technology conference.
Four Former Columbus Pitchers Drafted in 2015 MLB
Draft:
Danny Dopico (’12 -FIU) to Chicago White Sox
Andres Gracia (’11 -Samford) to San Diego Padres
Andy Suarez (‘11 -UM) to San Francisco Giants - *Andy was
considered to be the nation’s highest draft pick to have returned to
college. He gave up $987,800 slot value for his place as the 57th overall
pick by the Washington Nationals for a chance to be drafted higher in
June, 2015 and earn his degree in criminology.
Mike Vinson (’12 –Univ. of Florida) to Detroit Tigers
35
Manny Alvarez (’10), age 22, has been diagnosed with a very
rare form of cancer known as ASPS: Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma.
As of June 2015, the disease has spread to his lungs and he was at stage
four. Resources and treatment options for ASPS are scarce. Manny was
initially sent to the National institute of Health (NIH) to take part in a
clinical trial.
In April, Manny received the terrible news that the clinical trial at
the NIH had stopped working. A tumor in his knee had grown and it
was on the verge of breaking bones in his knee. After a partial femur
replacement and knee replacement the tumor was removed and Manny
is now undergoing intensive rehabilitation. Following the surgery
the tumor was analyzed by a team of researchers and doctors who
discovered a family of medications that knocked out the cancer cells to Zero. Manny’s insurance (Florida
Blue) denied him coverage for this treatment (over $266,000 for 2 cycles). Manny’s story has been on
the local Miami news stations in hopes of generating community support. For more information and to
help Manny visit https://www.crowdrise.com/MannyAlvarezFromHeartbreakToHope/fundraiser/
manuelalvarez23
Richard Ashenoff (’00) won the Miami Herald’s Business Plan Challenge with
his company Room2Care.com, a cost-sharing senior home-care service which was
also recently chosen for StartUp Health, a premier accelerator in New York City.
The company helps keep aging seniors in their homes instead of in assisted living
facilities by connecting them with those who can provide them with the care and
services they need. Richard is currently working on his Masters of Accountancy
degree from Florida International University
Chris Corey (’01) and Brian Corey (’03) were featured in
a cover article of the Coral Gables Community Magazine for their
successful Digital Marketing Agency - Corey Consulting. The
company, located in Coral Gables, employs a staff of 20 and serves
nearly 100 clients across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and
Spain. They also recently published the book - e-Dapt, An Introduction
to Digital Marketing for Business Owners. They attribute part of
their success to their focus on meeting their client’s expectation for
communication. Part of the company pitch to clients is a bold statement
in the marketing industry - “We answer the phone,” said Brian Corey.
We thank the Corey brothers for mentioning that they attended
Columbus in the opening line of the story.
36
John Couriel (’96) will be running for the seat in the Florida House of
Representatives currently held by another Columbus alumnus Eric Fresen (’94) who
faces term limits in 2016. Couriel graduated from Harvard, magna cum laude, edited
the Harvard Political Review and interned with Jeb Bush’s Foundation for Florida’s
Future. After graduating from Harvard Law, he law-clerked for a federal judge, worked
in powerhouse law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell and went on to work as Assistant U.S.
A ttorney. In 2012, Couriel ran against Margolis and ended up taking 38 percent
against her in the general election.
Osmel Delagdo (’92) was named Chief Operating Officer of Cleveland Clinic Florida.
He will be responsible for planning and directing operations for the academic medical
center, which includes a hospital and medical practices in Weston as well as practices
in Parkland, West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. He has been a part of the
Cleveland Clinic family in Florida for 15 years and holds an MBA in healthcare
administration, a Doctor of Pharmacy, a Bachelor of Science and is a fellow with the
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
Dr. Ren Garcia (‘00) is a veterinarian in Beverly Hills, CA with two successful
companies – My Pet Mobile Vet and Green Dog Dental. His lifelong goal to
become a veterinarian led him on the journey to Massey University-New Zealand,
one of the best veterinary schools in the world, where he spent over 6 years
completing his veterinary training. Recently, his pet mobile vet company was
honored by the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce for Innovation, Best Small
Business Category.
Erik Lora (’09)
was signed as a wide
receiver by the NFL’s
Detroit Lions.
Geris Makris (’96) joined TD Bank as Small
Business Relationship Manager in West Palm Beach.
He is responsible for providing a range of lending
services and deposit products to small businesses
located throughout Palm Beach County in South
Florida. He has 15 years of experience in retail
banking, business banking and lending. Prior to joining
TD Bank he served as Branch Business Manager at
Regions Bank in Boynton Beach and Business Banking
Relationship Manager at SunTrust Bank in Boca Raton.
37
Eric Mullery (’10)
graduated from USMC
Officer Candidate School last
month and was commissioned
as a Second Lieutenant. He
previously graduated from
Fordham University and is
currently attending The Basic
School (TBS) in Quantico,
VA.
Marcus Rivero (’02) has been in the
Dennis Triana (‘91), a firefighter/paramedic for
Miami Dade Fire Rescue, husband, and father of 2
daughters, was awarded with an International Game
Fish Association (IGFA) Lifetime Achievement Award
for catching over 100 world records in his lifetime. He
also was the only person to have ever caught a U.S.
State fishing record in each of the 50 states. There
have only been 14 other recipients of this award in the
history of the IGFA. This quest has taken him over
18 years to accomplish, and included over 40 species
of fish from extreme ultralight tackle to fly fishing,
covering over 150,000 miles of travel. What’s most
impressive, is that nearly all of Dennis’ record pursuits
came without the use of a professional guide or captain.
38
news lately, including GQ Magazine,
ESPN, and WSVN-7, for his unique and
successful custom sneaker and game
cleats business – Soles by Sir. Marcus’
designs can be found on players on nearly
every NFL team in the league and on
plenty of other athletes, from Ray Allen to
Shane Victorino to Cameron Wake. His
customers send him the cleats with the base
color that it comes with and then Marcus
color-matches it to their team or creates a
specific design, completely changing the
cleat. He paints all his orders himself and
has completed more than 650 pairs to date.
To submit an “Alumni in the News” entry,
please forward information
and photograph to
Cristina Cruz at [email protected]
39
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40
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... Miami’s Bank
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Agent, New York Life Insurance Company
3750 NW 87th Avenue, Suite 500
Miami, FL 33178
786-275-1355
[email protected]
www.peterbusse.com
Registered Representative offering
investments through NYLIFE
Securities LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC),
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© 2013 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010
Life Insurance. Retirement. Investments.
42
proudly supports
Christopher Columbus High School
At GEICO, we know the only way to build stronger
communities for tomorrow is to invest our time
and energy today.
Your local GEICO agent:
Mario Sueiras
305-595-2911
8514 Southwest 8th St.,
Miami, FL
Class of ‘91
©
GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C.
20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko Image © 1999-2015. © 2015 GEICO
43
Carlos Luis 85’
Auto • home • life • health
Carlos Luis State Farm Team
Not in Photograph: Annel Martinez & Juliette Velez
Save up to 40%
on your Auto Insurance
Call (305) 663-2300
Columbus
Alumni
(Left to right)
Jorge Alonso 09’
sales/service
Rick Garcia-Cartaya 07’
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Carlos Luis 85’
Agent
Pedro Luis 92’
Manager
44
CCHS
SHINGLES
Score Big At Deel Volkswagen
Visit Our State-Of-The-Art
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Deel Volkswagen Proud Christopher Columbus Alumni...
Dan O’Malley, President - Class of 1967
Bill O’Malley, General Manager - Class of 1971
Julio Fernandez, Salesperson - Class of 1981
Visit Our State-Of-The-Art
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3601 Bird Road, Miami
305.448.3335 • 954.962.2222
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G L Figueredo Ins Agcy Inc
Gustavo L Figueredo, Agent
7950 West Flagler Street, Suite 103
Miami, FL 33144-2206
Bus 305 262 0440
Fax 305 262 2008
[email protected]
NMLS MB #110089 NMLS MLO
#375920 MLO License #LO4787
Class ofof
2005
Class
1981
45
To advertise in Shingles
contact Cristina Cruz at
[email protected] | 305.223.5650 ext. 2256
46
IGNACIO BORBOLLA
305-444-7575
Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. © 2013 Allstate
Insurance Co.
96896
[email protected]
agents.allstate.com/ignacio-g-borbolla-cora
Class ofof
2005
Class
1971
Dario Pacheco | President
Residential & Commercial
Licensed, insured & Bonded
a division of D&D Builders Group, Inc.
4762 SW 127 Ct. Miami, FL 33175
Cell: 786.486.9649
Office: 305.227.1006
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.ddbuildersgroup.com • www.dndroof.com
CGC#1512736 • CCC#1328424 • MRSA#1002 • MRSR#1065 • HI#3344
Anthony Lopez (Class of 2007)
786.322.6706
[email protected]
www.selfiemiami.com
47
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