Teresa Gonzalez wanted to congratulate high school graduates with a yard sign at her home in the Royal Oaks community. But the homeowner’s association said such signs or banners violated the bylaws of the community and codes in the Town of Miami Lakes. Royal Oaks’ management company began sending out warning letters. “It’s disheartening that they don’t allow parents and neighbors to keep the signs up to congratulate students,”...

Carolina E. Leon, 6, of Miami Lakes, graduated from Kindergarten on May 29. She attends St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School in Miami. Carolina is the daughter of Jacqueline and Jason Leon and is the sister of Camila. Photo courtesy of the Leon family.Madison Lee Flanigan, 22, of Hialeah, made the Chancellor’s Honor Roll before she graduated May 9 during a virtual ceremony from the University of Mississippi, the school said....

Mater Lakes Academy honored three of its teachers for the 2019 – 2020 school year. Jennifer Paez, is head of the Science Department. She teaches Anatomy and Physiology and is Teacher of the Year. The middle school’s Teacher of the Year is Ana L. Sanchez, who teaches Reading. And Steven Leano, who teaches Social Studies, U.S. History and Civics, is Rookie Teacher of the Year. Photos courtesy of the school.

Georgia State University in Atlanta gave Jodi Sampson its Excellence in Research Award in Communication Sciences and Disorders, the school said. Sampson, 30, of Hialeah, received the award during a virtual Honors Day celebration on May 18. The award is given by the university’s College of Education & Human Development for “exceptional performance in research involvement as a master’s student,” according to the school. Sampson...

Congratulations to the Class of 2020! Although graduations have been canceled during the coronavirus outbreak and seniors won’t be able to walk across a stage, there is still a way to commemorate their hard work. “It’s important during these times to celebrate the little things that make life special,” said Miami Lakes Councilman Luis Collazo. “Honoring graduates is just one way we can continue to build and deliver positive news.”...