The COVID-19 pandemic postponed the activities of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School’s Chess Club for 20 months. But in November, more than 60 students returned to the boards to study and compete in the game.       Interest was so high, the school said, that the club meets on two separate days to accommodate all the players.               Besides learning the...

    Students at Spanish Lake Elementary School participated in Operation Christmas Child, a program with Samaritan’s Purse, which delivers shoe boxes filled with gifts to children around the world, the school said. It’s the third year that kids at Spanish Lake Elementary, at 7940 NW 194TH St. in Miami, have taken time during the holiday season to think of others. The program at the school is overseen by Gianinna...

    The All-State Middle School Orchestra has accepted Sabella Scavuzzo, 12, a 7th grader at Miami Lakes K-8 Center.       Sabella, a violinist from Miami Lakes, auditioned with students from around the state before she was chosen, her teacher Sara Cino said.      Sabella will perform with the orchestra at the Florida Music Educators Association Conference to be held at the convention center...

Christmas came early for students at Nathan B. Young Elementary School in Opa-Locka. On Dec. 10, students from Barbara Goleman Senior High School's chapter of the Florida Honor Law Society and their teacher and coach, Ana M. Soto-Gonzalez led a toy drive for two kindergarten classes at the elementary school. Sponsors who donated bicycles and toys included Vicky Bakery in Miami Lakes, Judy L. Farcus Serra, chief financial officer...

    The 2021 Mayor’s Gala held on Sept. 25 to benefit the Miami Lakes Special Needs Advisory Board raised $24,503. A check was presented during the Nov. 9 town council meeting.  It was Mayor Manny Cid’s third gala, and was produced by Joseph Sosa, assistant to the mayor.      The Special Needs Advisory Board provides services to the community and makes recommendations to town government and police...