Alexa Cruz, 22, of Miami Lakes, was among 98 student-athletes placed by the University of Alabama on the 2020 Fall Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll. The ranking was based on performance in the 2020 spring, summer and fall terms. Cruz graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale and is a cross country distance runner. Photo courtesy of the university.

Members of Our Lady of the Lakes Girl Scout Troop 566 earned their dentistry merit badges while visiting Dr. Norma Victores in Hialeah. The sixth graders, who attend Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School, learned how to make impressions of teeth and form models. They also learned the difference between a tooth with a cavity and a healthy one and took turns in the chair during their visit to the dental practice on Feb. 9. While earning...

Do the Right Thing of Miami, Inc. recognized two teenagers from the Miami Lakes community in January for their selfless acts on behalf of others. Susan Venegas, 18, of Hialeah is a senior at Hialeah Gardens Senior High School. She demonstrates true commitment to her school and community, the organization said on its website. Susan maintains a 5.3 weighted GPA, is a member of her school’s marching band and is co-editor and a...

An attorney, a judge, three educators, a dentist, an activist and a community volunteer comprise the 2021 class who are to receive Miami Lakes Women of Distinction awards on March 6. Coordinated by the Miami Lakes Cultural Affairs Committee, the awards celebrate some of the town’s most extraordinary women and their work in the fields of the arts, business, civic affairs, education, government, health...

Going above and beyond what is asked of her led to Teresa E. Murphy being named Francisco R. Walker Teacher of the Year in the Miami-Dade County school district. The accomplishment left Murphy, 50, a teacher of fourth grade students at Spanish Lake Elementary School in Hialeah, “absolutely shocked!” When the COVID-19 pandemic began nearly a year ago, Murphy had an unlikely reaction that reflects her optimistic nature. She...