Gabriel Perez plays several instruments and has used music to support impoverished classmates and to brighten the lives of elders, children and the community with his performances. The judges of the 62nd Annual Silver Knight Awards recognized the 18-year-old’s efforts on behalf of others. What put Perez, who graduated from Hialeah Gardens Senior High, in the spotlight was his community service, which included performing for dementia...

The founders of a subscription jewelry business who have ties to Miami Lakes are offering a chance for a low income or minority student to win a MacBook computer and an internship. The contest, which also comes with an annual $2,000 grant for textbooks, is accepting applications from college-bound seniors or recent high school graduates until July 15. Ylette Luis launched XIO By Ylette. Members who pay $60 per month receive a box...

Diana Maria Alonso, 26, of Miami Lakes, graduated in May from The GeorgiaInstitute of Technology in Atlanta.She earned a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.Alonso was in the Class of 2012 at Barbara Goleman Senior High School. Photo courtesy of Alonso.Alexa Cruz, 22, of Miami Lakes, graduated in May from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.She earned a Bachelor of Science degree.Cruz is a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas...

Two teachers in the bilingual department at Bob Graham Education Center in Miami Lakes retired at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. Shown is Barbara Jimenez, who worked for Miami-Dade County Public Schools for 39 years. And Elvira Marquez-Lardies, who taught for 14 years, the school said.
Photos courtesy of the school.

The Town of Miami Lakes is recognizing high school graduates with banners that are hanging along Miami Lakes Drive. Families paid $105 for the signs that will be displayed for three months. The Class of 2020 -- whose graduation ceremonies were canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic -- are in good company. Veterans and active members of the military are also honored with banners that fly along the drive. Photo: Linda Trischitta, The...