Bob Graham Education Center announced that eighth grade student Alexa Regalado was recognized by The State Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education during the State Board of Education Meeting held in May. She was recognized and selected for demonstrating perseverance through challenging times, maintaining an academic focus on meeting educational goals and committing to achieve her personal best.
Some of Regalado’s major accomplishments include enrollment in advanced courses for high school credit; active participation in her church and volunteering in community events in coordination with the Committee of Elderly Affairs and Committee for Veteran Affairs; and competing member of the Civic Engagement Academy and one of the leaders for the winning team for Districts and States.
Regalado kept her focus on her volunteering and academics despite suffering the untimely and tragic death of her beloved aunt during Christmas 2013, and the death of her childhood best friend, Breanna Vargas, the following holiday season. Recently Regalado’s grandfather was hospitalized for complications due to a stroke. In the face of these challenges and adversity, Regalado was constant.
“She maintains a good, kind spirit and never asks for special treatment. In fact, she goes above and beyond to help others achieve their goals and shine. She’s humble, selfless, and dependable,” said BGEC principal Yecenia Martinez-Lopez.
Regalado’s leadership activities beyond these taxing events include Student Body Secretary for Student Government Association and Student Representative Liaison between student body and PTSA board. She also advocated to establish the Breanna Vergara Foundation to create awareness regarding sudden-cardiac arrest in our youth and assists in planning the annual BV5K and Color Run in Miami Lakes.
Regalado lobbied with Senator Rene Garcia, Representative Manny Diaz Jr., and Commissioner Esteban Bovo Jr. for assistance in passing the Sudden Cardiac Awareness Policy “Breanna Saving Lives Act” and lobbied in Tallahassee this past January for a bill aimed at revising pre-participation physical evaluation form for student athletes (SB-1586).
For her aunt, Regalado is developing the Inspire One campaign, as a tribute to her late aunt, aimed at promoting positivity and inspiring others to feel self-confident. And Regalado, along with her family, visits His House Children’s Home during the holiday season and adopts a shelter to offer nutritious meals, gifts, and various needs while affording children their ethnic traditions.
“Alexa is to be commended for this tremendous accolade,” said Martinez-Lopez. “Special thanks to her teacher, Jackeline Hernandez, for nominating her.”