The Pace community gathered together to celebrate the academic accomplishments of the student body at Pace High School’s 2017 Academic Awards on April 11.
Students were honored for their academic prowess in each subject area and Signature Academy class. Two students from each grade were also awarded trophies for Best All-Around, Service to School & Community, and the Spartan Pride Awards.
Matias Rodriguez, the Spartans football team star kicker, who also runs as part of the Pace track team, was named the 2017 Spartan of the Year, while Nicole Diaz was named the 2017 Lady Spartan of the Year.
Nicole Diaz was also named an AP Scholar, awarded both the Kevin Garcia and Burger King Scholarships, and was recognized as an Independent Schools of South Florida Star Award winner. Gueincy Clodomir won the 2017 George Cunningham Award and Alexa Gonzalez won the 2017 Margie Wessel Scott Award for their excellence in academics, community service, and athletics. Gonzalez, the Student Government President, also won the Spartan Pride award for seniors and received the Principal’s Award for Outstanding Leadership.
Students were also recognized for a multitude of scholarships, service awards, and other honors. Nicole Diaz, Brian Gonzalez, Lexie Perez, and Andrew Sanchez were named AP Scholars, while Larissa Alfonso, Allison Oddman, and Priscilla Velez were named AP Scholars with Honor. Junior Brian Gonzalez was also named as a National Hispanic Scholar for his PSAT scores, named as a Salute to Education scholarship qualifier, and received a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship program.
Stefon Francis and Nicole Diaz received the Kevin Garcia Scholarship, Gisela Garcia received the Prudential Spirit of Community award, Victoria Santiago was nominated for the FIU Book award, and Allison Oddman was nominated for the National Honor Society Scholarship.
Sophomores David Barbier and Fabia St. Juste became the inaugural recipients of the Sister Mary Thomas Scholarship, funded and presented by Pace Class of 1965 alumnus Tony Amos for Pace students who show great spirit and pride in their school. Finally, Pace theology teacher Nelson Bonet was named the Educator of the Year.