Bob Graham Education Center is recognizing two of its teachers. Jennifer Leal-Mansito, above, was named Teacher of the Year for the 2019-2020 school year. Leal-Mansito attended public schools in Miami-Dade County and began teaching at BGEC in 2002. She has held the role of grade level chair, assisted with numerous events at school and mentored new teachers, interns and student volunteers. The school chose her colleague Rodannie...

A quiet Sunday afternoon in Miami Lakes was shaken up by booming bass drums as the University of Florida’s Marching Band strutted along Main Street for a pep rally on Dec. 29. The band -- 365 members, including musicians, cheerleaders and baton twirlers -- were in town with the team before the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30 at Hard Rock Stadium. The Gators met the University of Virginia’s Cavaliers. The score was not known at press...

The Giving Gators came through for kids in need at Christmas. Thirty-five students from 11 schools in Miami-Dade County submitted their wish lists, and the charity group filled all of the children’s requests for presents, said Daylin Garcia, the group’s founder. “Gifts were purchased and distributed to all students and siblings,” Garcia said in an email. “We also purchased gifts for their moms, dads or...

The next community bike ride around the streets of Miami Lakes is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Riders will depart from town hall, at 6601 Main St. The route has not yet been announced. It’s state law for bike riders 16 and younger to wear helmets that are properly fitted. The town is asking participants of every age to wear protective head gear. A limited number of helmets will be handed out before the nighttime...

Laszlo Fazekas Miami Lakes “Set challenges for yourself and overcome them to bring meaning to your life.” Joshua Beltran Palm Springs North “I want to get better grades and work harder. I want to be an overachiever and progress more in everything.” Yami Diaz Hialeah “My New Year’s resolution is to save money and get a car.” Zakari Williams Miami Gardens “I want to hurry up and...