Opponents faced strong competition against students from Miami Lakes and area schools who competed in recent chess matches.Our Lady of the Lakes entered 27 students in the 2019 National Chess DayScholastic Tournament at Hialeah Gardens Senior High School on Oct. 12.The national, rated tournament brought together teams from private and public schools in Florida. It went five rounds during eight hours of play.Third place winners were second...

The town of Miami Lakes is seeking middle and high school students who want to learn leadership skills.Those chosen for the Youth Council will attend monthly meetings and pitch ideas for field trips, community service events and programming for The Spot, at 6075 Miami Lakes Drive.Apply by June 2 atTheSpot@miamilakes-fl.gov.To apply: https://www.miamilakes-fl.gov/images/Miami_Lakes_Youth_Center_Council_Application.pdf or call 305-819-7768.

Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High’s Jocelyn Ruiz captured her fourth consecutive Class 2A District 12 championship Oct. 23 in the 100-yard butterfly and was a runner-up in the 100-yard back stroke. Coach Frank Rocha said of Ruiz, a senior, “It’s been a privileged coaching her for four years. I’m proud of her accomplishments. I’m definitely going to miss her when she graduates.” Photo: HML, courtesy. -- David Snelling

The Zonta Club of Miami Lakes is accepting reservations for its annual Community Flea Market to be held Saturday, Nov. 2.Sellers can reserve two parking spaces for $40.Proceeds will support the club’s mission of advancing the status of women and girls.Local groups such as The Lotus House Women’s Shelter; Footprints Foundation and the Women’s Heart and Breast Initiative are beneficiaries, the club said.The market will happen rain or shine, 8...

Seven students from Bob Graham Education Center will travel to Tampa in January to participate in a convention of the Florida Music Educators Association.After surviving astrenuous audition process, judges chose two students for the Elementary All-StateChorus and five others for the Elementary All-State Orff Ensemble (which combines music, movement, drama and speech).The best young singers and musicians were chosen from across the state;...