The Miami Lakes Education Advisory Board honored students and teachers from area schools during the fourth annual Awards of Excellence ceremony.
The board and sponsors The Graham Companies; Headquarter Toyota; Vicky Bakery; Virtutem Populo; Specialty Smiles Orthodontics and MHC Construction also recognized Educator of the Year, Teresita Turino from Miami Lakes K-8 Center, on May 1 at the Roberto Alonso Community Center.
“Excellence is not an act, but is a habit these individuals possess, and it becomes their DNA,” said Dr. Yesenia Aponte, North Region superintendent. “And I am happy and honored to be here this evening to recognize all those [students and educators].”
Students were chosen for accomplishments in eight categories.
Also during the evening, Danny Martinez of The Graham Companies presented $1,500 Future Leaders Scholarships to Christopher Inguanzo, who attends Archbishop McCarthy High School and will go to Florida State University, and Justin Correra, enrolled at Barbara Goleman Senior High School who will attend the University of Alabama.
“I just want to say it’s such a privilege to be here among so many high achieving kids,” said Martinez, the project manager at Miami Lakes Golf Club. “As a Miami Lakes resident and a former child myself, it’s super cool to see the next generation come through and do so many amazing things.”
Miami-Dade County School Board Member Roberto Alonso told The Miami Laker, “I just think it’s an amazing night, because we’re recognizing some incredible students but we’re also recognizing our amazing teachers.”
Alonso also praised the community that is Miami Lakes schools – the students, teachers and administrators. Mayor Josh Dieguez awarded proclamations to 14 retiring teachers and named a day in May for each one.
“I agree with the school board member, we have excellent faculty at all of our area schools,” Dieguez said.
Students from Lawton Chiles Middle School served Paella made by Paellas by Mich. Vicky Bakery donated pastelitos (turnover pastries) and the Education Advisory Board provided a cake. The students who are in fifth, eighth and twelfth grades received awards created by Vida Custom Designs.
In the group photo: Retiring teachers were also honored. Back row from left: Councilman Ray Garcia; District 4 School Board Member Roberto Alonso; Marlon Vernon, Miami Lakes Education Center; Romi Perez, Miami Lakes K-8 Center; Luis Mendez, Barbara Goleman Senior High; Annette Roache Miami Lakes Middle; Edith Cimino, Miami Lakes Education Center; Mayor Josh Dieguez and Councilmen Steven Herzberg and Juan Carlos Fernandez. Front row: Maria Albano, Barbara Goleman Senior High; Ziedy Perovani, Bob Graham Education Center; Lourdes Tandlich, Bob Graham Education Center; Keith O’ Brien, Miami Lakes Education Center; Efrain Valdivia, Miami Lakes Middle and Linda Ogorek Cushman, Barbara Goleman Senior High. Not pictured: Teresita Turino, Miami Lakes K-8 Center; Magalie Desire, Miami Lakes Education Center; Luis Marti, Barbara Goleman Senior High and Natacha Cruz, Barbara Goleman Senior High. Photos: Alexandra Herrera