Christopher Columbus High School
A Catholic School for Young Men in the Marist Tradition since 1958
December 2018 Principal's Newsletter
From the Office of Principal David Pugh
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Christmas at Christopher Columbus High School is a very special time of year. We have Christmas music between the bells and we collect toys for children in our community who are less fortunate. It is a time in which we recognize and give thanks to those individuals who have helped us along the way. At Columbus, it is also a time when many of our graduates visit, walk the hallways, and exchange a hug and conversation. It is these types of interactions that makes our school so special.
On behlaf of the Marist Brothers and our entire faculty and staff, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
SAC Collects Hundreds of Toys for Christmas Drive and Appears on Telemundo
We are so proud of our student and families for making our annual toy drive a huge success. We impressed Telemundo Channel 23 when our SAC team delivered the the toys for their Caravan of Joy effort. To view their on-air appearance – CLICK HERE. The toys also were delivered to Miami-Dade Police Department, the Opa-Locka Police Department and Dr. Robert B. Ingram Elementary in Opa-Locka. Special thanks to Ms. Cedeno and Mrs. Gonzalez.
We are so proud of our student and families for making our annual toy drive a huge success. We impressed Telemundo Channel 23 when our SAC team delivered the the toys for their Caravan of Joy effort. To view their on-air appearance – CLICK HERE. The toys also were delivered to Miami-Dade Police Department, the Opa-Locka Police Department and Dr. Robert B. Ingram Elementary in Opa-Locka. Special thanks to Ms. Cedeno and Mrs. Gonzalez.
Soccer Team Toy Donations
Coach Stewart and the soccer team also dedicated time to donating toys to needy children.
Coach Stewart and the soccer team also dedicated time to donating toys to needy children.
Members of the faculty participated in festive activities including and Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest. Congratulations to Mrs. Nadia Kahn-Roberts for taking first prize.
Solar Benches on Campus
Thanks to your support of the Walk-a-thon, we have two new solar Columbus benches which offer a place to sit as well as a place to re-charge phone and iPads.
Thanks to your support of the Walk-a-thon, we have two new solar Columbus benches which offer a place to sit as well as a place to re-charge phone and iPads.
Lunch N’ Learn with Mr. Lynskey
Mr. Lynskey’s Lunch and Learn Series has been quite the hit. The lectures take place during the last 30 minutes of Junior and Senior Lunch in the Lawrence Bell Theater on most Tuesdays. The recent topic has been “The Battle of Dine Bien Phu.”
Mr. Lynskey’s Lunch and Learn Series has been quite the hit. The lectures take place during the last 30 minutes of Junior and Senior Lunch in the Lawrence Bell Theater on most Tuesdays. The recent topic has been “The Battle of Dine Bien Phu.”
CCNN Live won the two major categories of the STN Challenge. The contest, sponsored by Student Television Network, has students work round the clock for 6 days to produce their best journalistic pieces in the realms of News, Sports, PSA And Short Film. The team took first place in the nation in both News and Sports, and third place in Short Film. This is the first time that our CCNN ever placed first in two categories. The winners were: Joseph Fernandez, Steven Lee, Christopher Gomez, Joseph Gonzalez (1st place News Feature- Shredding for a Shot); Alexander Someillan, Lukas Guerra, Marcus Callegari, Kevin Reyes (1st Place Sports Feature- Coach DQ), and Jose Fernandez, Arthur Falconi, Andy Falconi, Luca Buonacore (3rd Place Short Film- Pass or Perish). Special thanks to Ms. Insua and Mr. Delgado.
The 2018 Football Team’s season will go down in Columbus history as one of the most successful and meaningful. After winning against Deerfield Beach, 49 – 21 in the State Semifinals, they played in the Class 8A State Championship game on October 8th against Jacksonville Mandarin. It was a tough and close loss (37 – 35). The Columbus family is extremely proud of all the players and coaches for the tremendous effort that was put forth all year. Pictured is the team, led by Coach Merritt, at the send-off that took place on campus on December 7th.
Swim Team Celebrates the Season with Awards Ceremony
The Swim Team celebrated a successful season at Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Sunset Place. With a 6-1 record, winning the District Championship title, and advancing one swimmer to the state championships, it was definitely a night to celebrate. Students voted for their teammates in several categories at the event. Here are the winners: Most Valuable 9th Graders: Fernando Ortega/Matthew Ryan; Most Valuable 10th Grader: Logan Alentado; Most Valuable 11th Grader: Daniel Ibarra; Most Valuable 12th Grader: Gabriel Velazquez; Leadership Award: Alejandro Morles/Gabriel Velazquez/William Cabase; Most Improved: Rolando Viera; Most Dedicated: William Cabase/Alejandro Morles/Matthew Amor. Special thanks to Coach Dukes.
The Swim Team celebrated a successful season at Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Sunset Place. With a 6-1 record, winning the District Championship title, and advancing one swimmer to the state championships, it was definitely a night to celebrate. Students voted for their teammates in several categories at the event. Here are the winners: Most Valuable 9th Graders: Fernando Ortega/Matthew Ryan; Most Valuable 10th Grader: Logan Alentado; Most Valuable 11th Grader: Daniel Ibarra; Most Valuable 12th Grader: Gabriel Velazquez; Leadership Award: Alejandro Morles/Gabriel Velazquez/William Cabase; Most Improved: Rolando Viera; Most Dedicated: William Cabase/Alejandro Morles/Matthew Amor. Special thanks to Coach Dukes.
Drama Team Going to States
The Drama Team Competed in District competition, placing for States in all the events. Here are the winners: Superior in Ensemble B: Luis Vergara, Daniel Travieso, and Kevin Cordero; Excellent in Ensemble B: Alex Buonocore, Luca Buonocore, Justyn Rubio, Augustin Mendez, Christian Wilson, and Andres Cabral; Excellent in Dialogue A: Kevin Cordero and Alex Buonocore; Excellent in Dialogue B: Andres Gonzalez and David Figueredo; Excellent in Solo Musical A: Alex La Roz; Excellent in Solo Musical C: Adrian Sanchez; Excellent in Costume Design B: Pedro Erigoyen; Superior in Monologue B: Paul Signori; Superior in Solo Pantomime: Luis Vergara; Superior in Group Pantomime: Augustin Mendez, David Figueredo, Daniel Travieso, Pedro Erigoyen, Andres Cabral, Justyn Rubio, and Aidan Pasantes; Excellent in Monologue B: Luis Vergara; Excellent in Duet Pantomime: Kevin Cordero and Alex Buonocore; Excellent in Duet Musical A: Paul Signori and Steven Hernandez. Augustin Mendez was also chosen for the District Theater Improv Troupe. Congratulations to all the winners and to moderator Mrs. McGrath.
The Drama Team Competed in District competition, placing for States in all the events. Here are the winners: Superior in Ensemble B: Luis Vergara, Daniel Travieso, and Kevin Cordero; Excellent in Ensemble B: Alex Buonocore, Luca Buonocore, Justyn Rubio, Augustin Mendez, Christian Wilson, and Andres Cabral; Excellent in Dialogue A: Kevin Cordero and Alex Buonocore; Excellent in Dialogue B: Andres Gonzalez and David Figueredo; Excellent in Solo Musical A: Alex La Roz; Excellent in Solo Musical C: Adrian Sanchez; Excellent in Costume Design B: Pedro Erigoyen; Superior in Monologue B: Paul Signori; Superior in Solo Pantomime: Luis Vergara; Superior in Group Pantomime: Augustin Mendez, David Figueredo, Daniel Travieso, Pedro Erigoyen, Andres Cabral, Justyn Rubio, and Aidan Pasantes; Excellent in Monologue B: Luis Vergara; Excellent in Duet Pantomime: Kevin Cordero and Alex Buonocore; Excellent in Duet Musical A: Paul Signori and Steven Hernandez. Augustin Mendez was also chosen for the District Theater Improv Troupe. Congratulations to all the winners and to moderator Mrs. McGrath.
Students in World Languages and members of the Spanish Honor Society attended the “Forever Celia” exhibition at the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora. Students were exposed to history, music, and artifacts from the Celia Cruz estate and Celia Cruz Foundation. ¡Azúcar! Thank you to Dr. Folch, Mrs. Gonzalez, and Dr. Vila, and Mr. Dukes.
David Lawrence Visits Columbus
We welcomed our friend, Mr. David Lawrence on campus for a discussion and book signing with students in the Mas Program, English Honor Society, and CCNN/ Broadcasting classes. Mr. Lawrence, former publisher of the Miami Herald and current Chair of The Children’s Movement of Florida, spoke about his memoir, “A Dedicated Life: Journalism, Justice and a Chance for Every Child.” Thank you to Mr. Crossman, Mrs. Galvez-Cuesta, Mrs. Ciaran, Ms. Insua, and Mr. Delgado.
We welcomed our friend, Mr. David Lawrence on campus for a discussion and book signing with students in the Mas Program, English Honor Society, and CCNN/ Broadcasting classes. Mr. Lawrence, former publisher of the Miami Herald and current Chair of The Children’s Movement of Florida, spoke about his memoir, “A Dedicated Life: Journalism, Justice and a Chance for Every Child.” Thank you to Mr. Crossman, Mrs. Galvez-Cuesta, Mrs. Ciaran, Ms. Insua, and Mr. Delgado.
The Anglers Club has branched off and created a new Spearfishing Club. The small and exclusive team consists of eight members, four of which have become the first certified student free-divers in Columbus’ history (Chris Dones, Daniel Romero, Daniel Sanchez, and Julian Sanchez). They were instructed by CCHS alumnus Christopher Tavera ‘07, better known as Miami Skin Diver. Christopher is a certified freediving instructor and an underwater photographer who has been active in freediving and spearfishing since the age of twelve. Special thanks to Mr. Dukes for all the dedication that he has put into the Angler’s Club and now the new Spearfishing Club.
Congratulations are in order for four of our seniors who signed National Letters of Intent to continue playing football at the next level! Gary Cooper and Jeramy Passmore signed with Indiana University, Kalani Norris signed with Georgia Tech and Luis Cristobal signed with Georgia State University.
Zakk Giley Wins First Place in Lincoln Douglas Debate
The Columbus Debate Team went home with several awards from the 3rd Miami Dade After School Tournament which was hosted at Carol City Senior High School. Zakk Gilley went undefeated in Lincoln-Douglas Debate where he was declared the champion. In Public Forum Debate, the freshmen team of Jaden Llerena and Oliver Callava came in 5th while Dominic Alberty and Matthew Monroy came in 4th. Special thanks to Mr. Martinez.
The Columbus Debate Team went home with several awards from the 3rd Miami Dade After School Tournament which was hosted at Carol City Senior High School. Zakk Gilley went undefeated in Lincoln-Douglas Debate where he was declared the champion. In Public Forum Debate, the freshmen team of Jaden Llerena and Oliver Callava came in 5th while Dominic Alberty and Matthew Monroy came in 4th. Special thanks to Mr. Martinez.
Congratulations to our Newly Inducted Hall of Fame Members
The six newest members that were inducted into the Columbus Hall of Fame on December 12th were: Matt Bernhardt ‘89, Br. John Healy (Guidance Counselor), V. C. (Vince) Hennessy ‘63), Dave Isenberg (Art Teacher), Fernando E. Martinez ‘83 and Maria Rams-Foyo (Math Teacher). Thank you for all your years of service and support of our school.
The six newest members that were inducted into the Columbus Hall of Fame on December 12th were: Matt Bernhardt ‘89, Br. John Healy (Guidance Counselor), V. C. (Vince) Hennessy ‘63), Dave Isenberg (Art Teacher), Fernando E. Martinez ‘83 and Maria Rams-Foyo (Math Teacher). Thank you for all your years of service and support of our school.
Congratulations to Caden Whelpley for Receiving Congressional Appointments
Senior Caden Whelpley recently received two Congressional Appointments from Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen - one to the US Air Force Academy (Official) and the second to West Point - The U.S. Military Academy.
Senior Caden Whelpley recently received two Congressional Appointments from Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen - one to the US Air Force Academy (Official) and the second to West Point - The U.S. Military Academy.
The Squires Club Held Annual Light-up For Christ Event
The Squires Club recently held its annual Light Up For Christ event on campus. Congratulations gentlemen, you are leaders of today for tomorrow! Thank you to Br. Eladio.
The Squires Club recently held its annual Light Up For Christ event on campus. Congratulations gentlemen, you are leaders of today for tomorrow! Thank you to Br. Eladio.
World Languages Dept. Hosted Linguist Dr. Baralt
The World Languages Department hosted linguist Dr. Baralt and her students from Florida International University. They spoke about the brain benefits of multilingualism. Special thank to Mr. Pedro Garcia-Casals.
The World Languages Department hosted linguist Dr. Baralt and her students from Florida International University. They spoke about the brain benefits of multilingualism. Special thank to Mr. Pedro Garcia-Casals.
Sports Management Classes Hosted Shirellle Jackson (UM’s Associate Athletic Director)
Mr. Bowman’s Sports Management students had the opportunity to hear from Mrs. Shirelle Jackson who is an Explorer Mom and the Senior Associate AD and Director of the Student-Athlete Development program at the University of Miami.
Mr. Bowman’s Sports Management students had the opportunity to hear from Mrs. Shirelle Jackson who is an Explorer Mom and the Senior Associate AD and Director of the Student-Athlete Development program at the University of Miami.
We are happy to announce that Columbus faculty members Mr. O’brien, Mrs. Galvez-Cuesta, Ms. McCullagh, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Rodriguez have successfully completed Teacher Mindfulness Training. They look forward to serving the Columbus community.
It is always good to be kept up-to-date with the issues that affect our young people. Please view the video on vaping from Good Morning America. GOOD MORNING AMERICA VIDEO
The Columbus family will miss you.
Electronics Drive Underway
Sophomore Sebastian Vergara and the Squires have started a service project to provide needy children with electronics. Sebastian is asking for the Columbus family to come together to donate new or gently used electronics to benefit the children and families at St. John Bosco and St. John Mission. They are looking for phones, consoles, games, headphones, controllers, and accessories. The drop-off is Br. Eladio’s room B23 and at Collection boxes throughout campus.
Sophomore Sebastian Vergara and the Squires have started a service project to provide needy children with electronics. Sebastian is asking for the Columbus family to come together to donate new or gently used electronics to benefit the children and families at St. John Bosco and St. John Mission. They are looking for phones, consoles, games, headphones, controllers, and accessories. The drop-off is Br. Eladio’s room B23 and at Collection boxes throughout campus.
60th Anniversary Gala Tickets Are On Sale
Our 60th Anniversary Gala will surely be an affair to remember at the JW Marriott Marquis downtown. Join us as we celebrate the past, present, and future of Columbus. Tickets have just been made available online. We expect for table to go fast. It would be a good idea to purchase your tickets over the Christmas vacation. CLICK HERE FOR GALA TICKETS.
Our 60th Anniversary Gala will surely be an affair to remember at the JW Marriott Marquis downtown. Join us as we celebrate the past, present, and future of Columbus. Tickets have just been made available online. We expect for table to go fast. It would be a good idea to purchase your tickets over the Christmas vacation. CLICK HERE FOR GALA TICKETS.
Get your own Columbus Football 2019 State Championship victory shirts, available online at: COLUMBUSEXPLORERS.SHOP. You’ll always find 2-day shipping at our online store.
UPCOMING MARCH DATES TO REMEMBER:
3/4 & 3/5: Drama Spring Show (3:30pm, Lawrence Bell Theater)
3/6: Ash Wednesday Mass (8:00am, Gym)
3/7 & 3/8: Drama Spring Show (7:00pm, Lawrence Bell Theater)
Week of 3/11: Spirit Week
3/13: Battle of the Sexes (7:00pm, Gym)
3/14: Students vs. Faculty Basketball Game (1:25, Gym)
3/18: Walk-a-thon Holiday (No School)
3/20: Mass in Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of St. Marcellin’s Canonization (8:00am, Gym)
3/22: Blood Drive (all day, cafeteria)
3/23 60th Anniversary Gala (7:00pm, JW Marriot Marquis Miami)
3/27: Internships Seminar (1:30pm, Lawrence Bell Theater)
3/4 & 3/5: Drama Spring Show (3:30pm, Lawrence Bell Theater)
3/6: Ash Wednesday Mass (8:00am, Gym)
3/7 & 3/8: Drama Spring Show (7:00pm, Lawrence Bell Theater)
Week of 3/11: Spirit Week
3/13: Battle of the Sexes (7:00pm, Gym)
3/14: Students vs. Faculty Basketball Game (1:25, Gym)
3/18: Walk-a-thon Holiday (No School)
3/20: Mass in Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of St. Marcellin’s Canonization (8:00am, Gym)
3/22: Blood Drive (all day, cafeteria)
3/23 60th Anniversary Gala (7:00pm, JW Marriot Marquis Miami)
3/27: Internships Seminar (1:30pm, Lawrence Bell Theater)
Christopher Columbus High School | 3000 SW 87 Avenue | Miami, FL 33165 | (305) 223-5650
Brotherhood, Faith, and Scholarship define the Marist Brothers Catholic education at Christopher Columbus High School. By making Jesus Christ known and loved and creating an inspiring academic and extracurricular environment, we prepare young men for higher learning and a life-long commitment to leadership and service through Gospel and Marist values.
Columbus is fully accredited by Cognia and is a member of the Marist Association of Secondary schools, the National Catholic Education Association and the Independent Schools of South Florida.
