Christopher Columbus High School
A Catholic School for Young Men in the Marist Tradition since 1958
January 2023 Principal's Newsletter
From the Office of Principal David Pugh
This month, we have engaged in several high stakes athletic, academic, and extracurricular competitions. We continue to raise the bar and set an example. Meeting expectations is good enough in most places, but at Christopher Columbus High School, our goal is to exceed expectations and strive to be the very best at everything we do. This mentality is fostered by the leadership of our alumni, faculty, staff, and administration.
We are a proud community and we embrace our Faith, Brotherhood, and commitment to Service. May we continue to represent our school with integrity, respect, and empathy. Adelante!
We are a proud community and we embrace our Faith, Brotherhood, and commitment to Service. May we continue to represent our school with integrity, respect, and empathy. Adelante!
Inaugural Senior Mass & Pinning Ceremony
We were proud to hold the inaugural Senior Mass & Pinning Ceremony with the Class of 2023 on February 23rd. The Mass was celebrated by Columbus alum and Parochial Vicar of the Church of the Little Flower Fr. Andrew Tomonto. The highlight of the ceremony was when the class received their C pins from their pinning sponsor mentors. President Kruczek , Principal Pugh, and John Lynskey '78 gave speeches as did the President of the Alumni Association Ralph Roca ’88 and Columbus’ Vice President of Advancement Nick Ramos ’04. Special thanks to Deacon Dugard, Mr. Gonzalez, Mr. Cooper and music ministry, School Board Member Daniel Brea ’95 and all the faculty and staff who helped in the event.
We were proud to hold the inaugural Senior Mass & Pinning Ceremony with the Class of 2023 on February 23rd. The Mass was celebrated by Columbus alum and Parochial Vicar of the Church of the Little Flower Fr. Andrew Tomonto. The highlight of the ceremony was when the class received their C pins from their pinning sponsor mentors. President Kruczek , Principal Pugh, and John Lynskey '78 gave speeches as did the President of the Alumni Association Ralph Roca ’88 and Columbus’ Vice President of Advancement Nick Ramos ’04. Special thanks to Deacon Dugard, Mr. Gonzalez, Mr. Cooper and music ministry, School Board Member Daniel Brea ’95 and all the faculty and staff who helped in the event.
Basketball Team Headed Back to State Finals
The Explorers are back in Lakeland to defend their Class 7A State Championship. They became Regional Champions after defeating Deefield Beach H.S. If you won’t be attending the final game tomorrow, you can view it on Spectrum Cable. Good luck to Coach Moran and team!
The Explorers are back in Lakeland to defend their Class 7A State Championship. They became Regional Champions after defeating Deefield Beach H.S. If you won’t be attending the final game tomorrow, you can view it on Spectrum Cable. Good luck to Coach Moran and team!
Academic Achievement Breakfast
Students were honored for their outstanding achievements in the second quarter at the Achievement Breakfast. We are very proud of you gentlemen! Thank you to the academic administrative team.
Students were honored for their outstanding achievements in the second quarter at the Achievement Breakfast. We are very proud of you gentlemen! Thank you to the academic administrative team.
Mock Trial Team Placed 3rd in Regionals
Our Mock Trial Team placed third in the Miami Dade County Regional Competition. This was the first time that a Columbus team competed in these district and regional competitions and our advancement was unprecedented. Thank you to attorney and Columbus parent Willie Castro who volunteered his time to impart his invaluable wisdom, understanding, and passion for the field of law to our young men. Congratulations to the following students: Alan Munschy, Enrique Villamil, Christian Ordonez, Matthew Perez, Ethan Centeno, David Calvo, Brandon Menendez, Jacob Vila, Alfonso Caram, Samuel Polo-Varona, Sebastian Santana, Victor Barreda, Juan Sanchez, and Nathanial Nunez. Special thanks to Dr. Lee for leading the club.
Our Mock Trial Team placed third in the Miami Dade County Regional Competition. This was the first time that a Columbus team competed in these district and regional competitions and our advancement was unprecedented. Thank you to attorney and Columbus parent Willie Castro who volunteered his time to impart his invaluable wisdom, understanding, and passion for the field of law to our young men. Congratulations to the following students: Alan Munschy, Enrique Villamil, Christian Ordonez, Matthew Perez, Ethan Centeno, David Calvo, Brandon Menendez, Jacob Vila, Alfonso Caram, Samuel Polo-Varona, Sebastian Santana, Victor Barreda, Juan Sanchez, and Nathanial Nunez. Special thanks to Dr. Lee for leading the club.
Track Team Placed 1st at the South Ridge Invitational
The Track team finished in 1st place at the South Ridge Invitational. Earlier in the month, the team placed 2nd at the Louie Bing Invitational. Good luck to Coach Areces and the team as they continue on in the season.
Columbus Conrad Innovators
Congratulations to Christopher Cordero, Santi Martinez and Brandon Rizo. During the last 7 months, over 950 teams competed in the prestigious Conrad Challenge, a global tech entrepreneurship competition. The three young men earned the distinguished title of Conrad Innovator. Conrad Innovators are added to the Conrad Alumni Network, eligible for select scholarships and can list the Conrad Challenge award on their resumes and applications. The team developed the 1Kelvin product for this competition. An innovative cooling system that is a low-power, efficient, compact, environmentally friendly and cools any beverage quickly without the need for ice. Thank you Mr. Rodriguez.
Robotics Team Earned 1st Place and the Amaze Award at VEX Robotics Competition
Columbus Robotics competed in the Spin Up VEX Robotics Competition at iTech High School in Miami. Competing against 24 South Florida teams in 5 matches, our Team Explorer 1 finished as the Tournament Champion (1st Place Finals Match) and won the Amaze Award for having the most amazing, well-rounded, and top performing robot. Special congratulations to Erick Gonzalez, Alessandro Fernandez and Nicholas Guzman. Thank you Mr. Rodriguez. Good luck in the state competition.
College and Career Guidance & Counseling News
The College and Career Guidance & Counseling Department hosted Parent Nights for each grade level. After school workshops were offered to juniors regarding the college application process, including a student panel with seniors who discussed their experience. Thank you Mrs. Martinez and Mr. Nunez.
The College and Career Guidance & Counseling Department hosted Parent Nights for each grade level. After school workshops were offered to juniors regarding the college application process, including a student panel with seniors who discussed their experience. Thank you Mrs. Martinez and Mr. Nunez.
Columbus Connects Career Day
Columbus Connects Career Day 2023 was a great success with excellent presenters to the Junior Class from a wide variety of professions. We thank them for volunteering their time and talents to get our Explorers excited about their future. Special thanks to Mrs. Anderson and Dr. Burrus. View the Community Newspapers Report Here.
The Debate Team Won the District Championship, Three students are Regional Champions
The Columbus Debate Team won the District Championship after beating National powerhouse Ransom Everglades. The Columbus debaters who qualified for the National Tournament are Joseph Alonso, '25, James Sacher, '24, Nicholas Diaz, '24, Sebastian Santana, '23, Sven Stumbauer, '25. Marco Cortes, '25, Victor Barreda, '25, Bruno Barreiro, '24, Ben Corral, '24. Christian San Juan, '25, placed third in the Senate for student Congress, and is first alternate. Martin Seals, '24, and Luke Meinhardt, '25, will also be competing as part of the World Schools team. Earlier in the month, 17 debaters qualified for States and three students became regional champions: Sven Stumbauer (International Extemporaneous Speaking), Victor Barreda (Humorous Interpretation), and the team of James Sacher and Joseph Alonso (Public Forum). Thank you to Mr. De Tuya, Mr. Ciocca and Amanda Ciocca. Good luck at the state competition this weekend.
The Columbus Debate Team won the District Championship after beating National powerhouse Ransom Everglades. The Columbus debaters who qualified for the National Tournament are Joseph Alonso, '25, James Sacher, '24, Nicholas Diaz, '24, Sebastian Santana, '23, Sven Stumbauer, '25. Marco Cortes, '25, Victor Barreda, '25, Bruno Barreiro, '24, Ben Corral, '24. Christian San Juan, '25, placed third in the Senate for student Congress, and is first alternate. Martin Seals, '24, and Luke Meinhardt, '25, will also be competing as part of the World Schools team. Earlier in the month, 17 debaters qualified for States and three students became regional champions: Sven Stumbauer (International Extemporaneous Speaking), Victor Barreda (Humorous Interpretation), and the team of James Sacher and Joseph Alonso (Public Forum). Thank you to Mr. De Tuya, Mr. Ciocca and Amanda Ciocca. Good luck at the state competition this weekend.
Visit to the Keys and San Carlos Institute
This year's trip to the Keys and the San Carlos Institute in Key West was an enriching and fun experience of historical significance. The first stop was in Islamorada where the students learned about the Florida Keys marine ecosystems. In Key West, they visited the San Carlos Institute, wartime memorials, and the Truman Little White House and grounds. Thanks to Rafael Penalver ’69 for organizing the enriching experience which also included attending the solemn swearing in ceremony of U.S. Congressman Carlos Gimenez ’72. Special thanks to Mr. Garcia-Casals, Mr. Hermida, Mr. Chacon, and Mr. Pino for accompanying our students and sharing their Keys wisdom with the students.
Anglers Club News
The Anglers Club and Spearfishing Club have had a busy month. They took a tour of the SeaHunter Boats facility where they learned all the aspects of the boat building process prior to seeing a finished product at the boat show. Later in the month, the group pulled a double header and participated in our annual Miami International Boat Show and Night Fishing trip. The boys got the opportunity to meet many fishing experts including Guy Harvey, Rick Murphy and BlacktipH. They also had a special day on the water showcasing angler Chase Farkas who is a mate and captain for hire with a true passion for fishing. There will be a CCNN Live piece coming out about him soon. Special thanks to Columbus alumni with SeaHunter Boats Eddie Leon and Ralph Montalvo and to Coach Dukes.
In celebration of Black History Month, members of Columbus Anglers' Club, Spearfishing Club, and the Black Student Organization (BSO) collaborated with Miami Dade College, Homestead Campus, Black Heritage Committee and ventured on a tour and a beach clean-up of the Historic Virginia Key Beach. They learned about the significance of VKB and about the individuals who made it possible for people of color to have a piece of paradise and enjoy the Florida waters without being arrested during many of the "Wade in the Water" demonstrations. The boys collected and discarded a total of 115 pounds of debris. Thank you to Coach Dukes and his siter Loleatha Dukes of Miami Dade College.
Esports News
The Smash Brothers Omega Team is in 4th place out of 63 teams with Orlando Hoyos leading the way. The Explorers Overwatch Alpha team is tied for 1st place out of 49 teams from all over the country. Congrats to Gabriel Varona, Christian Macias, Brian Torres, Matthew Ros, Lucas Dulzaides, Christian San Juan, Anthony Diaz, and Adrian Jimenez. The Rocket League team is in 1st place out of 38 teams. Congrats to Jose Reyes, Ezequiel Bartra and CJ Survivor . Fortnite Gamma is in first Place and Fortnite Omega is in 2nd place out of 9 teams. Thank you Coaches Harriman and Sanchez.
The Smash Brothers Omega Team is in 4th place out of 63 teams with Orlando Hoyos leading the way. The Explorers Overwatch Alpha team is tied for 1st place out of 49 teams from all over the country. Congrats to Gabriel Varona, Christian Macias, Brian Torres, Matthew Ros, Lucas Dulzaides, Christian San Juan, Anthony Diaz, and Adrian Jimenez. The Rocket League team is in 1st place out of 38 teams. Congrats to Jose Reyes, Ezequiel Bartra and CJ Survivor . Fortnite Gamma is in first Place and Fortnite Omega is in 2nd place out of 9 teams. Thank you Coaches Harriman and Sanchez.
Alum John Barkett Visited Columbus
Columbus alum John Barkett spoke to students about his extensive experience in business and public policy. John has worked with Congress and the White House to craft and shape public policy. His presentation to the Explorers was entitled "From the SAC office to the Oval Office." Special thanks to Ms. McCullagh.
Junior Oliver Herrero initiated a relief drive for the victims affected by the earthquake in Turkey. The drive was a success and all the items were given to the Global Empowerment Mission. Special thanks to Br. Al.
Varsity Wrestling Won the District Championship
The Varsity wrestling team won the District Championship dethroning the two time defending champions Doral Academy. They set a school record in the process by qualifying all 14 wrestlers into the Regional State Qualifying Championship. Thank you Coach Husk.
JV Wrestlers Placed at the Top in Championships
There were 35 Explorer Wrestlers who competed at the North Miami Sr. High JV County Championships. The young gladiators made their presence felt by securing a total of 61 individual victories and nine wrestlers earned a placing finish. Franco Callejas placed First and was a candidate for the Outstanding Wrestling Award. Diego Escalante, Roberto Puente, and Adriano Alos placed third and Randy Rodriguez del Rey, Luis Benitez, Nicholas Dominguez, and Fernando Bello placed fourth. Thank you Coach Fernandez.
There were 35 Explorer Wrestlers who competed at the North Miami Sr. High JV County Championships. The young gladiators made their presence felt by securing a total of 61 individual victories and nine wrestlers earned a placing finish. Franco Callejas placed First and was a candidate for the Outstanding Wrestling Award. Diego Escalante, Roberto Puente, and Adriano Alos placed third and Randy Rodriguez del Rey, Luis Benitez, Nicholas Dominguez, and Fernando Bello placed fourth. Thank you Coach Fernandez.
Electives Fair
The Course Selection Season began with a very helpful Electives Fair hosted by the Counseling Department. The faculty and students did a great job explaining the many different elective courses that Columbus has to offer. Thank you to the entire Counseling Department.
The Course Selection Season began with a very helpful Electives Fair hosted by the Counseling Department. The faculty and students did a great job explaining the many different elective courses that Columbus has to offer. Thank you to the entire Counseling Department.
Close Up Trip to Washington D.C.
Explorers went on the Close Up Trip to our nation’s capital, spending a week visiting museums and memorials with students from across the country. They met with members of Congress and were immersed in our nation’s political system. The students visited the office of Rep. Mario Díaz Balart and discussed domestic/ foreign issues with his Chief of Staff, Cesar González ‘93; lunched with DC lobbyists Omar Franco ‘83 and Perry Adair ‘12. At the Florida House they were greeted by Rep. Carlos Gimenez ‘71 and toured Capitol Hill with his Legislative Assistant Carlos Castro ’05. They were welcomed to the Capitol by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar and invited into the House floor by her Legislative Director Josh Duncan. It was truly a memorable experience. Special thanks to Mr. Hermedia.
Explorers went on the Close Up Trip to our nation’s capital, spending a week visiting museums and memorials with students from across the country. They met with members of Congress and were immersed in our nation’s political system. The students visited the office of Rep. Mario Díaz Balart and discussed domestic/ foreign issues with his Chief of Staff, Cesar González ‘93; lunched with DC lobbyists Omar Franco ‘83 and Perry Adair ‘12. At the Florida House they were greeted by Rep. Carlos Gimenez ‘71 and toured Capitol Hill with his Legislative Assistant Carlos Castro ’05. They were welcomed to the Capitol by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar and invited into the House floor by her Legislative Director Josh Duncan. It was truly a memorable experience. Special thanks to Mr. Hermedia.
French Honor Society Induction
There were nine new members inducted into the French Honor Society. The group looks forward to the festivities of French Week which is coming up from March 13 – 17. Thank you Ms. Vessiere.
There were nine new members inducted into the French Honor Society. The group looks forward to the festivities of French Week which is coming up from March 13 – 17. Thank you Ms. Vessiere.
Castaways Against Cancer Kick-Off Party
The Castaways Against Cancer, the kayaking team made up of mostly CCHS alumni and teachers who paddle every year from Miami to Key West to raise money for cancer research, hosted a kickoff party for their 24th year of cancer-fighting. This year, it’s the “Ridiculous Stunt Tour” for the Castaways and great t-shirts are on sale at Br. Kevin's Store with the tour logo. Any questions about this non-profit organization which has raised over $1.9M to fund cancer research and honors those who have fought the fight can be directed to Captain Eric Pino ’00 at Columbus.
Patriot Club Visited the Miami Military Museum
The Patriot Club visited the Miami Military Museum where they learned about the rich military heritage in South Florida. Special thanks to Columbus alum and U.S. Army General Rafael Ribas and Dr. Burrus.
The Patriot Club visited the Miami Military Museum where they learned about the rich military heritage in South Florida. Special thanks to Columbus alum and U.S. Army General Rafael Ribas and Dr. Burrus.
Commissioner Anthony Rodriguez Gave a Proclamation to the Football Team
Miami Dade County Vice Chairman and Commissioner Anthony Rodriguez (also a Columbus parent) along with Florida State Rep Danny Perez ’05 visited Columbus to give a proclamation to our Football Team for winning the state championship in December, 2022. Thank you Vice Chairman Rodriguez for spending time with our Explorers and honoring them for their achievement.
Explorers at Wicked
Students from the Desmond Family Success Center, the Mas Scholars and the Drama Program enjoyed a day at the theater. They saw the critically acclaimed Broadway show Wicked at the Adrienne Arsht Center.
Students from the Desmond Family Success Center, the Mas Scholars and the Drama Program enjoyed a day at the theater. They saw the critically acclaimed Broadway show Wicked at the Adrienne Arsht Center.
Columbus Connects with UM Football’s Leadership
The Columbus Connects Leadership Lecture on February 24th will go down in the Columbus history books. Three members of the UM Football Program’s Leadership who are Columbus alumni spoke to a record crowd in the gym. From Explorers to Hurricanes, Mario Cristobal ’88 (Head Coach), Alex Mirabal ’88 (Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line Coach) and Alonzo Highsmith ’83 (General Manager of Football Operations ) partook in a panel discussion moderated by John Lynskey ’78 who coached both Cristobal and Mirabal during high school. They spoke about what Columbus means to them, traditions that they have carried with them throughout their football careers, and lessons learned during their first year leading the Miami Hurricanes. VIEW the CBS4 Report with Mike Cugno Here.
La Caja China Columbus Family Picnic & Pig Roast
The La Caja China Columbus Family Picnic & Pig Roast provided lots of fun and great food for the whole family. There were over 3,000 guests in attendance this year. Congrats to the pig roast competition winners: Alex Llano (1st Place: 305 Barbecue), Bernie Montero (Second Place) and Ricardo Garcia (3rd Place).
Keepers of the Charism Faculty & Staff Retreat
Our entire faculty and staff united on February 23rd to participate in the Keepers of the Charism Retreat. We spent a full day enriching our Marist Charism and having productive dialogue with our peers. Thank you to Br. Owen Ormsby, Maureen Hagen, Matt Fallon and Br. Hank Hammer for visiting Columbus that day to lead us in the workshop.
Our entire faculty and staff united on February 23rd to participate in the Keepers of the Charism Retreat. We spent a full day enriching our Marist Charism and having productive dialogue with our peers. Thank you to Br. Owen Ormsby, Maureen Hagen, Matt Fallon and Br. Hank Hammer for visiting Columbus that day to lead us in the workshop.
Rest in Peace - Jeffrey Bandy
Jeffrey Bandy was a member of our maintenance department and was a father to three Explorers: Trajan, Jeffrey, and Edward. We pray for the repose of Jeffrey's soul and for the needs of his family and friends. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
Jeffrey Bandy was a member of our maintenance department and was a father to three Explorers: Trajan, Jeffrey, and Edward. We pray for the repose of Jeffrey's soul and for the needs of his family and friends. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
Reverse Raffle is March 11
On March 11, we will host the 38th Annual Reverse Raffle. Led by Br. Kevin, this is one of Columbus’ oldest fundraising events and is lots of fun. The tickets are $150 each and includes a great dinner. There are 16 prizes at $500 each. The final prize remains at $10,000. There are only 300 tickets that are sold and there is a limited amount available. Purchase Reverse Raffle Tickets.
Marist Brothers Solidarity Project in Liberia
If you haven’t already, consider supporting the campaign to help the Marist Brothers open a school in Liberia, West Africa. All of our Marist school communities in the United States are being asked to contribute. Donations to this important project will benefit our world’s most marginalized and underserved children. DONATE HERE
Upcoming March Dates To Remember:
3/8: Junior Ring Ceremony (7:00pm, Field)
3/11: Reverse Raffle (6:00pm – 10:00pm, Café)
3/14 -17: We Are Marist Youth 9th Gr. Retreat (8am – 2pm, Gym)
w/o 3/20: Spring Spirit Week
3/21: Faculty vs. Seniors Basketball Game (2:15, Gym)
3/22: Powder Puff Game (CCHS & Lourdes, 2pm- 5pm, Field)
3/23: Battle of the Sexes (7:30 – 9:30, Gym)
3/25: Freshman Class Trip (Universal Studios)
3/29: Drama Spring Show (2:00pm, Lawrence Bell Center)
3/30: Marist Achievement Dinner (6:00pm – 9:30pm)
3/31: Drama Spring Show (2:00pm, Lawrence Bell Center)
4/3 – 14: Easter Recess (No School)
4/17: Classes Resume
3/8: Junior Ring Ceremony (7:00pm, Field)
3/11: Reverse Raffle (6:00pm – 10:00pm, Café)
3/14 -17: We Are Marist Youth 9th Gr. Retreat (8am – 2pm, Gym)
w/o 3/20: Spring Spirit Week
3/21: Faculty vs. Seniors Basketball Game (2:15, Gym)
3/22: Powder Puff Game (CCHS & Lourdes, 2pm- 5pm, Field)
3/23: Battle of the Sexes (7:30 – 9:30, Gym)
3/25: Freshman Class Trip (Universal Studios)
3/29: Drama Spring Show (2:00pm, Lawrence Bell Center)
3/30: Marist Achievement Dinner (6:00pm – 9:30pm)
3/31: Drama Spring Show (2:00pm, Lawrence Bell Center)
4/3 – 14: Easter Recess (No School)
4/17: Classes Resume
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.
