Christopher Columbus High School
A Catholic School for Young Men in the Marist Tradition since 1958
October Newsletter 2017
From the Office of Principal David Pugh
The month of October has traditionally been extremely busy, productive, and school spirited. This year has been no different. Our young men had the opportunity to participate in the College Fair, Hispanic Heritage Day, Scholastic Olympics, the PSAT, College Visits, the Fishing Trip, the Homecoming Game, Dance, Campus Ministry Retreats and masses, and ending with the Fall Drama Show. I commend our faculty for their organization and implementation of all events on and off campus, as well as the energy and passion to create fun learning opportunities within our academic environment. I am most proud that it involves students from all grade levels and invites everyone to engage in “the Columbus experience”.
Welcome Carl Chambert - Our New French Exchange Student
Through the Inspired Gateways Exchange Student Program, we have welcomed Carl Chambert to Columbus for a 30 day cultural immersion experience. He will be living with 9th grader Lucas Valdes and his family. Carl is here to continue to learn the English and will be a regular student in classes for the duration of his stay. We thank our French teacher Mrs. Pugh who has played an integral role in offering this program at Columbus. Carl will be assisting Mrs. Pugh in her French classses, helping to educate our students on the French culture.
CCNNLive Wins 2 National Emmy Awards
CCNN Live is the recipient of two National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) Student Production Emmy Awards. The Emmys are first awarded on a regional basis, and then just three regional winners are chosen to compete for the National Emmy award. In the past, CCNN Live has won 12 regional Emmys, but this is the first time the group garners a National Emmy—the most exclusive award in television production. Columbus is also the only South Florida high school to win a National Emmy. The winning student submissions were:
CCNN Live is the recipient of two National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) Student Production Emmy Awards. The Emmys are first awarded on a regional basis, and then just three regional winners are chosen to compete for the National Emmy award. In the past, CCNN Live has won 12 regional Emmys, but this is the first time the group garners a National Emmy—the most exclusive award in television production. Columbus is also the only South Florida high school to win a National Emmy. The winning student submissions were:
News Story (Light News) - Charlie’s Path: Anthony Martinez ’17 Danyel DeVilliers ‘17, Christopher Vazquez ‘17, Michael Suarez ’17, Christopher Ahrendt ’18, and Antonio Castellanos ’18. Talent Demo Reel - Gonzalo Londono ‘18. Congratulations to all the winners and moderators Ms. Insua and Mr. Delgado.
Debate Team Sweeps Braddock High School Tournament
Seniors Advance to Elimination Rounds in UF Tournament
The Columbus Debate Team came away with two first place finishes in Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Big Questions debate at Braddock High School. Three debaters went undefeated (Ryan Yglesias, Dominic Alberty and Junior Charles Gannon). In Big Questions Debate, Michael Denis and Christopher de la Viesca were the only team to go undefeated and finish with a 2-0 record for the first place finish. Brian Milan and Luis Romero finished in 2nd place. Fernando Mendoza finished 3rd and Andres Miranda finished 4th.
The Debate team also performed well at the University of Florida’s Blue Key Tournament. Daniel de Izaguirre and Angel Toro advanced to the double Octafinals in Varsity Lincoln-Douglas debate. Sophomore Albert Sanchez and junior Jesus Capo finished with 3-3 records, ending 1 win away from elimination rounds. Special thanks to Mr. Martinez and Mr. Ciocca.
The Debate team also performed well at the University of Florida’s Blue Key Tournament. Daniel de Izaguirre and Angel Toro advanced to the double Octafinals in Varsity Lincoln-Douglas debate. Sophomore Albert Sanchez and junior Jesus Capo finished with 3-3 records, ending 1 win away from elimination rounds. Special thanks to Mr. Martinez and Mr. Ciocca.
Pre-Law Club Visits Court House
Students in the Mas Program and Pre-Law Club visited the Criminal Court House and had the opportunity to meet with Judge Stephen Millan and Judge Jose Fernandez ‘81, as well as for attorneys Jacob Castineira ‘03, Juan JC Zamora ‘08, Mitchell Issa ‘07, and Ralph Penalver ’69.
Students in the Mas Program and Pre-Law Club visited the Criminal Court House and had the opportunity to meet with Judge Stephen Millan and Judge Jose Fernandez ‘81, as well as for attorneys Jacob Castineira ‘03, Juan JC Zamora ‘08, Mitchell Issa ‘07, and Ralph Penalver ’69.
Students Attended Miami STEMFest, Awarded Funds to Develop Their Project
Forty-two Columbus students attended Miami STEMFest, an ”Innovators In Training” series of workshops organized by Ten80 Education and sponsored by the US Army. The students were able to attend a series of short workshops in coding, computer hardware, leadership, RC car racing, game design, UAVs, leadership and the art of the elevator pitch. Matt Alfonso, Marlon Garcia and Sebastian Callejas were awarded $1000 for further project development from their work at the Game Concept workshop. Thank you Mr. Larrubia for helping the students with their project.
Guidance Department News
It was a particularly busy month for the guidance department which hosted a college tour and held PSAT testing, a College Application & Financial Aid workshop, and a college fair.
Over 100 colleges and universities were on hand at the college fair which was a great opportunity for students to meet with the admissions directors and counselors from schools throughout the country. View CCNN video from the event here.
Students Tour Florida Colleges
The 3 day, six university tour of the Florida schools included the University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, Florida Polytechnic University and Gulf Coast University. Thank you Mrs. Martinez for accompanying the students on the trip.
Hurricane Relief Drives Raise Over $20,000 and Hundreds of Supplies
The Columbus community really came together to help the victims of the recent natural disasters in the Keys, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Through the collection at our All Saints Day Mass and through the fundraising efforts of the Squires and SAC, we were able to raise over $20,000.
In addition, Daniel Armesto, Kenny Debs, Dylan Cicarelli, Tomas Forrero, Lucas Olaciregui, and Guido Samanez teamed up to coordinate a Hurricane Relief Effort, with the help of Alumni Director Barbara Branas. They brought a container to the campus and were able to have it filled with hundreds of needed supplies for hurricane victims in Puerto Rico and the Keys.
Thank you Explorer family for showing that Columbus Cares!
Business Club Hosts Speakers
The Business Club welcomed two speakers this month. Alumnus Patrick Dyer ‘92 spoke about his entrepreneurial venture into the world of Cyber-security and Warren Brown '08 (pictured) discussed banking issues such as buying a car and maintaining good credit. Thank you Mr. Corazon for organizing the lectures.
Drama Club Rates “Excellent” at Districts
The Drama troupe competed in the district One Act competition and received a rating of Excellent. Andrew Alonso is the first student director to ever place in this competition and Daniel Sanchez was chosen for the All Star Cast Award. Their award winning production “Frank Einstein” was performed on campus at the end of October. Congratulations to the troupe, led by moderator Mrs. McGrath.
Golf Team Captures Region 8-3A Golf Championship
The Golf Team won the Region 8-3A Golf Championship and took 1st, 2nd, and 4th individually. The top two scores came from Sharif Amastha (12th) and Jose Perez (10th). They both shot 73 and went into a sudden death playoff for the individual regional title.
The Golf Team won the Region 8-3A Golf Championship and took 1st, 2nd, and 4th individually. The top two scores came from Sharif Amastha (12th) and Jose Perez (10th). They both shot 73 and went into a sudden death playoff for the individual regional title.
The Cross Country Team won its 21st district championship. Deshay Fernandes ran a 15:59 for the individual championship. Congratulations!
Swim Team Also Placed 3rd in Region/4x100 Relay Heading to States
Congratulations to the Swim Team who won the district and regional championship. The 4x100 relay team of Nando Rodriguez, Alejandro Basalo, Matthew Amor and Brandon Vives is heading to the state championship. Special congratulations to Alejandro who made it in the 200 free and Brandon in the 200 IM and 100 fly.
District Champion Football Team is (9-1)
The team will host Homestead in the Region 4-8A Quarterfinal game on campus on November 10th.
The team will host Homestead in the Region 4-8A Quarterfinal game on campus on November 10th.
Homecoming Court
The football team beat Coral Park High School 48-6 at the homecoming game where we crowned our 2017 Homecoming Court. Pictured is Gonzalo Londono, Giovanni Aprigliano, Gregory Valerius (King), Victoria Quintana (Queen), Ariel Alvarez (Prince), Carolina Bouza (Princess), Isabel Aguirre and Cassandra Hasmi. Congratulations!
The football team beat Coral Park High School 48-6 at the homecoming game where we crowned our 2017 Homecoming Court. Pictured is Gonzalo Londono, Giovanni Aprigliano, Gregory Valerius (King), Victoria Quintana (Queen), Ariel Alvarez (Prince), Carolina Bouza (Princess), Isabel Aguirre and Cassandra Hasmi. Congratulations!
Homecoming Dance
Over 700 students danced the night away at the homecoming dance which took place at the Intercontinental Hotel. They mostly enjoyed the LED robots performance. Thank you to SAC moderators Mrs. Cedeno and Mrs. Gonzalez!
Wrestling Team Competed in Iowa
A group of Explorer wrestlers traveled to Cedar Falls, Iowa and competed in the USA Wrestling Preseason Nationals. Gavin Buck, Robert Dusendang, Charlie Huffman, David Milton and Ryan Gonzales all competed against wrestlers from over 40 different states. The wrestlers also visited the University of Iowa and toured their wrestling facilities!
A group of Explorer wrestlers traveled to Cedar Falls, Iowa and competed in the USA Wrestling Preseason Nationals. Gavin Buck, Robert Dusendang, Charlie Huffman, David Milton and Ryan Gonzales all competed against wrestlers from over 40 different states. The wrestlers also visited the University of Iowa and toured their wrestling facilities!
Students Visit the Museum of Discovery and Science
We thank Ms. Valdes for taking her science classes to the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale.
Mother & Son Breakfast
More than 250 Explorers and their moms enjoyed a blessed morning at the annual Mother & Son Breakfast. Thank you Mr. Gonzalez, Br. Brady, and Ms. Tellechea for coordinating the memorable event.
Halloween Party for Underprivileged Children
The Mas Scholar Program and National Honor Society hosted their 3rd Annual Halloween Party for underprivileged children inside the Columbus Cafeteria. Over 200 children from the San Juan Bosco Learning Center in Little Havana were provide with a Halloween experience they will never forget. The group partnered with Our Lady of Lourdes Academy for the amazing event. Thank you to all the students and faculty who volunteered their time and donated candy, costumes and decorations. Special thanks to Mrs. Galvez-Cuesta and Mrs. Cofresi.
Congratulations to the Winners of our Scholastic Olympics
Our 39th Annual Scholastic Olympics for 8th graders, the longest running event of its kind in South Florida, counted on the participation of 600 competitors from 19 Catholic schools. We congratulate all the winners and thank all the Principals and teachers who attended. The overall winning schools were: St. Hugh (Division 1), St. Brendan (Division 2), and Epiphany (Division 3). Special thanks to Mr. Moro, department leaders, administration, Mr. Marinelli, and all the student and teacher volunteers.
Our 39th Annual Scholastic Olympics for 8th graders, the longest running event of its kind in South Florida, counted on the participation of 600 competitors from 19 Catholic schools. We congratulate all the winners and thank all the Principals and teachers who attended. The overall winning schools were: St. Hugh (Division 1), St. Brendan (Division 2), and Epiphany (Division 3). Special thanks to Mr. Moro, department leaders, administration, Mr. Marinelli, and all the student and teacher volunteers.
Anglers Club – Enjoy a Day of Fishing
Over twenty Angler Club members went on a fishing cruise aboard the Miss Islamorada out of Bud n' Mary's Marina. The boys put their fishing skills to the test and had a very productive day on the water. A variety of fish were caught and the highlight of the day was when sophomore Ahren Myers gracefully reeled up a flag of a yellowtail that measured 22". Thank you to Anglers Club moderator Mr. Dukes.
Hispanic Heritage Festival
The Hispanic Heritage Festival helps to educate our student body on the different Hispanic cultures, food, and traditions. Thank you to the World Languages Department and Mrs. Gonzalez for putting it together.
The Hispanic Heritage Festival helps to educate our student body on the different Hispanic cultures, food, and traditions. Thank you to the World Languages Department and Mrs. Gonzalez for putting it together.
Br. Ben Elected Marist Brothers General Councilor
Br. Ben Consigli, who has served as a Guidance Counselor for the 11th grade at Columbus over the last year and a half, has been elected as one of the new Marist Brothers General Councilors. He will be leaving Columbus in November to start his new position which is based out of Rome, Italy. Congratulations to Br. Ben! We will miss him at Columbus and are thankful that he will be helping to lead the Global Marist World.
Br. Ben Consigli, who has served as a Guidance Counselor for the 11th grade at Columbus over the last year and a half, has been elected as one of the new Marist Brothers General Councilors. He will be leaving Columbus in November to start his new position which is based out of Rome, Italy. Congratulations to Br. Ben! We will miss him at Columbus and are thankful that he will be helping to lead the Global Marist World.
New faculty member Jason Hill, a Columbus alumnus from 2003, will assume Br. Ben’s position of Guidance Counselor for the junior year. He will also continue as a football coach. Jason is a graduate from Averett University and has experience working with the Department for Children and Family Services.
Coach Merritt Honored by the Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins named Head Football Coach Chris Merritt the High School Coach of the Week on October 22nd at their home game versus the New York Jets. Congratulations to Coach Merritt and his excellent staff for such a great honor.
The Miami Dolphins named Head Football Coach Chris Merritt the High School Coach of the Week on October 22nd at their home game versus the New York Jets. Congratulations to Coach Merritt and his excellent staff for such a great honor.
Upcoming Dates to Remember:
August 16: Seniors Report to Purchase Parking Permits (9:00am – 12:00noon, Room A-12)
August 17: Orientation for Freshman (in Gym) and Transfer Students (in Café), 7:45am – 12noon
August 18: New Parents Reception (7:00 – 9:00pm, Cafe)
August 20: First Day of Classes - All students report (7:45am – 2:45pm, regular full day)
August 21: New Parents Meeting A-L (6:00 – 8:00pm, Cafeteria)
August 22: Picture Day for all students
August 22: New Parents Meeting M-Z (6:30 – 8:30pm, Cafeteria)
August 24: Beach Bash, school dance (7:00pm – 11:00pm)
August 28: Back to School Night (9th & 10th grades, 6:00 – 8:00pm, Cafeteria)
August 29: Back to School Night (11th & 12th grades, 6:00 – 8:00pm, Cafeteria)
August 30: 60th Anniversary Opening Mass with Archbishop (8:00 – 9:30am, Gym)
August 31: Freshman Field Day (7:45am – 2:45pm)
August 30: 60th Anniversary Opening Mass with Archbishop (8:00 – 9:30am, Gym)
August 31: Freshman Field Day (7:45am – 2:45pm)
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.
