The year is coming to an end and our senior class finds themselves reflecting on their high school experiences and accomplishments. We are grateful for their leadership and proud of their achievements in and out of the classroom.

Each of our classes has left behind a legacy of excellence, and the class of 2024 is no different. They have raised expectations, set standards, and will graduate as one of the most successful classes in our school's history! Now, with faith and a competitive spirit, our underclassmen prepare to accept their responsibilities and face the challenges ahead.

We are blessed to have outstanding students who represent us at the highest level and an excellent team of Marist Educators who remain committed to our mission of ‘making Jesus Christ known and loved’ by teaching, guiding, leading, and mentoring.  I invite you to join us as we recognize and celebrate our teachers this week, National Teacher Appreciation Week. 

May God continue to bless our school community!  

Groundbreaking for New Guidance Building
On April 17^th, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to celebrate the start of construction on a new guidance building.  Located between the  A Building and Patriot Plaza, the building will house the Pat Call and Irene Culmo Center for College & Career Guidance and the Desmond Family Success Center. The 4,685 square foot project will house offices for guidance staff, conference room, testing center, and over 1500 square feet of collaboration and gathering spaces with direct access to outdoor seating. Members of the Culmo and Desmond families and Pat Call all participated in the ceremony and pictures as did the directors of the centers, Mrs. Iris Martinez and Mrs. Betty Vinson.

Groundbreaking for A Building & Main Entrance Renovations
On April 29^th, another groundbreaking ceremony took place on campus, this time for a renovation project for the ‘A’ Building and Main entrance.  The renovation is going to transform our entryway, main reception, and administrative offices, as well as update the 2^nd floor ‘A’ building classrooms.  It will enhance the school in efficiency, security and create an overall better flow on campus.  Members of the Alvarez family, the family who made the project possible with their generous support, were present including Maximo Alvarez Sr. who  gave a touching speech. Special thanks to the advancement team for coordinating the event as well as to Dr. Burrus, The Patriot Club, and Mr. Cooper.

In an effort to foster environmental stewardship and sustainability, Columbus launched its new Recycling Circular Economy Program at a school-wide rally on Earth Day, April 22, 2024. That day, students in the environmental club informed the student body and faculty that Columbus has partnered with the company Geared For Green to recycle, repurpose, and reuse plastic bottles and aluminum cans to minimize waste and environmental impact.  The bottles and cans collected on campus will be transformed into apparel and other products and eventually be available for sale, generating a circular economy system.  Columbus is the first high school in the country to partner with Geared For Green for a program of this kind.   With the help of grant funds, Columbus was able to purchase 40 new recycling bins which have been placed throughout campus.  At the rally, students played Plastic Bottle Basketball and mascot Mr. Explorer wore a green cape with our new environmental club logo.  The homerooms of the following teachers won the recycling drive, bringing in the most plastic water bottles:  Mrs. Kenia Gonzalez, Mr. Guest, Mr. Landera, Mr. Rafael Diaz.  They were each given a plant and their homeroom students were treated to a bagel breakfast:  Special thanks to the environmental club, led by President Angelo Azzaretto, Ms. Taylor, Mrs. Aycart, Mr. Marinelli and Mr. van Hemert.

Congratulations to all the students who were recognized at our Marist Achievement Awards, held this year at Jungle Island.  This annual awards ceremony celebrates the success of our students in academics and extra-curricular activities. Thank you to all the Columbus family members that were in attendance. Special thanks to Ms. Rayneri.   

Congratulations to the outstanding Explorers who were celebrated at our recent ACT Recognition Ceremony where they received distinguished honor chords. We are proud to announce that 165 of our seniors achieved membership in the prestigious 30+/25+ Club, with an impressive 58 students scoring an exceptional 30 or higher on the ACT. Special thanks to Dr. Vila.

Congratulations to all the Explorers and families who were invited to the 3rd Quarter Principal's Breakfast.   Your hard work and dedication to academic excellence are truly commendable. Special thanks to Dr. Vila.

The Track & Field team took first place (with the highest team score in school history, 349 pointes) at the district championship. Congratulations to Coach Areces and the team.  Good luck at Regionals this week!

After beating Hialeah Gardens in the Quarter Finals (11-1) and Braddock in the Finals (3-2), Columbus won the District Championship.  Good luck to coaches Weber and Casals and the entire team as they compete in the regionals.

Lacrosse Team- District Champions
The Lacrosse team had a record season (13-8) and won the district championship and the quarter final regional game against Palmetto (12-4).  Thank you to coaches Herandez and Morrisey.

The Volleyball Team also had a record breaking season (16-9) and were the District Runner-up team. Thank you  to coaches Thews and Essig.

Congratulations to our Water Polo team on an outstanding season.  They set a school record (19-9) and finished as the District Runner-Up. They were ranked #20 in the country and defeated the nationally ranked Saint Thomas Aquinas twice. Their journey from last year's performance to securing the 6th place out of 61 teams in Florida this year is remarkable. Special thanks to Coach Garcia-Soto who has guided them to exceptional progress.

Tennis Team – Achieves School Record
Tennis was the fourth spring sport to break a school record this year (4-3).  They finished in fourth place in the  Districts.  Thank you Coach Garrandes.

University of Miami Visited Admitted Seniors
We welcomed the University of Miami’s Great Start Program for a presentation to our UM admitted students. The presentation focused on how to prepare for a smooth start to their time at UM and how to be successful throughout their college experience.

Externships Seminars

We welcomed Raymond Rodriguez-Torres '94, Chairman of Live Like Bella Childhood Cancer Foundation, Thomas Kruczek, Columbus President, and Anthony Lopez ’07, Columbus Infrastructure Analyst, to the Externship Seminar Series in April.  They spoke about their career paths and shared insights from their experience in business and academia.  Thank you Mrs. Anderson.

CCNN Live Received 11 NATAS Student Production Awards
CCNN Live won a remarkable 11 National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Suncoast Chapter, Student Production Awards:  Best Newscast:  Carlos Soto-Angulo, Adrian Perez, Andrew Ahrendt, Christopher Gonzalez, Lucas Batalla, Morgan Lewis, Rodolfo Gonzalez, Thomas Zarut; Best Serious News Report:  Carlos Soto-Angulo, Andrew Ahrendt, Gabe Fraga, Aidan Galan, Matthew Quesada, Jason Fernandez; Best Light News Reports: Andrew Ahrendt, Carlos Soto-Angulo, Nicholas Dovales, Matthew Quesada, Gabe Fraga, Jason Fernandez, Juan Pablo Piña, Christopher Gonzalez, Abbey Suarez, Morgan Lewis, Nico Oliva, Sebastian Broche, Brandon Pineyro Multimedia Journalist:  Sebastian Broche; Video Essay:

Andrew Ahrendt, Carlos Soto-Angulo, Jason Fernandez, Rodolfo Gonzalez; Sports Story or Segment: Nicholas Dovales, Andrew Ahrendt, Thomas Zarut, Gabe Fraga, Adriano Boutros, Nico Oliva, Jason Fernandez Animation/Graphics/Special Effects: Jason Fernandez, Sebastian Broche, Nicholas Dovales, Alejandro Broche, Andrew Ahrendt; Director: Sebastian Broche Talent - News or Sports: Andrew Ahrendt.  Special thanks to Mr. Delgado, Mrs. Insua, and Ms. Rodriguez.

Night of the Stars Prom For Teens with Special Needs
The 2^nd Annual Night of the Stars Prom hosted by the LINK Club was a radiant display of inclusion and love. This special night brought together over 100 teens and adults with special needs, their families, and over 140 student and parent volunteers, for a celebration filled with joy, friendship, and laughter. From a red carpet entrance to an Hora Loca, our guests were celebrated and their unique personalities were embraced. Special thanks to LINK Club President John-Barry Bertematti, Mrs. Gonzalez-Rojas, Mrs. Debra Martinez, Mr. Carlos Nunez and Ms. Belkys Llontop. Both CBS4 and Channel 7 came out to cover the event, VIEW NEWS COVERAGE.

Congratulations to all the students who were recognized at the Campus Ministry Awards. They included Altar Servers, Morning Prayer Leaders, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors, Marist Youth Leaders, Retreat Leaders and Music Ministry. These Campus Ministry Leaders were recognized for their service to our Columbus community, and various Archdiocese of Miami parishes and schools. Thank you Mr. Gerardo Gonzalez and to the Marist Brothers, Administration, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and Campus Ministers who have guided and served these young men.

Columbus Films won four regional Student Production Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, making it the second most successful  program in the southeast region (Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana). Aiden Cuervo won two for  Animation, Graphic, Special Effects for his animated film Trails of Twelve and another for Audio/Sound. Lucas Artime and OLLA student who is part of Columbus Films Olivia Reyes won for Writing for the film Brooklyn, Always. Also,  Columbus Films was perfect at the FSPA Spring Digital competition, placing in all five categories. Mauricio Can't Get a C won the prestigious All Florida Award and Best of the Best for Comedy Film. Space Prisoner received an Excellent rating with Diego Moure, Rafael Suarez, and Andres Wallis, receiving Honorable Mentions.  Thank you Mr. Diaz, Mr. Ulloa and Mrs. Medico.

Last Signing Day of the Year
Congratulations to the following student-athletes who have signed on to play their port in college: Gus Ferriero (Volleyball, Eastern University); Franklin Francisco (Baseball, Miami Dade College); Luca Carriles-Alvarado (Baseball, Colby College); Daniel Garcia (Cross Country/Track & Field, Babson College); Jo Nunez (Cross Country/Track & Field, Florida International University); Alejandro Masferrer (Lacrosse, Catholic University); Elijah Castano (Lacrosse, Palm Beach Atlantic); James Dean (Lacrosse, Goucher College).

Our Esports Smash Brothers Crew qualified for the state finals. Led by team captain Daniel Guzman, the team defeated Lawton Chiles High School, clinching their spot in the finals after an amazing back and forth matchup. A huge congratulations to Daniel and his team of Carlos Blanch, Ryan Linaje, William Zayas, Aidan Nunez and Sebastian Canto. Thank you Mr. Sanchez and Mr. Harriman.

The Black Student Organization hosted a financial literacy presentation with financial advisor Daniel Brea ’95.  Mr. Brea explained the basics of trading, investing, and career paths in the financial sector.  Thank you Mr. Campbell and Mr. Guest.

Columbus hosted 100 special needs children and hundreds of high school volunteers for the 5th Annual Gear Up For Autism.  This event provides children with special needs the opportunity to play sports and take part in various activities such as art and dance, while being buddied up with a high schooler. The day concluded with an awards ceremony where each child received a medal, their favorite sports gear and a pair of New Balance running shoes in honor of the late Sebatian Ortiz who founded this event with Diego Ramos '18. Special thanks to Mrs. Galvez-Cuesta, Mr. Ventura, Mrs. Clute, and Mrs. Gonzalez-Rojas.

The car club attended the Barrett Jackson auction where they heard from the presidents of Shelby America and  Barrett Jackson, a once in a lifetime opportunity for our car enthusiast Explorers. Thank you Mrs. Alonso.

Castaways Against Cancer Week
Another successful Castaway week in the books. A total of $2,000 was raised and 200 students participated by playing basketball, soccer, FIFA tournaments, trivia and card-games.  Special thanks to Martin Seals ‘24,  Mr. Pino, Mr. Corazon Mr. Hermida, Mr. Harriman, Mr. Bussato, Mr. Landera, Mr. Crossman, and Mr. Clark.

The Knights of Columbus and Squires Club came together for their End of Year Picnic 2024 at AD Barnes Park. It was a day filled with laughter, games, and delicious food for everyone to enjoy. Special thanks to Br. Eladio and Mr. Clark.

The Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved “Castaways Against Cancer Beach” as the official name for the section of Hobie Beach that the nonprofit sets sail from every year for its 170-mile journey.  The founder is longtime Columbus history teacher Mr. Steve O’Brien and majority of the kayaking team are Columbus teachers and alumni.  This is a major milestone for the Castaways and our Columbus community.  A sign and plaque will be displayed on site honoring the organization's impact on fighting cancer. Check it out for yourselves and join the Castaways team on Saturday, June 8th at 7 AM before they launch for Key West.

Congratulations are in order for Daniel Malabet and Alexis Penalver for their poem, An Artifical Dawn, being selected out of nearly 400 to be read on stage at Poetry Night at The Barnacle at Barnacle State Park. This is the event’s highest recognition for poem submissions.  Alexander Valcarcel’s two poems You Sit and Talk and Hummingbird are among the 48 poems selected prominent display under the main pavilion. Thank you Mr. Busatto.

 

The Jiu-Jitsu Club, in partnership with Newbreed BJJ,  hosted its second Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament on campus with over 450 competitors. Special thanks to Mr. Garcia and Mr. De Tuya.

Students from the Black Student Organization and the LINK Club visited the Shaping Academy, a school for children with special needs, to provide service, mentorship, and friendship.  

Spring Break Europe Trip

Over spring break, Coach Dukes, Coach Campbell and Ms. Romero took 17 students and two parents to South Africa. Over the course of 11 days, the group navigated through Paris, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Amsterdam.  They learned about the cultural practices that many South Africans experienced through the inhuman hardships of the apartheid and more. The group traveled to Soweto, Mandela House, The Cradle of Humankind, Apartheid Museum, Sterkfontein Caves, and Grasktop Gorge.  They also visited Long Tom Misty Mountain for a fun Toboggan ride and Kruger National Park to experience wild animals within their natural habitat.  In the Langa Township, the boys witnessed the ongoing raw aftereffects of segregation. Special thanks to Dr. Lee for starting the process for this trip and being with the group in spirit.

Juniors and Seniors represented Columbus at the Encounter at Esopus, New York. Thanks to Ms. McCullagh, Br. Dittus, and Marist Young Adult Diego Negrin '23.

During Easter Break, Columbus and Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart  LINK Club members volunteered at the World Autism Field Day at Crystal Academy,  a school for neurodivergent children and others with  varying disabilities.

Ms. Kimberly Brown and Mr. Carlos Moro represented Columbus at Sharing Our Call 2 at Esopus, New York.  The program is designed for faculty and staff that look to deepen their understanding of Marist mission and spirituality.

Senior and CCNN Live member, Sebastian Broche, was chosen as the Broadcast Journalist of the Year by the Florida Scholastic Press Association. 

Freshman and CCNN Live member, Armando Hernandez, was chosen as the Aspiring Young Journalist of the Year by the Florida Scholastic Press Association. 

 Carla Bates Named Technology Director
Carla Bates, who has been serving as Columbus’ Interim Director of Technology, has been appointed as our Director of Technology. Carla has exemplified a strong commitment to Columbus’ technological advancement. Carla's promotion is a testament to her hard work, leadership, expertise, and exemplary contributions to our campus community. Congratulations Carla!

Rosa "Rosie" Napoles was hired in April to assist Colleen Anderson in the Externships & Internships Office.  Welcome Rosie!

Jennifer Botten Joins Finance Office
Jennifer Botten was hired as Senior Accountant to assist in the Finance Office with financial statements.  Welcome Jennifer!

 From Water Polo to Soccer and beyond, our summer programs offer dynamic experiences for youth interested in a range of fields like broadcast journalism, sports, music, and adventure. Led by our experienced camp directors, who are esteemed members of the Columbus faculty and staff, each camp blends hands-on learning, exploration, and reflection both indoors and outdoors. Join us for an unforgettable summer of growth and fun! VIEW SUMMER CAMPS  

Important May Dates to Remember:
Week of 5/6:  Teacher Appreciation Week & Fleet Week
5/6 – 17:  AP Exams
5/10:  Senior Prom (7pm Hilton Miami Downtown)
5/11:  Columbus Films Showcase (7pm, LBC)
5/16:  Mas Family Program Senior Pinning Ceremony (6:30pm Café)
5/21:  Blue Missions Parent Meeting (6pm, Café)
5/22:  Br. Eladio Star Awards (2pm, DiMare Lecture Hall)
5/23:  Class of 2024 Baccalaureate Mass (6pm, Epiphany Church)
5/25: Class of 2024 Graduation (UM Watsco Center, 10am) 
5/27:  Memorial Day Holiday (No School)
5/30:  Class of 2024 Senior BBQ