Christopher Columbus High School

A Catholic School for Young Men in the Marist Tradition since 1958

May/June 2024 Principal's Newsletter

From the Office of Principal David Pugh

Forging Greatness!
Yet another historic year, one that most certainly exceeded expectations!  Congratulations to the graduating class of 2024!  Thank you for representing our school with dignity and pride. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence have set a high standard for future classes. We are incredibly proud of your achievements and the positive impact you have made on our school community.

Thank you to our Marist Brothers! We witness their leadership on campus as they live the mission and inspire us with their presence, simplicity, family spirit, and love of work. I also would like to recognize and applaud the commitment of our Marist Educators who teach, guide, lead, and mentor our young men in the Marist Charism.  Lastly, thank you to the parents for your sacrifice, support, and cooperation throughout the school year. We appreciate you! 

We now set our sights on preparing for the 2024-2025 school year! Explorers, it is time to develop, mature, and focus on your college and career aspirations. It is time to expect more from yourselves. Develop the work ethic and mindset for success. Christopher Columbus High School provides you with the best resources and facilities to achieve your goals, the rest is up to you! I encourage you to have a productive summer! Take time to read more, strengthen your faith, serve your community, and plan for your future. Make good decisions, not destructive ones, and stay safe. Avoid complacency and always strive to do your best. 

God bless you all. Adelante! 
Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
On May 25th, 420 Columbus Explorers joined our alumni brotherhood after graduating in a beautiful ceremony at the University of Miami’s Watsco Center. Together they earned more than $27 million in scholarships and completed over 67,000 hours in service to our community.  They will be attending Ivy League and top national, local and international colleges and universities.  We hope that the moral foundation they received at Columbus will guide them throughout their life-long learning and that they will always stay close to our school family.   Special thanks to Ms. Ramirez for coordinating the graduation ceremony.
Kudos to the Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and Helmsman
Congrats to Valedictorian Mario Villaverde who will  attend Columbia University and Salutatorian Andrew Vasta who will attend the University of Notre Dame. Our Helmsman speaker was Martin Seals who will attend Morehouse College. They all represented the Class of 2024 brilliantly and gave inspirational speeches at the graduation ceremony.
Marcus Lemonis ’91 Made a Surprise Appearance at Graduation
We were honored to welcome entrepreneur, philanthropist, and TV personality Marcus Lemonis from the class of 1991 to the stage at graduation. His inspiring message to the class of 2024 highlighted the connections and shared values that unite all Columbus Explorers
Baccalaureate Mass
As is our tradition, the Baccalaureate Mass for the class of 2024 was held on the Thursday before graduation at Epiphany Catholic Church.  This was an opportunity for our seniors, accompanied by their families, to reflect on their high school years and their journey in faith. The Mass was filled with heartfelt prayers, uplifting music, and inspiring messages, reminding us of the importance of faith in our lives.  Special thanks to Mr. Gonzalez and the Campus Ministry team.
Senior Prom – Fire & Ice
Senior prom was a memorable evening of dancing, performances and celebration.  With the theme Fire & Ice, the event took place at Hilton Miami Downtown. Special thanks to the SAC team of Ms. Brown and Mrs. Alonso and all the faculty and staff members who served as chaperones.
Farewell Senior BBQ Picnic
The last Columbus event for the Class of 2024 was the annual Barbeque Picnic, followed by the diploma and yearbook distribution.  Come back to see us soon Explorers!
Columbus Continues to Lead Miami-Dade in Silver Knight Awards
We are proud to report that Columbus had another great showing at the 66th Annual Silver Knight Awards on May 22nd. Once again, we led Miami-Dade County with one Silver Knight Award Winner:  Dominic Gato (Digital & Interactive Media) and four Honorable Mentions: John-Barry Bertematti (Athletics), Alex Valcarcel (Drama), Sebastian Broche (Journalism) and Jovan Rojas (Music).  This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of our Explorers, faculty, and staff. Special thanks to Mrs. Galvez-Cuesta, Mrs. Clute, Mr. Lynskey, Mr. Corazon, Br. Edmund, Mrs. Amador, Mr. Lewis, Nick Stanham and JB Aleman.
Track & Field Team Won the State Championship
Congratulations to the Track & Field Team for their outstanding achievement as the 2024 Florida High School Athletic Association Class 4A Co-State Champions. This win marked our third team state championship in this  school year.  Special congratulations to Varsity Coach Areces and Assistant Coach Hardwick.
Track & Field Championship Celebration
After the Memorial Day weekend holiday, we returned to school on the May 28th and started the day with a celebration for the Track & Field team.  It was a full gym that morning at the assembly with the Freshmen, Sophomore and Junior classes all cheering for our state champions.

Fleet Week at Columbus
Our Explorers had an unforgettable experience during Miami Dade County’s first ever Fleet Week.  Our school was proud to host several members of the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard who gave our Explorers exciting physical and mental challenges.  The highlight of the week was a breathtaking show on the field by the Navy’s Leap Frog parachuting team.  It was a week filled with adventure and inspiration. Special thanks to Mrs. Alonso and Ms. Brown for coordinating the activities. WATCH CHANNEL 10 NEWS COVERAGE
Visual Arts Field Trip
Mr. Ventura and Mr. Pino took students studying the Visual Arts on a field trip to visit local art in Miami. The stops included the areas of South Miami, Coconut Grove, Wynwood, and Overtown where graffiti and mural art have become a defining feature of Miami Culture.  WATCH TRIP VIDEO
Inaugural Columbus Launchpad Winners Announced
We are happy to announce the winners of the inaugural Columbus Launchpad, a program which funds and supports faculty/student collaborative initiatives that impact our communities in innovative ways.  Seven applications were received of which three were selected to present live in front of our Columbus Launchpad Committee. The LINK Club was the top winner and received $25,000 for their project  (Students: John Barry Bertematti, Sebastian Tamayo; Faculty: Debra Martinez, Belkis Llontop, Jeannette Gonzalez-Rojas, Carlos Nunez).  The second place award went to Media For Minorities $7,500 (Student: Sebastian Broche; Faculty: Christina Insua, Omar Delgado) and the third place award $2,500 went to Access to Literacy Technology (Student: Christian San Juan, Faculty: Iris Martinez).  Special thanks to Tom Abraham '71, and to Mr. Ramos, Mrs. Cue and the advancement team.   
Explorers Take a Record Number of AP Tests
A total of 1,996 AP tests were given to 698 students.  This marks a record for the school. We are proud that more and more of our students are stepping up to the challenge of the rigorous AP coursework in preparation for higher education. Thank you to Ms. Rayneri and counselors.

 
New Maia Learning College/Career Platform is Launched
Our Center for College and Career Guidance held a Junior assembly in partnership with the School Counseling Department, the Mas Family Program, the Director of Service Learning, and the Externship & Internship Team to introduce our latest college and career readiness platform, Maia Learning.  The platform is designed to engage students, help them build life skills and promote college and workplace readiness.   
College Information Sessions
In partnership with Vanderbilt University, the University of Chicago, Columbia University, and Brown University, College and Career Services hosted information sessions for students and families.  Thank you Mrs. Iris Martinez and team.
Patriot Club Service Project
Members of the Patriot Club participated in Operation We Who Serve by delivering household product necessities to veterans.  Thank you to students William Owen, Lucas Rivera, Tyler Campos, Vincent Keane, and Lorenzo Manzieri for participating.  Special thanks to Dr. Burrus and Mr. Shepphard.

Band Performed a Mother's Day Concert
The talented Columbus Band held a concert in the cafeteria in honor of Mother's Day.   Under the guidance of Musical Director, Mr. Cooper, the band members showcased their musical prowess.  Their dedication and passion for music shone brightly throughout the evening. 
Columbus Films Won Audience Award at FilmGate Miami
The Columbus Films documentary, Beautiful Disaster, won the Audience Award at FilmGate Miami, one of the longest running monthly short film series in Florida and the place where professional independent filmmakers often premiere their films. Beautiful Disaster was the only one of ten films screened at the event which was produced by a student; all others were produced by professionals. Written and directed by senior Andres Wallis and edited by junior Rafael Suarez, this documentary chronicles the ups and downs Columbus Films experienced at the All American High School Film Festival last October. VIEW BEAUTIFUL DISASTER HERE.   Special thanks to Mr. Diaz, Mr. Ulloa, and Mrs. Medico.
Br. Eladio Star Awards
We held the Br. Eladio Stars Awards to recognize students who have demonstrated significant academic  improvement and who have had accomplishments outside the classroom in extracurricular activities and service.  The awards are named after Brother Eladio Gonzalez, a longtime Columbus counselor and educator.   Students received certificates and enjoyed a celebration after the ceremony.  Special thanks to  Mrs. Vinson and Dr. Vila.
Mas Family Program Recognition Ceremony
The Class of 2024 Mas Family Program students were celebrated for their exceptional accomplishments at a recognition ceremony in the cafeteria.  It was a well-deserved tribute to honor their unwavering dedication and hard work in the rigorous program.  One of the program’s founders and CEO of MasTec Inc., Jose Mas, was present to help award the students. Thank you to Mrs. Galvez-Cuesta, Mrs. Amador, Mrs. Clute, and Mr. Lewis.  
Columbus' Ice Hockey Club Team Featured on CBS 4 News
Columbus is the only school in Miami-Dade County to have an Ice Hockey Club Team that competes in the Florida Panthers Scholastic League.  The team, led by coach Gus Diaz, was featured on CBS4 News.  Thank you Mr. Pino.

CHECK OUT THE NEWS STORY HERE
Campus Ministry Retreat Leaders Meeting
Campus Ministry Retreat Leaders met to begin the groundwork for the 2024-2025 retreat program. Thank you to Mr. Gonzalez.
Marist Youth Gathering in New York
Columbus was well represented at the annual Marist Youth Gathering in Esopus New York which is a four-day youth festival which brings together youth and adults from U.S. Marist schools and parishes, and from several Marist schools from our neighboring Provinces.  Our Campus Ministry Retreat Leaders, Marist Youth Leaders, and SQUIRES members, were accompanied by teachers and alumni, Mr. Chacon and Mr. Ortega as well as Br. Dittus. 
Campus Ministry Leaders Led Confirmation at St. Patrick’s Parish
Campus Ministry Retreat Leaders, Br. John Healy, and Mr. Connell led the Sacrament of Confirmation Retreat at St. Patrick Catholic Parish in Miami Beach.
Retreat Leader Formation with Dr. Vila
As part of the Campus Ministry Retreat Leaders formation, guest speaker Dr. Juan Vila, Academic Dean, who has a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, presented the topic Leading Small Groups: How to deal with Challenging Issues.  Thank you Dr. Vila.
 
Spanish Honor Society Induction
Congratulations to the new members of the Spanish Honor Society (Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica) which recognizes high school achievement in Spanish and promotes interest in Hispanic studies.  Thank you Mrs. Medico.  
Law Honor Society Induction Ceremony
The Columbus Explorers Chapter of The Florida Law Honor Society held an induction ceremony for an exceptional group of young men interested in the field of Law. As part of the ceremony, they received certificates, pins, and chords. Thank you Dr. Lee and Mr. Hermedia.
CCNN Placements at Spring Nationals
CCNN Live had outstanding results at their final contest of the year, the Student Television Network Spring Nationals. Once again the team demonstrated excellence and dedication, earning First Place for Sports Highlight, Third place in the News Division, as well for the Arts/Culture Feature Story, Sports Feature Story, and Sports Highlight.  These achievements reflect the hard work and talent of our students and their commitment to storytelling and journalism. Special thanks to Mr. Delgado, Mrs. Insua, Mr. Busatto and Ms. Rodriguez.
Externship Palooza @ Columbus  (Week of June 17)
There is still time to sign up for one of the Externship Days that are part of Externship Palooza at Columbus. They are open to all students of all grade levels. Several of our partners will be on campus during those days to give students an overview and engaging experiences on several career areas :  Engineering (electrical, mechanical, civil, industrial, and biomedical). Business (entrepreneurship, start-ups, wealth management, banking, finance, accounting, marketing, stock market and investments, consulting) and Technology (cyber security, coding, NFTs, blockchain and crypto, health tech, AI, includes tour of FIU campus Technology).  Thank you Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Napoles.  SIGN UP HERE
Drama Troupe Wrote and Performed Full Length Show 
The Drama Troupe's May performance was the first full length show that was completely written by the students.  "Close Encounters of the Internet Kind" focused on what happens when you're on your phone too much instead of living life to the fullest.  Thank you Ms. McGrath.   
 
Meeting with Archbishop Wenski
The Columbus delegation to the Miami Community News Luncheon in May not only included President Kruczek, alumni, faculty and staff members but also three current Columbus students who are serving as members of the Campus Ministry Council.  The keynote speaker was the Archbishop of Miami Thomas Wenski.  He spoke about the success of Miami’s Catholic Schools and immigration issues. The students got to meet the Archbishop and also helped out at the event. VIEW ARTICLE IN FLORIDA THE CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER
Commitment Ceremony  for the  4th Cohort of Marists of Champagnat
Congratulations to the Miami group who completed the 2024 Marists of Champagnat formation program:  Maria Acevedo, Eyda Alegret, Krystal Alegret, Kimbery Brown, Anneris De La Hoz, Natacha Delgado, Thomas Kruczek, Keanu Orfano, Daniel Rivero Daniella Rodriguez, Maria Romero and Marilyn Romero.  Marist Brothers Provincial, Br. Dan O’Riordan, attended the Columbus ceremony and transmitted live across the nation to the different locations where commitment ceremonies were being held. Special thanks Mr. Pino and everyone who helped coordinate the ceremony,
Celebrating our Marist Brothers
On May 1st, the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, we hosted a special breakfast for our beloved Marist Brothers to celebrate Religious Brothers Day.  We thank our Marist Brothers for their spiritual guidance and mentorship to our students and faculty.  May God continue to bless our Marist Brothers.
St. Marcellin Champagnat Honored at Corpus Christi Parish Mass
On June 1st, a Mass was celebrated in honor of the 25th Anniversary of St. Marcellin Champagnat's canonization at Corpus Christi Parish's beautiful La Merced Chapel. Officiated by Fr. Jose Luis Menendez, the Mass attendees included Marist Brothers USA Provincial Br. Dan O'Riordan, Br. Kevin Handibode, Br. Edmund Sheehan, Br. Steve Kappas, Br. John Healy, and Br. Eladio Gonzalez.  The Mass was organized by Rodolfo Solares, the former president of the Cuban Maristas Alumni Association who obtained a relic of St. Marcellin and provided it to the chapel that day.  The Church-Museum La Merced holds one of the largest collections of paintings and sculptures from the Latin America Colonial period in the United States.  
Students Participated in the HOBY Leadership Seminar
Congratulations to sophomores Max Gonzalez and Eli Serote for participating in the HOBY- Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar at Lynn University. This flagship program is designed to help high school sophomores to recognize their leadership talents and apply them to become effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, and community.  Thank you Mr. Grant.
Cameron Boozer Named the Florida Dairy Farmers ‘Mr. Basketball’ for 2nd Year
Cameron Boozer '25 was named the 2024 Florida Dairy Farmers Mr. Basketball for a second consecutive year.  Our head basketball coach, Andrew Moran, was also honored by the organization as Coach of the Year.  Earlier in the month Cameron won the prestigious Ovadia Law MDBB 2024 Mr. Basketball Award for Miami-Dade County (for a 3rd consecutive year) as well as the Florida MaxPreps High School Basketball Player of the Year.    Congrats to Cameron on the recognition he has received for his incredible talent and dedication to the sport.
Sebastian Broche Awarded the  Mike Wallace Memorial Scholarship
Dedicated CCNN member, Sebastian Broche was awarded the prestigious Mike Wallace Memorial Scholarship, an honor accompanied by a $10,000 grant. This scholarship is awarded annually to a promising student pursuing a career in television journalism, funded by CBS News in memory of the esteemed correspondent Mike Wallace.
Mrs. Chomat Retired After 34 Years
Mrs. Teresa Chomat has been a guiding force in our Science Department with her quiet strength, unwavering faith, and compassionate teaching. As our first Dean of Faculty, she set the standard for professionalism, always prioritizing our students' learning and well-being. Mrs. Chomat’s leadership of the Lavalla Program for new teachers exemplifies her dedication to fostering a family spirit in the way of Mary. Thank you, Mrs. Chomat, for your tremendous contributions and continued support.
Ms. McCullagh Retired After 33 Years at Columbus
Ms. Mary McCullagh has been a cornerstone of our Social Studies program. With unwavering passion, she has inspired our Explorers in their study of history and government. As moderator of Rho Kappa - the History Honor Society - she created opportunities for civic and patriotic mindfulness. Her legacy lives on through city commissioners, state representatives, and even a state Supreme Court justice, all once her students. We are forever grateful for your dedication and impact.
Mr. Emmanuel Gonzalez Graduates with Master's Degree
Congratulations to our Theology teacher Mr. Emmanuel Gonzalez for graduating from Barry University with a Master's Degree in Theology.  He is pictured with his father and CCHS Director of Campus Ministry, Gerardo Gonzalez '89, and brother Juan Gonzalez '11.
Literary Magazine - Former Mentis
In case you missed it, our literary magazine, Forma Mentis, is live and can be viewed here. It showcases the creative talents, both in writing and art, of our students and faculty. Special thanks to editor, Dominic Gatto '24, Mr. Busatto, Mr. Linfors, Mr. Gomez, Mr. Delgado, Ms. Daniella Rodriguez, Ms. McGrath and Ms. Essig.
IMPORTANT JUNE – AUGUST DATES:
w/o 6/17: Externship Palooza (8:30am – 1:00pm, LBC)
6/19:        No Summer School
6/28:        Last Day of Summer School
8/6:          New Parent Orientation (6:00pm, Gym)
8/13:        Transfer Student Orientation (7:45am – 11:30, DiMare Lecture Hall)
8/13:         Seniors First Day (7:45 – 11:30am)
8/13:         Freshman Retreat & Device Distribution A – Fernandez (8:45am – 3:00pm, Gym)
8/14:         Juniors First Day (7:45am – 11:30am, Gym)
8/13:         Freshman Retreat & Device Distribution Figueroa - Padron (8:45am – 3:00pm, Gym)
8/15:        Sophomores First Day (7:45am – 11:30am, Gym)
8/15:        Freshman Retreat & Device Distribution Pargas - Z (8:45am – 3:00pm, Gym)
8/16:        Freshmen First Day (7:45am – 11:30am, Gym)
8/17:        Freshman Parent Party (6:00 – 9:00pm, Café)
8/19:        First Full Day of School (7:45am – 2:15pm)
8/21:        Picture Day
8/23:        Beach Bash (7:00pm – 11:00pm)
w/o 8/26: MAP Assessments
8/27:        Back to School Night (Fresh & Soph Parents, 6:00pm, Cafe)
8/28:        Back to School Nights (Junior & Senior Parents, 6:00pm, Café)
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.