Christopher Columbus High School
A Catholic School for Young Men in the Marist Tradition since 1958
September 2018 Principal's Newsletter
From the Office of Principal David Pugh
C Pride!
Now that we have completed the first marking period, let us reflect on our accomplishments. Throughout the month of October, we had many successful events and activities, as well as, academic and athletic achievements! I would like to thank those most responsible and congratulate everyone included in our success: students, teachers, moderators, guidance counselors, and coaches, as they continue to represent us in a very positive way not only in our own local South Florida community, but also throughout the entire state of Florida.
13 Seniors Recognized Nationally for Performance on SAT/NMSQT
7 Qualified as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
7 Qualified as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
Thirteen our students, seven of which are NMS Semifinalists, have been recognized nationally for their outstanding performance on the preliminary SAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). Congratulations to our National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists and Commended Students, as well as for those students who were recognized by the National Hispanic Recognition Program: Alexander Ahrens, Victor Arechavaleta, Christopher Costa (SF), Noah Defauwes, Daniel Gonzalez (SF), Lucas Musibay, David Perez, Matthew Rockwell (SF), Rafael Rodriguez (SF), Matthew Schutzen (SF), Sebastian Valdes-Denis, Emilio Valenzuela (SF), and Dante Velasco (SF).
Freshman Field Day
Freshman Field Day is an opportunity for our 9th graders to bond, compete, and enjoy fun activities together. Thank you to the seniors, Mr. Staiano, and the freshman teachers and guidance counselors who made the day possible.
Freshman Field Day is an opportunity for our 9th graders to bond, compete, and enjoy fun activities together. Thank you to the seniors, Mr. Staiano, and the freshman teachers and guidance counselors who made the day possible.
JV Debate Placed 3rd in Fleming Island High School Invitational
The JV Debate Team placed third overall at the Fleming Island High School Invitational in Jacksonville. The teams of Christopher Aguiar/Sean Buechele/William Duval and Sebastian Lasaga/Nicholas Sosa placed second in World Schools Debate and Policy Debate, respectively. Marcelo Villar-Ojito finished as the top novice speaker and 3rd place in the overall competition while Gabriel Perez finished 2nd in Dramatic Performance. At the Holy Cross Invitational, the varsity team had 16 wins and Andrew Castro was recognized as the 3rd best speaker in the Varsity Lincoln Douglas Division. Thank you Mr. Martinez and Mr. Ciocca.
The JV Debate Team placed third overall at the Fleming Island High School Invitational in Jacksonville. The teams of Christopher Aguiar/Sean Buechele/William Duval and Sebastian Lasaga/Nicholas Sosa placed second in World Schools Debate and Policy Debate, respectively. Marcelo Villar-Ojito finished as the top novice speaker and 3rd place in the overall competition while Gabriel Perez finished 2nd in Dramatic Performance. At the Holy Cross Invitational, the varsity team had 16 wins and Andrew Castro was recognized as the 3rd best speaker in the Varsity Lincoln Douglas Division. Thank you Mr. Martinez and Mr. Ciocca.
Our school played host to a Big Questions Debate with over 60 students from Braddock, Carol City, and Ronald Reagan high schools as well as Miami Gardens Middle School. Our own novice team of Marcelo Villar-Ojito/Kevin Cologne tied for first place and finished undefeated. Our students did an incredible job helping run the tournament and provide tough competition for the other schools.
Dawson Mays Becomes Eagle Scout
Congratulations to sophomore Dawson Mays for receiving the distinguished honor of Eagle Scout in September.
Commemorating 9/11
We commemorated the anniversary of 9/11 by inviting Paul Ferretti, an eyewitness who was present at the World Trade Center on that tragic day, to share his experiences and testimony with our students. Thank you Ms. McCullagh.
Club Fair
The Club Fair showcased all of Columbus’ clubs and activities, over 60 in all. We encourage students to take advantage of the school’s variety of extracurricular programs and join at least one of our many professional, international, religious, and special interest organizations. It is a way for them to make friends while building their resume. Thank you to SAC moderators Ms. Cedeno and Mrs. Gonzalez.
The Club Fair showcased all of Columbus’ clubs and activities, over 60 in all. We encourage students to take advantage of the school’s variety of extracurricular programs and join at least one of our many professional, international, religious, and special interest organizations. It is a way for them to make friends while building their resume. Thank you to SAC moderators Ms. Cedeno and Mrs. Gonzalez.
Columbus vs Belen Football Game
Rivals Under the Lights…United by the Lights
Rivals Under the Lights…United by the Lights
As always, the annual rivalry football game against Belen Jesuit attracted a sold-out crowd of over 8000 fans at Tropical Park Stadium. This year, our two schools came together like never before to honor Ari Aretega. Every football player on the field on both sides wore Ari’s #30 on their helmets, Rivals Under the Lights…United by the Lights T-shirts were worn my many of the fans from both teams, and members from Belen Jesuit presented Ari’s parents with a $8,000 check for the Ari Arteaga Foundation. The foundation derives its inspiration from Ari Arteaga’s short, but extremely blessed life. Its mission is to spread his spirit by helping children and families overcome obstacles they may face due to unforeseen hardships. The Foundation’s goal is to shine Ari’s light on their path of need. Visit the Ari Arteaga Foundation Website Here.
Swimming Team on a Winning Streak
Thus far this year, the Columbus Swim team has been quite victorious, winning against Kropp, Southridge, Hialeah Gardens, Killian, and Braddock. They also came in 2nd at the Youth Fair meet. Congratulations to Coach Dukes and the entire team!
Thus far this year, the Columbus Swim team has been quite victorious, winning against Kropp, Southridge, Hialeah Gardens, Killian, and Braddock. They also came in 2nd at the Youth Fair meet. Congratulations to Coach Dukes and the entire team!
Cross Country Defended Championship at King of the Hill
The Cross-Country Team was victorious at the King of the Hill 5K, defending their championship. Alvaro Cabaret led the race, while Alejandro Aguerri and Jonathan Villalobos also had strong performances. The Hellions also competed at the Spanish River Invitational in Boca Raton where they ended as runners-up and placed 10th at the FLRunners Invitational in Lakeland (out of the top 25 teams in Florida). Congratulations to Coach Pino and all the runners.
Guidance Department News:
Our guidance department held a Freshman Parents Information Session. It’s never too early to start preparing for college and a future career. The department also hosted 15 colleges during the month of September and are getting ready to hold a College Fair on October 15th at Columbus with the participation of approximately 110 colleges. In addition to the college fair, another 30 universities will be visiting Columbus throughout the month of October. Thank you to Ms. Vinson and our incredible guidance team.
Explorers Strengthen Their Faith Through Retreat Experiences
Our Campus Ministry Team hosted the Kerygma (Freshman), Men for God (Sophomore) and Encounter (Junior/Senior) retreats. These experiences always allow for a stepping away from day to day responsibilities to further build one’s relationship with God and neighbor. Thank you to Mr. Gonzalez and all of the students and faculty members who participated
Backpacks for Haiti
Senior Noah Defauwes has partnered with the Fondation J’aime Haïti, a non-for-profit organization that aids handicapped and economically disadvantaged children. Through his fundraising efforts, he purchased $850 worth of new backpacks for the children. He will visit Haiti in late October to distribute both new and used backpacks. If you would like to donate a backpack, please drop them off in the main office. Thank you to Mrs. Pugh and the French Department.
Twenty-two Explorers spent time at Greater Heights Academy, taking part in their Live Like Bella Sock Hop and caring for the children with special needs. Thank you to Mrs. Gonzalez-Rojas, Mrs. Martinez, and Mr. Hill.
Anglers Club Offered Boaters Safety Course
The Columbus Anglers Club, in conjunction with the Monica Burguera Foundation and the United States Coast Guard Auxillary, offered the 4th Annual Boaters Safety Course. After completion of the course, each participant was awarded the USCG Auxiliary Certificate of Accomplishment and a Florida Boating Safety Identification card. Thank you Coach Dukes!
The Columbus Anglers Club, in conjunction with the Monica Burguera Foundation and the United States Coast Guard Auxillary, offered the 4th Annual Boaters Safety Course. After completion of the course, each participant was awarded the USCG Auxiliary Certificate of Accomplishment and a Florida Boating Safety Identification card. Thank you Coach Dukes!
Benjamin Cure ‘22 & Mr. Delgado Appointed to FHSAA Media Advisory Committee
The Florida High School Athletic Association recently announced its first-ever Media Advisory Committee and freshman Benjamin Cure is the only student on the board while Teacher/CCNN Live moderator Omar Delgado '98 is the only non-media member. This appointment attests to the great reputation and knowledge that our broadcast journalism program possesses. In other CCNN News, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Student Production Awards announced that CCNN Live received six nominations for their 2018 Awards.
Joey Pozo ’19, Frankie Diaz ’19 and Tommy Pozo ‘22 were recognized at the City of South Miami Commission Meeting for their work through the Pozo Brother Book Club.
Solar Powered Charging Station
Columbus now has a solar powered charging station! Located between the A and B buildings, it not only provides our students with a method to charge their devices during breaks but also helps raise solar awareness. Thank you to Sun Charge Systems, Inc..
Columbus now has a solar powered charging station! Located between the A and B buildings, it not only provides our students with a method to charge their devices during breaks but also helps raise solar awareness. Thank you to Sun Charge Systems, Inc..
Adelante Magazine
Our Adelante Magazine, which is mailed to all Columbus alumni, received a re-design. View the Adelante Here
Our Adelante Magazine, which is mailed to all Columbus alumni, received a re-design. View the Adelante Here
New Online Store Has Launched
Wear What Explorers Wear
Wear What Explorers Wear
Shop our new online store, with guaranteed 2-day shipping, for the latest Columbus branded merchandise for men women and children. SHOP COLUMBUSEXPLORERS.SHOP.
Save the Date: 60th Anniversary Gala
March 23, 2019 / JW Marriott Marquis Miami
Join current and past faculty members, alumni, and parents at our Diamond Anniversary Celebration. It will be a memorable night! Details to Come.
March 23, 2019 / JW Marriott Marquis Miami
Join current and past faculty members, alumni, and parents at our Diamond Anniversary Celebration. It will be a memorable night! Details to Come.
Upcoming October Dates to Remember:
10/6: Sports Physicals (8:00-10:30am, Training Rm.)
10/10: Scholastic Olympics for 8th Graders (Gym, 2:30pm)
10:15: College Fair (6:30pm, Gym/Café)
w/o 10/15: Homecoming Week
10/17: Prospective Mothers’ Luncheon (10am, LBC)
10/19: Walk-a-Thon Rally (1pm, Gym)
10/19: Homecoming Dance (7pm, Miami Marriott Dadeland)
10/24: Financial Aid Workshop for Senior Parents (6:30pm, Café)
10/25-26: Sophomore Retreat (Morning Star Renewal Ctr.)
10/29/10/31: Drama Fall Show (3:30-4:30, LBC)
*Marist Youth Group meets every Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:30pm in the Chapel.
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.
