Off and Running...
Literally, since the school year started, we have been off and running. While it is not a sprint, things are certainly moving forward quickly! We have accomplished so much already in such a short period of time. I am grateful for the hard work of our entire school community.

 

Let's make it a great October.

Adelante!

Columbus Named to Advanced Placement School Honor Roll
The College Board announced that Christopher Columbus High School has been named to the Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning Gold distinction. Our school was also recognized with the AP Access Award. The AP School Honor Roll and the AP Access Award recognize schools whose AP programs broaden access for students to excel in advanced college-level coursework. 

National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists & Commended Students
We are pleased to announce that nine of our seniors have been recognized in the 2023/24 National Merit Scholarship Program. Lucas Hengartner and Gonzalo Palenzuela have been named semifinalists for being among Florida's highest scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT test and will continue in the competition.  In addition, the following seniors received letters of commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise:  Aiden De Varona, Nicholas Diaz, Samuel Polo- Varona, Diego Rodriguez (not pictured), James Sacher, Mateo A Silva and Mario Villaverde.  Congratulations to these exceptional students as well as to our dedicated team of Marist educators who have helped in their preparation.

Alvarez Family Transformational Gift
The Alvarez family of Sunshine Gasoline Distributors announced that they will make a transformational gift to Columbus  for the renovation of the main entrance and A Building.  Maximo Alvarez has deep ties to Columbus and to the Marist Brothers as he and his brother attended the Maristas School in Havana, Cuba.  Maximo’s two sons, nephew and son-in-law all graduated from Columbus throughout the last three decades.  The gift will fund a pivotal campus improvement project which will allow for improved security, updated classrooms, improved accessibility, and the consolidation of the school’s administrative offices.  Plans are in the works to break ground on the project in June, 2024. The entire family visited Columbus for a group picture.

Homecoming Court
As is the tradition, we recognized the 2023 Homecoming Court at the Homecoming Game.  Congratulations to the Homecoming King and Queen (Jack Horruitiner and Brianna Tamayo) as well as to the Prince and Princess (Enrique Valladares and Lucia Jurado). 

Varsity Football News
The Explorer Football Team went undefeated in September with big wins against Clearwater Academy, Killian, Tampa Jesuit, Palmetto, Northwestern and at the Homecoming Game against Miami Senior High.  

The Pat Call and Irene Culmo Center for College & Career Guidance hosted 23 College Rep Visits in September as well as two admission events (University of Notre Dame ‘On the Road’ and the ‘Evening with Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Princeton and U Chicago’). We also welcomed Marymount University's President, Athletic Director, and Associate Vice President for Enrollment.  Thank you Mrs. Martinez, Mrs. De La Osa, and Mr. Levy.

Wednesday Workshops for Seniors
The team also kicked off their Wednesday Workshops with specific themes after school to provide engaging sessions aimed at helping seniors with their college applications and hosted the first of several College Application Days to help seniors with their college applications, essays, and resumes. 

Thanks to the Campus Ministry Leaders for the wonderful Encounter Experience that they organized for our Juniors and Seniors:   Lucas Artime, Andres Gomez, Arturo Sanchez, Diego Tejera, Mrs. Reynaldo, Mr. E. González, Mr. Gulesian, and Mr. G. González.

The sophomores experienced their own retreat in September.  Thank you to leaders:  Brady Carroll, Michael Mora, Luciano Manrique, Orlando Hoyos, Robert Chica, Samuel Polo-Varona, Alexander Naranjo-Sanchez, Daniel Prieto, Marco Cortes, Mr. M. Chica, Br.  Dittus, Mr. Hernandez, and Mr. G. González.

 

Golf Team News
The Golf Team has been traveling, competing, and improving every week.  They placed 6th out of 29 teams and 4th overall in 3A schools at Windermere vs. the World in Orlando, placed 4th in the longest running 18 hole tournament in the state and placed 2nd at the Dade County Youth Fair Golf Invitational. Thank you Coach Marinelli.

Renowned Speaker Addressed Students on Substance Abuse Prevention & Mental Health Awareness
We were blessed to have Stephen Hill, bestselling author, recovery coach, defense attorney and founder of Speak Sobriety address our student body and educate them on the negative effects of substance misuse and drug/alcohol addiction all while stressing the importance of making good decisions, not destructive ones.

A successful Club Fair was held in the cafeteria.  Students were encouraged to sign up for one of our diverse clubs and activities (over 70 in total).  Participating in clubs are a great way to explore one’s interests and make new friends.  Thank you SAC!

 

Whether it’s the Rocket League, Apex, Overwatch 2, or Civilization 6, Columbus Esports is on top. In September, our Explorers had stunning victories against Port St. Joe High School (congrats star players, Alexzander Cano, Julian Ferrer, and Alexander Jorge), the St. Ignatius Bulldogs (congrats Jose Escandell),  Indian River Charter (congrats Christian Macias) and Gadsen County High (congrats Alexander Arroche).  Thank you to moderators Mr. Harriman and Mr. Sanchez.

The Swim Team competed against South Dade High School and came away with a strong win over the Buccaneers. Congrats to Michael Grenier for finishing in first place in both the 100 breaststroke and 500 free, Gabriel Perez for finishing first in the 50 Free, and Diego Gonzalez, first in the 200IM and 100 Free. Thank you Coach Dukes.

 

Ctech Members Attend ShiftinEdu Professional Development
Several faculty members who are also Ctech support staff attended the ShiftinEdu Technology Professional Development Conference at St. Stephen Episcopal School. 

The following students participated in an educational, service-based mission trip in El Paso Texas to learn about our nation’s immigration issues and volunteer in a migrant shelter:  Eduardo Cabrera, Luis Pedro Caicedo,  Sebastian Charris, Anthony Delgado, Nikolas Jenkins, Nicolas Lavin, Camilo Nunez de Villaciencio, Anthony Pargas, Mike Rodriguez, and Nielsun Sanchez.  These Explorers attended lectures from the Jesuit Refugees Services, ex-Border Patrol officials, immigration lawyers, and shelter volunteers. They also spent two days serving and sharing with migrants in the Holy Family Shelter. Special thanks to Brother Al for facilitating the trip and Mr. Hermedia for accompanying our young men. 

Pickleball is the fastest-growing recreational sport in the United States and although it is associated with older generations, it also has a following among teenagers.  The club was initiated by seniors Julian Garcia and Julio Ocon and is moderated by business teacher Mr. Corazon.  The Club plays at Tropical Park twice a month.

The HIP (Health Information Project) Club has formed at Columbus with Ms. Valdes as the moderator.   HIP empowers teens to deliver health information to their peers and aims to ensure that every kid in the U.S. is healthy, physically and emotionally. HIP addresses critical health topics such as self-esteem, stress, anxiety, depression, grief, drugs, vaping, and much more.  HIP Clubs can be found in a variety of schools in South Florida.  Learn More About HIP

Our Marist Youth co-ed prayer, faith, and social group is planned and facilitated by student leaders and brings together students from Columbus, Lourdes, St. Brendan’s, Archbishop McCarthy and other schools.  This year’s Student Leaders are:  JC Diaz, James Sacher, Andres Ortega, Victoria Fernandez (OLLA), Lucas Gonzalez, Cameron Jones, Antwuan Simmons, Gabi Dreize (OLLA), Lauren Perez (OLLA), Alex Valcarcel, Danny Malabet, and Andi Lavin (OLLA).  Special thanks to Br. Tom, Ms. Valdez, Br. Peter, Mr. Rodriguez, Br. Dittus, and Mr. Machado.

Our school’s marketing campaign this year featured three outstanding students who are representing Columbus exceptionally well:  Malik Abdullahi (Honors student, 2X National & State Champion Basketball Player), Alberto Mendoza (Mas Honors Student, State Champion Quarterback, Miami-Dade Class 4M Football Player of the Year) and John Barry Bertematti  (Mas Scholar, Student Body President, Silver Knight Nominee and Founder of LINK Club which helps individuals with disabilities).  Always Ahead!

Senior Nicholas McCormick ‘24 earned the title of Eagle Scout.  His project entailed the building of grow boxes for the Columbus science department.  Now students are growing organic vegetables on campus with Nicholas' creations.

 

The Knights of Columbus awarded a scholarship to  Nicolas Merchan '26. Nicholas was on campus to accept the award accompanied by his mother and sister.

Danny Castillo '25 won the Guitar Center's Lesson Crossroads Contest.  He won for the submission  of his lead guitar performance of Eric Clapton's "Crossroads". As a winner, Danny performed at the Crossroads Music Festival in Los Angeles which was founded by Eric Clapton. Congratulations Danny!

The Florida Scholastic Press Association has appointed Omar Delgado, Columbus long-time teacher, CCNN moderator, and educational specialist as its new Evaluations Coordinator.