Click Here for Pictures from the Sep. 7th Opening Mass & Building Inauguration

On September 7, 2008 Christopher Columbus High School kicked off its 50th anniversary year with a special Mass celebrated by Archbishop John C. Favalora at St. Brendan’s Church followed by the grand opening of the Mas Technology Complex on the school’s campus.   The festivities included a blessing of the building by the Archbishop, its dedication to the Mas Family (sons of the late Jorge Mas Canosa who donated $2 million towards the building), and a ribbon cutting ceremony.  Commissioner Javier Souto presented a County Proclamation and donated a new “Explorer Way” sign for the school’s entrance. Afterwords, a reception took place for all in the school’s cafeteria.  In addition to Columbus’ current Principal, Br. Michael Brady, four former Columbus Principals participated; Br. Patrick McNamara, Br. Angelo Palmieri, Br. Kevin Handibode, and Br. Edmund Sheehan.  The Provincial of the Marist Brothers U.S. Province was also in attendance; Br. John Klein.

WHAT IS THE MAS TECHNOLOGY COMPLEX?
-  A state-of-the-art facility that has been under construction for 2 years and cost the school $13 million.
-  A 48,000 square foot, 3-story building surrounded by courtyards, breezeways, and landscaping which has created a new gateway to Columbus and a new face to SW 87th Avenue.
-  It houses:  1) a new digital-based library, a large multi-purpose wireless classroom, and a TV station  production studio on the 3rd floor, 2)  five computer labs on the 2nd floor, and 3) administrative offices and a school clothing store on the ground level.
-  The school was able to raise all the necessary funding for the facility through donations from alumni, alumni parents, and from the families of its current students.

ABOUT COLUMBUS & THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY
The start of the 2008/09 school year marked the 50th Anniversary of Christopher Columbus High School, a private, all-boy, Catholic, college preparatory, conducted by the Marist Brothers.  This is a milestone that will mark a new era of innovation and service to the Miami community. 

Columbus opened in 1958 with just 2 1/2 buildings and an enrollment of approximately 139 students. Over the years the school expanded, adding new buildings, facilities, and programs.  Today, Columbus sits on a sprawling 19 acre campus with an enrollment of approximately 1,340 students and has over 10,000 alumni, many of which hold prominent positions throughout South Florida and all over the world.

The mission of the school has always remained the same; “to make Jesus Christ known and loved while preparing young men for higher education and for their continuous challenge of harmonizing faith, culture and life.”   Today, the school is constantly recognized for great achievements and is truly a model for Catholic schools all over the country.  It’s consistently chosen as a top 50 Catholic High School by The Catholic High School Honor Roll and has been recognized for a successful advanced placement program by the College Board.   The school’s unique 4-level academic phasing program educates all students to their highest potential. The most rigorous phase, The Mas Family Scholars Program, is considered to be one of the most challenging high school curriculums in South Florida.

There is so much to be proud of at Columbus, but most of the school family will probably say that what makes Columbus so special is the one-of-a-kind Marist teaching style and spirituality.  As a Marist Brothers school, Columbus is dedicated to provide a quality Christian education. Students are guided toward a future rich in prayer, service and knowledge. They are immersed in a spirituality of humility and simplicity with a commitment to social justice.  They learn in a community of faith, friendship and mutual support. There is a fierce sense of loyalty, enthusiasm, and family spirit at Columbus that has only gotten stronger over the years. 

Columbus is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the grand opening of the Mas Technology Complex..  The addition of this $13 million facility to the campus demonstrates the great commitment that the school has to technology.    “What better way to celebrate our 50th anniversary than with the opening of this building.” said Br. Kevin Handibode, school President.  “In a way, this facility represents what we plan for the future of our school.  It sets precedence for great innovation.  At Columbus we will always strive to provide the newest and best educational programs for our students so that they can reach their academic and personal excellence.  At the same time we will always preserve the traditions and legacy of the old Columbus.” he said.