Christopher Columbus High School
A Catholic School for Young Men in the Marist Tradition since 1958
August 2023 Principal's Newsletter
From the Office of Principal David Pugh
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.
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!
During the week of August 14th, we welcomed each class individually to review protocol and establish expectations. The sessions also served as great opportunities for our Explorers to build comradery with their classmates.
Three Masses were celebrated in the gym in August by year level. Our Masses for both the Sophomores and Juniors were celebrated by proud Columbus alum, Fr. Andrew Tomonto ’09 and our Senior Mass was celebrated by Rev. Bryan Garcia. A special prayer service was held for the freshman with the purpose of introducing them to St. Marcellin Champagnat, The Marist Brothers and our school's Marist Charism. We asked for God’s blessings as we prayed for our students, faculty and staff to have a successful and safe school year. Thank you Mr. Gonzalez and and entire campus ministry department.
Freshman Retreat
The “We Are Marist Freshman Day” provided the class of 2027 with opportunities for fun activities, social interaction and prayer. We are already seeing our freshman begin to build the bonds of brotherhood. Thank you to all the student leaders.
The “We Are Marist Freshman Day” provided the class of 2027 with opportunities for fun activities, social interaction and prayer. We are already seeing our freshman begin to build the bonds of brotherhood. Thank you to all the student leaders.
Freshman Field Day
The freshman also participated in a day of sports during Freshman Field Day. It was a wonderful way for them to start the school year, connect with their new school family and get some physical exercise. Thank you Ms. Brown and Mrs. Alonso.
The freshman also participated in a day of sports during Freshman Field Day. It was a wonderful way for them to start the school year, connect with their new school family and get some physical exercise. Thank you Ms. Brown and Mrs. Alonso.
Upper Respiratory Illness, Covid Infection, and the Flu are on the Rise Locally and Nationally
Maintaining a safe environment is important to our school community. Please know that while we do not require vaccinations or facial coverings, we do encourage healthy habits that will prevent and/or limit the spread of any virus. Facial coverings are optional but encouraged.
- All students coming to school with/or developing symptoms of an upper respiratory illness during the day should be sent to the School Nurse for evaluation according to CDC’s operational guidance.
- If a student experiences any symptoms in school, he is encouraged to wear an approved, well-fitting mask until he leaves school. If he tests negative for Covid-19 and his symptoms have resolved, and he does not have a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medication) he may return to school. If he tests positive for Covid, he must remain isolated for up to 5 days or until he has no fever and symptoms have resolved. Please see detailed instructions located in the student handbook.
We welcomed six Marist educators to the Columbus family this year: Chantal Berthet (World Languages), Br Robert Dittus (Theology/Campus Ministry) , Alejandro Garcia (Permanent Sub) Vivienne Smith (Life Coach), Joseph Tonarely (Permanent Sub), and Chris Valdes (Permanent Sub). Special thanks to our team of teachers that helped them go through our La Valla Marist Formation Program. Welcome to the Columbus Family!
Welcome New Parents
Welcome to all the new parents who have joined the Columbus family!
Welcome to all the new parents who have joined the Columbus family!
During our New Parents Reception, our parents met fellow parents and members of the administration and faculty. Special thanks to Mr. Marinelli and Ms. Tellechea.
Football Kicked-Off Season With Wins Against Clearwater Academy and Killian
The Columbus Football Team won the season opener (28 – 21) against Clearwater Academy. Their game two was a shutout against Killian High School with a win of 38 -0. The team is now getting ready to travel to Tampa on September 8th to play rival Tampa Jesuit. Keep up the good work Coach Dunn and team!
Golf Team Traveled to Arizona for Brophy Rodeo
The Columbus Golf Team traveled to Scottsdale, Arizona to play in the Brophy Rodeo, one of the premier high school golf tournaments in the country with teams from all over the U.S. Led by Hubert Ramirez and Hector Perez Sainz, Columbus finished 11th out of 20 teams. The team also placed 3rd at the American Heritage Tournament in Broward, shooting 307 as a team, behind Heritage and Benjamin. Congratulations Coach Marinelli and the entire team.
The Columbus Golf Team traveled to Scottsdale, Arizona to play in the Brophy Rodeo, one of the premier high school golf tournaments in the country with teams from all over the U.S. Led by Hubert Ramirez and Hector Perez Sainz, Columbus finished 11th out of 20 teams. The team also placed 3rd at the American Heritage Tournament in Broward, shooting 307 as a team, behind Heritage and Benjamin. Congratulations Coach Marinelli and the entire team.
In addition to orientations, fields days, and Mass, Explorers kicked off the school year with a party like no other. Beachbash23 took place on September 1st with approximately 2500 in attendance. With three dance floors, an outdoor lounge area, domino/cornhole game stations, photo stations, and food trucks, the event provided lots of fun for our young men and girls from our local high schools. Special thanks to the Students Activities Committee (SAC) led by Mrs. Alonso and Ms. Brown and to all the faculty and staff volunteers.
Senior and Junior College Night Kick-off
As the seniors and juniors start the college application season, they attended a presentation with their parents to learn about all the resources and programming that Columbus has curated for them. Thank you College & Career Services.
As the seniors and juniors start the college application season, they attended a presentation with their parents to learn about all the resources and programming that Columbus has curated for them. Thank you College & Career Services.
Members from our Center for College & Career Guidance and our Counseling Department attended the State University System Director’s Tour at Florida International University. Our team was able to hear updates from the Admission Directors from the 12 state universities in Florida.
Faculty & Staff Retreat: Keepers of the Charism II
Our Marist Brothers, administration, faculty, and staff came together for reflection at our annual start of school retreat which this year was a follow-up to the Keepers of the Charism Retreat from last year. Special thanks to Mrs. Maureen Hagan, Mr. Matt Fallon and Br. Hank Hammer from the Marist Brothers U.S. Province who led the retreat and gave presentations.
Our Marist Brothers, administration, faculty, and staff came together for reflection at our annual start of school retreat which this year was a follow-up to the Keepers of the Charism Retreat from last year. Special thanks to Mrs. Maureen Hagan, Mr. Matt Fallon and Br. Hank Hammer from the Marist Brothers U.S. Province who led the retreat and gave presentations.
During our faculty & staff orientation and training week, we offered a clinic for our coaching staff focused on coaching with a positive attitude. Mr. Buck Martinez who is a Columbus graduate and the author and president of Student ACES Leadership was the guest speaker. Our athletic director Mr. McKeon and Assistant Athletic Director Mr. Staiano set the expectations and provided our athletic program with the support and professional development necessary for a successful year!
Dr. E. Carter Burrus Tree Dedication
At the close of our faculty & staff retreat on August 15th, legendary Columbus teacher and counselor Dr. E. Carter Burrus ’62 was honored with a tree dedication. President Thomas Kruczek and Ambassador of Alumni Relations John Lynskey ’78 both spoke of his long and storied career at Columbus announcing that the 100 year-old oak tree located behind the football field would carry his name. The ‘Dr. E. Carter Burrus Perpetual Oak Tree’ will be a landmark and add to Carter’s legacy at the school. Congressman Carlos Gimenez ’72 attended the ceremony and presented Carter with a congressional honor. Carter was the first alumni teacher at Columbus.
At the close of our faculty & staff retreat on August 15th, legendary Columbus teacher and counselor Dr. E. Carter Burrus ’62 was honored with a tree dedication. President Thomas Kruczek and Ambassador of Alumni Relations John Lynskey ’78 both spoke of his long and storied career at Columbus announcing that the 100 year-old oak tree located behind the football field would carry his name. The ‘Dr. E. Carter Burrus Perpetual Oak Tree’ will be a landmark and add to Carter’s legacy at the school. Congressman Carlos Gimenez ’72 attended the ceremony and presented Carter with a congressional honor. Carter was the first alumni teacher at Columbus.
Marisa comes to us with a wealth of experience, having served as the Manager of MBA and Specialized Master Programs at Florida International University, College of Business and as the Program Coordinator of Graduate Programs at the University of Miami, School of Nursing and Health Studies. In her role at CCHS, Marisa will play a crucial part in supporting the school's advancement and fundraising efforts through strategic event planning and execution.
Welcome Deymi Baquero - Tuition Management Assistant
Deymi will provide support in our tuition office focusing on state scholarship processing and other financial aid matters. Deymi will report to our Senior Manager of Tuition & Financial Aid, Mrs. Mitzi McKeon. Deymi comes to Columbus with over 15 years of experience in the banking industry, where she served in many executive assistant capacities and she is currently finishing her bachelor's degree in Finance.
Alex Garabedian - New Security & Parking Lot Supervisor
We are happy to announce that Alex Garabedian '04 has taken on the role of Security & Parking Lot Supervisor at Columbus, replacing Paul Dibernardo who retired over the summer. Alex is a proud alum and has been assisting the coaching staff on the varsity baseball team for several years.
We are happy to announce that Alex Garabedian '04 has taken on the role of Security & Parking Lot Supervisor at Columbus, replacing Paul Dibernardo who retired over the summer. Alex is a proud alum and has been assisting the coaching staff on the varsity baseball team for several years.
Paul Dibernardo, Longtime Parking & Security Guard has Retired
After 16 years, our trusted, dedicated, and hardworking campus parking and security guard, Paul Dibernardo, has retired. Paul did so much at Columbus, much more than most people noticed. He would arrive on campus as early as 4:15am to make sure that the school was well taken care of and protected. With his constant presence, love of work, simplicity and humility, Paul well represented Columbus and our Marist charism.
Dates to Remember in October
10/11: PSAT Testing (7:45am – 11:30am, No School for Seniors)
10/11: Scholastic Olympics for 8th Graders (1:00pm, Gym)
10/14: Junior Class Trip (Bush Gardens)
10/15: Mother & Son Mass and Breakfast (9:00am)
10/19 & 20: A Brotherhood for Good Retreat (Morningstar Renewal Center)
10/21: Fred Foyo Brew Festival (3:00pm – 8:00pm, Field)
10/24: College Fair (6:00pm, Gym & Café)
10/26: Career Day
10/29: Father & Son Mass and Breakfast (9:00am)
10/11: PSAT Testing (7:45am – 11:30am, No School for Seniors)
10/11: Scholastic Olympics for 8th Graders (1:00pm, Gym)
10/14: Junior Class Trip (Bush Gardens)
10/15: Mother & Son Mass and Breakfast (9:00am)
10/19 & 20: A Brotherhood for Good Retreat (Morningstar Renewal Center)
10/21: Fred Foyo Brew Festival (3:00pm – 8:00pm, Field)
10/24: College Fair (6:00pm, Gym & Café)
10/26: Career Day
10/29: Father & Son Mass and Breakfast (9:00am)
Marist Youth (Co-ed student faith community) meets every Tuesday at Columbus from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. High school adolescents, from any high school, are invited to attend.
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.
