Students must be clean shaven at all times and hair styles must be short and neatly layered. Any hairstyle is subject to administrative approval. Students who are in violation, should take the necessary steps to adhere to our school policies in order to remain in good standing. Displaying honorable character and exhibiting distinctive characteristics is all part of our expectations as Columbus students.  The following is not permitted:  -Bangs longer than eye level; -Pinning hair behind the ears; -The use of gel, water, or hair spray to disguise length of hair; -Hair that falls below the collar; -Dyed hair; -Designs as part of the hair cut or arrangement; -Sideburns that are longer than the bottom of the ear; -Excessive verticality; -Unequal distribution of hair on one side or the other 

COVID-19 Protocols Remain In Place 
We believe that our protocols have helped us to mitigate the spread of this virus on campus and maintain a safe educational environment while permitting us to remain engaged in the learning process without interruption. At this time, we will not make any changes to our protocols. However, we will continue to monitor our situation closely. We are encouraged by the most recent seven-day positivity rate (21%) in Miami Dade County. This number continues to drop, so we will keep a close eye on our internal and external numbers before making any adjustments to our protocols.

Seniors Christopher de la Viesca and Luis Victores were named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Competition in September for scoring in the top 1% on the PSAT.  In February we were notified that they have both moved on to the finalist status. 

 

Congratulations! 

Campus Ministry coordinated the Ash Wednesday Prayer Service celebrated by Deacon Dugard, which was livestreamed for students on campus and those connected remotely.  Due to the pandemic, out of an abundance of caution, administrators, faculty, and staff were at stations throughout the hallways for the imposition of ashes with cotton swabs.  Thanks to the Marist Brothers, administrators, faculty, and staff that served.

It was two beautiful outdoor junior ring ceremonies on the football field this year on the evenings of February 24th (last names A-L) and the 25th (last names M-Z).  We were happy to maintain the tradition of presenting the junior class with their time-honored Columbus rings as they celebrated with their families.  Special thanks to Mrs. Gonzalez-Rojas and Mrs. Horowitz for coordinating the events and to everyone who played a role in creating this truly memorable experience. 

Black History Month:  African Art Presentation
In honor of Black History Month, we held a special Lunch 'n Learn event in the cafeteria which included a viewing of the TED Talks video, Can Art Amend History? by artist Titus Kaphar and an African Art presentation by students Christian de la Viesca and Derrick Hart.  Special thanks to Art History teacher Mrs. Koepp who procured the authentic art, mostly pieces that represented the works in the AP Art History curriculum from the Africa and the Americas.  

Soccer Team Wins Districts and Played in Regional Finals
The Soccer team also had a great season.  The team won their district title and made it to the regional finals where they beat Miami High before losing to Gulf Coast out of Naples, Florida.  Congratulations Coach Stewart and all the players.

Eight Wrestlers Advanced to the State Championship
After competing in the intense three day regional tournament with 27  teams and 278  competitors, our wrestling team placed third and eight Explorers advanced to the  FHSAA State Championship.  Chip Guzman was Champion and 1st at 106 lbs. while Derrick Hart was 2nd.  Gavin Buck, Guy Toussaint, and Daniel Van Arman stood atop the 3rd place platform and received bronze medals.  Dylan Mira, Rocco D’Ascoli, and Joshua Márquez battled to a 4th place finish in their 16 man bracket.  We thank coaches Husk, Grant and González for their outstanding job leading the Explorer Wrestling Team. 

We celebrated the eight student-athletes on the Varsity Baseball Team who committed to play baseball in college at an event with their families at Br. Eugene Plaza.  The signees are:  Ariel Garcia (University of Miami), Diego Prieto (Fordham University), Rafael Flores (Erskine College), Kyle Marti (Erskine College), Kainer Jorge (Wake Forest University), Tony Casanova (Florida International University), Jorge Acevedo (Nova University), and Mario Hernandez (Wingate University). VIEW HERALD ARTICLE  

Fall Sport Athletes Earn Miami Herald Honors
Congratulations to the Explorers who made 1st Team All-Dade in their respective sport: Marlon Ruiz and Antonio Varona (Bowling), Andres Atrio and Hans Risaver (Golf), and Christian Ivonnet (Cross country).

Intramural Football
Under the leadership of Mr. Harriman, Intramural Football got underway in February at Banyan Coliseum. On February 9th there were 52 students and one teacher (Mr. Machado) playing. Everyone had a great time and showed great school spirit.   

Castaways Against Cancer Launch their 22nd Journey, Unveiled Logo on World Cancer Day
The Castaways Against Cancer (CAC) is a kayaking team, made up of mostly Columbus teachers and alumni, who paddle every summer from Miami to Key West in seven days to raise money for cancer research.  Formed in 2000 by Columbus teacher Steve O’Brien, they have raised over $1.2 million to date.   This year, they will embark on their 22nd journey, The BlackJack Tour, on June 12th  with all proceeds  benefit UM’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center which will match every dollar raised. CAC’s new logo, designed by Columbus senior Antonio Varona III, was unveiled at a special ceremony on June 4^th (World Cancer Day) on the Columbus campus.  Special thanks to CAC Team Captain, Mr. Eric Pino.  WATCH WSVN -7 NEWS CLIP

Many members of the Senior Class attended Super Senior Friday on campus.  They had the opportunity to participate in some much needed physical, social, and spiritual activities.  The event was an abbreviated senior retreat and field day. Special thanks to Ms. Brown, Mr. Connell and Mr. Gonzalez.

The Anglers Club hosted two Bass Fishing Tournaments in February, both which allowed participants to collect service hours by donating a care package for the Sofia’s Hope organization which helps fight childhood cancer. The winners of the first tournament were: Tyler More (Largemouth Category), Carlos Saladrigas (Peacock Category ), Joseph Gamez (Largemouth & Peacock), Lance Jerauld (Largemouth), Jake Patience (Peacock), Sebastian Iglesias (Largemouth & Peacock).  The winners of the second tournament were:  Jake Patience (Largemouth) and Luciano Gamez (Peacock).  Big thanks to Coach Dukes!. 

CCNN Live News:
Over Presidents’ Day weekend, the CCNN team competed in the virtual Student Television Network Convention.  Our own Anthony and Michael Martínez and Alexis Vivanco were selected to be presenters at the closing ceremonies and did a great job representing Columbus at the national level.  CCNN Live was awarded as follows during the competition:  Broadcast Excellence Award- The Voyage Monthly News Show; 1st place- Commentary; 1st place- Sports Commentary; 3rd place- Crazy 8 Broadcast News Magazine; 3rd place- Spot Feature Story; 3rd place- Natural Sound Package; Honorable Mention- PSA.  In addition this month CCNN Live won another National Emmy in Light News for the piece they produced on Mr. Jason Hill, Kevin Cordero and their family – SEE WINNING CLIP.  We couldn’t be more proud of all the students and moderators Mr. Delgado, Mrs. Insua, and Mr. Diaz. 

Three Debaters Qualified for National Competition / Novice Team Won Big at South Florida Tournament
The following debaters have qualified for national competition in June:  Noah Sastoque (1st Place, Congress), Nicholas Gonzalez (2nd Place, Lincoln Douglas), Alan Munschy (3rd Place, Lincoln Douglas).  Earlier in the month the CCHS  Debate Novices had a spectacular showing at the South Florida Civics and Debate Initiative Novice competition. Christian Ordonez  (placed 1st in his first ever Lincoln-Douglas competition), Sebastian Loubet (placed 3rd in Lincoln Douglas), Jorge Cereceda and Carlos Rodriguez  (placed first in Public Forum), Frank Kowalski and Julian Hererra (placed 2nd in Public Forum), Nicholas Diaz (placed 3rd in Congress Debate), Sebastian Broche (placed 3rd in Congressional Debate).  Many thanks Mr. De Tuya.

Track Team Finished in 2nd Place at Louie Bing Invitational
The Columbus Track Team finished in second place, out of 35 plus schools, at the Louie Bing Invitational. Congratulations to Coach Foyo and the team.  4x800, 1st Place:  Malcolm Brown, Adrian Bichara, Alvaro Canarte, Chris Ivonnet; 8:05.36 (fastest time in the nation); 4x200, 2nd place:  Darren McQueen, Duriel Moss, Cornelius Wright, AJ Arellano; 4x100, 3rd place:  Ahmere Foster, Denim Desrosiers, Vershod Quinn, and Ken Moore; Alvaro Canarte (3rd place 3200m); Chris Ivonnet (3rd place 1600m); Alejandro Prado (3rd place javelin); Carlos Ros (2nd place javelin)

We celebrated our outstanding team of guidance counselors during the National School Counselors Week.  Thank you for your dedication, hard work, commitment, and inspiration. Our counselors make a difference in the lives of our young men.  Our counselors are:  Ms. Betty Vinson, Mrs. Sylvie Galvez-Cuesta, Dr. Carter Burrus, Br. Eladio Gonzalez, Mr. Jacob Grant, Br. John Healy, Mr. Jason Hill, Mrs. Jacky Horowitz, Mrs. Debi Martinez, Mr. Carlos Nunez, Mrs. Adriana Amador, and Ms. Aimee Cibran.  See their messages in the attached PSA VIDEO.

Br. Kevin’s Birthday Bash
In honor of Br. Kevin’s 82nd Birthday, we celebrated the entire month of February with Br. Kevin’s Birthday Bash, a campaign  which honored Brother and benefitted the new Marcus Lemonis and Mario Sueiras Center for Science & the Arts.  A  video series was produced featuring members of the Columbus family encouraging giving to the campaign and wishing Brother a happy birthday.  On the 18th, his actual birthday, the Columbus family had the opportunity to drive by Columbus’ main entrance to wave to Br. Kevin and wish him a Happy Birthday in person via their car window during his drive-by parade.  Special thanks to Mr. Cooper and the band for providing the music and to Mr. Delgado, Mrs. Marti, Mrs. Minoso, Mrs. Trujillo, Mr. Fernandez, and Mrs. Branas.  

The new Columbus Cooking Club collaborated with the Church of the Little Flower Parish to collect more than 550 meals for the Miami Rescue Mission. Many thanks to Cooking Club President, Gabriel Perez.

Congratulations to senior Michael Saco who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.  His project involved preparing and delivering 300 home cooked pasta meals for the homeless at Miami Rescue Mission.

Congratulations to senior Antonio Varona for earning the rank of Eagle Scout.  He recently led a "custom wood planter project" for Fruit and Spice Park in South Miami-Dade.  The planters will house miracle fruit trees which produce a fruit that, when eaten, causes bitter food to taste sweet.  It is used to help cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to fight the effects of "metal mouth".  Their food becomes more appetizing and helps them maintain proper nutrition during their treatment.  He was able to complete this project at the height of the pandemic in August of 2020.  

Roberto Romero Earned Rank of Eagle Scout
Congratulations to senior Robert Romero who also earned the rank of Eagle Scout.  Robert’s project also benefited Fruit and Spice Park with a custom wood planter project.

Hubertas Pivorius ‘21 to Represent Columbus at the Basketball World Championships in Bulgaria
Senior Hubertas Pivorius received an invitation for the U 19 Team Lithuania at the World Championships this Summer in Bulgaria.  Congratulations Hubertas!

New Items in Br. Kevin’s Store
We have NEW ladies and mens quarter zip pullover options in stock on campus in Br. Kevin's Store and online at ColumbusExplorers.Shop. Make sure to get yours before we sell out again!