Christopher Columbus High School
A Catholic School for Young Men in the Marist Tradition since 1958
October 2019 Newsletter
From the Office of Principal David Pugh
At Christopher Columbus High School, the weather was not the only thing that remained hot in October. Our clubs, activities, and athletic teams have been on fire. We pride ourselves on having an active calendar and it really is amazing how we accomplished so much in just 31 days.
Let me start by thanking our parents! We appreciate your continued support and understand the sacrifice you make to send your son to this great school! We not only met our Walk-a-thon goal but exceeded it by raising a record-breaking $148,000. This is the only school fundraiser of the year and we can attribute its success to our parents, teachers, and students. Everyone who participated had a great time and the money raised will go right back into our school facilities, classrooms, charities, and development.
Adelante!
Let me start by thanking our parents! We appreciate your continued support and understand the sacrifice you make to send your son to this great school! We not only met our Walk-a-thon goal but exceeded it by raising a record-breaking $148,000. This is the only school fundraiser of the year and we can attribute its success to our parents, teachers, and students. Everyone who participated had a great time and the money raised will go right back into our school facilities, classrooms, charities, and development.
Adelante!
STAND TOGETHER. RISE TOGETHER.
Spread the Word; Columbus' Open House is November 16th
Spread the Word; Columbus' Open House is November 16th
You've probably seen the images from our new school advertising campaign - "Stand Together. Rise Together." The campaign was inspired by the shared sense of pride and unity felt by the Columbus family.
We urge you to tell your friends and family members who may be interested in learning more about our school to attend Open House on November 16th at 1:00pm.
Christopher Columbus High School was chosen for the Newsweek’s Top STEM High Schools 2020 List. We commend our outstanding faculty who strive to promote an interdisciplinary approach to STEM education throughout the curriculum.
CCNNLive Wins Two More National Emmys
CCNNLive has done it again, winning two additional NATAS National Student Awards for a total of seven. The team won the Emmys for their show "The Voyage" and for their story, "Running with Danny."
CCNNLive has done it again, winning two additional NATAS National Student Awards for a total of seven. The team won the Emmys for their show "The Voyage" and for their story, "Running with Danny."
Congratulations to Mrs. Insua, Mr. Delgado, and Mr. Diaz and all the talented CCNNLive students.
#5 Robot in the World
At the VEX Competition held at Ransom Everglades, the Robotics Team won the highest awards that could be obtained for Excellence and Skills. Most impressive was that their team robot ranked number five in the world! Congratulations are in order for Gabriel Paz, Daniel Saez, Daniel Luna, and Javi Lopez. Also, Anthony Alonso, Caden Sorrato, Simon Cura, Aiden Kennedy, and Victor Valero are to be commended. All of these young men have put a tremendous effort into this club. Special thanks to moderator Mr. Larrubia.
At the VEX Competition held at Ransom Everglades, the Robotics Team won the highest awards that could be obtained for Excellence and Skills. Most impressive was that their team robot ranked number five in the world! Congratulations are in order for Gabriel Paz, Daniel Saez, Daniel Luna, and Javi Lopez. Also, Anthony Alonso, Caden Sorrato, Simon Cura, Aiden Kennedy, and Victor Valero are to be commended. All of these young men have put a tremendous effort into this club. Special thanks to moderator Mr. Larrubia.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
We continued to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month. Under the leadership of Ms. Vessiere, our World Language Department provided music, dancers, guest speakers, and even a breakfast box filled with classic Hispanic foods. The speakers included author and historian, Fernando Hernandez who spoke about how immigrants have changed the American landscape, Sonica Vicente who used her bilingualism and cultural awareness to become one of the first female executives at Visa, and Rosalia Castro/Ingrid Reino who gave a Flamenco music lecture and performance.
We continued to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month. Under the leadership of Ms. Vessiere, our World Language Department provided music, dancers, guest speakers, and even a breakfast box filled with classic Hispanic foods. The speakers included author and historian, Fernando Hernandez who spoke about how immigrants have changed the American landscape, Sonica Vicente who used her bilingualism and cultural awareness to become one of the first female executives at Visa, and Rosalia Castro/Ingrid Reino who gave a Flamenco music lecture and performance.
Leadership Class Received Visit from The Profit - Marcus Lemonis
October was quite the month for lectures in Mr. Corazon’s Business Leadership Techniques Class with visits from alumni Stephen Taylor (Certified Financial Planner), Danny Martinez (Banking VP), JB Aleman (Business/Technology Advisor) and The Profit himself, Marcus Lemonis. Lemonis, Camping World CEO, hosts CNBC’s The Profit, lending his expertise and investing over $50 million of his own money to struggling businesses.
October was quite the month for lectures in Mr. Corazon’s Business Leadership Techniques Class with visits from alumni Stephen Taylor (Certified Financial Planner), Danny Martinez (Banking VP), JB Aleman (Business/Technology Advisor) and The Profit himself, Marcus Lemonis. Lemonis, Camping World CEO, hosts CNBC’s The Profit, lending his expertise and investing over $50 million of his own money to struggling businesses.
At the Freshman and Sophomore Honors Assemblies, the guidance deparment took the opportunity to discuss college preparation and course rigor. Also, senior Josep Amiguet addressed the underclassmen and gave them some great advice.
The guidance department hosted 139 colleges and universities from around the world during the annual Columbus College Fair. They also welcomed 44 admission officers from around the country and took 52 juniors on a Florida College Tour. Thank you to the entire guidance department for their hard work and dedication in ensuring that our Explorers are well prepared for making college decisions.
Debate Ranked in Top 5 in Every Event at MDC After School Tournament
The Debate Society competed at the Miami-Dade After School Tournament at North Miami Senior High, finishing in the "Top 5" in every event. In Public Forum Debate, Andres Cornide finished in 2nd place and Joseph Corradino finished in 5th place. In Student Congress, Justin Marimon and Alexander La Roz finished in 2nd place. In Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Alan Munschy finished in 5th place. Earlier in the month, the team gave a great showing at the 32nd annual Raymond B. Furlong Invitational, hosted at St. James School in Montgomery, Alabama. Thank you Mr. Martinez and Mr. Ciocca.
Congratulations to the Scholastic Olympics Winners
Congratulations to the winners of our 41st Annual Scholastic Olympics, Miami’s longest running scholastic Olympics for 8th graders. Special thanks to the 600 competitors, teachers, and principals who participated from 18 schools. The overall winning schools this year were: Mother of Christ (Division I), St. Brendan Elementary School (Division II), and St. Theresa (Division III). Mrs. Noy and Mrs. Reynaldo did a fantastic job coordinating the spectacular event.
Congratulations to the winners of our 41st Annual Scholastic Olympics, Miami’s longest running scholastic Olympics for 8th graders. Special thanks to the 600 competitors, teachers, and principals who participated from 18 schools. The overall winning schools this year were: Mother of Christ (Division I), St. Brendan Elementary School (Division II), and St. Theresa (Division III). Mrs. Noy and Mrs. Reynaldo did a fantastic job coordinating the spectacular event.
Cars and Coffee
The Car Club hosted “Cars and Coffee” with a breakfast courtesy of Frank Mederos from Kendall Ford. Thank you Mrs. Gonzalez!
Public & Permanent® Presentation Recap
Columbus hosted an event for parents featuring a speaker from The Institute for Responsible Online and Cell Phone Use (IROC2) who gave a presentation entitled Public & Permanent® . If you missed the presentation, CLICK HERE for a recap and important information.
MADD Presentation Encourages Students to Make the Right Decision Behind the Wheel
The Sophomore Class attended a lecture given by a representative of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). MADD's mission is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking.
Learning About Mangroves
In collaboration with MANG, our students taking Florida History and members of the Anglers and Spearfishing Clubs learned the important role that mangroves play in our marine ecosystem. Through the workshop, students potted hundreds of mangrove propagules. Thank you Coach Dukes.
In collaboration with MANG, our students taking Florida History and members of the Anglers and Spearfishing Clubs learned the important role that mangroves play in our marine ecosystem. Through the workshop, students potted hundreds of mangrove propagules. Thank you Coach Dukes.
Anglers Hosted All or Nothing Bass Fishing Tournament
The Anglers Club hosted the All or Nothing Bass Fishing Tournament with 19 participants. The winners were: Julian Villa (freshman, peacock/largemouth categories), Eric Castro (sophomore, peacock category). J. Garcia (junior, largemouth category) Sebastian Iglesias (junior peacock category/longest overall fish), Daniel Saez (senior, largemouth category). Thank you Coach Dukes.
Spanish Spelling Bee & Trivia Game
Congratulations to the winners of the Spanish Spelling Bee & Trivia Contest: Marcel Van Hemert (1st place), Jorge Samudio (2nd place), Brian Remy (3rd place). Special thanks to Dr. Folch and to The Velvet Vine for sponsoring the event.
Congratulations to the winners of the Spanish Spelling Bee & Trivia Contest: Marcel Van Hemert (1st place), Jorge Samudio (2nd place), Brian Remy (3rd place). Special thanks to Dr. Folch and to The Velvet Vine for sponsoring the event.
Theater Program Presented First Ever Student Written Production
The Columbus Theater Program presented its first ever student written competition one act entitled One Step at a Time, written and directed by Kevin Cordero. Kevin won best student-written one act at the District Thespian One Act Competition while Luca Buonocore won the all-star cast award, and the the entire show received an Excellent rating. Special thanks to Mrs. McGrath.
Football Team to Compete in the Regional Finals after Winning District Championship
The Varsity Football Team won their district championship and will be playing Coral Gables High School in the Region 4 - 8A Quarter Finals on Thursday, November 7th. Good luck to Coach Dunn and the entire team. Go Explorers!
Cross Country Repeats as GMAC, District, and Region Champions
The Hellions have been progressing strongly throughout the season and are poised to be real contenders at the State Meet on Saturday, November 9th. Christian Ivonnet (16:22) claimed the GMAC individual title and earned runner up honors as the District meet. He's received strong support from his running mate Adrian Bichara (16:12) who finished 3rd in both those races. The two front runners have been followed closely behind by Alvaro Canarte (16:36), Malcolm Brown (16:49), Marc Dabby (17:18), and Donato Scarcello (16:53). The team's greatest asset has been there tight pack which boasts a mere 45 secs from the #1 to #5 runner. Thank you Coach Pino & Areces.
Golf Team Placed 6th at States
Coach Marinelli and the Golf Team finished 6th at the state tournament. The Explorers were led by freshman Hans Risvaer who shot even par 72 to place 9th in the state out of 96 golfers total, the only freshman even close to the top ten. Andres Atrio and David Ragan both shot 79 on the day and Sebastian Kawas bounced back from a rough first day to shoot 3 over 75 to finish off the season.
Swim Team Finished 5th at District Meet
The Columbus Swim Team placed 5th overall at their District Swim Meet. The following swimmers advanced to the regionals: Grant Archer, Juan Muci, Daniel Ibarra, and Emilio Marin, Ricardo Avila, Michael Pettigrew, and Matthew Ryan. Thank you Coach Dukes.
Bowling Team Qualified for State Tournament
After placing 2nd in the Districts, the bowling team will be traveling to Orlando this week to compete in the state tournament. Best of luck to Coach Scholer and he Explorer bowlers.
After placing 2nd in the Districts, the bowling team will be traveling to Orlando this week to compete in the state tournament. Best of luck to Coach Scholer and he Explorer bowlers.
Halloween Party for the Children of St. Juan Bosco
The Mas Family Program hosted their 6th Annual Halloween Party for underprivileged children, in conjunction with the National Honor Society and the Squires. Approximately 250 children from the San Juan Bosco Leadership Learning Center attended and fun was had by all. The team partnered with Our Lady of Lourdes Academy for the amazing event. Special thanks to Mrs. Galvez-Cuesta, Mrs. Cofresi, and Br. Eladio.
Also, Elliot Verdiguel spearheaded a Halloween Drive which helped the Branches organization distribute costumes, candy, and sodas to families in need through "Operation Candycorn."
Dr. Burrus and the Patriot Club visited the Miami Military Museum for a Veterans Business and Entrepreneur Event .
CCNN Film Club Students Attended The American High School Film Festival Awards
CCNN Film Club members Tommy Pozo and David Perez traveled to New York City for the American High School Film Festival's Teen Indie Awards. Thank you to Film Club Moderator, Mr. Diaz, for accompanying the students.
CCNN Film Club members Tommy Pozo and David Perez traveled to New York City for the American High School Film Festival's Teen Indie Awards. Thank you to Film Club Moderator, Mr. Diaz, for accompanying the students.
On October 19th, Columbus hosted an “Evening of Art & Jazz” to benefit the newly formed Br. Kevin Adelante Fund for tuition assistance. Thank you to the Maspons Family Foundation and artist Eric Maspons who donated all of the beautiful artwork which was available for sale and auction. Over $15,000 was raised. Special thanks to Mr. Cooper and the Jazz band, artist and alum Cesar Santalo ’89, Mr. Isenberg, Mrs. Branas, Mrs. Marti, and Mrs. Cruz.
Introducing Spike Ball
The first ever Spike Ball Tournament took place at Columbus with 30 two-man teams participating. All proceeds benefitted the 2019 Walk-A-Thon Campaign. Thank you Mr. Corazon.
The first ever Spike Ball Tournament took place at Columbus with 30 two-man teams participating. All proceeds benefitted the 2019 Walk-A-Thon Campaign. Thank you Mr. Corazon.
Henry Parrish Recognition Airs Nationally on ESPN
In case you missed Henry Parrish's profile and commemoration which aired nationally on ESPN's SportsCenter on October 10th, here's the VIDEO CLIP.
In case you missed Henry Parrish's profile and commemoration which aired nationally on ESPN's SportsCenter on October 10th, here's the VIDEO CLIP.
Make Plans to Attend the Food & Wine Festival on November 23rd
New: Silent Party (10pm - Midnight)
This is an event not to be missed. Sample food and wine from some of our community's best restaurants and dance to your favorite music in a unique and fun way. PURCHASE TICKETS.
New: Silent Party (10pm - Midnight)
This is an event not to be missed. Sample food and wine from some of our community's best restaurants and dance to your favorite music in a unique and fun way. PURCHASE TICKETS.
Wear What Explorers Wear – Shop the Online Store
At COLUMBUSEXPLORERS.SHOP you’ll find 2-day shipping on the latest Columbus branded merchandise for men, women, and children. Be sure to check out the store and wear what Explorers wear!
At COLUMBUSEXPLORERS.SHOP you’ll find 2-day shipping on the latest Columbus branded merchandise for men, women, and children. Be sure to check out the store and wear what Explorers wear!
UPCOMING FEBRUARY DATES TO REMEMBER:
2/3: Walk-a-thon Holiday (No School)
2/8: Family Picnic & Pig Roast (12noon – 5:00pm, Field)
2/13: Mas Program Junior Parents Meeting (7:00pm – 9:00pm, LBC)
2/17: President’s Day Holiday (No School)
2/20: Junior Ring Ceremony (7:00pm, Gym/Café)
2/20 & 21 Sophomore Serve Retreat (Morningstar Renewal Center)
2/22: Freshman Class Trip (Universal Studios)
2/8: Family Picnic & Pig Roast (12noon – 5:00pm, Field)
2/13: Mas Program Junior Parents Meeting (7:00pm – 9:00pm, LBC)
2/17: President’s Day Holiday (No School)
2/20: Junior Ring Ceremony (7:00pm, Gym/Café)
2/20 & 21 Sophomore Serve Retreat (Morningstar Renewal Center)
2/22: Freshman Class Trip (Universal Studios)
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.
