Varela Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Ms. Elizabeth Cardenas, Journalism teacher for being named Felix Varela's Teacher of the Year.

Miami Herald All-County Teams

The Miami Herald published its All-County Teams for the Fall Sports Season this morning, and Varela was represented very well!

Capturing 2nd Team Honors were:
Barbara Cadet – Girls Volleyball
Jarelys Archilla – Girls Volleyball
June Hernandez – Girls Bowling

Capturing 3rd Team Honors were:
Melissa Martinez – Girls Volleyball
Brian Maura - Football
William Berner – Football
Stephanie Espinosa – Cross Country

Honorable Mention went to:
Kiki Clarington – Girls Volleyball
Ellie Goralnick – Girls Volleyball
Christina Martinez - Girls Volleyball
Jordan Armstrong – Football
Marlon Pires – Football
Cody Glass – Football
Undray Clark – Football
Jonathan Padilla – Bowling
Matthew Chen – Golf
Michelle Haramboure – Golf

Congratulations to all of these athletes on this great accomplishment!

FCAT SCIENCE TUTORING 2010

FCAT SCIENCE TUTORING 2010

January 27 Earth Space Mr. Guaty Room 253
January 28 Earth Space Mr. Guaty Room 253

February 3 Biology Mrs. Reyes Room 245
February 4 Biology Mrs. Reyes Room 245

February 10 `Chemistry Ms. Casal Room 250
February 11 Chemistry Ms. Casal Room 250

February 17 Physical Science Mr. Lapworth Room 259
February 18 Physical Science Mr. Lapworth Room 259

February 24 Earth Space Mr. Guaty Room 253
Biology Mrs. Reyes Room 245
February 25 Chemistry Ms. Casal Room 250
Physical Science Mr. Lapworth Room 259

March 3 Earth Space Mr. Guaty Room 253
Biology Mrs. Reyes Room 245
Chemistry Ms. Casal Room 250
Physical Science Mr. Lapworth Room 259

March 4 Earth Space Mr. Guaty Room 253
Chemistry Ms. Casal Room 250
Physical Science Mr. Lapworth Room 259

FCAT READING TUTORING SCHEDULE

FCAT READING TUTORING SCHEDULE 2010

2:35 pm - 3:35 pm on dates below:

January 25 Main Idea Ms. Gaitan Room 56
January 27 Author’s Purpose Ms. Gaitan Room 56

February 1 Words and Phrases Ms. Reyes Room 181
February 3 Words and Phrases Ms. Reyes Room 181

February 8 Compare/Contrast Ms. Azan Room 211
February 10 Compare/Contrast Ms. Azan Room 211

February 16 Research/Reference Ms. Gaitan Room 56
February 17 Research/Reference Ms. Gaitan Room 56

February 22 Main Idea Ms. Reyes Room 181
February 24 Author’s Purpose Ms. Reyes Room 181

March 2 Words and Phrases Ms. Azan Room 211
March 2 Compare/Contrast Ms. Gaitan Room 56
March 3 Reference/Research Ms. Reyes Room 181
March 3 Main Idea Ms. Azan Room 211

March 8 Words and Phrases Ms. Gaitan Room 56
March 8 Main Idea/A’s Purpose Ms. Reyes Room 181
March 8 Compare/Contrast Ms. Azan Room 211

MATH FCAT Tutoring

FCAT MATHEMATICS TUTORING 2010

2:35 pm - 3:35 pm on dates below :

January 26 Measurement Ms. Daire Room 138
January 28 Measurement Ms. Daire Room 138
February 2 Geometry Mr. Zayas Room 145
February 4 Geometry Mr. Zayas Room 145
February 9 Algebraic Thinking Ms. Fonseca Room 132
February 11 Algebraic Thinking Ms. Fonseca Room 132
February 16 Number Sense/Data Ms. Daire Room 138
February 16 Measurement Mr. Zayas Room 145
February 18 Number Sense/Data Ms. Daire Room 138
February 18 Measurement Mr. Zayas Room 145
February 23 Geometry Ms. Fonseca Room 132
February 23 Algebraic Thinking Ms. Daire Room 138
February 25 Geometry Ms. Fonseca Room 132
February 25 Algebraic Thinking Ms. Daire Room 138
March 2 Measurement Mr. Zayas Room 145
March 2 Geometry Ms. Fonseca Room 132
March 2 Number Sense/Data Ms. Daire Room 138
March 4 Number Sense/Data Ms. Daire Room 138
March 4 Measurement Ms. Fonseca Room 132
March 4 Geometry Mr. Zayas Room 145

Annual South Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair

Please join the Science Department in congratulating seniors Jonathan Prendergast and Christopher Sanchez for receiving Superior at the 55th Annual South Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair and both have advanced to the 55th Annual State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida in April.

Jonathan presented the results of his research project entitled “Interpreting the nutrient limitations, salinity, and seasonal variations of Florida Bay in order to analyze shifts in species and biomass productivity” was also awarded:
· a $1500 Scholarship to participate in the I-SWEEP: International Sustainable World (Energy, Engineering & Environment) Project Olympiad in Houston in April
· the South Florida Regional US Stockholm Junior Water Prize and the invitation to compete for the State of Florida US Stockholm Junior Water Prize
· George N. Avery Award, Florida Native Plant Society and $50 gift certificate

Christopher’s poster summarized two years of research with Dr. Evelyn Gaiser, the Lead Investigator at FIU’s Florida Coastal Everglades Long Term Ecological Research Program and is entitled: “Quantifying hydroperiod fluctuations across an Everglades wetland through microscopic analysis of siliceous microfossils”. This project is a continuation from his 2009 project for which he received 2nd Place at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Christopher was also awarded the American Meteorological Society Award.

In two weeks, both Chris and Jonathan will compete for the opportunity to travel to San Jose, CA in May to represent MDCPS at the 2010 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

Varela vs Killian Boys Basketball Game

Students, Faculty , Parents and Community

The Boys’ Basketball Team is in desperate need of your help!

Tomorrow, Friday January 22nd @ 7:30pm in the Varela Gym
The Viper’s take on District Rival Killian in a very important matchup.

This game has very important district implications and it requires a huge home crowd! Bring your noise makers, screaming voice, screaming children, screaming parents, etc!

Wear your black basketball t-shirts,

If you don’t have one you can purchase one at the game.

2009-2010 Kathryn Menke Miller Community Service Award and Scholarship

Program Overview:

The Junior League of Miami, Inc. is proud to sponsor the Kathryn Menke Miller Community Service Award & Scholarship. The award is presented to three, female, high school seniors in Miami-Dade County who have exhibited superior community service involvement during their high school careers while maintaining high academic achievement. The award is given in memory of one of our members, Kathryn Menke Miller. Kathryn was the “epitome of a hardworking, caring and loving volunteer.” Her greatest accomplishments were assisting our community’s children and her dedication to our public education system.

The Kathryn Menke Miller Community Service Award & Scholarship is a two-part program.

Part One: One honoree is selected by the CAP advisor from each school for recognition.
Part Two: The award & scholarship recipients are then selected by the Junior League of Miami from the pool of honorees. To be eligible for the award & scholarship, an honoree must submit a Scholarship Application, resume, and Supervisor Recommendation form.

Honoree Selection & Submittal:

Each CAP advisor should select one, graduating, female senior from each Miami-Dade public high school that meets the criteria stated below.

The Criteria for selection of the award honoree is:

a) Minimum 2.0 academic grade point average

b) Minimum 3.0 conduct grade point average

c) Demonstration of community service, within or outside her school, and the ability to work harmoniously and unselfishly with and for others.

This graduating senior will be recognized as an honoree and is eligible to apply for the award and $2000.00 scholarship. After the honoree is selected, the CAP advisor should complete and return the Kathryn Menke Miller Community Service Honoree Submittal Form by March 1, 2010 to the Junior League of Miami Community Service Award Chairperson, marked to the attention of Mary Snow, marysnow@gmail.com, phone 305-606-6279.

Scholarship Application Submission:

To be eligible for one of the three awards and $2000.00 scholarships, a completed Scholarship Application, resume, and completed Supervisor Recommendation and form must be submitted by the honoree to the Community Service Award Chairperson, LaVonia Martin-Chambers no later than March 1, 2010. Honorees may use CAP advisor assistance with the Scholarship Application. Once the Scholarship Applications, resumes, and Supervisor Recommendation forms have been received, they will be reviewed and two award & scholarship recipients will be selected by a committee made up of the Junior League Community Service committee, the Past and Present Presidents of the Junior League, and members representing the Junior League Community Advisors.

Varela Boys Soccer Team

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BOYS’ SOCCER TEAM
FOR QUALIFYING INTO THE 2010 GMAC TOURNAMENT

MILANDER STADIUM - SEMI'S AND FINALS
JANUARY 19, 20 AND 22, 2010

Boys Basketball

On Friday, the Boys' Basketball Team defeated Coral Reef, the preseason ranked #2 team in the county, in front of a raucous crowd led by Lacaci's Locos. The Vipers are riding a 4 game win streak and have raised their record to 12-5 on the season. If you have not caught a game this year you are missing the most exciting team Varela has ever had. Please come out and support the Vipers as they take on South Dade Wednesday night @ South Dade. Game time is JV @ 6:00 and Varsity @ 7:30.

Nova Southeastern University Scholarships

Nova Southeastern University Offers Full Tuition Scholarships to Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholars Recipients (for students qualifying for the highest BF award) For more information please call 800-338-4723.

NSU is the only independent, not-for-profit university in Florida offering the 100 percent scholarship to Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholars (BFFAS). In addition, NSU is also providing a $500 Residence Scholarship for all eligible BFFAS students choosing to live in the university residence halls.

Eligibility requirements for the award are as follows:

Meet all eligibility requirements of the Florida Academic Scholars Award (Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholars) including:
3.5 grade point average
1270 SAT (Critical Reading and Math) or 28 Composite ACT
75 community-service hours
15 credits of college preparatory academic courses
First-time enrollee at NSU in fall
First-time in college student, graduating from an accredited Florida high school.
Full-time enrollment in an undergraduate program at NSU's main campus in Ft. Lauderdale.
Must apply for and receive Florida Residency Access Grant (FRAG).
To apply, students need to fill out the NSU Bright Futures Scholars Award application and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and NSU State Aid application forms. The applications can be found on the Web site for NSU's office of student financial assistance at http://www.nova.edu/financialaid/index.html or by calling 800-338-4723.

FSU Deadline

SENIORS: The final deadline to apply to FSU is January 20tth. Please remember to order your electronic transcripts with Sara Pulido in the Attendance office prior to the deadline.

Florida State University (CARE Program)
Those who qualify for financial aid, and have financial need will have 100% of their need for the summer term met from non-loan sources
Deadline:As early as possible, but no later than 01/20/10
Must be a senior planning to attend FSU

`Student who may have been disadvantaged due to economic, educational, or cultural circumstances
`Minimum GPA 2.50 as calculated by FSU
`SAT score of 1330 OR a composite score of 19 on the ACT
`Two letters of support (one from your guidance counselor)
`Essay
The majority of participants selected will be first-generation college students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who have demonstrated a strong desire to succeed.
Students are required to apply for financial aid, and those with financial need will have 100% of their need for the summer term met from non-loan sources
Students who do not qualify for financial aid may participate in the program at regular summer-term rates on a limited, first-come, first-served basis
Students must apply for admission to FSU by the regular notification date at www.admissions.fsu.edu/ but in addition, students need to apply to the CARE program at www.care.fsu.edu

Thespian Competition

We are very proud to inform our school of the amazing work our Thespians did at our Individual Events Competition these past two weekends.

Our Viper Thespians pulled through with an astounding 14 SUPERIOR and 4 EXCELLENT ratings.

AND TWO BEST IN DADE COUNTY CRITIC’S CHOICES for Solo Musical and Directing!

Highlights as follows:

I. Monologues:

a. Zack Lopez- Superior

b. Blake Jenner- Excellent

II. Duet Acting:

a. Sommer Carbuccia & Jocelyn Oliva- Superior

III. Ensemble Acting:

a. Jerylil Aquino, Antonio Lopez, Kris Sanchez- Superior

b. Delilah Smith, Jocelyn Oliva, Melissa Wells- Superior

IV. Directing:

a. Sandra Alghawi CRITIC’S CHOICE- Superior

V. Scene Design:

a. Anna Rodriguez- Superior

b. Jerylil Aquino- Excellent

VI. Pantomime:

a. Maribel Cabrera, Eddie Monez- Superior

VII. Solo Musical:

a. Adriana Vergara: CRITIC’S CHOICE- Superior

b. Sommer Carbuccia: Superior

c. Zack Lopez- Superior

VIII. Duet Musical:

a. Sasha Mengarre, Blake Jenner- Superior

b. Bianca Arrese, Adriana Vergara- Superior

c. Audrey Tesserot, Eddie Monez- Excellent

IX. Small Group Musical:

a. Audrey Tesserot, Raul Martinez, Bianca Arrese: Superior

X. Large Group Musical

a. Entire Thespian Troupe- Superior

XI. Playwriting:

a. Delilah Smith- Superior

Please congratulate these students this week for taking our Varela Vipers to new heights this year!!!!!! We are placed among the best schools in the district and definitely a head above our Magnet competitors.

The Varela Haiti Relief Efforts have Begun

We are collecting:

Baby items - diapers, wipes, baby food, pacifiers, formula
Canned goods (flip top if possible) - SPAM, Vienna sausages, tuna, meat/fish, manual can openers
Sleeping items - Blankets, pillows, sheets, sleeping bags, towels
Other - Crutches, wheelchairs, toiletries (shampoo, deodorant, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, insect repellent, lotion)
Shoes- adult and children in good condition only
Money - will be collected January 26th and 28th during 2nd period- Checks can be made out to Felix Varela Senior High and the memo should state Haiti Relief

If you are a Varela student, see Ms. Christin to see where your items need to be delivered. We will also take items from the community in the main office.

PLEASE BE GENEROUS !

Kansas grabs Talented Viper

Brian Maura is one of the counties top receivers. This weekend Maura took an official visit to Kansas and came away impressed. Before leaving campus he committed to Kansas head coach Turner Gill.

This season Maura finished among the top 10 in the talent-rich Miami Dade County area in receiving and touchdowns caught. He also returned four kicks for touchdowns. At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds he shows deceptive speed.

Congratulations, Brian.

January Scholarship Bulletin

University of South Florida Honors College
$4,000 ($500.00 per semester)
• Senior
• 3.7 GPA or higher
• Planning to attend the Honors College at USF
• 1250 (math/verbal) SAT/29 ACT or higher
• Students who do not meet the requirements but have extraordinary life experiences might be admitted to the program at the discretion of the program director. You can contact the director to discuss options
• For more information and application go to www.stpt.usf.edu/coas/honors

NROTC Scholarship Program
Full tuition, books, fees and other financial benefits
• U.S. Citizen
• Not less than 17 years old by 9/1 of year starting college and no more than 23 on June 30 of that year
• High school graduation or equivalency certificate by 8/1 of year of entrance into four year NROTC scholarship program
• Physically qualified by Navy or Marine Corps standards
• Apply for and gain admission to NROTC colleges
• SAT score of 530 Verbal, 520 Math or ACT 21 Math, 22 English. If you do not meet the test scores but are in the top 10% of your class you still qualify
• Students will receive a $250 per month allowance
• For more information or to start your NROTC application go to: https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/

Collegiate Living Organization at UF
Low cost room and board
• Senior planning to attending UF
• Living organization designed to help worthy/needy students planning to attend the University of Florida
• It offers dormitory-style room and board similar to that which can be found on campus for about half the price
• Students are required to keep up the facility and govern themselves
• Application is available online at http://www.cloliving.org

Bridges to the Future (Miami Dade College and the University of Miami)
Two years full tuition at Miami Dade Honors (separate application needed) and two years full tuition at UM if student meets the requirements to transfer
Deadline Not stated, but very competitive (space is limited)
• Senior from an underrepresented minority group (Hispanic, Black, Pacific Islander, and Native American) planning to continue studies in biomedical science
• U.S. citizen or permanent residency status
• Planning to attend Miami- Dade Honors College the first two years (separate application needed), then planning to transfer to the University of Miami
• For application and future information please visit http://mdc.edu/honorscollege/enrichment_bridges.asp

Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Awards range from $1,000 to $10,000 Deadlines vary
• Must be a graduating senior
• Have plans to enroll full time in a degree-seeking program at a four-year US accredited institution in the US, Puerto Rico or US Virgin Islands in the upcoming academic year
• All majors are eligible for awards
• Over 4,000 awarded each year
• Applications available online at http://www.hsf.net/Scholarships.aspx?id=72

Stetson University J. Ollie Edmunds Distinguished Scholarship
Full tuition, fees, housing, meals and books DEADLINE :01/22/10
• Senior with at least a 3.5 GPA
• Must be in the top 5% of the class
• ACT score of at least 30 or a combined SAT reading and math of 1350
• Must also be a well rounded, creative, active participant in sports or fitness activities
• Must also have strong co-curricular and community service activities
• Application available at www.edmunds-scholarship.org


Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA. President’s Scholars Program
A full-tuition scholarship to HMC, renewable for the full four years, subject to satisfactory academic progress. DEADLINE: 01/25/10
• Senior
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Be in the top half of the entering first-year class at Harvey Mudd College
• Demonstrate a potential for leadership and contribution to Harvey Mudd College
• Show a proven record of academic success, including a rigorous course schedule and excellent grades, and be among the top students in your secondary school
• Be a first-year applicant for admission to HMC
• Special consideration is given to students from groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in engineering, science, mathematics and technology, including women, ethnic minorities, students from low income backgrounds, students with disabilities, and students who are the first in their families to attend college.
Application available at http://www.hmc.edu/files/admission/HMC_PSP_Application.pdf

2009/10 Ford Salute to Education
(80) $1,000 for Miami Dade County DEADLINE:01/2710
• Senior
• Applicants must be enrolled in a Miami-Dade or Broward County public or private high school.
• Applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA, and graduate in 2010.
• Students must be a citizen or permanent resident with a U.S. issued social security number
• Scholarship applications will be judged based on the following criteria:
• Financial Need
• Community Involvement
• Academic Achievement
• Demonstrated Leadership
• Quality of Character
• Life Goals & Interests
• Obstacles Overcome
• Meaningful Objectives Achieved
• Students may apply for scholarships in only ONE of the following categories:
• ATHLETICS
• ARTS
- Foreign Language/Language Arts
- Performing and Visual Arts
• LEADERSHIP/SERVICE
• SCIENCES
- Mathematics/Computer Science
- Natural Science
Application available after October 1 at www.stescholarships.org

Princeton Prize in Race Relations
Cash awards up to $1,000 Postmarked by 01/31/10
• Students currently enrolled in grades 9th-12th
• The candidate must have been actively involved in a volunteer activity in the last 12 months that has had a significant, positive impact on race relations in his or her school or community.
• To promote harmony, understanding, and respect among people of different races by identifying students whose efforts have had a significant, positive effect in their school communities
• The supporter must be a teacher, community or religious leader or other adult not related to the candidate who knows about the candidate’s participation in the activity described in the application.
• All winners will be notified in writing in early April.
• For more information call 800-742-1036 or visit website at www.princeton.edu/PrincetonPrize

FIU Multicultural Programs and Services (MPAS)
$8,000($1,000 per semester towards tuition renewable for four years DEADLINE:01/31/10
• Senior
• Student must have all their admission materials submitted to the FIU Admissions Office prior to the scholarship deadline
• Must be a US citizen or resident alien
• GPA of 3.2 or better
• Must submit an essay outlining your personal mission statement
• Must have a resume highlighting your high school involvement/leadership, community service experience and awards/honors
• Must submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor or employer
• This scholarship is open to all seniors that meet the minimum criteria
Applications available at: www.fiu.edu/~mpas

Golden Drum Scholarship at FIU
$10,000 ($1,250 per semester towards tuition renewable for four years)
DEADLINE:01/31/10
• Senior
• Student must have all their admission materials submitted to the FIU Admissions Office prior to the scholarship deadline
• Must be a US citizen or resident alien
• GPA of 3.5 or better
• Must submit an essay outlining your personal mission statement
• Must have a resume highlighting your high school involvement/leadership, community service experience and awards/honors
• Must submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor or employer
• This scholarship is open to all seniors that meet the minimum criteria
Applications available at: www.fiu.edu/~mpas

Florida Engineering Society Scholarship
(6) $2,250 DEADLINE: 02/01/10
• Senior
• Be a citizen of the United States at the time of application
• GPA 3.5 unweighted
• SAT/ACT scores
• Enroll in an engineering program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
• Transcript
• Official AP test scores sheet must be included with the application
• For more information please contact Steven Goldstein at (305) 766-8037
Application available at www.fleng.org

Arts for Life Scholarship(25) $1,000 Postmarked by 02/01/10
• Seniors who demonstrate excellence in visual art, music, dance, drama or creative writing
• Essay; “How the arts have positively influenced my life”
• A portfolio of your work
• Application must be mailed to the Foundation for Excellence in Education Arts for Life P.O. Box 536128, Orlando, FL 32853-6128
For more information download the Arts for Life application or visit www.excelined.org

John C. Pace, Jr. Scholars Award at University of West Florida
$5,000 a year for four years for full-time entering freshmen who are Florida residents. Students are also awarded a stipend for a summer experience related to their major DEADLINE: 02/01/10 • Senior
• Planning to attend University of West Florida
• Transcript
• ACT/SAT scores
• Leadership activities and community involvement
• Top 5% of the class at the end of the first semester of senior year
• For more information visit http://uwf.edu/admissions/scholarships.cfm or call 1-800-263-1074

Florida PTA/PTSA Annual Scholarship Award
$1,000 renewable for up to $4,000 Postmarked by 02/01/10
• Senior graduating from a Florida PTA/PTSA high school
• Be a U. S. Citizen and a current resident of Florida
• Have been a Florida resident for at least two years
• Be a member of the school’s PTA/PTSA
• GPA 3.0
• Transcript
• Letters of recommendation
• Submit SAT/ACT scores to the Florida PTA
• Planning to enroll as a full-time undergraduate student in a state or private educational institution within the state of Florida
• Essay
• Income verification (copy of parent/guardian’s recent Income Tax Return
Application available at the CAP Office in room 09

The Blanco Foundation Scholarship
Amount Varies. Student must apply for financial aid. The Blanco Foundation will supplement with the balance of tuition and books DEADLINE:02/01/10
• Senior
• Scholarship provides assistance to students who plan to enter the nursing or education field
• Must be accepted to a two or four year institution
• Proven academic achievement
• Provide copy of SAT/ACT scores along with percentile ranking
• Active participation in the community and extra-curricular programs
• Submit application to:
The Blanco Foundation
P.O. Box 10069
Newburgh, New York 12552-0069
Application available in the CAP-Office room 09


KFC Colonel’s Scholars
Awards up to $20,000 for tuition, fees, textbooks, room and board DEADLINE: 02/10/10
• Senior
• Must have a 2.75 GPA or above
• Must enroll in a public college/university within your state of legal residence
• Must plan to pursue a bachelors degree
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Demonstrate financial need
www.kfcscholars.org

National CO-OP Scholarship Program(170) $6,000 DEADLINE:02/15/10
• Must complete all admissions applications material and be accepted for the 2010-2011 year at one of the CO-OP universities listed below
• Johnson & Wales University
• Drexel University
• Kettering University
• Pace University
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Toledo
• Wentworth Institute of Technology
• Essay required
Application online at www.co-op.edu

Pepsico Scholarship Program$500-$4,000DEADLINE:02/16/10
• Must be Hispanic
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• GPA 3.0 or above
• Must be planning to enroll full time at an accredited college/university
• Must demonstrate financial need
www.buildurdestiny.com

Mahatma Rice Scholarship (6) $2,000 DEADLINE:02/16/10
• Senior
• Essay: “What will my college degree say about me” or in Spanish “ Como me percibiran al obtener mi Licenciatura”
For more information including rules and to complete your entry form go to www.mahatmarice.com/scholarship

Southern Scholarship Foundation
Housing scholarship to FSU, UF, FAMU, FGCUDEADLINE:03/01/10 for the fall semester
• Awards qualifying students with housing scholarships to FSU, UF, FAMU,FGCU
• Must have at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need
• Students do not pay rent, but are responsible for their fair share of basic household expenses such as food and utilities
• The entire cost of the student averages $950.00 per semester
Applications available online at: www.southernscholarship.org

Zonta InternationalYoung Women In Public Affairs $1,000 DEADLINE:03/01/10
• Must be a female age 16-20 years
• Evidence of active commitment to volunteerism
• Evidence of volunteer leadership achievements
• Evidence of international awareness
• Evidence of dedication to advancing the status of women worldwide
Application available at www.zonta.org Application due by 3/1/10 to Zonta Club of Doral, 7745 SW 118 Place, Miami, Fl 33183

Johnson Scholarship Foundation to the children of UPS employees or retirees who live in Florida Range from $1,000 to $10,000 per year. Community college/vocational students will receive a maximum of $5,000 per year. DEADLINE:04/15/10
• Children of UPS employees or retirees who live in Florida
• Demonstrate financial need
Application available at www.jsf.bz• The completed application must be sent to Scholarship America at 1505 Riverview Road, PO Box 297, Saint Peter, MN 56082

JUNIORS AND SENIOS: Do you have what it takes to be a Bank of America Student Leader?
Application and more information available at www.bankofamerica.com/neistudentleaders
Deadline: February 17, 2010
Bank of America is looking for leaders who are high school juniors and seniors in the US to participate in the Student’s Leaders Program.
As a Student Leader, you will participate in:
• An eight-week paid internship at a nonprofit/charitable organization
• A week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC (July, 2010) to gain valuable civic, social and business leadership skills
Applications are accepted beginning January 1, 2010 through February 17, 2010 (11:00 p.m. Eastern Time).
To be considered as a Student Leader you must:
• Currently be a junior or senior in high school
• Be able to participate in a week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC (July 2010)
• Be able to participate in an 8-week paid internship at a local nonprofit/charitable organization
• Be legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship
• Be a student in good standing at his/her school
As a Bank of America Student Leader, you will participate in an all-expense paid week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. in July 2010. This leadership development program will provide you with valuable perspective on civic, social and business partnerships as positive forces of change within our communities. The Student Leadership Summit is directed by the Close Up Foundation, the nation's leading civic education provider.
The combination of your summer internship experience at a nonprofit and leadership development through the Bank of America Student Leadership Summit will develop your skills and strengthen your understanding of how to build on your commitment to improving your community.

JUNIORS: FREE SUMMER PROGRAM AT MIT
MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering & Science) is a FREE summer program for juniors at MIT

Program dates: June 18-July 31, 2010
Application deadline: February 15, 2010
Cost: FREE
Eligibility Criteria:
• Junior
• US Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Strong academic record and interest in science and engineering
Application and more information available at http://web.mit.edu/mites/

Although admission to MIT is not the focus of MITES, for its graduates, there is a strong record of successful admission to MIT and to other engineering and science universities.


SENIORS:CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE (Required by certain colleges and universities)
More information at www.collegeboard.com/profile
PROFILE Application for 2010-2011 will be available on October 1, 2009. You should file this application if you are entering college in the fall of 2010 or the spring of 2011 and if required by your college or university.

CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE® is the financial aid application service of the College Board. Almost 600 colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools and scholarship programs use the information collected on the PROFILE to determine eligibility for nonfederal student aid funds. The PROFILE is a fully Web-based application system that provides students a secure and efficient method for reporting their financial data to schools.
• Required by some colleges and universities
• Institutions use the information collected on the CSS Profile to help them award non-federal student aid funds
Application is available online at www.collegeboard.com/profile or by calling (305) 829-9793

FINANCIAL AID FAFSA INFORMATION (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
The FAFSA online will be available after January 1, 2010 at www.fafsa.gov. Those students that will not be completing the financial form online will be able to obtain a paper FAFSA by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or by visiting www.edpubs.org. Students are encouraged to complete the aFAFSA online. Remember seniors don’t submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid until after January 1, 2010

Artist of the Week Finalist by Artsonia

Great News! Ana Mastrodomenico, from Felix Varela Senior High School, has been selected as a finalist for this week's "Artist of the Week" award for the 10th-12th age group. The finalist who receives the most online votes between now and Saturday January 16 will be selected as our "Artist of the Week."

To view the finalists and cast your vote, simply click on the link below. Voting is limited to one vote per computer per day for each age group!

http://www.artsonia.com/aotw/vote/0/7622200

The "Artist of the Week" will be featured on the Artsonia homepage and will receive a commemorative plaque from Artsonia. In addition, Blick Art Materials has generously donated $100 gift certificates to the winning teachers and $50 to the winning artists.

All fan club members from Felix Varela Senior High School were sent an email inviting them to vote, but I encourage you to personally spread the word, making sure all cast their votes right away!

National Scholastics Art and Writing Awards and Competition

The following Felix Varela seniors have had their computer art/ graphic design portfolios submitted to the National Scholastics Art and Writing Awards and Competition for consideration. They have worked on building the 8 pieces within each portfolio for the past two or more months. Please see the Varela art blog to review their artwork and congratulate then if you happen to see them:

Lisandra Vazquez

Lisandra Vazquez's work

Alex Reyes

Alex Reyes' Work

Giselle Martinez

Giselle Martinez's Work

Ana Mastrodomenico

Ana Mastrodomenico's Work

Youth Violence Prevention Summit

Students, Parents, Staff, and Community Members are invited!


Join the Conversation

Felix Varela Senior High School
Media Center
Thursday, January 14, 2010
6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.

2010 Miami National College Fair

• The 2010 Miami National College Fair wil be held on Sunday, February 21, 2010, at the Doubletree Miami Mart Airport Hotel, 777 NW 72nd Avenue, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.
• The fair is an opportunity to serve the community by encouraging all young people to countinue their education and fulfill their potential.
• It is sponsored by Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Division of Student Services and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).
• School Board Member Perla Tabares Hantman and Ms. Deborah A. Montilla, District Director, Division of Student Services, co-chair the National College Fair Local Committee.
• More than 150 colleges and universities from around the country will have representatives to answer questions about admission, courses, and financial aid.
• An on-site counseling center will provide students and their parents with academic advice and college planning information.
• A computer center will allow students to search for scholarships and research schools and occupations.
• All 8th - 12th grade students and their parents are encouraged to attend the fair. Information sessions about the value of a college education, the steps needed to prepare for the application process, and the availability of financial aid will be presented.
• Students planning to attend the College Fair are encouraged to pre-register on-line at http://www.gotomyncf.com.

Raising Girls Workshop

Raising Girls(For parents of school-age girls.)

Thursday, January 28
7-9 p.m.
Auditorium : Baptist Children’s Hospital
8900 North Kendall Drive

From ribbons and curls to lipstick and pearls, the journey from girlhood to womanhood holds a multitude of joys and challenges. Join psychologist

Regina Mendoza, Psy.D., for a presentation that will help parents travel this road along with their daughters. She’ll discuss:

-Female images in the media
-Creating and maintaining healthy friendships
-Helping girls understand their changing bodies
-Encouraging girls to strive for achievement in school, sports and other activities
-The importance of positive role models

The fee for the program is $5, and must be paid in advance. To reserve your space and make your payment, please call 786-596-3812.

Note: The program is not intended for children. A live telecast of this program will be shown at Baptist Medical Plaza at Country Walk, 13500 SW 152 Street. Same date and time! Fee is $5. Call 786-596-3812 to register.

Shannon Melendi Safety Day

Today at Felix Varela Senior High School all seniors were honored to listen to a presentation by Congress Woman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Miami Dade Commissioner Javier Souto, Honrable School Board Member Ana Rivas-Logan,the Shannon Melendi family, Special Agent Joe Fonseca,and Shannon's Soccer Coach and Honors Goverment Teacher, Angel Dominguez.

If you are not familiar with Shannon's story here is an exerpt from The Vanishing of Shannon By Diana Montané.

The 19-year-old Emory University student was last seen taking a lunch recess from her part-time job at the Softball Country Club, where she was keeping score at one of the games. And although there were at least a thousand spectators on the field that day, March 26th of 1994, no one seemed to know what happened approximately at noon on Saturday.

Few presentations I have ever witnessed has kept an auditorium of 780+ high school seniors so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The Varela family collectively appreciates the courage of the Melendi family to stand before us and share such a difficult time in their life. Thank you to Congress Woman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen who has spearheaded the call to bring Shannon's message to our youth and the fight to keep the kidnapper,rapist and murderer behind bars; Commissioner Javier Souto who wrote and passed the Shannon Melendi Act requiring that all coaches, umpires and volunteers who will have direct contact with children show proof of official statewide background checks for substance abuse, family violence and crimes of moral turpitude; Honorable School Board Member Ana Rivas Logan for her words and message of awareness; Special Agent Joe Fonseca who flew to Miami today from Atlanta to share his insight and wisdom; Coach,teacher and mentor Angel Menendez for his heartfelt words and moving tribute to Shannon's life; to Luis and Yvonne Melendi for having the courage to share their pain in the spirit of keeping Shannon in our hearts and lastly to Monique Melendi, Shannon's little sister for her brave words, her fortitude and how proud she is to fight for what is right.

It is my hope that the students listened and took away the message of being aware of their surroundings, if it could happen to Shannon it could happen to them.

It is also very important to make sure the kidnapper, rapeist and murderer Colvin "Butch" Hinton stays behind bars. On July 17th he confessed how he kidnapped, brutally raped, and murdered Shannon. He said that he burned her body in his back yard and scattered the ashes.

When it is time for Hinton to go before the Parole Board in 2011, they will look at his file. Letters in his file asking to keep him behind bars, and serving his full life sentence for the murder of Shannon Denise Melendi will be looked at during the analysis.

Below is where you need to write and help us keep him off the streets so he may never hurt another family.

All correspondence must reference:
GDC ID#0001201616
(Colvin C. Hinton, III)

PETITION TO DENY PAROLE

Yvonne Melendi, Shannon's mother says that every time she goes by Shannon Melendi Drive she thinks of how much her daughter loved her school, and how she always looked for the good in people. "And she tried to show people that there are not just weeds on the side of the road, that there are flowers that grow in between. And they are really pretty."

Shannon is now among the flowers. As poet Edna St. Vincent Millay says in Dirge Without Music: "…she has gone to feed the roses." And in honor of her parents, Luis and Yvonne Melendi, we dedicate the last line of that poem to Shannon: "I know. But I do not approve. And I am not resigned."

The Varela Senior High School family is not resigned either and stands side by side the Melendi family in keepings Shannon's Legacy alive in our hearts.

It is with sincere apprecaition and a saddened heart that I thank every one who participated in the presentation. The Melendi family would like to thank everyone for their continued support.

Happy New Year

May this New Year bring many opportunities your way, to explore every joy of life and may your resolutions for the days ahead stay firm, turning all your dreams into reality and all your efforts into great achievements.