Mass Mutual Scholars Program Scholarships

MassMutual Scholars Program
Scholarships will be awarded to African American/
Black, Asian/Pacific Islander American and
Hispanic American students.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Be of African American/Black, Asian/Pacific Islander
or Hispanic descent.
• Be entering your sophomore, junior, senior or fifth-year senior year,
and be enrolled full-time at a U.S. accredited college or university.
• Be a U.S. Citizen or a legal permanent resident of the United States.
• Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a
4.0 scale.
• Students must be majoring in:
Business Economics
Finance Financial Planning
Management Marketing or Sales
• Students must reside in one of the following metropolitan areas:
Atlanta,GA Central New Jersey
Chicago, IL Denver, CO
Houston, TX Los Angeles, CA
Miami, FL San Antonio, TX
San Francisco, CA
MassMutual is proud to sponsor the
MassMutual Scholars Program
presented by the Hispanic Scholarship
Fund (HSF), UNCF and the Asian & Pacific
Islander American Scholarship Fund
(APIASF).
A total of $135,000 in scholarships are
available for the school year!
Application Deadline:
May 30, 2010
Apply on-line at:
www.hsf.net/massmutual.aspx
©

Florida Council for Economic Education

Danny Vinat, Social Studies teacher from Felix Varela Sr was honored to receive the 31st Annual Florida Governor’s Award from the Florida Council for Economic Education. He received the award for entrepreneurship for “The Apprentice” project he does with his Economics students.

CONGRATULATIONS DANNY !!!

NJROTC @ Miami Military Museum

On April 24, 2010, Felix Varela cadets had the opportunity to meet the Honorable Mario Diaz-Balart, US Representative and the Honorable Jose “Pepe” Diaz, County Commission during the ground breaking ceremony of the Miami Military Museum and Veterans Memorial.

CISCO Champions

Our students are Network Champions for the district!!

In district-wide Cisco Networking competitions, two of our students took First Place:

Robert Cyr – Network Cabling

Mario Martinez – Network Design

These young men even beat out two technology magnet schools: Miami Lakes Technical Center and Miami Central.

Both men performed admirably. Robert was the first student who completed the cabling project without any errors. He demonstrated focus and confidence as he swept the competition. Mario’s network design impressed the judges, two of which were Cisco engineers. The engineers made a point of stating that Mario’s solution was even better than their own, and they used Mario’s solution as the answer key for the rest of the competition. They are even considering an internship for Mario – something Cisco does not normally do.

If you see Robert or Mario, please give them a big CONGRATS! There were absolutely amazing.

And Varela, once again, shows off our excellent networking program. We are small, but mighty!!!!

Varela Boys Volleyball

The Varela boys volleyball team picked up a major playoff victory against the second seed Westminster Warriors. The Vipers were led by hall of famer Roger Garcia who completely took over the game. He not only led the teams in kills but he also played a new role as setter. Not many people could change roles like that at the end of a season and still dominate. Kevin Vivanco and Billy Baez also came up with big stats to lead the vipers to the district championship tonight versus the Palmetto Panthers @7:00 @ Coral reef.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Scholarship

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Scholarship


Scholarship Information and Criteria

Selected recipients will receive a scholarship of $1,000.00. This will be paid in two Payments

Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen with a valid Social Security number
Be a High School graduating senior from a Miami-Dade County Public School.
Have an overall cumulative grade point average of a 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 grading scale.
Must provide (3) Letters of Recommendation from any combination of persons listed below:
High School Teachers
High School Guidance Counselor or CAP Advisor
Community Leader


Submit a typed 500-word essay on the following topic:


“The Values and Importance of a College Education”

Provide proof of a completed community Service Activity as required for High School Graduation

Application Deadline: Monday, May 10, 2010

College Borad Resources

The College Board has created an online guide on the following PSAT resources:

· My College QuickStart

o Personality Profiler

o SAT Study Plan

o Online PSAT Score Report

o College Matches

o Major & Career Matches

· AP Potential

· Summary of Answers and Skills (SOAS)



The web link is http://cbpd.na4.acrobat.com/tbwxiz5.2xtx5k/. This is a great link to share with your schools. It offers insight, and answers many questions educators and students may still have.

Varela hosts "Senior" Prom

West Kendall Students host prom for senior citizens


By LATOYA BURGESS
lburgess@MiamiHerald.com

A group of South Miami-Dade high school students spent a recent Saturday giving new meaning to the term ``senior prom.''

The Key Club at Felix Varela Senior High School in West Kendall hosted a senior citizen's prom earlier this month for residents of the nearby Coral Reef Senior Nursing home, 9869 SW 152nd Ter.

Seniors at the prom played alphabet bingo and dice games that included prizes like socks, candles and playing cards.

Key Club president Sanah Faroke, a senior at Varela High, said the prom was her idea and a fun way to do something that benefits the community.

``One reason the Key Club created this prom is to aid those who need a little sunshine in their lives and to show that there is still kindness in the world,'' Sanah said.

Key Club members Ena Marie Montero and Alissa Alayeto wowed the crowd with their own rendition of Lee Ann Womack's I Hope You Dance.

Among the 30 senior citizens at the prom, all in wheelchairs, sat author John Holman, who published a book that chronicles his fight with cerebral palsy and how he hasn't been able to speak for several years.

Because Holman cannot talk, he designed a communication board with common words so that he can convey messages to the public.

Holman sat front and center listening attentively to Ena Marie and Alissa's performance. He pointed out the words: THIS-IS-GREAT.

Dorothy ``Dot'' Keim, 86, was crowned prom queen. She said the song reminded her of her dancing days when she was a young woman living in New York.

``I used to go dancing with my husband all the time,'' she said. ``He loved to dance, and he was the cutest man: tall, dark hair, light eyes. We'd dance to all kinds of music, I loved it.''

Betty Patterson, 69, who has lived at the nursing home for about two months, said her favorite part of the prom was the raffle, in which she won a prize she thinks was tailor-made for her.

``I love ballet, and I won a ballerina figurine,'' Patterson said. ``I'm really glad these students came out here and did this for us.''

Janice Lewis, a science teacher and advisor of the school's Key Club, also works as a sponsor for the international organization. She said the club benefits the community at large and that the students have a lot to gain, as well.

``Our club is primarily based on being a servant to the community,'' Lewis said. ``But we also expose out students to etiquette, how to get jobs and how to represent themselves.''

Key Club International is the oldest and largest service program for high school students, boasting approximately 250,000 members and representing 30 countries.

Each Key Club member pays an annual fee of $15. Varela's Key Club currently has 40 paying members.

Lewis says she is hoping to expand that number.

``My job is so wonderful because I get to cater to the needs of each individual student,'' Lewis said. ``A lot of students don't understand how important it is to get on the right track early.''



Newspaper Article

Florida FFA

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - Florida FFA is pleased to announce those students who have submitted an application to receive the coveted State FFA Degree. The State FFA Degree is the highest honor bestowed upon any regular member of the Florida FFA Association.

The 2010 State Degree applicants from Felix Varela Sr are:

Kathryn McBryde
Claudia Morejon
Kevin Rodriguez
Reymon Salvador

Creative Visions Art Show

The following Felix Varela Art Students that have been chosen to exhibit in our district’s Creative Visions Art Show. We have won the Catalog cover, 2nd place, and 2Honorable Mentions as well. Please congratulate these talented students if you know them.

Buu Huynh
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Dianne Romero


David Rojas
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Dan Dawes


Karla Martinez
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Dan Dawes

Lauren Mercado
11
Felix Varela Senior High
Dan Dawes

Ariel Calderon
11
Felix Varela Senior High
Maria Lantigua

Paul Japaz
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Maria Lantigua

Anamarie Montero
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Maria Lantigua

Randol Martinez
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Elaine Evans

Yennifer Barona
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Elaine Evans

Maia Vergno
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Elaine Evans

Lucia Almerares
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Elaine Evans

Paul Japaz
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Elaine Evans

Randol Martinez
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Elaine Evans

Bianca Khan
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Elaine Evans
2nd Place

Fernando Gutierrez
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Elaine Evans
Honorable Mention

Marielle Baliwis
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Elaine Evans

Meylin Rojas
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Elaine Evans

Randol Martinez
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Elaine Evans

Tyrenne Saloman
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Elaine Evans

Elizabeth Arango
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Elaine Evans

Marlin Acosta Catalog Cover
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Heather Cipriani
Catalog Cover

Umer Farooq
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Heather Cipriani

Vanessa Castellanos Honorable Mention
12
Felix Varela Senior High
Heather Cipriani
Honorable Mention

Signing to Barry University

Congratulations to Derrick Bolanos for signing an athletic and academic scholarship to attend Barry University in the fall.

Derrick led the Vipers to a record of 15-7, best in school history. A 2nd Team All-Dade selection, he averaged 20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals in his senior season. By signing today he becomes the first boys basketball player in school history to sign a scholarship!

Visit w/ Congressman Mario Diaz Balart

Some of our ESOL kids traveled to Washington DC last week. A couple of them have been in this country for just 8 months.

They were lucky enough to have met with Congressman Mario Diaz Balart were able to ask him questions and share their opinions. They participated in workshops about immigration, education, and other interesting topics and they visited the White House, The Capitol, and many museums. They did a great job there and learned a lot about the government and the election process.

If you have Jonathan and Steffan Blanco, Jose Vila, David Romero, Daniela Suarez, and Daniela Sequeira, please, give them a pat on their backs. They were amazing!

2010 Agricultural Proficiency Award Finalist

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Contact: Ronnie Simmons
Ph: 352.378.0060

2010 Agricultural Proficiency Award Finalist
GAINESVILLE, FL – Florida FFA is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2010 Agricultural Proficiency Award program. More than 230 applicants from throughout Florida submitted applications within this program. The Agricultural Proficiency Award program rewards FFA members at the local, state and national levels for
exceptional accomplishments and excellence in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program. These supervised programs are planned, practical activities that are conducted outside of class time that help students develop and apply agricultural knowledge and skills learned inside the classroom. These programs can include
entrepreneurship, placement, or research and experimentation.

Felix Varela Senior, Kevin Rodriguez is the only finalist representing Miami-Dade County Public Schools this year for Environmental Science. CONGRATUALTIONS !!

28th Annual Museum Education and Art Technology Programs Exhibition

The Opening Reception for the 28th Annual Museum Education and Art Technology Programs Exhibition

The following students will be presenting their work:
Lauren Mercado
gr 11
Felix Varela Senior High
Art Teacher, Dianne Romero

Tyrenne Salomon
gr 12
Felix Varela Senior High
Art Teacher, Dianne Romero

Jennifer Rodriguez
gr 12
Felix Varela Senior High
Art Teacher, Dianne Romero

Alex Reyes
gr 12
Felix Varela Senior High
Art Teacher, Dianne Romero

Samuel Zaglul
gr 12
Felix Varela Senior High
Art Teacher, Dianne Romero

Thursday, May 6
6 PM - * PM
Jewish Museum of Florida
301 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida

Annual Blood Drive Award Luncheon

Having collected 669 units of blood during this school year Varela came away from the Blood Drive Award Luncheon yesterday with two trophies; One for Highest Percent Participation (85%) and one for Most Pints Collected (Region IV).

Also, student coordinator Zaniet Frias was awarded Student Coordinator of the Year for which she received a plaque and a $1,000 scholarship. Varela generated $13,380.00in scholarships for students of Miami Dade County Public Schools for which we thank you and for which you should congratulate yourselves.

College Week Live

CollegeWeekLive is proud to announce CollegeWeekLive FLORIDA DAY, the first online college fair devoted entirely to schools in Florida! CollegeWeekLive FLORIDA DAY takes place May 6th from 12 PM to 10 PM Eastern. Register now for free at:

http://www.collegeweeklive.com/

At CollegeWeekLive FLORIDA DAY, students, parents, and guidance counselors can chat live with admissions reps from Florida State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Lynn University, Miami Dade College, Nova Southeastern University, Rollins College, Saint Leo University, Saint Thomas University, Stetson University, University of Florida, University of Miami, University of South Florida, University of Tampa and more!

Students, parents, and guidance counselors can also participate in online presentations covering Florida related topics. FSU will be presenting live at 7 PM EST.

Mark your calendar for May 6th to attend this free online event at:

http://www.CollegeWeekLive.com/

Felix Varela Sr High School Veterinary Science Magnet Academy

Highlights all of the achievements, awards, and recognition earned by students enrolled in the Felix Varela Sr High School Veterinary Science Magnet Academy for the 2009-2010 school year.

Youth Agricultural Exhibitors Achievement Points

Rabbit Exhibitors:

Kyle Krause:
Rabbit – 2nd Place Black Netherland Dwarf
Record Book – 1st
Record Book Skills Test – 1st
Educational Poster – 1st
Showmanship – 2nd

Melissa Alegria
Record Book – 1st
Record Book Skills Test – 1st
Educational Poster – 2nd
Showmanship – 2nd

Kelly Lashbrook
Rabbit – 20th Place Holland Lop Solid Senior Buck
Record Book – 2nd
Record Book Skills Test – 2nd
Educational Poster – 1st
Showmanship – 1st

Stephanie Pretto
Record Book – 2nd
Record Book Skills Test – 1st
Educational Poster – 3rd
Showmanship – 2nd

Andres Pinares
Rabbit – 5th Place Holland Lop Solid Senior Doe
Record Book – 2nd
Record Book Skills Test – 2nd
Educational Poster – 2nd
Showmanship – 2nd

Nadya Ortiz
Record Book – 2nd
Record Book Skills Test – 3rd
Educational Poster – 3rd
Showmanship – 2nd

Antonia Garcia
Rabbit – 1st Place Silver Fawn
Record Book – 2nd
Record Book Skills Test – 1st
Educational Poster – 2nd
Showmanship – 1st

Kathryn McBryde
Rabbit – 1st Place BOSV Holland Lop Solid Senior Doe
Rabbit – 1st Place BOSV Holland Lop Broken Senior Buck
Rabbit – 1st Place BOSV Chocolate Dutch Doe
Rabbit – 1st Place BOV Otter Mini Rex
Rabbit – 1st Place BOB Blue Polish
Record Book – 1st
Record Book Skills Test – 1st
Educational Poster – 2nd
Showmanship – 1st

Michelle Haramboure
Record Book – 1st
Record Book Skills Test – 1st
Educational Poster - 1st
Showmanship – 1st


Anastasia Rivera
Rabbit – 3rd Place Orange Netherland Dwarf Senior Buck
Record Book – 1st
Record Book Skills Test – 1st
Educational Poster – 1st
Showmanship – 2nd

Yaslin Gonzalez
Rabbit – 2nd Place Tort Dutch Senior Doe
Record Book – 1st
Record Book Skills Test – 1st
Educational Poster – 1st
Showmanship – 1st

Maria Garcia
Rabbit – 1st Place BOV REW Mini Rex Senior Buck
Record Book – 1st
Record Book Skills Test – 2nd
Educational Poster – 2nd
Showmanship – 2nd

Michael Rivera
Rabbit – Holland Lop Broken Senior Doe
Record Book – 1st
Record Book Skills Test – 1st
Educational Poster – 1st
Showmanship – 2nd

Poultry Exhibitors:

Oscar Bolanos:
Chicken – 2nd Place Silver Laced Polish Cock
Chicken – 1st Place, BOV Silver Laced Polish Hen
Record Book – 3rd
Record Book Skills Test – 1st
Educational Poster – 1st
Showmanship – 1st

Pamela Sanchez:
Chicken – 1st Place BOB, BOV Orpington Hen
Record Book – 2nd
Record Book Skills Test – 1st
Educational Poster – 1st
Showmanship – 1st

Reymon Salvador
Chicken – 1st Place BOB, BOC, BOV Dominique Cock
Chicken – 1st Place BOB Silver Laced Wyandotte Cock
Record Book – 2nd
Record Book Skills Test – 2nd
Educational Poster – 2nd
Showmanship – 1st

Alexandra Lloyd
Chicken – 1st Place BOB, New Hampshire Cock
Record Book - 2nd
Record Book Skills Test – 1st
Educational Poster – 1st
Showmanship – 1st

Kevin Quincosa
Chicken – 1st Place RIB Golden Pheonix Cock
Chicken - 1st Place BOB Golden Pheonix Hen
Record Book – 1st
Record Book Skills Test – 2nd
Educational Poster – 2nd
Showmanship – 1st


Goat Exhibitors:

Claudia Morejon
Goat: 1st Place
Goat: 1st Place
Record Book – 2nd
Record Book Skills Test – 3rd
Educational Poster – 1st
Showmanship – 1st

Kathryn McBryde
Goat: 1st Place Junior Grand Champion Doe
Goat: 1st Place Junior Reserve Grand Champion Doe
Record Book – 1st
Record Book Skills Test – 1st
Educational Poster – 1st
Showmanship – 1st

State Level Awards:

Agricultural Proficiency Award Applicants

The Agricultural Proficiency Awards program like the FFA motto, helps you set goals and learn practical skills. The program rewards FFA members at the local, state and national levels for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program.

Small Animal Production and Care
Elizabeth Arango
Amanda Bartley
Alexandra Lloyd
Cecilia Plaza
Raquel Ruiz

Specialty Animal Production and Care
Michelle Haramboure

Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management
Kevin Rodriguez

Award Finalist
Kevin Rodriguez

State Degree

The State FFA Degree is the highest honor bestowed upon any regular member of the Florida FFA Association. Each of the 192 candidates will be recognized during 9th General Session of the 82nd Florida FFA Convention on Friday, June 18, 2010.

2010 Senior Award Recipients

Kathryn McBryde
Claudia Morejon
Reymon Salvador
Kevin Rodriguez

28th Annual Museum Education Program Exhibition

Xiomara Guerrero, grade 12, will be the recipient of the 2010 Joan Meisel-Gaffney Memorial Art Award at the opening reception of the 28th Annual Museum Education Program Exhibition at the Jewish Museum on May 6th. The award will be given for Xio’s ceramic window with mixed media piece.

BeSafe

M-DCPS is launching a NEW District Anonymous Reporting System (BeSafe) that includes TEXTING, WEB-BASED reporting, and PHONE reporting of any school safety concerns.

BeSafe allows students to anonymously submit incidents of crime, weapons, drug violations or other safety concerns in schools; thus reducing fear of retribution and preventing additional incidents.

BeSafe can be used to address any crime, disorder, or disruptive behavior and is a particularly effective prevention tool to encourage students to submit incidents that threaten the security of the school environment.

Effective May 3, 2010, BeSafe will be available using any of the following
3 Options:

WEB-BASED Reporting: Links will be placed on the dadeschools.net pages that will redirect the user to besafe.dadeschools.net An anonymous reporting form can be completed and submitted at this time. Direct Access: http://besafe.dadeschools.net

TEXTING: Using cell phones, a text message is sent to 274637 (CRIMES) with the text message beginning with the keyword "BESAFE"; followed by the anonymous tip.

PHONE Reporting: Continue to utilize 305-995-COPS

Mario Savio Award

The Mario Savio Award carries a cash prize of $6000 and is presented each year to a young person(s) with a deep commitment to human rights and social justice. Deadline is June 30, 2010. Link below has more information.


Application

11-Tube e-Creative Visions Competition

The 11-Tube e-Creative Visions video clips will be online starting Monday, May 3rd until Friday, May 7th. Enjoy the video clips produced by our very talented students from District 11 High Schools: G. Holmes Braddock, Felix Varela and John A. Ferguson.

http://www.miamidade.gov/district11/home.asp.

VOTE for Varela !!

The “Creative Visions 2010” Student Art Exhibition Opening and Awards Reception, will be held at The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum at Florida International University, on Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at 6:00 pm.

2010 Theodore Gibson Competition Region Finalists

Congratulations are in order to Anase Frazier and Marla Hector for being 2010 Theodore Gibson Competition Region Secondary Finalists. The Varela faculty is very proud of them and wishes them luck in the district finals held May 10th at Miami-Dade Community College- North.


Kierra Bryant 12 Dr. Michael Krop
Jefferson Reid 12 Corporate Academy
Oscar Riviera 11 Sunset High
Edline Simmone 12 DASH
Wesley George 12 Coral Gables
Anase Frazier 10 Felix Varela
Dominique Seward 12 DASH
Jordane Champagne 12 Norland Senior
Marla Hector 12 Felix Varela
Jean Floradin 12 New School of the Arts
Maggy Caceres 12 Robert Morgan
Joseph Brown 12 Northwesten Senior
Ashley Canady 10 Coral Reef High
Joshua Brinsley 10 Young Men’s Prep
Arnadrian Burgess 12 Westland Hialeah Senior