Freshmen students were recognized in the first annual Small Learning Communities award ceremony on Wednesday, April 11th, 2007 in the school auditorium.

Nominations were given to 420 underclassmen, about 40 percent of the freshman class.

Although, originally there were three freshman teams, there are five this year. The names of the teams originate from five racehorses.

“The concept of having the teams is to develop identity and to spread equality,” said the event organizer Dr. Michael Kesselman.

The nominees were chosen based on academic improvement, attendance and subject area excellence. Students received a trophy if three academy leaders nominated them and a medal if two leaders chose them.

Students with one nomination were given a certificate.

“The purpose of the ceremony was to give some recognition to students of different levels ranging from those in ESL, regular, gifted and honors classes,” said Kesselman.

While sporting team shirts, students participated in a Quiz Bowl (buzzers included).

A T-Bred Singers’ presentation and a rap song “Can’t Touch Us” added a musical note to the event.

Three former students, two who were Silver Knight nominees, Christina Fiallo, Michelle Quesada and Annery Pulgar, had some motivational words for the audience. They now attend the University of Miami. Dr.David Demko, a Miami-Dade Honors College leadership teacher also spoke.

“I found Dr.Demko especially entertaining. He made us clap our hands together and after questioning us on the purpose of this activity he said it had no purpose. He then went on to talk to us,” said freshman Dyana Cuan-Garcia.

Other speakers were Morris Legg the ninth grade counselor, Harry Germeus the ninth grade challenge and John Donohue an assistant principal.

Although not all the freshmen were awarded, all received tutoring, mentoring, a checklist of the things to complete each year in high school, a chance to attend the school’s summer camp, membership in the teams, and guidance for the academies.