Extraordinary Students Tianna Palmer & Lucas Larvenz

Join us in congratulating two remarkable students, Tianna Palmer, 12th grade, and Lucas Larvenz, 11th grade, who received the special distinction of performing at the prestigious University of Miami Frost Honor Band Festival in the highest caliber honor band groups! On February 14, these students played under world-renowned conductors alongside the most talented band students in South Florida, earning them the title of this week's extraordinary students.

Tianna has been a member of the Dade Christian School band for 7 years, and admits it has been a challenge to get to where she is now. Coming from a family with no musical background, Tianna discovered a passion for music she never knew she had while taking band in the fifth grade.  During the summer before her freshman year of high school, Tianna was invited to perform with Voyageurs International, a Colorado-based company organized to take American students and their musical talents to audiences abroad. She spent two and a half weeks touring Europe performing with other Music Ambassadors in France, England, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Tianna has also been invited to play with the South Florida Youth Symphony, District Honor Band, and now, the UM Honor Band. “Music has taught me to never stop doing what I love and to never give up on my dreams. If you have a passion for something, don’t ever let anyone tell you, you can’t do it or you’ll never make it. Do what you love to do best!” Tianna hopes to continue her musical studies in college, whether at Florida International University or Liberty University. In the future, Tianna envisions herself being part of an orchestra and composing music. This gifted young musician has already composed her first piano ballad and is currently working on a woodwind piece.

Similar to Tianna, Lucas began playing the trumpet in the fifth grade. When asked how he decided on that particular instrument, he stated, “The trumpet always has the main parts, and I knew I wanted to play something you would hear.”  Never having been one to blend in, Lucas knew from an early age he was interested in music. “My dad plays a bunch of instruments and the piano professionally. I always knew I wanted to play, but having to take Fine Arts in elementary was a great opportunity for me.” Lucas has spent the past 6 years polishing his skills which have earned him multiple Superior ratings at the Florida Bandmasters Association Solo & Ensemble, as well as several invitations to play with the District Honor Band these past three years. Now in his junior year of high school, Lucas is considering colleges with the hopes of receiving a music scholarship and joining the college band. Ultimately, Lucas would love to be a part of a film orchestra that records motion picture scores. During the time he recently spent at the University of Miami, Lucas was able to tour the Frost School of Music. “They have a whole music campus. It was huge! [UM] has a great music program and it’s really competitive.”

It is amazing to witness how an elementary class requirement has brought out the God-given gifts and abilities these students have within them and enabled them to blossom into talented musicians. The arts are a critical component of any school’s structure, and Dade Christian is proud to boast award winning Band and Choir programs made up of talented individuals like Tianna and Lucas.

CBS4 News Anchor Jim Berry Motivates DCS Students to Make a Difference

 During his recent visit on February 11, CBS4 New Sports Anchor Jim Berry spoke, danced, and even rapped before the secondary students at Dade Christian School. Berry has won five Emmys and is a three time Best of Miami winner. He is also a recipient of the Silver Circle of Excellence award for a distinguished journalism career from the Suncoast chapter of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences. The charismatic sports anchor from Chicago motivated the students to make a difference and shared that the first step is getting out of one’s comfort zone, “If you want to make a difference, you have to get out of your camp.” Berry, who graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, has interviewed some of the biggest names in professional sports: Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Venus and Serena Williams, Sugar Ray Leonard, and more. Berry shared with the students the 4 critical qualities that have helped guide each of these athletes toward success: dedication, discipline, determination, and diversity.

Berry also encouraged the students to be knowledgeable and informed about their cultural history. “Understand where we [as a society] have been so you can take us to the next level. That's the bottom line. I stand here before you as someone who has benefited from someone else pushing the needle forward.” A man of faith, Berry recognizes God’s blessings in his life, especially when it comes to his career. “God has allowed me to cover 3 World Series, 4 NBA finals, 5 College Championship Games, and 7 Super Bowls.

The students, faculty, and staff at Dade Christian School were excited to host Berry. His message of perseverance resonated with the audience and encouraged the students to strive for a better tomorrow.

Berry is currently the weeknight Sports Anchor for CBS4 News, and he also anchors CBS4’s Miami Dolphin coverage and Sports Rap. He is married with two children.

FBLA Students Headed to State Finals

Special to the DCS Blog

The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Club at DCS has done it again! On Friday, January 30, 22 of the club’s members, along with their advisor, Mr. Anako, attended the District Business Competition held at Miami Dade College - Kendall Campus. There, the members had to complete various tests pertaining to business specific topics. That same afternoon, FBLA members from throughout the district were presented with awards. Prior to this competition, the members attended a presentation event on January 10 at Braddock Senior High School during which the students were given a case study outlining a business-related problem and were asked to give an impromptu presentation offering a solution.

Our FBLA students who participated in both competitions did extremely well, several of which qualified to represent their district and take part in the State Finals Competition in Orlando. Congratulations to the following students, who came in first, second, and third place:

Luis Goberna – 1st in Business Procedure
Sebastian Santa – 1st in Marketing
Iverson Williams – 1st in Marketing
Candice Li – 1st in Marketing
Michael Pereira – 2nd in Cyber Security
Gaby Fondeur – 2nd in Introduction to Business Communication
Michael Monzon – 3rd in Economics
Steven Benyahia – 3rd in Business Calculation

Left to right, Michael Monzon, Candice Li, Michael Pereira, Mr. Anako, Sebastian Santa, Luis Goberna, & Steven Benyahia. Not pictured, Iverson Williams and Gaby Fondeur

Future Business Leaders of America is a nonprofit educational association for middle school, high school, and collegiate students who are interested in learning more about the free enterprise system. In November, the FBLA officers at DCS hosted their annual kick-off event for new and returning members of the club. One of the many benefits of joining FBLA is that it prepares our students for their future careers in business and provides them with real-world professional experiences. By becoming an active member of FBLA, students learn to network and develop connections with other members of the business community. In addition, members and chapters have the opportunity to compete and win awards on the local, state, and national levels thus enhancing their résumés and college applications.

Throughout its history, the DCS Chapter of FBLA has had exceptional achievements in testing, has participated in national competitions, and has received national recognition for raising funds for the March of Dimes Foundation. March of Dimes is a week-long event organized by the FBLA members to raise awareness and fund lifesaving research for premature births.

Each year, the officers and members of the FBLA club strive to better serve their school and community. Please join us in congratulating them for their many achievements and supporting them as they represent DCS during the FBLA State Leadership Conference on March 19-22.