DCS Student Council Paves the Way

Clockwise from top: Student Council Vice President Brock Stephenson '16 and President Isabel Oliva '16 strive to make a positive impact through fundraising, clubs, and on-campus activities; Alyssa Martinez '16 and Hannah Alvarado '18 chat with Oceanography Club President Jonathan Terzado '18  

For the first time in several years, the presence of a Student Council Association, led by President Isabel Oliva and Vice President Brock Stephenson, has returned to the DCS campus. Its mission is to build leaders within our school community and ultimately, instill a sense of pride and responsibility in our identity as Crusaders. In the few months since its commencement, Student Council has organized the Homecoming Week festivities, hosted various fundraisers, and introduced 7 new clubs during Wednesday's mini fair, including: 

• Cooking Club
• Engineering & Robotics Club
• Key Club
• Oceanography Club
• Travel Club
• Mentor Club, and 
• The Cru Pep Club

From an athletic and fine arts standpoint, there has never been a shortage of co-curricular and extracurricular activities at DCS; however, the student body's overwhelming response toward these new clubs was exciting to behold.

 "Our goal, beginning in January, is to add activities that will encourage student involvement, promote unity, and facilitate community outreach opportunities," said Isabel. One of the ways in which Student Council plans to achieve those goals is through the organization of a Spiritual Emphasis week.

We look forward to seeing how these clubs progress, and how the Student Council members will continue to pave the way for future leaders. 

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Student Council is comprised of elected members from each high school grade level (President & Vice President):
12th grade: Jesse Cabauy & Andy Marquez
11th grade: Missy Cruz-Bustamante
10th grade: Juliet Hassan & Amanda Acevedo
9th grade: Sarah Hassan & Samantha Gonzalez

Elections for the 2016-2017 school year will be held in the Spring. To learn how you can get involved, please contact the Student Council Head Sponsor, Rhonda McNeal, at 305-827-8700 or rmcneal@dadechristian.org. 

DCS 7th Graders Recognized by Duke University's Talent Identification Program

7th Graders Kayla Torres and Miguel Taveras

For the past 35 years, Duke University's Talent Identification Program, or Duke TIP, has identified bright seventh graders based on standardized test scores achieved while attending elementary or middle school. The following DCS students participated this year: Katherine De Pani, Leila Medina, Miguel Tavares and Kayla Torres. Both Miguel and Kayla qualified for state recognition by scoring approximately at or above the national average of recent high school graduates on at least one part of the ACT or SAT. On Tuesday, May 5, Kayla and Miguel along with their families attended a special recognition ceremony held at Florida Atlantic University. 

Duke TIP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving academically gifted and talented students. The program works with students, their families, and educators to identify, recognize, challenge, engage, and help students reach their highest potential. Candidates are invited to take the ACT or the SAT college entrance exams as seventh graders, which allows them greater insight into their academic abilities. In addition, they gain valuable benefits and have access to unique resources for gifted students.

One of the many opportunities available to candidates is the Summer Residential Programs, which are held on college campuses and in field study locations around the world. These programs offer advanced level courses in challenging and inspiring settings. This summer, Miguel will be attending the residential program at Rollins College. Kayla will be attending the residential program during the summer of 2016.

We would like to congratulate Kayla, Miguel, and all of the 7th grade participants for their efforts and wish them continued success. 

2015 Duke TIP Recognition Ceremony