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.

Extraordinary Student Michael Benyahia

The word extraordinary is defined as something or someone very unusual or remarkable.  At Dade Christian School, there are many remarkable students who, in addition to excelling in the classroom, participate in extracurricular activities that are anything but ordinary. Case in point, 9th grade student and formula racecar driver, Michael Benyahia. This young driver began his career at the age of seven and has been making waves in the motorsports world ever since. After competing at the club level and getting up to speed with the fast-paced karting world, the now 14-year-old is one of the most gifted and talented racers in the United States. 

In August 2014, Benyahia traveled to Europe to continue training and gain experience in hopes to become a better driver, racer, and competitor. 

"It is very important for Michael to gain some experience while competing in Europe,” explained Tecno Kart Racing Manager Michele Zampieri. “The conditions in Europe are very different than in America and the competition and driving style is much more intense. These factors can only benefit Michael in his future racing career.” Although describing his experiences in Europe as “very difficult, very different,” Benyahia looks forward to continuing and growing in his career.

Benyahia, who currently races a Formula 2000 open-wheel car, hopes to become an internationally renowned Formula One driver. He and his older brother Steven (12th grade) have attended Dade Christian School since 4K and 2nd grade, respectively. When asked how he juggles his rigorous academic coursework with a grueling racing schedule, Benyahia smiled and said, “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.”  Dade Christian is proud to boast such a talented young man with a humble spirit, despite his many achievements in the racing world. 

DCS Welcomes New Superintendent

Dr. Anthony Bryan, the right leader, at the right time. After much prayer and anticipation, Dade Christian School and The Master’s Academy are pleased to welcome Dr. Bryan as the new Superintendent of Schools. In addition to an expansive list of credentials, including two earned doctoral degrees, Dr. Bryan’s career covers 35 years, 17 of which he served as Headmaster for several major Christian schools.

Dr. Bryan was also elected by Florida private school administrators to the board of directors for Florida Council of Independent Schools and was appointed to the board of Christian Schools of Florida. Upon hearing of Dr. Bryan’s new role at DCS and TMA, Mrs. Elena Del Alamo, Director of Enrollment Management at Pine Crest School, shared her high regards for her colleague.

“Dr. Lourdes Cowgill, former President at Pine Crest School, and I have admired Dr. Bryan in many ways; from his eloquence to his impeccable manners. I am delighted to know that he has joined Dade Christian School and The Master's Academy.  It is wonderful to know that we continue to have a good friend and educator as well as a fine role model in the South Florida area,” said Del Alamo.

For those of us familiar with the phrase, “for such a time as this,” we understand what it means to be called by God at a specific time for a specific purpose. A bold statement to say the least, but upon meeting Dr. Bryan it is clear to see that he is the leader DCS has been praying and waiting for. His expertise in the area of Christian education combined with his ability to successfully lead a school toward academic, athletic, and artistic achievements instills a deep sense of confidence that he is the right man for the job.

Dr. Bryan has received several awards from his previous schools and was able to lead the development of state finalist sports teams in baseball, basketball, and track during his time at Coral Springs Christian Academy. In addition, the CSCA elementary school received top awards in the ACSI Math Olympics in 2013.

“Dr. Bryan is a very gifted and innovative school leader and certainly brings lots of experience as well as creative and innovative thinking to the classroom,” said Jennifer Thompson, Elementary Principal at Westminster Christian School, “[Dade Christian School and The Master’s Academy] are lucky to have him.”

In the few days since he took the helm of leadership at DCS and TMA, Dr. Bryan has made it a priority to develop a rapport with the students, parents, and faculty members on campus. He is committed to the spiritual growth, academic advancement, and social development of the students.

We anticipate great things for Dade Christian School and The Master's Academy. Come see what all the excitement is about during our upcoming Open House on Tuesday, February 10 at 8:30-10:30 a.m.

DCS Seniors Recreate Macbeth

DCS Seniors create a video reenactment of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" Act 3 Scene 4 in Honors English class.

DCS Win at FBLA District Competitions

On Friday, January 24th, Dade Christian participated in the FBLA District competitions. Students had a great opportunity to represent our school.  Please congratulate each student for participating & specially our district winners who have qualified to go on to state competition.

Crusader students received awards in the following areas:
Jonathan Terzado, 1st Place, Introduction to Business

Judah Oluwagbemiga, 1st Place, Public Speaking I

Christina Hernandez, 3rd Place, Insurance & Risk Management

Jesse Cabauy, 1st Place, Intro to Business Communications

Luis Goberna, 1st Place, Business Procedures

Dade Christian Expands Their Influence Worldwide

Dade Christian School was recently a host to a contingent of 15 Chinese students visiting from Shanghai, China this past week.  All of whom were participating in a campus tour that was geared at continuing a new program that was launched for the 2013/14 school year.  The program which partners Dade Christian School with a variety of schools  and agencies in Korea, China and the Philippines is specifically focused as part of the global initiative adopted by the pastoral team.  “Our goal is to broaden the impact of New Testament Baptist Church and Dade Christian School across the globe by giving students an opportunity to experience excellence in private Christian education in a warm and friendly environment.”  “Our expectations for our students are high,” says high school principal, Matthew Annett.  “Our first expectation is that they sincerely want to be a part of our community.  Secondly, we are seeking students that have above average to superior intelligence.  Thirdly, they must be committed to the same standards of excellence that we have worked hard to bring forth in our current students.”  Dade Christian School is excited about their ability to expand their academic programming throughout the globe. They are especially excited about the partnerships they have made and will continue to make through education abroad.