Hallee Meltzer, Andrea Villa, and Haley Zilberberg of School for Advanced Studies and Christopher Leesang of the Academy of Advanced Academics were recognized for Silver Key Awards in the 2013 Scholastic Writing Awards for their creative writing skills.

Hallee became a regional finalist in humor, persuasive writing, and poetry categories. Andrea is being honored for her entry in the short story category. Haley’s work in personal essay and memoir, short story, and poetry earned her recognition as a regional finalist. Christopher is being recognized for his poem, Where the Sky Touches the Sea.

IMMACULATA-LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL

Immaculata-La Salle High School, in Miami, was named an Apple Distinguished Program for its iLearn@ILS iPad program. The iLearn implements technology to help develop the student and teacher experience in the classroom by allowing students to respond quickly and teachers to support and create engaging lessons.

The Apple honor is reserved for programs that meet visionary leadership, innovative learning and teaching, professional learning, evidence of success, and a flexible learning environment.

MATER ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL

Mater Academy High School’s business and marketing club, in Hialeah, will compete in the 48th annual Florida Collegiate Distributive Education Clubs of America competition in Orlando on Feb. 28 through March 3.

Students across the state will compete in various categories including marketing, management, merchandising, hospitality, and more. Participants are taking business courses and participating in afterschool activities to prepare for the conference.

CORAL REEF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Tanarut Chaisuesomboon, Prudhvi Lokireddy, Carly Misztal, Nicolas Reed, and Jialin Zhang of Coral Reef Senior High School were announced as National Merit Scholarship Program finalists.

These four students will be considered for a National Merit Scholarship and the Merit Scholar title.

MIAMI KILLIAN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Miami Killian Senior High School students Kathryn Lopez, Jaclyn Cruz-Alvarez, and Eduardo Fuentes-Moran were selected to represent their school in the Miami Dade County Public School’s 2013 Superintendent’s High School Honor Band at the Lehman Theater.

Kathryn plays flute, Jaclyn bassoonand Eduardo is on the euphonium, a brass instrument.

NORTH BEACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

North Beach Elementary School student’s David Tamen and Zavian Schwartz are both visual arts winners and were recognized in the Reflections Arts competition. David also earned an honorable mention for literature.

—  Compiled by Adrianne Richardson