One conducted independent research that helped extend the lives of cancer patients.

Another starred in a Web video that spoofed Miami's Chonga culture -- and became an instant sensation on YouTube.

Another still, a student with cerebral palsy, not only earned national awards for academic achievement, he changed the way the nation's fourth-largest school district teaches students about disabilities.

Despite their diverse résumés, the students honored Tuesday with Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald Silver Knight statuettes shared two common traits: They excelled in academics and made outstanding contributions to their communities.

''These students are beyond incredible,'' said David Landsberg, publisher of The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald. ``It takes incredible commitment to community and academic achievement to make a Silver Knight. Only the most extraordinary kids make it to this level.''

For 50 years, the newspapers have honored high-school luminaries with Silver Knight Awards in categories ranging from art to music to foreign language. This year's class of 15 Miami-Dade winners was named Tuesday night at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in a ceremony that had the look and feel of the Oscars: long gowns and tuxedos, bright lights and a full orchestra, and a giant screen projecting the winners' shocked expressions when their names were called.

When the Social Studies winner was introduced, the audience rose to its feet and gave Kevin Mintz a standing ovation.

The senior at Robert Morgan Educational Center near West Perrine, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, was the first student selected for a school district advisory panel on special education. His efforts helped ensure that disabilities were included in the district's social studies curriculum.

''I have been trying to break down people's fears about those with disabilities and I view this project as a very good first step in the right direction,'' he said.

This fall, Mintz will go to Harvard University, where he'll major in government. He hopes to go to law school to become an advocate for people with disabilities.

The audience also cheered when the announcer said the winner in the drama category was a Chongalicious girl.

Maria ''Mimi'' Davila, a senior at Michael Krop, co-wrote and co-starred in a Web video of the Chongalicious Girls, a spoof on young Hispanic girls. The girls became local celebrities and were featured on the CBS Early Show and National Public Radio.

The video taught Davila to believe in herself.

''It started off as me and a friend having fun,'' she said. ``But it turned into a political statement and an artistic statement. It proved to me that one person can really have a voice and make a difference.''

Silver Knight winners each received $2,000, a statuette and medallion, and a round-trip ticket to anywhere in the United States from American Airlines. Honorable mentions receive $500 and a plaque. The awards are sponsored by American Airlines, the Blank Family Foundation and Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

Then-Miami Herald publisher John S. Knight created the program in Miami in 1959 to honor high school seniors who shine in academics and community involvement.

In the last half century, 1,100 have been named Silver Knights. Winners have gone on to win Oscars, play in Super Bowl games and become rocket scientists.

Many Silver Knight alumni returned to their high schools to talk with students Tuesday. They also attended a luncheon featuring speakers Steve Reinemund, the retired PepsiCo chairman and the 1966 Silver Knight in citizenship, and Ambassador Frances D. Cook, the first female head of post for the United States in the Middle East and the 1963 Silver Knight in social science.

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation funded the alumni events and made a $205,000 grant to allow Hands on Miami to set up a mentorship program.

Students are nominated by their teachers, and chosen by a panel of judges. This year's 15 winners and 45 honorable mentions were selected from more than 400 nominations. Fifteen Broward County students were also named Silver Knight winners at a ceremony last month.

This year's winners are well on their way to success.

Cristina Moreno, a student at Coral Gables Senior and the mathematics winner, started a chapter of the Information Technology Girls Club. Her efforts encouraged young girls to pursue careers in math, science, engineering and technology.

Alejandro Calleja built a school band at Mater Academy -- and then went on to excel at saxophone competitions throughout the state.

''Every year, the Silver Knights are important to us, but this year -- the 50th anniversary -- is especially important,'' Landsberg said. ``So many former winners have had the chance to meet. It's a delight to see a winner from 20 years ago connect with a winner from last year.''

Join the discussion

Note: If this is your first time using our NEW commenting system, you will have to LOG OUT and then LOG BACK IN.

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered user of MiamiHerald.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

     Showing: Oldest first Newest first Most-recommended first Least-recommended first

@Nyx.AuthorDisplayName@ wrote on @Nyx.PostedAtTime@:

@Nyx.CommentBody@

@Nyx.Recommender@ @Nyx.AbuseReporter@