ART

JANE ALEXANDRA MCDONOUGH

MIAMI COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

When Jane learned that funding for art classes at an elementary school in one of the county's poorest neighborhoods had been cut, she stepped up. First, she rounded up corporate sponsors, collecting enough money to buy supplies for 500 students at Toussiant L'Ouverture Elementary in Little Haiti. Next, she started an afterschool program, spending five hours each month instructing students.

Thanks to her, students at Toussaint know that art, whether it's on a chapel ceiling or splattered on a canvas, can inspire awe for generations.

Jane received both the Smith and Wellesley College book awards and served as president of her National Honor Society. She belonged to the English, history and science honor societies and served as her class president. She also captained her debate team.

• Honorable Mentions:

Daniel Joseph Tapanes, Monsignor Edward Pace High School

Ariel Eva Eber, Ransom Everglades School

Nicole Blanchard, New World School of the Arts

ATHLETICS

REBECCA K. DANTA

FLORIDA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Long concerned about the effects of AIDS on children, Rebecca staged an AIDS Awareness Week at her school. Teaming up with World Vision, she capped the week with a talent show that raised $15,000 for orphaned children in Africa.

Over the years, she has balanced numerous charitable projects. She sponsored a child in Myanmar; tutored underprivileged and learning disabled kids; and raised $2,000 last Christmas for a needy family. She also organized volunteers for the Miami Marathon.

In addition, she captained her school basketball team, served as her class president for the last four years; was named a Hispanic-Latino scholar by the University of Florida; and was a finalist for a QuestBridge scholarship that honors low-income students. She has been accepted at the University of Chicago.

• Honorable Mentions:

Taylor Calibo, Miami Beach Senior High School

Justin Novak, Miami Coral Park Senior High School

Lisa Gabriela Donna, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart

BUSINESS

SERGE CHARLES

MIAMI PALMETTO SENIOR HIGH

When hurricanes ravaged Haiti, leaving thousands homeless and hungry, Serge rallied his school and community. He solicited donations and supplies, packaging and delivering many of the goods for shipment himself. When funds ran short, he used his own money to cover the cost of boxes and gas. In total, he collected 100 boxes of food, clothes and school supplies.

Serge accomplished this while holding down a fulltime job. He credits his success to what many would have considered a hardship: When he was six, his father died. To support the family, his mother traveled back and forth between Miami and Haiti for work. Serge helped care for the household.

He served as president of the Career Education Clubs of Florida; medaled in the group's district competitions; was named to the dean's list at Miami Dade College; and was vice president of the African Heritage Club.

• Honorable Mentions:

Yanelis Zamora, Hialeah Senior High School

Monica Delgado, Miami Coral Park Senior High School

Rockford Dias, Coral Gables Senior High School

DRAMA

ADAM EPELBAUM

MIAMI PALMETTO SENIOR HIGH

Five years ago, to complete a good deed for his Bar Mitzvah, Adam joined a fledgling group of 10 volunteers helping mentally disabled kids.

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