Palmer Trinity treats Chapman families to holiday party
Palmer Trinity School’s PTS Cares Club hosted its fifth annual holiday party for more than 250 residents at Chapman Partnership’s South Family Resource Center in Homestead. More than 25 student and parent volunteers helped kick off the holiday season for families in need by taking photos and reading Christmas stories to children. Santa Claus also made an appearance and performed magic tricks and made snow.
“Our school has been working closely with Chapman for the past 23 years. The ethos at Palmer Trinity is one of caring and thoughtfulness for our local community. We work hard to instill this in students, and this year’s club members are some of the most giving, thoughtful and creative students I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside,” said Director of Student Activities Susana Cetta. “They have genuine gratitude and work hard to create fun activities that promote dignity and respect for all.”
Also, students set up arts and crafts activities for the children while the Music Club students provided entertainment. The Lombardo family, of Mamma Mia Italian Restaurant, also provided an Italian dinner for the families.
Heisman honor for Scheck Hillel student
Orli Algranatti from Scheck Hillel Community School was recognized by the Heisman Trophy Trust as winner of a 2019 Heisman High School Scholarship. Orli plays three varsity sports, including tennis, volleyball, and basketball, and is a leader in school and the community.
“When Coach Lyon sent me the nomination, my whole world turned upside down because I hadn’t realized I was so involved,” said Orli. “I play so many sports, and I dedicated my whole life to sports and the school! I am very excited to receive this recognition.”
The Heisman High School Scholarship recognizes outstanding young leaders who aim to make a difference at school and in their community. In addition to participating in three varsity sports, Orli participates in her school’s dual enrollment program with Florida International University, is an intern at Skylake Animal Hospital, and volunteers at ACEing Autism, where she teaches children with autism how to play tennis, and Kesher, a Jewish day school for special needs students, where she teaches students to play basketball.
Pinecrest Academy principal honored
Principal Victoria Laurrari at Pinecrest Academy North was named winner of a 2019 Florida Charter Schools Champions Award at the recent Florida Charter School Conference in Orlando, hosted by the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools.
For the eighth consecutive year, the consortium received nominations in several categories, including charter school teachers, charter school leaders, charter school governing board members, and charter school preferred partners. A new category, “Charter School Innovators,” was added in 2019.
Laurrari won the Champions Award in the Charter School Leader category.