Achieve Miami Celebrates Exceptional High School Seniors at Senior Send-Off Event
HIALEAH, FLA. – Recently, dozens of high school seniors in South Florida gathered for a memorable event organized by Achieve Miami, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting educational equity. The occasion served to celebrate the accomplishments of standout students, with a particular focus on their community service efforts.
Commending Academic and Community Achievements
The Senior Send-Off event, hosted at the Milander Center for Arts & Entertainment, recognized approximately 90 seniors who are set to graduate this May. Claudia Bororquez, the deputy director of Achieve Miami, shared insights about the organization’s goals: “We recruit students starting their sophomore year, so it’s a combination of their whole school journey,” she stated. The initiative aims to enhance students’ confidence and equip them for future success.
Spotlight on Big Buddies of the Year
Among the stars of the evening were Pherell Washington and Sophie Deras, honored as the Big Buddies of the Year. Washington, a senior at Miami Northwestern, has actively supported younger students on weekends and is excited to pursue higher education at Pomona College as a Posse Scholar. He expressed his gratitude for the program, saying, “I tell them, ‘Get involved.’ Making a positive impact on others can actually positively affect you as well.”
Sophie Deras, a senior from Booker T. Washington Senior High School, dedicated her time during the past three years to mentoring elementary school students. With plans to attend Florida State University in the fall, she emphasized the impact of the Achieve Miami program on her self-esteem and ability to lead. “They helped me the most with my confidence,” she recalled. “I’m still a little quiet, but I can now lead in any sort of environment.”
Building a Stronger Community
The event also featured motivational speakers who shared how the Achieve program has influenced their lives. Attendees learned that the organization prioritizes educational equity by focusing on academics, college preparation, and financial literacy. Since its inception in 2015, Achieve Miami has made strides in benefiting over 10,000 students across 17 communities in South Florida.
Conclusion
As these high school seniors approach graduation, their dedication to community service and personal growth has laid a strong foundation for their futures. The Senior Send-Off not only recognized their achievements but also encouraged younger students to engage in their communities for a fulfilling educational experience.
For more information about Achieve Miami and its programs, please visit the official website.