Journalism Staff (2024-2025)
The Harbinger Staff is comprised of a small group of Miami Lakes Educational Center High School students that are part of the Journalism Strand in the school’s Cambridge Academy. The first issue of The Harbinger came out in November 2006. Since then, The Harbinger staff has diligently reported on breaking news and pertinent issues in the school, Miami community, and world, where the publication has received various forms of recognition throughout the years. Thank you for allowing us to inform you — it is our pleasure to do so.
Elizabeth Gonzalez
Editor-in-Chief
Elizabeth Gonzalez is a class of 2025 junior. She is the Student Government Association, SGA, President and works alongside fellow officers in assisting with various events in and out of school. In this role she has been able to create a fostering environment with room for growth at MLEC. She was appointed the role as the yearbook’s Managing Editor where she is able to support other members and provide a helping hand. Her time in high school, SGA, and journalism has led her to discover her passion for helping those around her and encouraging everyone to succeed. Elizabeth is a dedicated student and is currently working towards her AICE Diploma. When she’s not in school or studying, she loves to be with her dogs and family. She’s a music lover and is more often than not listening to a variety of music genres.
Email: elizabethgonz2112@gmail.com
Andrea Farrugia
Deputy Editor-in-Chief
Andrea Farrugia is a class of 2026 student and a passionate creator. They have been in art classes most of their life and begun writing out of a love for literature at a very young age. At school, they take part in several clubs including the National Honor Society, Key Club, and Chess club. Additionally, they hold a role as treasurer of the National English Honor Society. Often, they can be found reading or joking around with their friends.
Email: farrugia.dre@gmail.com
D’arin Floyd-Baldwin
Director-in-Chief
D’arin Floyd-Baldwin, a class of 2025 senior, is a staff writer for the Harbinger and a junior editor for the yearbook. She is a member of Students Demand Action, which is an organization that allows teens to learn and support their community in stopping gun violence. During this program she was able to meet Florida’s Senate Shevrin Jones. She is also a participant in WRAP Around Us Miami, where she gets to meet many city officials of Miami Gardens, such as Linda Julien a Miami Gardens Council woman. She is also the secretary of the Black History Club at MLEC. In her free time she volunteers at her old elementary school Miami Gardens Elementary. She is certified in Photoshop and Adobe. She also enjoys listening to music and indulging in films.
Bryan Pinero
Senior Editor
Bryan Pinero, class of 2025 junior, is a Canadian immigrant from a Cuban family. He likes math, film, games, mixed martial arts, and history. He spends his time doing homework, watching films, playing video games, running, on social media, or watching mixed martial arts/sports. When it comes to music, he mainly enjoys rap, pop, and rock. In the future, he is thinking of becoming a lawyer or engineer.
Email: bapg07@gmail.com
Michelle Castillo
Journalism Adviser
Michelle Castillo is an English teacher at Miami Lakes Educational Center and the school’s Cambridge Academy Journalism Teacher, where she advises The Harbinger newspaper and Alpha & Omega yearbook. She has been teaching in Miami Dade County since 2016.
Email: Michelle Castillo
