Summer has finally culminated and we have finally gotten out of our hibernation period to commence a new school year. Some of us came back for the first, second, third or even last time here at Miami Lakes Educational Center, and with this new year (just like any other) many events and even changes have started to already take place. Let’s run through some of them:
Senior Crowning
The single-handedly most anticipated event of the back to school period is senior crowning. Seniors come back to school every year showcasing their intricate creations; some crowns have flowers, others have seashells, some are even entire circuses. But what makes this event so special is the effort put into making the crowns and the way that it makes the senior class bond as they reminisce about their memories at MLEC.
“Knowing that this is my last first day is a bitter-sweet moment. It’s a relief but also a bit sad,” said Abigail Rosales as she posed with her friends Marlon Masia and Sebastian Saiz.“It’s the second day of a brand new school year with the class of 2020 going into their last and final year of high school, said Hailly Rubio.”It hasn’t hit me yet.”Nicole Hernandez said she made her friends’ senior crowns because they’re “irresponsible and couldn’t see them without one.”“Started from the bottom, now we’re here. One last year with them,” said Gabriella Licona.
If you want to see another little recap of senior crowning, check out the video we made for our YouTube channel.
Welcome Back (or for the first time)
At the end of this week, our seniors experienced their last first week of high school. Some students, on the other hand, just barely finished their first. Our freshmen this year seemed very excited to get their learning on. Here’s what some of them said:
Mallachi Edward said that his goal is “to help his family and take advantage of the opportunities provided at [MLEC].”Brendha Fana said that her two main goals this year are “to survive and pass all her classes.”Andrea Leon said, “So far it has been good and far better than our old school.” Her friend Daniel Chirino mentioned that “If you are confident you will make new friends.”“I was kinda nervous at first I wasn’t able to find my class,” said freshman Luis Montiel about his first day. “The teachers have been really wonderful,” he continued. “I’m still pretty nervous but once I get the hang of [the school and my classes] I know I’ll be better.”
Class of 2021’s paw
Along with the hustle of a new year and all the new people coming in and the people who are about to leave soon, we tend to forget about our sophomores and juniors. But with junior year comes one of the most exciting traditions that a Jaguar can experience — the revelation of the class’ jaguar paw. This year, the Class of 2021 took on the theme of fire — blue fire, because they’re that “hot” — and the hard work was fruitful.
The paw was revealed on August 20 during lunch and the feedback was positive — there were ‘oohs’ and cheers.(From left to right: Leah Miranda, Raiza Torres, Veronica Gort, Nicole Perez). These were the Communications students who had to work on the paw, along with Naomi Rodriguez, a former student (not pictured).(From left to right: Karen Laverde, Jamiah Miller, Walencia Garcon, Raymond Hung). These are the Class of 2021 officers who supervised the work on the paw and helped gather the materials to make it.
Bonus: Small changes around the school
There are new dispensers in the bathrooms. It’s nothing to go crazy about, but it’s an improvement to make our little school a bit better.The vending machines now accept credit cards and tapping your phone to pay, so you won’t have to freak out and go hungry if you don’t have cash on you at the moment.Lastly, these giant MLEC letters for people to take pictures with!
Let’s hope this year is full of more positive changes and events to make this course one to remember for a lifetime. Good luck freshmen. Good luck seniors. Good luck everybody. And most of all, let’s hope that what never changes is our wonderful and everlasting school spirit.
