Stephanie Cayon, Class of 2017

Gladiators, it’s safe enough to say that my senior year at the Gardens was bittersweet. Between my 7 AICE classes, my extracurricular activities, and balancing this between friends and family time, the constant “busy time” allowed me to have a great experience my senior year. Graduating with a 4.7 unweighted GPA and top 10% of my 2017 class allows me to boast about how proud I am to be a gladiator and a product of hardworking teachers and a family who pushes me to the limit.

Throughout my senior year, I was offered several scholarships such as a full ride at St. Thomas University and enough scholarships from NOVA Southeastern University to only pay a small amount per semester. This school year consisted of me coaching an elementary dance school team while focusing on my own dancing skill on Miami Dancity’s Competitive Dance Team. If you’re wondering how I balanced these things and still managed to graduate with honors and plenty of offers from universities and colleges, I tell you one of my mantras that allowed me to get through my senior year in one piece… hard work ALWAYS pay off.

Someone is always watching the grind you are putting into your goals and someone on the sidelines will always appreciate the dedication you give even when you feel discouraged. Sacrifices will need to be made in order to accomplish your goals but once that goal is met, it just evolves into a bigger and better goal. As of August, I will be attending Florida International University and majoring in Political Science. I expect to continue dancing whether it’s professionally or teaching at a studio or school. What can I say?
Something’s never change. Another peace of advice, always remember that family is the most important thing once you are in any dilemma. Never forget your roots and where you came from. Study hard, kids and stay strong your last year!

As of May 27: Stepanie is working as a dancer with the Miami Marlins!

Kassey Morales, Graduated w/AA before finishing high school

Future Psychology Major, English Minor. Ultimate goal is to earn my Ph.D. in Psychology and write self-help books with biblical guidance. Also, publish works ranging from poetry to short stories.

I remained within top 2% for most of my academic career. For many people, fixating on a number is not their cup of tea. They rather “enjoy” the high school experience and “chill.” My personality would not allow that. Always known as the busy bee and the stressed-crazed girl, I truly came into my own senior year. Hearing that out of over 700 students I was number 9 (or so) proved that my work was recognized.

Ranking is determined by GPA. Mine is 3.9 unweighted and 5.19 weighted.

How did I earn that amazing GPA? It was definitely not by opting out of the hard classes. Coming into high school, I had already formulated my plan. I was going to start Dual Enrollment at Miami Dade College the fall of my sophomore year to earn my Associates Degree. Initially, I enrolled in several AICE classes and thought to myself that perhaps only doing Dual Enrollment would be the best route for me. Little did I know that God had a greater plan. Not only did I graduate with my AA before graduating high school, I am currently on my way to getting my AICE Diploma. The Cambridge Program is an exceptional opportunity if you use it correctly. Although it does attract higher level schools in and out of Florida, its main perk is Bright Futures. If you obtain 7 credits (having passed the tests) and at least 100 hours of community service, you get 100% Bright Futures. Now, here’s what many people don’t know; Bright Futures ONLY works for public universities in Florida, like FIU, UF, UCF, and FSU.

My best advice to you all is to plan. Plan for your plan. Plan for when it fails. Plan for when it succeeds. Not to be afraid of exploring your full potential because you’re afraid of the greatness of your mind. For many hardworking students like myself, uncovering the greatness within is sometimes the scariest feeling. Know that being top 2%, having an Associates Degree, and earning an AICE diploma does not quiet the voice in your head saying, “You could’ve done more.” However, it is now your strength within to tell that voice, “I did more than I could’ve possibly dreamed.”

With much love and adulation for your future works,

Kassey Morales
Class of 2017

P.S. Below I attached my chicken scratch outline of the classes I took and how I actually graduated with my AA, seeing that is the question I frequently get asked by underclassmen.

(COMING SOON)