Miami-Dade Silver Knight Winners 2012 – A crazy number from
Krop
ART
Victoria Anne Alvarez-Arango
Palmer Trinity School
For years, Victoria Alvarez-Arango helped out at her brother Oliver’s school, The
Learning Experience School. He has special needs and the school teaches children and
adults with developmental disabilities. But Victoria’s work there went from cleaning out
classrooms to helping direct a play and creating the school’s first-ever summer art camp.
For A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Victoria gathered costumes from secondhand shops,
designed and painted the backdrop and helped students learn their lines. The play’s
success persuaded the school’s leaders to let Victoria take on a bigger project she
proposed: a five-week summer art camp. She developed the art projects, got the materials
and recruited other volunteers to help. The students delighted in their artwork, which
gave them another way to communicate. Victoria also helped when the school needed to
make over its adult center.
Honorable mentions: Megan G. Perritt, New World School of the Arts; Mario Arcila,
Coral Reef Senior High School; Aylah Donayre, Gulliver Preparatory.
ATHLETICS
Anthony Schiappa Pietra
Palmer Trinity School
In his junior year, Anthony Schiappa Pietra helped organize a 5K race at school that
raised more than $25,000. He also was the special host: He was fighting cancer.
Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 10th grade, Anthony went through
chemotherapy and radiation treatment. In 11th grade, he kept a rigorous course load and
went to school, even if he needed a nap in the clinic. A local team with the
Leukemia & Lymphoma “Team in Training” asked him to be its honored teammate.
From the hospital, Anthony logged onto his laptop, communicated with the team and told
other chapters his appreciation. He started to share his story at other races and created a
Team in Training Club at school. The 5K, called the Tony Trot in his honor, not only
raised money, it educated others about cancer and the need for research. Anthony ended
his senior year with a captain award from the varsity cross-country team.
Honorable mentions: Armani Manuel Abreu, Coral Gables Senior High School; Kira
Konstanze Kuhnert, Coral Reef Senior High School; Patricia Ann Eidenire, MAST
Academy.
BUSINESS
Ryan M. Breslow
Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High
When Ryan Breslow started a Web design and hosting company as a freshman, it wasn’t
the success he hoped for. But Ryan followed his curiosity and combined entrepreneurship
and technology for a slew of later successes. He taught himself Web design, how to
optimize results on Internet search engines and launched another company. He used his
skills so that when people searched “donate golf clubs” on Google, his charity group,
GolfersWish.org, popped up first. It garnered hundreds of golf balls and clubs
for needy kids. Ryan used marketing to collect more than 1,500 socks for homeless
veterans in Miami- Dade. Ryan has won awards for entrepreneurship, for example second
place in the Miami Herald Business Plan Challenge. A National Merit Semifinalist and
National AP Scholar, Ryan juggled his business activities with classes and the varsity
golf team.
Honorable mentions: Laura Stephany Aguilar, Miami Sunset Senior High School; Emily
Nicole Molina, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy; Brionna Keyneisha James, Miami
Southridge Senior High School.
DRAMA
Tiffany Marie Kontoyiannis
Miami Country Day
In middle school, two friends began to bully Tiffany Kontoyiannis, throwing food and
posting rumors online. In high school, news that a girl committed suicide because of
bullying revived those painful memories and spurred Tiffany to take action. She wrote
and directed a play, called The Cycle that told her own bullying story. Building on the
school’s theater for social change program, Tiffany’s play incorporated post-show
discussion with the audience. Tiffany presented her play to parents and other schools,
where it provoked spirited discussion. Refining the play after each performance, Tiffany
won an award for her work. In addition, Tiffany created a club to stop bullying and build
awareness. She has starred in other productions at school, including 12 Angry Jurors.
Also a peer counselor and elementary school tutor, Tiffany has been accepted to Barnard
College in New York City.
Honorable mentions: Ian Garrett Sallee, MAST Academy; Elsa Bravo, G. Holmes
Braddock Senior High School; Jarquerria Zyasha Perry, Miami Carol City Senior High
School.
ENGLISH & LITERATURE
Melanie Marie Wolff
Ronald W. Reagan Doral Senior High
After her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Melanie Marie Wolff created a
foundation to raise awareness about the disease and help others cope. Symptoms are often
misdiagnosed, which is what happened to Melanie’s mom and led to her diagnosis at a
later stage. Melanie designed the website for the Message From Marli Foundation, helped
coordinate events, manned the social media page, managed promotional items like
wristbands and spoke at various high school clubs. Melanie managed myriad tasks for the
foundation while keeping up with the college-prep Cambridge AICE program at school
and with her mother in hospice care at the University of Miami Cancer Center until her
death in February. Melanie plans to continue her nonprofit work in college. She has been
selected as a finalist in the prestigious Posse program for the University of Pennsylvania.
Honorable mentions: Madeline Cowen, Coral Gables Senior High School; Gina Alicia
Rossman, Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School; Candice Sharee Davis, Miami
Senior High School.
GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP
Jonathan Ludmir
Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High
At age 11, Jonathan Ludmir watched Alzheimer’s disease deteriorate his grandfather’s
memory and eventually take his life. Wanting to keep his grandfather’s memory close,
Jonathan began to volunteer at age 12 with the Miami Jewish Health Systems. He then
recruited other middle-schoolers, later high-schoolers, to volunteer. In total, more than
150 students have joined him to give comfort to elders. Jonathan enlisted students to walk
in an Alzheimer’s fundraiser by presenting a special PowerPoint about the disease. To
sustain his efforts, Jonathan founded the Memory Youth Coalition, now part of the
regional Alzheimer’s Association. His volunteer work has taken him to his native Peru,
where he organized events for seniors, and New Orleans, where he helped rebuild homes.
Jonathan, who immigrated with his parents from Peru in 2000, has been accepted at
Harvard College.
Honorable mentions: Ellora Sarkar, Miami Palmetto Senior High School; Catarina Mia
Martinez, MAST Academy; Leah Claire Singer, Coral Reef Senior High School.
JOURNALISM
Sophia Torrents
Coral Gables Senior High School
For several years, Sophia Torrents asked to go with her neighbor, a doctor, on one of his
medical mission trips to Haiti. In 2009, she got permission. During the trip, she aided the
doctors with Project Medishare, as they performed surgery on children with
hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluids in the skull that leads to brain swelling. Sophia
carried children from the operating room. She documented the trip with her camera,
taking pictures of babies on the operating table and parents comforting them. After the
trip, Sophia organized an exhibit to raise money for Project Medishare. She secured space
at a gallery in Wynwood and prepared her best photos to display and sell at the show.
While Sophia’s father fights pancreatic cancer, Sophia was moved by the need in Haiti,
where hospitals lack basic supplies. Among other activities, Sophia played varsity
volleyball, was a star tennis player and served as yearbook editor.
Honorable mentions: Stecy Casseus, MAST Academy; Leigh Cremer Markowitz, Dr.
Michael M. Krop Senior High School; Gabriella K. Quevedo, Florida Christian School.
MATHEMATICS
Tomas Ramon Cacicedo
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
For three years, Tomas Ramon Cacicedo tutored middle-school and high-school students
in algebra, precalculus and geometry. Tomas stumbled upon the tutoring program by
accident. After school one day, he ran into students studying for a math quiz and helped
them prep. Tomas learned they were in the school’s tutoring program and immediately
signed up. In all, Tomas has tutored and mentored more than 20 students. Legally blind
himself, Tomas wanted his classmates to know they can succeed and persevere. At Belen
Jesuit Preparatory School, Tomas has received accolades for his service, citizenship and
participation on the crew team. Outside school, he’s served at his church and volunteered
with the Lighthouse for the Blind. Tomas, who has received a scholarship from the
Jewish Guild for the Blind, plans to pursue a career in mathematics.
Honorable mentions: Kirlos N. Haroun, Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School;
Estefania Yenahi Chavez, G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School; Michelle Nicole
Fergis, Felix Varela Senior High School.
MUSIC & DANCE
Aston Steele
Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High
As a 7-year-old kid in Jamaica, Aston Steele was introduced to the Salvation Army
through his grandmother. After Sunday school, he enjoyed a 10-cent sugary lollipop.
When he came to the United States in 2005, Aston wanted to stay involved with the
Salvation Army. No more lollipops required. He joined as a band member, playing at
women’s shelters, nursing homes and rehab centers. His role grew to leading the junior
band and mentoring and teaching beginning band members. He used music to teach
young members math, using a website he created. Aston’s talents range from singing to
playing five instruments. But his kind spirit has changed lives, like Julisa — a teen from
Haiti who struggled with teasing and family issues and has emerged as a budding soloist.
In addition, Aston traveled on mission trips with the Salvation Army to Bolivia, Haiti and
Georgia.
Honorable mentions: Sean Matthew Ramras, Palmer Trinity School; Christopher
Boyett, Westminster Christian School; Sheilda Dessouces, Miami Central Senior High
School.
NEW MEDIA
Prateek Sachdeva
Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High
In high school, Prateek Sachdeva joined service efforts and helped lead a slew of clubs,
including robotics, science and math groups. But Prateek, who came to the United States
from New Delhi, India, at age 12, felt driven to help struggling students. Prateek created
online resources and worked with students one-on-one. He created an e-learning program
to coach elementary and middle-school students in reading and math for the Levy
Learning Center, a private center for students with special needs and learning disabilities.
He wrote the code, introduced it to teachers and parents and fixed post-launch programs
until it ran smoothly. For several years, he has returned to his middle school, Highland
Oaks, to match Krop classmates with middle-schoolers who need extra help. Prateek has
received a scholarship to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Honorable mentions: Tyler Ryan Trushin, Miami Beach Senior High School; Jenna
Ashley DeNight, Miami Palmetto Senior High School; Shae Van Emdben, Alonzo &
Tracy Mourning High School.
SCIENCE
Courtney D. Johnson
Miami Carol City Senior High School
Inspired by his great-grandmother who was ailing from diabetes, Courtney D. Johnson
created a group called Saving Nora in 2010. He wanted to spread awareness about
diabetes through walks, concerts, public service announcements and other events. About
a year after starting the group, however, he was devastated by the death of his greatgrandmother. Courtney almost stopped the project after her death. But he restarted, more
driven than ever to educate others, in particular making fellow classmates into diabetes
teachers. His hope: that others won’t experience the pain of losing a loved one to
diabetes. Courtney’s service has been recognized by the city of Miami Gardens, the
Univision network and the White House. He graduates as band president and No. 1 in his
senior class, having taken every Advanced Placement course at his school and science
courses created to meet his demand.
Honorable mentions: Marc Vernick, Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School; Yue
Yuan, MAST Academy; Monica Marie Dyches, Miami Palmetto Senior High School.
SOCIAL SCIENCE
Antoinette Denise Spears
Miami Carol City Senior High School
At 15, Antoinette Denise Spears became pregnant, transferred to an alternative school for
teen parents and thought she’d forget about college. At COPE Center North, she learned
about safe sex practices and sexually transmitted diseases. Sex no longer was a touchy
subject. Empowered, Antoinette returned to Miami Carol City Senior High and joined the
HIV/AIDS awareness club. That introduced her to Youth Expressions and its Project
Flow, where she became certified to teach at-risk teens and young adults about HIV,
AIDS and STDs. In particular, she learned how to use poetry and music to drive the
message home. Antoinette created a club, called Know Your Status, to promote safe sex
and reduce unplanned pregnancies and the spread of STDs. Antoinette, whose
grandmother is her legal guardian, served as a peer leader in the College Summit and was
named a homecoming lady.
Honorable mentions: Gerry Rivadeneira, G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School;
David Green, Booker T. Washington Senior High School; Maite Christi C. Francois, New
World School of the Arts.
SPEECH
Steven B. Claunch
School for Advanced Studies
When Steven Claunch headed out on a basketball court with crutches, a brace on his leg
and no fingers on one hand, he impressed someone with his basketball shooting. That
someone would know, since his own son is the Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade. What
impressed Dwyane Wade Sr. even more was Steven’s ability to motivate others. Wade
invited Steven to be a spokesman for his nonprofit, ProPops, which mentors at-risk
families and youth. Steven thrived in the role. Born with one leg significantly shorter than
the other and missing fingers and toes, Steven has had painful surgeries. With a chipper
attitude, Steven has told other students about how he’s overcome obstacles and how he’s
realized everyone carries their own burdens — some are more visible than others. Steven,
who took college classes through his high school, has been accepted to the University of
Pennsylvania.
Honorable mentions: Bria Brown, Monsignor Edward Pace High School; Eyvana Maria
Bengochea, Ransom Everglades School; Molly Sandra Nuell, Carrollton School of the
Sacred Heart.
VOCATIONAL/TECHNICAL
Octaviana Pacheco
Robert Morgan Educational Center
Growing up in a migrant camp near a Miami-Dade prison, Octaviana Pacheco knew
firsthand how few activities children and teens could enjoy outside. At the Catholic
mission church for the camp, Octaviana found a call to serve. In middle school, she began
to volunteer in the catechism class. She eventually become a catechism teacher and led a
youth group for the camp, Everglades Village. On Saturdays, she regularly arrived at the
chapel by 8 a.m. to teach her students how to pray, appreciate nature and help others.
After her family left the camp, Octaviana continued volunteering. Enrolled at Robert
Morgan Education Center, Octaviana is studying nursing and is certified in CPR and as a
nursing assistant. After graduation, she plans to continue vocational school at Robert
Morgan Educational Center to become a licensed practical nurse.
Honorable mentions: Kenia Francis Potosme, Booker T. Washington Senior High
School; Angela Marie Fregeolle, Felix Varela Senior High School; Shayanth Sinnarajah,
Gulliver Preparatory.
WORLD LANGUAGES
Olivia Maria Bibilonia
Coral Gables Senior High School
As a kid, Olivia Maria Bibilonia easily picked up Spanish and French, while her siblings
struggled to speak in any language. So when Olivia saw autistic boys get laughed at for
dancing at a holiday party, she was motivated to do something. Passionate about dance
and language, she started a dance class for the boys in 2009 called Dance for Hope in
Miami Lakes. Every Saturday, she would head to class. She coached them in hip hop,
jazz and other dances. Afterward, they talked about their week and learned new words in
foreign languages. The boys began to relax and grow confident. At Coral Gables Senior
High, Olivia regularly donated her hair for cancer patients in memory of her French
teacher, who died of the disease. She also led the International Baccalaureate Honor
Society, started a mentorship program for IB students and balanced the finances of the
student council.
Honorable mentions: Cristina Lauren Hernandez, Palmer Trinity School; Fernando
Alvarez Jr., Christopher Columbus Senior High School; Karla Villalta, Alonzo & Tracy
Mourning High School.
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