The Miniaci Family Lead Now Program

Closing Ceremony

Ramon Canto from Everglades Senior High School, and David Valdera from South Miami Senior High School share a moment with Albert Miniaci, a member of the family that sponsored the program, at the conclusion ceremony of The Miniaci Lead Now Program

The Miniaci Family Lead Now program for this year’s summer concluded with a lunch and a ceremony in which students spoke about their experience attending college courses at St. Thomas University and learning about leadership skills.

Present at the luncheon were the participating students, STU school deans and faculty, Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson and members of the Miniaci family, who made the program possible.

“I want to deeply thank the Miniaci family who has supported the program and the building of the wellness center as well,” said St. Thomas University President Monsignor Franklyn Casale. “They have paved the way for these young students and they have been leaders in this community for a long time, leaders in business, leaders in philanthropy and a true example for our students.”

The 12 students, who participated in The Miniaci Family Lead Now Summer Institute for High Potential Students, earned six preparatory college academic credits, received leadership training, created a professional e-portfolio and became eligible to receive annual scholarships for St. Thomas University.

 

 

Ana Maria Guerrero, a 17-year-old junior from Monsignor Pace High School said she gained a lot of knowledge from the courses she took, but the part she liked the most were the speakers who came every week to share their knowledge about leadership.

Kevin Lecsaint from Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School talks at the ceremony about his experience in the program

 

"I learned that it is so important to be a leader in today’s society and to learn from others’ mistakes and from our own,” Guerrero said. “I was able to get college credits and that is going to help me in the future when I come to St. Thomas to study biology.”

Vladimir Blanchard, a 17-year-old senior from, Archbishop Curley High also talked in the ceremony about how the guest speakers had been an important part of the program.

“I learned so many things that you couldn’t learn in high school. Every presentation inspired me to go and serve and help the community and that is what I want to do now,” Blanchard said. “I want to thank all the people who are here today and who have made this program possible because it shows that you really care about us.”

Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson also spoke at the ceremony. She congratulated the students and also thanked the Miniaci family for its support. 

“I am always going to be here to support anything that encourages leadership and I want to thank the Miniaci family because when you do something for St. Thomas you do something for Miami Gardens,” said Gibson, who graduated from St. Thomas University.

 

 

 

  

St. Thomas University President Msgr. Franklyn Casale talks to Mrs. Rose Miniaci at the conclusion ceremony

 

 

From left to right: Meike Miniaci, Dominick Miniaci, STU V.P. Beverly Bachrach, STU President Msgr. Franklyn Casale, Rose Miniaci, Albert Miniaci and Beatriz Miniaci listen to students talk about their experiences in the program

 

Guests have lunch at the conclusion ceremony of The Miniaci Lead Now Program

 

David Valdera from South Miami Senior High and Ramon Canto from Everglades Senior High School introduced themselves to Rose Miniaci and thank her for her collaboration.

 

Prof. Marcela Moyano, Miniaci Family Program Director gives a certificate of completion to student Chantale Aristide from Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School

 

Patrick Anilus from Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School and Ramon Canto from Everglades Senior High School Listen to St. Thomas University Dean of the School of Leadership Studies Gloria Ruiz