Pathways to Excellence: Celebrating Student Success Stories

Edith Hernandez, president of the Future Educators of America at South Dade Senior High School has achieved success as a leader and is planning for a career as a high school history and English teacher. She has worked hard to help classmates who are struggling academically. She has tutored middle school students and people who are facing various problems.

“I want to give people hope and help students who are facing problems,” she said. “I helped ESOL students prepare for the tests. At first, I wanted to be a lawyer but now I want to become a teacher.” Hernandez has experienced a major personal struggle. During this past academic year, she had cancer and faced chemotherapy and other treatments. She preserved and performed well academically and as a leader in organizations. She is a member of the Drama Club, Tech Club, and Key Club. She also took a course in the legal studies program and participated in the mock court. She has a 3.8 GPA.

Hernandez has a caring personality and enjoys helping others. Her friend Isania Cruz is vice president of Future Educators of America. “I love working with children and I have tutored younger kids and students who are facing struggles. I have also participated in the mock court,” said Cruz. South Dade Senior High School has produced some hard working and talented seniors.

Malik Wiliams, 18, is a Silver Knight nominee and has been involved in various service projects. He cooked and prepared meals for lower income families in the community. “I would go to the Naranja neighborhood and cook meals of spaghetti and rice. I wanted to help people in the community,” he said. Williams has a 3.6 grade point average and is taking honors level course. He is active in Police Explorers and is a member of the debate team. He has also been involved in the Buc Ambassadors program.

“I really enjoyed being a part of the Ambassadors. I enjoyed showing our school to incoming eighth graders.” Over the summer, Williams will attend basic training for the Florida National Guard. He will be trained as a truck driver. He plans to attend Florida International University and hopes to join the ROTC program there.

Lakeen Davis has a passion for music and band. Last fall, he was the drum major in the South Dade Senior High School Marching Band. During the spring, the South Dade concert band earned three excellent ratings and one superior rating. He plays brass instruments including the trumpet and tuba. “I love playing and performing music. I have enjoyed being a leader in the band and I love music. I plan to continue studying music after high school,” he said.

Kathya Hernandez is a top math student at South Dade Senior High School, and she likes to help younger students who are facing challenges learning math. She is a Silver Knight nominee in math and will attend the University of Florida next fall. She has achieved success in writing code and has taught coding to students at Redland Middle School at Coconut Palm K-8 Academy. She has a 4.5 GPA. “I love to help students. I have gone to the middle schools and teach the students there how to write code. It was a good experience,” she said.

South Dade Senior High School stands as a testament to the dedication and achievements of its students. From academic prowess to community service, these students exemplify the school's values of leadership, compassion, and excellence. Their collective efforts have not only left a lasting impact within the school walls but have also extended into the broader community, enriching the lives of those around them. As they embark on their future endeavors, they carry with them the lessons learned and the values instilled during their time at South Dade, poised to make a positive difference wherever they go.