34 JUNE 2024 Good News • South Florida Edition Celebrates Graduates 2024 Nathan Jean Outstanding Student Leader Fellowship of Christian Athletes Nathan Jean was a 2-year starter at defensive back for Western High School. In his career, Nate had 7 interceptions, 2 returned for touchdowns. This season, Nate was a leader of a defense that carried Western to an 8-4 record and 2 playoff wins. More importantly, Nate was the acknowledged spiritual leader of his team. Nate regularly was called to open FCA huddles with prayer and testimony. He also led his teammates and his coaches in prayer before and after every Western High game - win or lose. Nate's bold Christian witness led the way for 51 teammates to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior this season. Corrado James DeSantis Outstanding Student Leader Fellowship of Christian Athletes Corrado James DeSantis is a Bright Futures Academic Scholar from William T. Dwyer High School with 3.3 GPA and 4.2 weighted GPA, nominated by Fellowship of Christian Athletes for his leadership at Huddles exhibited by sharing his faith and encouraging his friends to have their own relationship with Christ. In varsity football, DeSantis was a Palm Beach Post Defensive Player of the Year Nominee 2024, Team Sports Ministries’ Man of Character Nominee 2024, and earned a football scholarship at Stetson University. For Wrestling, DeSantis was Palm Beach Post All-County 2023 & 2024, and a 2x State Qualifier, placing 8th at States in 2024. He also qualified for the State Championships for Track in 2024 Olivia Reid Outstanding Student Leader First Priority As a graduate from Seminole Ridge, Olivia Reid and her team helped bring First Priority to her high school. The group has seen classmates, faculty and the community be moved by the gospel, and they are so excited to see how God continues to move. With a 5.1 GPA, Olivia is very active on her school’s campus. Chamber Vice President, Tri-M president, Dance Marathon Morale Captain, and NHS membership; it all pales in comparison to her dedication to First Priority at Seminole Ridge. Olivia is attending Moody Bible Institute for Women’s Ministry while also playing volleyball for her school. Reymundo Alvarez Outstanding Student Leader First Priority Reymundo Alvarez has been a dedicated member of the First Priority club at South Plantation High School for three years, currently serving as its president. His leadership extends beyond First Priority, as he also holds the position of First Sergeant in his school's JROTC. Additionally, he is an active member of the JROTC male drill team and plays a vital role on the wrestling team. Reymundo credits his involvement in First Priority with steering him away from negative influences and bringing a renewed joy in his life through Christ. After high school, Reymundo plans to join the U.S. Army, where he aims to continue sharing the hope of Christ. Zachary Cayden Caja Valedictorian Highlands Christian School Zach Caja has attended Highlands since K4 and holds the honored distinction of being a Highlands “Lifer” with a GPA of 4.65. Throughout his 14 years at Highlands, he has been involved in National Honor Society; was captain of varsity soccer, cross country, and track & field teams; named Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald First Team All-County; received the Highlands Scholar/Athlete Award; and was an American Legion Boys State Delegate. Zach plans to study Accounting at Stetson University. Highlands Christian Academy is pleased to announce Zach as the 2024 Valedictorian. Raegan Crawford Salutatorian Highlands Christian School Raegan Crawford has been at Highlands Christian Academy for 6 years and is graduating with a GPA of 4.47. While at Highlands, she has been involved in National Honor Society, varsity softball (captain and MVP), and varsity cheerleading. She accomplished 1000+ community service hours, was a Presidential Award Winner (gold), and received the Bright Futures Medallion Scholarship, as well as Pompano Beach Rotary Club Student of the Year. Raegan plans to study Broadcast Journalism at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Highlands Christian Academy is pleased to announce Raegan as the 2024 Salutatorian. Sophia Marie Henke Outstanding Homeschool Student Classical Education Day at Riverside CEDAR Home educated for 4 years, Sophia also earned 24 college credits. She accumulated 8 times the required service hours through being a Teacher Aid and volunteering at soccer summer camps. Sophia was captain of her club soccer team, winning the Southern Regional Presidents Cup for the first time in club history, and leading them to Nationals. She played high school varsity soccer and assisted in Fort Lauderdale High School’s first-ever District Championship. This Summer Sophia plans to travel with my family and will attend St. Thomas University, pursing a bachelor’s degree in communications/ journalism and competing on their women's soccer team. Tyler McKinnon Outstanding Homeschool Student Home Education Enrichment Day HEED Tyler McKinnon earned a GPA of 3.96 and an HPA of 5.25. He began his homeschool experience in 8th grade and attended HEED for 5 years. During his time in high school, Tyler achieved 57 hours of dual enrollment credit. On top of the dual enrollment credits, Tyler earned 14 additional college hours through AP exam credit. Athletically, Tyler has played sports for Boca Christian where he was a two-time MVP of the tennis team and Senior captain of the football team. In the fall, Tyler plans on attending either Georgia Tech, University of Florida or Auburn to study Industrial Engineering.
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