34 JUNE 2025 Good News • South Florida Edition Celebrates Graduates 2025 Melody Vasquez Valedictorian Cooper City Christian Academy Melody Vasquez is the Class Valedictorian with a 4.8 GPA dual enrollment coursework, and 1,780 community service hours. A CCCA student since preschool, she has earned Principal’s Honor Roll and Student of the Month honors. Melody served as a teacher’s aide, aftercare counselor, and Student Council Secretary. She was accepted to several universities and chose Nova Southeastern, where she received the Dean’s Scholarship. She will pursue a degree in Nursing. Melody serves at the Pentecostals of Cooper City in various ministries. Francisco Jose Carmona Valedictorian Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory Francisco Jose Carmona holds a 5.14 GPA and is vice president of Science Olympiad, VP of Tri-M Music Honor Society, president of Mu Alpha Theta, on the CM Scholars board, and active in many clubs. A National Merit Commended Scholar, Pinnacle Award recipient, AP Scholar with Distinction, and Sapientiae Honor Roll honoree, he also volunteers at Feeding South Florida and plays piano at nursing homes. He’s earned over $300,000 in merit scholarships and was accepted to Notre Dame and Rice. He will attend the University of Florida on a Bright Futures Scholarship to study Mechanical Engineering. Journey T Mallardi Russell Salutatorian Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory Journey T Mallardi Russell earned a 5.07 GPA and ranked in the top ten of his class for four years. He was President of Mock Trial, President and Captain of the Drumline and designed lighting for theatre. A National Merit Commended Scholar, Pinnacle Award and AP Scholar with Distinction recipient, and Sapientiae Honor Roll member, he also volunteers with Extreme Teen Leaders. He’s in 8 honor societies, Science Olympiad, Model UN, CM Scholars, and Student Ambassadors. Journey will attend the University of Florida to study Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Jazz Studies. Areli Bocel Salutatorian Cooper City Christian Academy Areli Bocel, Class Salutatorian, graduates with a 4.6 GPA, dual enrollment coursework, and 343 community service hours. She has been on the Principal’s List and named Student of the Month. Areli led the Knitting & Crochet Club and joined the Chess Club. She serves at the Pentecostals of Cooper City in Sunday School, video room, nursery, and more. Areli plans to continue her education at Broward College, pursue a bachelor’s degree, and follow God’s purpose for her life. Brady Hicks Outstanding Student Leader Fellowship of Christian Athletes Brady Hicks of Cooper City High School graduates with a 3.90 GPA (5.26 weighted) and ranks in the top 10% of his class. A BCAA Scholar-Athlete, he excelled in football and lacrosse, serving as captain of both teams. As the founding President of the CCHS FCA Club, he led over 100 student-athletes from 15 sports and launched a weekly Bible study. His leadership roles also include NHS Parliamentarian and Harvest Drive Liaison. He is a two-time LAX MVP, AP Scholar, and recipient of the Brian Piccolo Award. Brady will continue his academic journey at Florida State University. Dante DeSantis Outstanding Student Leader Fellowship of Christian Athletes Dante DeSantis was active in FCA at Dwyer and Christ Fellowship’s Student group throughout high school, sharing his faith and encouraging others in their walk with Christ. He was captain of the football team, 2024 MVP, and Team Sports Ministries’ 2025 Man of Character nominee. He earned a football scholarship to the University of Fort Lauderdale. In wrestling, he was a two-time state qualifier, All-County in 2024 and 2025, and team captain both years. A Bright Futures Academic Scholar, he holds a 3.2 GPA (3.9 weighted GPA). He also remains active in Christ Fellowship Church. Paul Dunn Valedictorian First Baptist Academy Paul Dunn earned a 4.19 GPA and held many leadership roles. He was quarterback of the 2024 state champion flag football team and a starter on the 2024 state champion basketball team. He served as senior class president and led the school prayer group for four years. He won Fine Arts awards in academics, singing, and preaching, played piano for 11 years, and took a 2023 mission trip to Canada. He completed 240 community service hours and multiple dual enrollment classes. He will attend The Crown College to study church ministry. Christian Squadrito Salutatorian First Baptist Academy Christian Squadrito earned a 3.79 GPA and took several dual-enrollment classes. He received Fine Arts awards in theater, choir, and preaching. He has over 200 community service hours and helps lead his church’s media team in photography. In spring, he helped coach an after-school elementary girls’ basketball team. He captained the 2024 varsity football championship team and was a starter on the varsity basketball team. He will attend Broward College and begin EMT classes in the fall to become a paramedic.
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