Students in District 11 were given a big pat on the back by Commissioner Joe A. Martinez for improving their academics during the commissioner’s “Turn Around Awards” presented at their respective graduations. Every year, Commissioner Martinez awards one fifth grader in each Miami-Dade County Public School and charter elementary schools in his district who has shown the biggest improvement from fourth to fifth grade in academics, behavior, or social service. Each winner received a Certificate of Appreciation and an iPod shuffle.
This year’s winners were:
• Nicholas Mayor and Emmanuel Machado (tie) - Wesley Matthews Elementary
• Sarai Mansito - Bowman Foster Ashe Elementary
• Daisely Basulto - Jane S. Roberts K-8 Center
• Hartley Mesadiue - Zora Neale Hurston Elementary
• Austin Almanzar - Dante B. Fascell Elementary
• Brian Lozano - Greenglade Elementary
• Julian Gigante - Christina M. Eve Elementary
• Natasha Fernandes - Claude Pepper Elementary
• Elizabeth Aguilar - Ethel K. Beckham Elementary
• Camila McCarron - Dr. Gilbert L. Porter Elementary
• Mavis Corrales - Joe Hall Elementary
• Paulina Jacobs - Oliver Hoover Elementary
• Giancarlo Morera - Pinecrest Preparatory Academy
• Jorge Iser - Jack D. Gordon Elementary
• Diana Lozano - Bent Tree Elementary
• Kevin Astorga - Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Elementary
• Kaily Alvarez - Pinecrest South Preparatory
• Manuel Martinez - Kendale Lakes Elementary
In addition to the student winners, Commissioner Martinez gave the PTA presidents of each elementary school a $500 check, and all schools that received an “A” on their FCATs received a proclamation.
“The best way to get students to succeed in school is through positive reinforcement,” said Commissioner Martinez. “I’m proud of the students who have recognized the importance of excelling in their studies and have worked hard for the entire school year to perform better in their classes overall.”
