PHOTO CREDIT: KRIZIA KETCHUM
PHOTO CREDIT: KRIZIA KETCHUM
Take a Walk Down Sabre Way
REPORTER: Katherine Rojas
St. Brendan High has received the honor of having a portion
of 87th Avenue in Westchester named “Sabre Way” by the State
of Florida and Miami-Dade County, thanks to Florida legislator
and school alumnus, Jose Felix Diaz.
This momentous occasion was celebrated on Wednesday,
October 8, 2014 with an assembly in the school’s gym, hosting
speakers such as Florida Senator Anitere Flores, Doral Vice-Mayor
Christi Fraga (class of 2005), Miami-Dade County Commissioner
Javier Souto, U.S. Federal Marshal Amos Rojas, and Florida State
Representative Jose Felix Diaz (class of 1998).
Diaz, an alumnus of St. Brendan High School, requested the
renaming of the avenue about two years ago, and in June of 2014,
it was approved.
During his high school years, Diaz was Student Body
President which inspired him to run for office later on. “I fell in
love with the idea of coming up with ideas and seeing those
ideas become realities,” said Diaz in his speech to the school on
Wednesday.
Diaz has been an active alumni member since he graduated
in 1998, as he is ardent about his alma mater, and is proud to see
it grow and change. In his speech, Diaz stated, “The first 40 years
have been amazing — and I think the next 40 years will be even
better.”
Doral Vice-Mayor Christi Fraga, also an alumna of St.
Brendan, recalled her time at the school, acknowledging the
sacrifices her family made to send her there. “Being a graduate of
St. Brendan was an experience all on its own — you have so much
to learn here. It’s great to be a part of the Sabre family, and we
have accomplished so much,” says Fraga.
In between speeches, our Director of Counseling Mrs. Ivette
Alvarez suggested that students spread the news of this great
honor on social media, saying, “I expect at least one person
to post a #sabreway today on Twitter or Instagram!” Laughter
ensued throughout the crowd.
Our school’s principal also commented on the street
renaming. “Streets are only renamed after those people and
institutions that have made a mark on their community, and on the
eve of our 40th anniversary we are very proud to be recognized
as an institution worthy of this honor,” says Dr. Rodelgo-Bueno.
This event is not simply the opportunity to have the school’s
mascot plastered on a sign or two in Westchester. It is a reminder
of the teachers, students, and faculty that made St. Brendan
High School a nurturing place to learn, and the opportunities it
provides to allow for continued growth and improvement.
Federal Marshal Amos Rojas said it best in his speech during
the ceremony: “Sabre Way is an attitude. It means that you have
the religious foundation, a solid education, and the ability and
skills to be what you want to be.”
PHOTO CREDIT: KRIZIA KETCHUM