Naomi Granado and Christopher Abello

The 23rd Annual ISSF Star Luncheon in which top students from 70 accredited private schools are recognized by the Independent Schools of South Florida drew a crowd of more than 800 individuals, including three MCS students.

Nina Beam (Grade 5), Justin Marono (Grade 8) and Andre Bergouignan (Grade 12) were among those receiving medals for setting an example for others, whether in home, school or community.

Those honored at the annual event at the Doubletree on April 17, typically excel in one or more of areas: academics, community service, citizenship, fine arts, athletics, student activities, perseverance, effort, dedication, commitment to positive goals, improvement in performance and attitude.

Also recently receiving special honors were several first grade students who entered the Youth Fair poster competitions and won either a Second Place ribbon and a $3 check or a First Place ribbon and a $4 check. Winning students who drew their interpretation of Fun at the Youth Fair included Anthony Barcelo, Zoe Campos, Nathan Hernandez, Zack Lembert, Yaneiliz, Austin Ocana, Josh Ortet and Angelin Vazquez.

Top students (l-r) Nina Beam, Andre Bergouignan, Justin Marono.

In alumni news, Chrissy Stachl (09) joins a long list of outstanding graduates. Now in her fourth year at the University of Washington in Seattle on a Bill Gates M i l l e n n i u m Scholarship covering all study costs for five years, she is pursuing a double major in Neuro biology and Chemistry. Invited by Yale University for an all-expense paid six-week Summer Medical and Dental Educational Program during the summer of her freshman year, Stachl participated in an introductory program and shadowed personnel. The Millennium Scholarship also paid for a six-week program in Florence, Italy where she completed a 5 credit course in drawing and bookmaking to complete an Arts requirement for graduation. The summer of her Sophomore year, Stachl was invited to Harvard Universitys STAR program, an all-expense paid eight week venture, where she worked on cancer research and shadowed medical personnel. Stachls Junior year took her to the University of Edinburgh where she studied chemistry, history and neuroscience. Because of her work at Harvard, her professor invited her to work with him on cancer research, a work published along with others from Stockholm, Sweden and London, England in the Journal of American Chemical Society. Her studies continued the summer of her Junior year in South India working in a nursing program for a month in two separate clinics. This summer, Stachl takes off again to England for a five-credit English course, studying Shakespeare in London and attending two plays per week at The Globe Theatre. Stachl will study another year in Seattle before pursuing a MD/PhD, most likely abroad.

Chrissy Stachl, outstanding 09 alumna.

On the art front, MCS Sophomores Christopher Abello and Naomi Granado are entering pieces in the 2013 Congressional Art Competition, An Artistic Discovery, a nationwide competition for showcasing high school students talent and creativity. Each entry must be an original concept, design and execution in any of seven mediums, all to be collected in a District area for expertly judging of winning pieces sent to Washington DC on behalf of Congressman Mario Diaz- Balarts District to be displayed for a year in the Cannon Tunnel, leading to the US Capitol building.. Naomi entered a photograph and Christopher, entered a drawing.

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Miami Christian School Students, Alumni Shine!