BUSINESS

Jared Weingard volunteered in the Baseball Buddies/Challenger Program and coached one of the players, Garth, consistently for several years.

“In his first season, he barely spoke,” said Weingard. “With time, he became much more outgoing and began looking forward to Baseball Buddies. After seeing his communication and baseball skills improve, I knew Baseball Buddies was making an impact.”

When the founders left, Weingard took over as chairman, which he’s continued doing for the past six years.  

SOCIAL SCIENCE

Ilana Berliavsky partnered with the PTSA and the City of Aventura in creating the ’Walk for Parkland’ to advocate gun control and raise funds for families affected by the shooting.

“I decided to take on this role when I realized there had to be action taken,” said Berliavsky. “Thoughts and prayers were simply not enough when it came to tragedies that happened on a daily basis.”

With their help, Berliavksy obtained food donations from various supermarkets, received local publicity, and secured the Aventura Circle as the venue.

DIGITAL & INTERACTIVE MEDIA

Marissa Manley created a film with her brother to spread awareness about her aunt Marion Manley and her contributions to society.

“As a woman working in a STEM field during the 20th century, she went against all odds,” said Manley. “From an early age, I knew that I would be working with STEM, and women like her are a major reason why my pursuit is no longer uncommon.”

GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP

Within Krop’s chapter of Best Buddies, Tomer Shkori planned and executed various activities, as well as collaborated with other organizations, including the Special Olympics. His work in the club has served as a catalyst in his pursuit of several other civic projects.

“In 6th grade, I met my sister’s buddy, Melanie,” said Shkori. “The tenacity I saw in Melanie’s eyes inspired me to join Best Buddies. Learning of her struggles has reminded me of how grateful I am for the life I’ve been granted.”

MUSIC & DANCE

Hera Soysal created “Music’s For Everyone,” a school “trashcan percussion band” to teach the beats and patterns of popular songs.

“It was a day like all others during my junior year I noticed something I hadn’t before. In the halls, I saw kids who also have so much to say, but no means to do so,” said Soysal. “Going on two years now, my once small project is thriving and has become an integral part of my school community.”

The program was created in an effort to help special-needs students communicate, gain confidence and have a memorable experience.

ATHLETICS

Throughout his high school career, Zachary Winer has worked with Achieve Miami, where he participates in a literary mentorship program for under-resourced students and teaches them to read and write.

“I have always had a passion for community service, specifically on child development. I couldn’t fathom the idea of other children not having access to books or the support of family to encourage a good education,” said Winer. “Achieve Miami has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my high school career, and I take great pride in my involvement and the impact I have made on young students in our community.”

SPEECH

Jacqueline Hatch initiated the “Speak Up” speech program at Aventura City of Excellence School in order to introduce middle schoolers to the value of public speaking.

“I was inspired by the transformative power that communication has brought upon my life,” said Hatch. “The years spent immersed in speech and debate have allowed me to morph into a well-spoken young woman with leadership commitments within my community.”

Through “Speak Up,” Hatch also hopes to bolster self- confidence in pre-high school-aged students.

MATHEMATICS

Kevin Ordet

“From a young age, my mom’s involvement as a Make a Wish volunteer motivated me to become a part of the organization. At 10 years old, I had the opportunity to visit their office and write a wish story about a wish kid’s experience at the Super Bowl and was amazed at how powerful it was for him. After writing this, I knew I wanted to be involved with an organization that has such a positive impact on children with critical illnesses. I became one of the founding members of the Make A Wish Youth Leadership Committee, bringing together high school students across South Florida to raise awareness.”

WORLD LANGUAGES

Nicole Camhi has worked to spread awareness of the poverty in her father’s home country, Colombia and the civic work of  “Familias de la Misericordia.”

“Growing up in a Jewish-Latin family, whose rich cultural background has shaped my identity, one of my core values is the importance of helping others,” said Camhi.

She introduced the project to her school community and encouraged participation by students in order to improve international involvement.

SCIENCE

Olivia Gottlieb spent two years in the laboratory conducting research and analyzing the mechanics of the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction, which is a prime example of non-equilibrium thermodynamics.

“In my free time, I often scroll through YouTube looking for interesting videos to watch. A video that caught my eye featured a small substance moving across a table on its own. That is when I stumbled upon the B-Z Reaction,” said Gottlieb. “The motion was prompted by the chemistry of the B-Z reaction, however to me, it seemed like magic. “

JOURNALISM

After being diagnosed with neuroblastoma and being admitted to Joe Dimaggio Children’s Hospital as a child, Ariel Hartzy started a non-profit organization to improve the lives of children in impoverished hospitals around South Florida.

“I was one of the fortunate children that beat it, despite all odds,” said Hartzy. “I know how difficult it is to live your childhood unconventionally, and I want to make the hospital as much as a home away from home for these kids as possible.”