Felix Varela High School
 |
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (April 2008) |
| Felix Varela Senior High School | |
|---|---|
| Established | August 2000 |
| Type | Public Secondary |
| Principal | Finns[1] |
| Students | 3,072 students |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Location | The Hammocks, Florida, USA |
| District | Miami-Dade County Public Schools |
| Campus | Suburban |
| Colors |
Hunter Green, Black and Silver |
| Mascot | Viper |
| Average Class Size | 35 |
| Founding Principal | Millie Fornell |
| Website | Felix Varela High School |
Felix Varela Senior High School is a secondary school located at 15255 SW 96th St in The Hammocks, unincorporated Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA.[2] Past Principals include Ms. Millie Fornell (2000-2005) and Ms. Connie Navarro (2005-2011). The current Principal is Mrs. Nery Fins (2011-present).Varela was built as an overcrowding relief school for G. Holmes Braddock High School and Miami Sunset High School; construction began in 1998 but due to delays during construction (mainly concerning funding and local area politics) the school's opening was pushed back several times. Varela opened to students fall of 1999.
The school was named for Father Félix Varela (November 20, 1788-February 27, 1853), a Cuban Roman Catholic Priest, human rights advocate, teacher, and an admired figure throughout the Cuban American exile community.
The school opened its doors to approximately 2,000 ninth and tenth graders (classes of 2003 and 2004) on August 28, 2000. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Contents |
[edit] Veterinary Science
 |
This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (April 2008) |
The veterinary science program has been promoted to a magnet program, taught by Yleana Escobar. The program deals with domestic animals, opossums, raccoons, and barn animals. Students are prepared for work as veterinarians, wildlife rehabilitators, or working on a farm.
Felix Varela's Veterinary Science academy works with Friends Forever Rescue, in which the veterinary students learn skills such as vaccinating, micro chipping, testing animals, medicating, and restraining. The Vet academy has a barn that includes goats, mini-donkeys, mini-horses, chickens, geese, rabbits, pigs, and turkey.
Varela's Vet class is part of the national organization of the Future Farmers of America, FFA. The Varela FFA has been placed high in competitions. The greatest accomplishments have been:
- For two years have been placed 5th and 4th in Food Science, 5th and 4th
- Going to states for prepared public speaking for their district twice in a row.
- The only FFA chapter that helps out with ring stewarding for dog show clubs such as Miami Obedience Club.
- In 2004, they won 2nd place in the State's Floriculture CDE Competition.
- In April 2002 2nd place in Florida for a Horticulture Demonstration CDE on Landscaping Management presentation.
- The Felix Varela FFA is one of the few in its district to go to the Florida State Fair on a yearly basis.
[edit] Band Program
The Band of Mystery is a fairly well known and highly placed high school band, was headed by Mr. Christopher Illa, but now directed by Dr. Lussier. The band is very reputable earning high placement in the district as well as the state, which is large feat because of the fact that it is only a 2A band. In the 2010-2011 school year, the Band of Mystery went to states. The band earned first in semi-finals and third in finals. This program has a reputable jazz band and wind ensemble as well, which both receive 'Superior' overall.
[edit] Demographics
Felix Varela is 81% Hispanic, 10% White non-Hispanic, 5% Black, 2% Asian, and 2% other/multi-racial [3]
[edit] Athletics
The varsity sports program began with the 2001-2002 school year alongside its first junior class. Felix Varela High's athletic rivals include G. Holmes Braddock High School, Miami Sunset High School and John A. Ferguson High School, as well as the new Kendall school, TERRA Environmental Research Institute. Current Athletic Director-Coach Lisa Spinosa (2009-present). Past Athletic Directors: Coach Ron Balazs (2000-2005) and Coach Andy Chiles (2005-2009)
Championships
Boy’s Varsity soccer team:
- 2008 National Champions[4]
- 2008 FHSAA Class 6A State Champions by defeating Weston Cypress Bay 1-1 (4-1 PK). (Back-to-Back State Champions)[5]
- 2007 FHSAA Class 6A State Champions by defeating Wellington High School 2-1 (This is the school’s first state championship throughout its six-year history in varsity sports)[6]
Cheerleading:
- 2008 Grand National Champions
Boy's Volleyball:
- 2006 District Champions
Boy’s Varsity football team:
Girl's varsity tennis team:
- 2009 District Champions
Girl's Varsity Softball Team:
- 2006 District Champions
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.dadeschools.net/schools/schoolinformation/school_details.asp?id=7781
- ^ "The Hammocks CDP, Florida." U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved on January 9, 2010.
- ^ http://www.publicschoolreview.com/school_ov/school_id/17735
- ^ "Varela boys nation's best" Miami Herald
- ^ "Varela's extra effort adds up to 2nd title in a row" Miami Herald
- ^ "Varela coach has the right fit" Miami Herald
- ^ "District 15-6A Capsules" Miami Herald
[edit] External links
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
