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The morning of Oct. 25 was cloudy and gloomy outside,
but inside the Doral Academy Charter School it was bright and
cheerful.
Students lined the walkway and served as official
greeters for the many visitors who once inside were led by other
escorts to the red, white and blue festooned cafeteria. The once
postponed grand opening ceremony for the school finally took place.
The cafeteria, temporarily turned into a theater, was
packed to capacity with an excited group of parents. Its walls became
a mini art gallery showcasing students’ artworks from Erica Reboucas’
weekly classes.
The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance,
afterwards the Star Spangled Banner was sung by the Doral Academy
Chorus under the direction of Adalberto Yanes, the school’s music
teacher.
There were speeches and thanks given by
administrators.
“We’re here because of your children,” said
Fernando Zulueta founder. “Our goal was to create a first class
education and create an environment that kids remember, a place where
they make friends. We’ve done that here. You can’t test for this.
Just look at them, they are happy children.”
Principal Ileana Gomez added, “This is a tribute to
the students, parents and teachers. We have very talented minds and
hearts here.”
Then it was time for some students to shine. A cute
Hispanic folk song called My Body/Mi Cuerpo was sung by some first and
second graders. This was cleverly delivered as the students sang and
danced in place. Enthusiastic parents were scurrying around trying to
take the best photos and videos.
As most new institutions, Doral Academy had its share
of settling in problems at the beginning of the school year. On the
first day of school, students took classes in rooms at Carlos Albizu
University. The cafeteria took time to gear up, offering little but
cold sandwiches for several weeks. With this in mind, the Doral
Academy players presented a delightful spoof about the first few days
and weeks of school.
They touched upon the cafeteria’s offerings, books,
dress code, security and dismissal issues. Students ended by saying,
“A lot of things have changed since the first day of school.”
The Doral Academy Jump Band Dancers performed to Come
and Ride the Train… Both boys and girls enjoyed this brief phsyical
education demonstration.
Song of Joy and the school’s new alma mater were
performed by the Academy Chorus. Key words from the alma mater, “Strive
for excellence and knowledge with respect and dedication” express
the soul and spirit of life at the school. Students, parents and
teachers view it as “our school where we strive for excellence and
knowledge.”
Gomez referred to The Song of Joy as “the essence of
being here. We have joy and hope here. It is a meaningful statement to
us. I believe that we have embarked upon a bright new beginning and
hope for a brighter future.”
For more information about Doral Academy Charter
School, call 305-597-9999 or visit <www.doralacademy.com>
for a peak inside.
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