Dear Readers,

June marks the end of the school year, the start of summer vacation and that time of the year where we reach back into our memory banks and recollect all the good times we spent with out families in the year's past.

June is also the month marked for Father's Day the contributions out fathers made to our lives. I touched base with many in the community and got them to reflect on what their father has been to them.

I would also like to share with you a few thoughts of my own.

My dad, Jesus Espinoza-Torres, has always been the most consistent and predictable person I have ever known. His consistent ways must have made it easy for him to provide us with the very stable home life that he did. Dad taught me through example that inward stability is the basis of all outward success.

What I especially recall about my dad is that in his presence he never allowed me to cross the street without holding his hand. How small my hand felt in his and what a safe crossing it was with my dad around. About a year ago I had the opportunity to cross the street with my dad and I grabbed his hand and said, "Dad, hold my hand when I cross the street."

I had to turn my head the other way because my eyes instantly began to tear. Dad may not know that the smallest of his consistent kindness has gone a long way with his daughter and that whenever I cross a street I still look for his hand.

Sincerely yours,
Dr. Lori

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A few words by Miami Christian School Principal Teri Logan on her father:

My father chose as his profession a job that allowed him to serve the community. He spent his life in occupations choosing substance over salary.

First as a minister, and later as a counselor, he showed more concern for the welfare of those around him than for himself.

As far back as I can remember, he never limited himself to a 40-hour work-week. He was available at any hour for anyone who needed financial, spiritual or emotional assistance.

Because he was a minister he was often called out of bed, on holidays, and distraught folks would show up at the house at every hour of the day.

My father was blessed with a sense of humor that has gotten him through many difficult times. No matter the situation, he can always find something humorous in it to lighten the load and make it bearable. People around him seldom know if he is going through a difficult time.

These two traits of his most affected my life choices and my outlook on life. Fathers are indeed a most important part of life for any child. Their input whether directly (through advice and counsel) or indirectly (through example and lifestyle) have lasting effects on their children well into adulthood.

On this Fathers' Day, we should acknowledge with respect and appreciation those fathers who took the time to make positive impacts on the lives of their children.

Teri Logan
Principal Miami Christian School
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A few words by Congessman Lincoln Diaz-Balart on his father, Rafael L. Diaz-Balart:

My father has always been my teacher and my friend. He is an extraordinary man who I love and admire greatly. He is an incredible father who has always defended his four sons; my brothers and I have always known that he is "on our side".

My father is a patriot, a thinker who never stops reading and studying, and at the same time is a fighter who never surrenders.

What a privilege it has been for me to be his son!
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"A few words by Peter Meyers, Booker T. Washington Senior educator and coach about his father, Dr. Edward Meyers Coral Park High School educator and coach:

I vividly remember in the first grade my teacher asking my class what each student's dad did for a "living".

"My daddy works in a bank", said one, "my daddy owns a gas station", said another. The question eventually to me, "my father doesn't do anything, he's a coach and all he does is play games!" So was my opinion at age 7.

I now know that my dad's job of "playing" games was only a small part of my dad's job. As coach a majority of his job involved helping people to develop to their potential, to overcome problems, to instill character, to build self worth, and to teach to see obstacles as challenges to be conquered.

If I were back at age 7, I would tell my class about his job duties: he's a helper when needed and inspirational exactly at the right time and that person has a name he is called my dad.

Observing my dad has encouraged me to coach and teach. Thank you dad for playing those games. Now I realize how what a positive influence you have been to me and my brothers and sisters not to mention your students.

Happy Father's Day!"
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Max Wein, a holocaust survivor, recently spoke at Miami Christian School. He lectured the middle and high school students on his experiences in five different prison camps during World War II.

Mr. Wein lost his mother, brother and sister while only his father survived with him.  Miami Christian School is grateful to Mr. Wein for his stimulating speech.

Anta's Fitness & Self Defense will be hosting seminars on teaching your children safety awareness and predator awareness skills.

Last year's seminar was very popular and Anta's asks that you protect your child by teaching him/her awareness skillsand the proper precautions by having them attend one of their seminars.

They will be held at John I. Smith Elementary on Thursday, June 8 at 7 PM and at La Casa De Alabanza Church 3501 West Flagler Street, Tuesday, June 13 at 7 PM.

Three Miami Christian School students were awarded scholarships based on their outstanding accomplishments.

Regina Bernadin valedictorian of Miami Christian School was the recipient of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Scholarship--Annalie Hernandez, a senior, received the Presidential Service/Coral Gables Community Foundation Scholarship--Morgana Rolle, recipient of the International Civitan Scholarship.

Venezuelan Independence Day Festival July 5th:

Sunday July 9 Venezuelan Independence Day is honored and will be celebrated as the largest Venezuelan Festival in the United States.

Join us for the celebration next to Tamiami Park at Coral Way & SW 112 Avenue. The party starts at 11 AM and keeps going until 11PM. You're all invited!