By Toni Pallatto - Florida Catholic
Photographer: Courtesy Shannon Kunkel, Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School
Twenty-one sophomores at Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School became the first group to be inducted into the St. Michael's Scholars Program at a ceremony held in the school's gymnasium Oct. 24, 2024. These students will graduate with both an associate's degree and a high school diploma.
MIAMI | Twenty-one sophomores at Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School have become the first group inducted into the St. Michael’s Scholars Program, a unique initiative that enables students to graduate with an associate’s degree alongside their high school diploma.
“We are the first Catholic high school to have this program, says Sister Margaret Ann Laechelin, principal of Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School, during the induction ceremony held Oct. 24, 2024, at the school gymnasium. The ceremony included a Mass and reception for students and their families.
“Our students are getting an incredible education during their four years at Coleman Carroll. They are high-achieving, hard-working students who deserve to have this recognition as St. Michael’s Scholars,” added Sister Margaret Ann.
The St. Michael’s Scholars program was created through a collaboration between Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School, Miami Dade College and St. Thomas University. It is the first program of its kind. Public schools offer dual enrollment programs, but not a MAP program (My Academic Plan), which serves as a personalized roadmap for each student to select courses aligned with their academic goals.
Photographer: Courtesy Shannon Kunkel, Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School
Father Attah Nsiah, chaplain at Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School, celebrates Mass at the induction ceremony for the St. Michael's Scholars Program at the school's gymnasium Oct. 24.
“I am very excited that I was invited to the program,” says Alex Alvarez-Perez, a sophomore at Coleman Carroll High. “I felt that God was calling me here, because of my grades at St. Kevin School. I am a St. Michael’s Scholar! I want to be a neurologist, so having two years of college finished when I graduate from high school is huge. My parents are so proud!”
The program began during the 2021-2022 academic year. “I was trying to make our dual enrollment program stand out to students,” says Melanie Garcia, vice principal of Academics at Archbishop Coleman Carroll High and college and counselor at the time.
“I started asking myself, ‘What could help our students be more advanced upon graduation? How could we help and support our students to be better prepared for the college of their choice?’”
She reached Miami Dade College and met with Homer Vallejo, director of New Student Center. “We have a close association with Coleman Carroll High School. We wanted to work with them to see how we could best serve these students. Over the course of two to three years, this collaboration developed the MAP program,” says Vallejo.
Photographer: Courtesy Shannon Kunkel, Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School
Sister Margaret Ann Laechelin, principal of Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School, presents a St. Michael's Scholar pin to Nelly Finkbeiner, a sophomore at the school, during a ceremony in the school's gymnasium Oct. 24, 2024.
Students join the program by invitation based on testing and grades. They begin the program in 9th grade and continue through graduation working closely with counselors at both Coleman Carroll High and Miami Dade College and select the college courses that will best support their future goals. As a part of their freshman year, they take a Student Life Skills class that teaches study skills, time management, public speaking, and resume writing, empowering them as they move forward. Upon completing all coursework at Coleman Carroll High, the credits earned through the program are transferable to the college of their choice. Students graduate with both an associate’s degree and a high school diploma.
“My son Damian will have an associate’s degree when he graduates from Coleman Carroll,” says Daniela Acosta. “My husband and I consider this a blessing for him. He is handling his responsibilities very well, he is comfortable in the program, and we are very fulfilled as parents to watch him grow.”
“Coleman Carroll and Miami Dade College have worked with my daughter Brianna to tailor the program to her needs,” shared Isis Pinero. “We see this as a wonderful opportunity for Brianna, and for our family, as it saves time and money.”
Photographer: Courtesy Shannon Kunkel, Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School
From left, Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School Board President Daniel Elie; Miami Dade representatives Maite Padron and Pamela David; Sister Margaret Ann Laechelin, principal of the school; and Toni Pallato, marketing consultant, Eagles Wings Communications, pose for a picture after the St. Michael's Scholars Program induction ceremony Oct. 24, 2024, in the school's gymnasium.
Photographer: Courtesy Shannon Kunkel, Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School
Nelly Finkbeiner (left) and Johandry Escobar, Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School students participating in the St. Michael's Scholars Program, speak during the program's induction ceremony Oct. 24, 2024, in the school's gymnasium.
Classes are offered in three modalities by Miami Dade College: online, via Zoom and in person. “The students, with guidance, choose the manner in which this will work best for them,” said Lilian Sacasa, Counselor for the class of 2027 and added “The dual enrollment classes are taught by Coleman Carroll teachers on campus.”
“I am enjoying Coleman Carroll, and I am so proud to be a St. Michael’s Scholar,” says Cristina Acuna, a sophomore at the school. “I want to be in the medical field, either as a cardiologist, neurologist or anesthesiologist, and this allows me to get a great start. It’s a very manageable program. I see this as an amazing opportunity.”
During the induction ceremony, each student received a pin symbolizing their achievement as a St. Michael’s Scholar, which was presented by a family member at the reception. Students, families and staff celebrated this academic program that provides an exceptional opportunity unique to Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School.
“We give our thanks to Miami Dade College, our students and parents, and all who have collaborated in this program,” concluded Sister Margaret Ann.
