News from New World School of the Arts

A Center of Excellence in the Visual and Performing Arts, at Miami Dade College - May 2011

ACCOLADES ABOUND AT NEW WORLD SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

As the end of the 2010-2011 academic year draws near, students across Miami-Dade are celebrating their academic achievements and are anxiously awaiting their summer break. Some high school seniors, however, are celebrating much more than graduation and the end of their high school days. With the thrill of a new beginning and the promise of a financially secure post-secondary education, these New World School of the Arts exemplary seniors will soon be representing our city across the nation as they join top universities. Their academic and artistic recognitions have propelled them to the top of their class, helping them earn the most coveted scholarships in the United States. We congratulate them and wish them all much success in their future endeavors.

MUSIC STUDENT DAVID FIGUEROA RECEIVES THE COVETED GATES MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSHIP

David Figueroa, a senior in the NWSA high school music program was among the 1,000 students nationwide to receive the 2011 Gates Millennium Scholarship award (GMS). The scholarship will provide him a full scholarship to undergraduate and graduate school as well as support for Doctoral-level studies. He began playing the violin at the age of nine and has played the piano for thirteen years. David currently holds the position of concertmaster in the NWSA Symphony Orchestra and plans on continuing his musical career throughout college. An exceptional violinist in the Music Division, Figueroa will be attending Columbia University in the fall to pursue a career in computer engineering. Other outstanding credits for David include the Google STEM Award and the Questbridge College Match Scholarship Program. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the French Honor Society, also holding a leadership position in the Math Honor Society.

THE POSSE FOUNDATION SELECTS MUSIC STUDENT AS A 2011 SCHOLAR

New World School of the Arts' high school senior Stephanie Maitre, 2011 POSSE Foundation scholar, will be attending Mount Holyoke College on a scholarship offered by the POSSE Foundation. Planning a double major in International Relations and Communications, with a Nexus minor in politics and society, the 18-year old vocalist was born in Miami to Venezuelan mother and Swiss father. She takes pride in her upbringing, noting her unique bond in a family that values cultures, traditions and differences. Stephanie aims to make a difference by having a positive impact on her surroundings and her community. A sentiment she has demonstrated through her commitment and more than 1,000 hours of community involvement, Stephanie has held numerous leadership positions in and outside of NWSA, earning her prestigious recognitions such as the Presidential Volunteer Scholars Award. Stephanie is the NWSA Student Government Treasurer, the Environmental Club Vice-President, the National Honor Society Co-President, and the French Honor Society President. She is also an active member of the Women of Tomorrow and the Amnesty International Club.

THREE SILVER KNIGHT NOMINATIONS FOR NWSA

NWSA nominated three exceptional students for the 2011 Silver Knight Awards for their remarkable contributions in the areas of Social Sciences, Music, and Art. James Gordon, second in the class of 2011, was nominated for Social Sciences. His nomination was not only based on his outstanding academic and artistic merits, but also on his community service which includes volunteer work with City Year Miami, a program that works with disadvantaged middle school students in Dade County. James is also recognized for his involvement with Miami politics and for his commitment to the Obama presidential campaign. James plans to attend Pomona College where he hopes to receive an education that allows him to address community and global issues through his art.

Chelsea Dombrowski Nominated in the Art category, Chelsea Dombroskie, a senior in the Visual Arts division at NWSA, recognizes the importance of using art to enhance a community, thus designing a program where she develops and offers art lessons to homeless children. Chelsea's murals are featured in the Liberty Square Community Center Children's Library and at Doctor's Hospital. Chelsea is the Key Club International President at NWSA. She is a member of National Honor Society, National Art honor Society and participates in Women of Tomorrow. Chelsea plans on continuing her passion for art and art history at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and becoming a professional artist who will always enjoy giving art back to her community.

Cristina Caridad Peruyera, a voice student in the music division of NWSA, represents the Music category. Cristina, who notes "I strive to put forth my personal best with everything I do, whether it is through school work, through my music or through my relationships with family and friends" measures her own by the impact she has on the lives of others. Upon graduation, Cristina plans to attend the Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania to pursue a career in Finance and Accounting. Influence by the recent financial challenges experienced in the arts education, she looks forward to using her knowledge to create a non-profit organization to advance support and awareness of the arts.

ALUM RUSSELL THOMAS PERFORMS FOR ORCHESTRA MIAMI

A star of the Metropolitan opera and stages around the world, Tenor Russell Thomas will offer a solo vocal recital with Artistic Director Elaine Rinaldi. Russell Thomas will be interpreting classic works by Beethoven, Griffes, Verdi, Britten and Vaughan Williams.

Russell Thomas

"NWSA is extremely proud of Russell's incredible accomplishments as a rising opera star on the international music scene. I remember the first day of school in 1996, when Russell stood up to sing his first song in front of the whole class. He launched into a spiritual with a power and beauty, and I thought to myself, 'Well, THAT'S a voice that can really go someplace!'" commented Richard Fleischman, one of Russell's instructors during his time at New World School of the Arts. A native of Miami, Tenor Russell Thomas is quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting vocal and dramatic talents on the international opera and concert scene, most recently as the First-Prize winner of the prestigious "Viñas Competition" in Barcelona (First Prize, Audience Favorite and Best Tenor) and at the "Competizione dell'Opera" in Dresden.

May 14; 8:00 PM

First Presbyterian Church of Miami

609 Brickell Avenue, Miami

Tickets at Orchestra Miami

THANK YOU, NEW WORLD SCHOOL OF THE ARTS SUPPORTERS

ATTENTION ALL

ALUMNI

SAVE THE DATE!!

To celebrate the alumni that have contributed to 25 years of excellence in the arts, New World School of the Arts will be bustling with a wide range of activities during the All-Alumni Reunion, in the fall of 2011.

Look for the registration form and highlights of the alumni weekend in the coming issues of NWSA News and Updates.

More information at

305-237-3852

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