By Rene David Basulto - Monsignor Edward Pace HS
Photographer: Rene D. Basulto
Posing with their graduation certifices, from left: Msgr. Pace Academy of Health Sciences Lead Teacher Kevin LaGrange, Pace EMT Academy graduates Mitchy Leandre, Carina Jatib, Juanesha Serra, Danielle Dalge, Michelle Montoya, Barry University's Terri Hernandez, EMT Academy graduate Sabrina Cabrera, EMT Program Director Jason Smith, and EMT Academy teacher Jorge Nunez.
MIAMI GARDENS | Six Msgr. Edward Pace High School seniors became a part of school history May 19 by becoming the first graduates of Pace’s Academy of Health Sciences, in partnership with Barry University’s EMT Academy.
In front of their families, friends, and other students from the Academy of Health Sciences, Mitchy Leandre, Danielle Dalge, Juanesha Serra, Carina Jatib, Michelle Montoya, and Sabrina Cabrera graduated from both Pace’s EMT Academy class and from Barry University’s specialized EMT Program.
Kevin LaGrange, lead teacher for the Academy of Health Sciences and a Pace alumnus, was the main presenter for the ceremony. As the girls were also Barry University students, LaGrange was accompanied by Terri Hernandez, Barry University’s assistant dean in Career Education; Jason Smith, EMS Program Director; and Jorge Nunez, the girls’ EMT Academy teacher.
All four reminisced on the journey the six girls had taken and on the unique place in history the six will have. “Your face[s] will be attached to this program for infinity,” said Smith.
With this graduation, the six girls can sit for the National Registry of EMT exam to earn their EMT certification and continue in the medical field. Sabrina Cabrera in particular will moving directly into Barry University’s Emergency Responder program this fall.
Photographer: Rene D. Basulto
Msgr. Pace High EMT Academy graduate Michelle Montoya shaves Kevin LaGrange's head in front of her fellow graduates (from left) Mitchy Leandre, Danielle Dalge, Juanesha Serra, and Carina Jatib, as part of a new tradition for seniors graduating from Pace's Academy of Health Sciences.
In addition to their certificates of completion, the seniors received specialized EMT pins from LaGrange and high-quality Littmann stethoscopes from Barry University.
After taking the podium themselves and thanking their families and everyone who has supported them, the six girls turned the tables by giving picture frames and hand-crafted thank you cards to LaGrange, Nunez, and Smith.
To conclude the ceremony, the six became the first group to take part in a new tradition: LaGrange allowed them to shave his head in front of everyone in attendance. After they recovered from the surprise, the six took turns shaving his head as friends and families gathered around to record the moment. LaGrange said he plans to have his hair regrown in time for the 17 juniors who will take the EMT course as seniors next school year.
