By Rene David Basulto - Monsignor Edward Pace HS
Photographer: Rene D. Basulto
Monsignor Edward Pace High School students Keanu Orfano and Alexander Pereda (second and third from left) pose for a photo with Pace President Fr. Paul Vuturo and Pace Principal Ana Garcia at the 2016 Pace Academic Awards and hold certificates honoring their selection to attend the HOBY Leadership Seminar
MIAMI GARDENS | Keanu Orfano and Alexander Pereda of Monsignor Edward Pace High School attended the recent 2016 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar at Lynne University in Boca Raton. The seminars prepare high school sophomores to lead in their schools, careers and communities.
The two were chosen by Carla Giberson, Pace’s director of guidance and counseling, for their academic records and involvement in the school community. Both Orfano and Pereda are members of the National Honor Society, the Spartan Ambassador Society and student government. Orfano is also part of the Spartan Sword and Shield program for elite students.
As part of the seminar, May 19-22, Orfano and Pereda heard keynote speakers on serving the community and bettering oneself. They participated in team-building activities such as working together to build a contraption to drop an egg without breaking it. They also took part in group discussions with the other students in attendance.
“My favorite activity was the group reflection because it made me think about the effects the activities had and how I could become a better person,” Orfano said.
One of the biggest lessons he learned at the seminar, he said was that being a better person involved setting personal goals.
The seminar was not just dedicated to self-improvement: Orfano and Pereda also helped prepare 10,000 meals to feed children in South Florida through a partnership with the Feeding Children Everywhere organization.
