By Cristina Cruz - Christopher Columbus HS
Photographer: COURTESY
The Alvarez family pictured in front of Christopher Columbus High School’s main entrance, which will be renovated along with the ‘A’ Building with the family’s transformational donation, Sept. 13, 2023. From left, top row: Columbus President Thomas Kruczek, Sandy Reus, James Reus ’96, Hector Garcia ’84, Krystle Alvarez, Eduardo Alvarez ’04, Albert Tamayo ’03, Columbus vice president of Finance; second row: Sam Reus ’24, Maximo Alvarez, Esther Alvarez, Max R. Alvarez ’98, Nicholas Ramos ’04, Columbus vice president of Advancement; bottom row: Eric Reus ’28, Gabriel Alvarez, Max J. Alvarez ’29, Lucas Alvarez and Leilani Alvarez.
MIAMI | The Alvarez family, the family behind the success of Miami-based Sunshine Gasoline Distributors, has announced that they will make a transformational gift to Christopher Columbus High School for the full renovation of the school’s main entrance and A Building, both of which were built when the school first opened in 1958.
Maximo Alvarez, the founder and president of Sunshine Gasoline Distributors, made the announcement along with his wife, Esther, sons Maximo R. ’98, Eduardo ’04, and daughter Sandy Reus, who help lead the 36-year old company along with their father.
Maximo Alvarez has deep ties to Columbus and to the Marist Brothers. He and his brother, Lucas, attended the Maristas School in Havana, Cuba, during the 1950s. Maximo’s two sons, nephew and son-in-law all graduated from Columbus throughout the last three decades. In addition, his oldest grandson is currently attending Columbus, with his other five grandsons waiting in the wings to become future Explorers.
Photographer: COURTESY
Maximo Alvarez, Marist Brother Kevin Handibode, and Esther Alvarez pose for a photo after announcing the Alvarez family's transformational gift to Christopher Columbus High for the full renovation of the school’s original main entrance and “A” Building, Sept. 13, 2023.
“Our family knows first-hand about the quality, Catholic and Marist education that Columbus offers and we want to invest and give back to this school that has helped so many young men in our community be successful in life,” said Maximo Alvarez. “It is our honor to support the school and help enrich the educational experience for Columbus students.”
The Alvarez family's gift is one of the largest single donations the school has received and will help fund a pivotal campus improvement project. The “Entrance and A Building Renovation” will not only give a makeover to the entryway but it will allow for improved security, updated classrooms, accessibility, and consolidate the school’s administrative offices into one location, creating an overall better flow on campus.
The school’s president, Thomas Kruczek, expressed his deepest gratitude to the Alvarez family for their incredible commitment and generosity.
“This is a very important project for us; it’s the renovation of the first building that you see upon entering our school,” said Kruczek. “Maximo Alvarez and his family are beacons of hope and inspiration for our school community. We are excited to move forward on the project together.”
"Columbus High School has always thrived through the unwavering support of its community. With profound gratitude, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Alvarez family for their extraordinary commitment. This gift not only empowers the future of our institution but also resonates as a testament to the lasting impact that dedication and vision can create. Together, we're shaping legacies, enriching education, and lighting the way for generations to come," said Nicholas Ramos ’04, vice president of Advancement at Columbus.
The school plans to break ground on the “Entrance and A Building Renovation Project” in June 2024.
