By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic
Photographer: Courtesy
Sarah Cecilio, a graduating senior at St. Brendan High School in Miami, was recognized as part of Univision 23’s “Orgullo de Nuestra Juventud” (Pride of Our Youth) program during the 28th Annual Awards Ceremony at the Fire Tower in Miami May 22.
MIAMI | Sarah Cecilio a senior at St. Brendan High School in Miami was recognized as part of Univision 23’s “Orgullo de Nuestra Juventud” (Pride of Our Youth) program, celebrating 10 South Florida high school students’ academic and community service achievements.
Sarah received a scholarship prize during the 28th annual awards ceremony at the Fire Tower in Miami May 22, 2025, sponsored by Univision 23, Publix Supermarkets and Miami Dade College. To receive the 2024-2025 Academic Excellence/Community Service Award, graduating seniors needed to obtain a nomination from an educator, earn a minimum unweighted Grade Point Average of 3.8 or higher, serve the community in compelling ways, and complete essays highlighting community awareness.
Sarah earned the award for her commitment to giving back to the community, facilitating donation drives for veterans, overseeing retreats at St. Brendan High, lectoring at school Masses, and spearheading the Italian Honor Society as president.
During the award ceremony, Sarah said her parents taught her and her sister the importance of working hard and keeping her Hispanic roots alive. “Whether it was volunteering at homeless shelters or organizing drives for the last fortunate, I have found purpose in helping others feel seen, supported, and valued. Community service has taught me the value of empathy and shows me how well connected we all are.”
Sarah Cecilio, a senior at St. Brendan High School, received the 2024-2025 Academic Excellence/Community Service Award, part of Univision 23's "Orgullo de Nuestra Juventud" (Pride of Our Youth) program. The award ceremony took place May 22, 2025, at the Fire Tower in Miami.
She thanked God for guiding her every step of the way and for giving her “the courage and compassion to serve others.” She thanked her teachers and counselors at St. Brendan High School “for the support, guidance, and structure I needed to pursue my goals.”
Sarah also thanked her family and friends. To her parents she said, “Your support has been my driving force and inspiration to complete this project.”
“This award is a great honor for me and my family, who immigrated from Cuba. It is a spectacular honor!” she added.
With the goal of becoming a pediatric dentist, Sarah also shadowed hygienists and orthodontists to begin immersing herself in the dental field.
Sarah will begin studying at Florida International University Honors College in the Fall 2025 semester.
Photographer: COURTESY
Sarah Cecilio, a senior at St. Brendan's High School in Miami, was recognized as part of Univision 23's "Orgullo de Nuestra Juventud" program during the 28th Annual Awards Ceremony at the Fire Tower in Miami May 22, 2025. Her family posed for a picture with her after the event. From left, Maria Teresa Cecilio (her mother), Sophia Cecilio (her sister), Sarah Cecilio (winner) and Juan Jesús Cecilio (her father).
