By Priscilla A. Greear - Florida Catholic
MIAMI | Immaculata-La Salle’s storied Miami legacy is now bolstered by a good number of alumni-turned-teachers.
English and math teacher Ana Lourdes Garcia, class of ‘86, said she found her love of learning through caring mentors at ILS. The well-rounded student originally planned to become a medical researcher and was drawn to their very strong science program, taking organic chemistry through Barry University as a senior.
Photographer: MARLENE QUARONI | FC
Students switch classes under the watchful eye of Immaculata-LaSalle's principal, Salesian Sister Kim Keraitis.
“We made aspirin, nylon, acetone. We did real things and the lab was a fully functioning lab. It really prepared me for when I went to UM,” Garcia said. “When I get together with friends it’s always good memories, the dances, working with teachers on projects.”
Garcia, who has taught at ILS since 1997, said the school has increased its academic rigor with more AP courses and expanded STEAM programs while always balancing that with social, emotional and spiritual development.
“The school has its curriculum and set identity but it also seems to have all this space where you can grow into yourself. It’s one of the reasons I loved it as a student and why I absolutely love it now,” she said.
ILS graduate Gabriel Suarez didn’t set out to become a teacher. He studied history and Russian at Middlebury College and started working in hospitality. But then he received a call to come back and teach at his alma mater, and eight years later he embraces his new profession as a history teacher.
Suarez said ILS gave him a solid faith and academic foundation for life that grounded him through the crises of adolescence. Now he seeks to build that home environment where all types of students can learn, grow and thrive.
“You can definitely see that in the spirit of the school, the way students feel comfortable here and the population of the student body from all over the Americas,” he said. Besides, “it’s such a beautiful and historical location in the city and I’ve always found that pretty inspiring. We have what looks like ruins of early Vizcaya, this bridge leading over to Vizcaya from campus.”
Another alumnus is head trainer Eddie Cedeiras. He teaches sports medicine and as assistant track and cross-country coach has guided 23 athletes to qualify for state championships over 12 years. Working at ILS for him is coming home.
“I’ve always felt this was pretty much a very sacred ground, even now. We came from Cuba so La Ermita (the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity next door) played a big role,” he said. “Bishop (Agustin) Roman was a key catalyst on the grounds as well, his presence.”
Sister Rosa Lopez, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, graduated from ILS in 1979. After teaching for 16 years at Archbishop Curley-Notre Dame High School (now merged with Msgr. Edward Pace High), she now happily serves in campus ministry. She leads retreats for ILS students along with youths from area churches and schools — with 2,000 participating this year.
“Once the Salesians came it brought back a charism. It strengthened the school because now there is a unified identity,” Sister Rosa said. “It’s very strong and the school reaches out to so many. There is a great spiritual foundation to it. It tries to reach out to every child whatever their strength may be … for them to excel in their unique gifts.”
