Miami Herald Silver Knight Class of 2024

The Silver Knight program recognizes high school seniors in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, who excel academically and contribute significantly to their schools and communities. Established in 1959 by John S. Knight, the program honors students in fifteen categories. Nominees go through a process to craft their project, be nominated by their school, and interviewed by independent judges. Winners receive $2,000, a Silver Knight statue, and a medallion. Honorable Mentions receive $500 and a plaque, funded by the Blank Family Foundation.

This program honors outstanding seniors for their talent, academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Living with a social purpose and giving back is central to our school’s mission. Each fall, college advisor Karen Siegel, hosts a meeting for all high school students to learn about this prestigious program and how they can make a greater impact. 

For each category, one Silver Knight will be awarded per county and three honorable mentions. Tomorrow night, May 22, the Silver Knight Awards Ceremony will occur at the James L. Knight Center in Downtown Miami. Stay tuned to see if our nominees are named Silver Knights or receive honorable mention in their category for Broward County and how many North Broward Prep will win! Congrats to our seniors!

Meet our fourteen nominees and learn about their advice to get involved in the Silver Knight organization. 

	Art: Mayah Hamaoui, an Arts Academy student, will attend Northeastern University. Her project is her work with the Milagro Center, an after school nonprofit in Delray Beach, Florida. Mayah teaches art classes once a month to kids, working primarily with kindergarten through 5th grade. The project is funded by donations from the National Art Honor Society for all the supplies. Her advice is to start a passion project!
	Business: Dylan Grodner, an Learn to Start student, will attend the University of Miami. His project is a non-profit called LightSaver, which shares the importance of using bike lights. They donated about 100 bike lights and raised money to purchase them to give to community members. His advice is to do something you enjoy and love. The rest will come to you.
	Digital Interactive Media: Zachary Weinbrum, an IB Diploma graduate, will attend Rice University. His project is a software developed for NBPS lower school, which allows the aftercare administrators and administration to check in and check out students. His advice is to remember these three values: resilience, initiative, and integrity. Allow yourself to make mistakes, and do not put so much pressure on yourself.
	Drama: Olivia Espinoza, an Arts Academy student, will attend the University of Southern California. Olivia's project is organizing a Dance Marathon event with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Her advice is to not put pressure on yourself and think beyond your comfort zone.
	English and Literature: Alexis Ash, an IB Diploma graduate, will attend Clemson University. Her project is through her involvement with the Interact Club, Rotary International. Creating Jammin’ Generosity events, were students make and donate PB & J sandwiches to the Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen, in Pompano Beach, Florida. Her advice is to choose a project based on something that you are excited and passionate about.
	General Scholarship: Zachary Apel,  Valedictorian and IB Diploma graduate, will attend Duke University. His project was gleaning, working with Cross Ministries. In partnership with National Honor's Society, students picked up crops and donated them to local food banks and charities. His advice is to find something you are passionate about.
	Journalism: Emma Krathen, Editor and Chief of the Yearbook, will attend Syracuse University. Her project was her work with the Palm Beach branch of the National Organization for Women, advancing women's rights. She helped create their social media, manage their website, and email marketing. Her advice is to seek out opportunities inside and outside of school.
	Mathematics: Logan Saland, IB Diploma graduate, will attend Princeton University. Logan started implementing STEAM projects for after school activities for lower school students, getting the students really interested in math and science. This project allowed high school students to volunteer and earn community service hours.  Logan developed her project as an extension of these clubs. Her advice is to get  involved in our schools many clubs and programs.
	Music and Dance: Maya Brown, an Arts Academy student, will attend Oberlin College and Conservatory. Maya's project was to serve as music director for the Gallery 10 Art 'Clear Our Walls' fundraiser. Students sold twelve art pieces, half the funds were donated to HandsOn Broward and the club. Maya's advice is to always reach out and take on all the opportunities that come your way.
	Science: Alisha Vasan, IB Diploma graduate, will attend University of Michigan. Alisha started a non-profit called Stellar, to increase female participation in astronomy and astrophysics. She developed an app and wrote a children's book. Her advice is if you have an idea, put it into motion. You never know what kind of impact you can have.
	Social Science: Dylan Fetterman, Montgomery Award NBPS lifer and Learn to Start student, will attend Northeastern University. His project focuses on advocating for gun legislation and gun control in the state of Florida. He worked with former mayor and Florida house representative Christine Hunschofsky. His advice is to find your passion and pursue it as early as possible.
	Speech: Jayden Bodet, IB Diploma graduate, will attend Harvard University. His project is gleaning, working with Cross Ministries and Zachary Apel. His campus involvement includes being the Captain of Debate team, and President of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. His advice is to find a service project you care about.
	Vocational and Technical: Gabrielle Cammarata, will attend the University of Florida. My project is volunteering with Surfers for Autism since she was nine years old. This cause is important to Gabrielle, since her brother has severe autism and epilepsy. She hopes to utilize her passion for robotics and technology in the future to develop innovative solutions for neurological disorders. Her advice is to follow your passion, because it will take you far.
	World Languages: Layla Kalandjian, IB Diploma, will attend the University of Florida. Layla's project is her work with the Save Promise Club, students against violence everywhere. Layla is committed to connecting international students to make friends and encourage campus involvement. Layla is the President of the National Chinese Honor Society. She has studied Mandarin since Kindergarten. Her advice is to get involved in whatever interests you.