International Baccalaureate Brilliance

On Monday, September 23, North Broward Preparatory School proudly hosted its 2nd Annual International Baccalaureate (IB) Pinning Ceremony, a special occasion celebrating 18 exceptional seniors who have reached the halfway point of their IB Diploma Programme journey.

Among these remarkable students was Senior Camila Palladino, who delivered an inspiring speech that highlighted her personal and academic growth within the program. Camila's IB journey, like many of her peers, has been marked by challenges, perseverance, and self-discovery. In her speech, she shared how her sister, who pursued her studies in Oxford, England, inspired her to take on the IB Diploma. What began as a desire for academic challenge quickly evolved into a transformative experience that pushed Camila beyond her comfort zone. "It's not just a set of courses or piles of exams," she explained, "it's a journey of discovery both academically and personally." 

Her speech resonated with the core values of the IB Diploma Programme, which is recognized globally as the premier academic curriculum, including at North Broward Preparatory School. It encourages students to think deeply, engage with complex problems, and pursue learning both in and out of the classroom. Camila described how her extended essay—a cornerstone of the IB experience—ignited her passion for research, perseverance, and critical thinking. "This process taught me not just about the subject but about the power of curiosity and the importance of asking the right questions," she noted. 

Beyond the academics, Camila spoke candidly about how balancing the rigorous IB coursework with her own health challenges taught her invaluable life lessons. She learned the importance of self-care, resilience, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Her experience underscores the IB program’s emphasis on developing well-rounded individuals prepared to tackle life’s complexities with confidence and empathy. 

The 2nd Annual IB Pinning Ceremony was an inspirational event that marked a major milestone for the Class of 2025. One of the highlights of the ceremony was the unveiling of a book that proudly showcases each student's Extended Essay—an impressive 4,000-word research paper, a key part of the IB Diploma Programme. Completing this essay is no small feat! It’s one of the three core requirements of the IB Core that every Diploma candidate must fulfill, reflecting months of hard work and dedication. 

IB Core and IB English teacher, Anne Tillman, shared, “Each student selects a subject and research question and spends several months working closely with their Core teacher and a subject-specific advisor. Their ability to remain in the Diploma Programme through senior year hinges on completing this rigorous project.” By the end of junior year, every student has finished their essay and can proudly call themselves a published author! It’s an incredible testament to their dedication, intellectual curiosity, and passion for learning. 

The Extended Essays are more than just research papers. They embody the students' unique interests and commitment to academic excellence. With the unwavering support of their teachers, advisors, and peers, these IB seniors are well on their way to achieving great things.   

A special thank you goes out to Tamara Wolpowitz, Assistant Principal and AP/IB Advisor, for organizing such a meaningful and empowering event. The Class of 2025 continues to shine as global learners, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish! 

Congrats to the Class of 2025 IB Diploma Candidates, Jarred Ameen, Arjun Balaji, Samantha Botha, Yizhi Chen, Isabella Cielo, Gemma Clouse, Jacob Coffman, Alyssa DeCross, Jared Greenwald, Caleigh Hiten, Lola Kalandjian, Inayaa Kazi, Andrew Kiffle, Brandon Moldof, Thuy An Nguyen, Camilla Palladino, Ella Rosen, and Emma Rubinstein. 

We are excited to witness all they will accomplish in the months ahead and beyond graduation. The future is bright for these talented individuals, and we are incredibly proud to be part of their journey! 

For more information about the IB Diploma Programme at North Broward Preparatory School, and to learn how you can support our students. Visit our website at www.nbps.org and reach out to the admissions team today.