As the Class of 2025 reaches its final moments in high school, Anthony Fajardo is ready to take the next big step in his academic journey. After four incredible years at Coral Gables Senior High, he has officially committed to the University of Miami, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his life.
From the get-go, Fajardo has always been an active member of the Gables community, consistently lending a hand in student activities and school events. Building strong relationships with both his teachers and peers, his involvement has made a lasting impact on those around him. As a board member for Student Council, he played a crucial role in planning and setting up senior events, as well as other major school activities like pep rallies. His contributions ensured that students had engaging experiences throughout the year.
“Being in student activities has been an amazing experience and I have had so much fun along the way. I never imagined contributing to a system that gave me so much would feel so rewarding. It is so inspiring to see how Gables is like a family,” senior Anthony Fajardo said.
One of the most meaningful experiences of his high school career was his time in CavsConnect, the school’s student-run online newspaper. From covering events to working to keep students and teachers involved, being part of CavsConnect gave Fajardo a deeper understanding of how the school operates. Expressing his feelings freely, the classroom truly became a second home. Through hard work, he earned the position of Sports Editor, where he has been working throughout his senior year.
When deciding on a college, Fajardo considered several options, but UM stood out for many reasons. Growing up in Miami, he has always been a strong supporter of local teams, making the Hurricanes a natural fit. He also felt deeply connected to UM’s culture and environment, believing that it embodies the spirit of the city he has always called home.
“I have been in Miami all my life, and as a big sports fan, I have always been supporting any team associated with Miami, so that is where my love first started. I really feel connected with UM in more ways than just sports, as I feel that it embodies the culture and life which I have grown up and become comfortable with,” senior Anthony Fajardo said.
Beyond academics, Fajardo is looking forward to UM’s student life. As a proud Canes fan, he hopes to see the university succeed during his time there. Fajardo is especially excited to bring his passion for sports into UM’s school spirit, hoping to become an engaged member of the student section at games.
“Anthony Fajardo is one of the most hard working students I have ever had. He is extremely responsible, and he is always on top of his work. He never leaves things undone and he is always curious. One of his best attributes is asking questions and making sure he can understand things before moving on,” Mr. Molina said.
As an International Baccalaureate student, Fajardo managed a rigorous academic workload while also applying to universities. Ensuring that he met UM’s academic standards, he reached the top 1% of his class in grade point average. Alongside this, he submitted recommendation letters from teachers who had guided him through his high school journey. One of the biggest milestones in this process was securing the George W. Jenkins scholarship, a full-ride award that liberated any financial concerns about attending college.
“I am really happy that I will be going to UM for free, as I just received the George W. Jenkins scholarship. This opportunity makes my college experience even more exciting, because I can focus entirely on my studies and extracurriculars,” senior Anthony Fajardo said.
Fajardo will be majoring in Biomedical Engineering, a field that he hopes will blend his passion for science, technology, and problem-solving. His time in IB and various STEM-related courses at Gables has played a vital role in shaping his interest in the field. He is eager to explore areas where he can help improve healthcare. With UM’s cutting-edge research facilities and strong connections to the medical community, he looks forward to gaining hands-on experience that will prepare him for a future in the industry.
As he prepares to enter UM, Fajardo is eager to embrace new challenges, meet new people, and make the most of his college experience. While he may be moving on from Gables, the lessons and memories from his time as a Cavalier will always stay with him. His journey is just beginning, and there’s no doubt he will continue to make a difference wherever he goes.
