Tackling every day with Cavalier pride and a hint of mischief, students and staff at Coral Gables Senior High lead different lives. From the chimes of the first bell to the last, each day at Gables delivers its own mix of excitement and surprises for freshman Daniel Rodriguez, history teacher Mr. Miller, senior Milegny Salas and sophomore Summer Tatum-Cox.
For Rodriguez, running is not just a sport, it is a calling. Initially taking up the activity to follow in his older brothers footsteps, Rodriguez started running over the summer of fifth grade. Throughout his middle school years at George Washington Carver Middle School, he discovered his love for Cross Country as it weaved its way into his life as a passion.
Forming a community in cross country, the resilience, unity and courage keeps him going even when the path gets tough. Rodriguez is known for lifting the spirits of his teammates by reminding others why they began to run in the first place, cementing his role as a well-rounded leader among his peers.
“I recall my mother telling me about this running camp at a park near our house and I was skeptical at first. I was so bored that summer, so I finally agreed with my mom. I was obviously scared on the first day because I did not know anyone, but the other runners were helpful about how to improve my pace and my speed endurance. They also gave me a bunch of tips I still use to this day. What I thought would turn out to be horrible, turned out to be the start of my interest for cross country”, freshman Rodriguez said.
As he continues to grow as an athlete, Rodriguez carries the same energy into every race as he does in every classroom. Going above and beyond in academics and activities, Rodriguez showcases his dedication and creativity as part of Cavaleon.
Striving to push past his limits, every practice, every mile he runs, every tree he passes and makes his goal gives Rodriguez a chance for him to prove he can go the distance. Every meet leaves an impression on Rodriguez, fueling him both on and off the field.
Known as the history teacher who makes Vikings and Mongols come to life, Mr. Miller has been teaching for 23 years. Prioritizing presenting history in the most engaging way possible, Mr. Miller uses enthusiastic shouts to draws attention towards presentations, maps and posters.
Mr. Miller applies variety of resources when teaching, seeking additional support from textbooks and YouTube videos. Serving as a teacher and motivator, under Mr. Millers’ instruction even students who were not previously interested in history find themselves invested in his storytelling.
“There was a kid in my AP World History class, I thought she was really smart. Always had an A in my class, top of my class, always passed the tests I would give. She goes all throughout high school, she is now a doctor. The day before the AP test, she tells me she cheated the entire year. She would use a notecard and minimize the words and she would then put it in front of her assigned seat, so I would not be able to see it. She got a 5 on the test and I realized that by cheating, you end up learning too,” Mr. Miller said.
Getting to know his students personally, Mr. Miller creates a safe space in his classroom where curiosity and mistakes are welcomed. Mr. Miller puts forth his best efforts into making history a story worth listening to by putting in his own spark of joy in his lessons. Outside of Gables, he teaches his freshman son everything he needs to know about history.
Distinguished by her bright personality, warm laugh and Venezuelan roots, Salas navigates her days full of energy. Between balancing school work, highlights magazine board responsibilities and a summer internship at the University of Miami, her days are packed.
As a highlights board member Salas is committed to bringing people together in the journalistic community using social media, hoping to leave her mark at Gables through dedication and leadership. With the support of Ms. Zuniga, Salas earned an internship at UM where for 20 days she got a taste of the college experience.
Stepping into the vibrant world of journalism, Salas explored the inner workings of reporting, collaborated with seasoned authors and writers and took part in engaging workshops, connecting with inspiring people.
“I was looking forward to communicating with and meeting new people from different countries at UM, but it did not go through my head that most people from different countries do not speak English. We had other interns who spoke Italian, French and Spanish. Although I spoke Spanish, we had to communicate in other ways, such as sign language,” senior Salas said.
Through her involvement in highlights and UM internship, Salas has nurtured her growing love for reporting and writing. Bringing her one step closer towards her dream career in journalism, Salas hopes to carry this passion throughout her life to foster positive change.
Transforming from a simple hobby into an extracurricular activity, theater holds a special place in Tatum-Coxs’ heart. During a vacation in San Francisco, Tatum-Cox watched the Lion King musical, which inspired her journey. Dazzled by the costumes, dedication and the actors stage presence, a passion for acting was ignited in Tatum-Cox.
Kicking off her theater journey at Ponce De Leon Middle School, as Tatum-Cox gained experience she was promoted to director of multiple musicals and plays. With every role she is offered Tatum-Cox immerses herself in the different aspects of theatre and acting, her hours filled with juggling between reciting lines and studying.
“I remember vividly this one opening day of our musical Matilda. This kid, playing Bruce, told our teacher and I that he wanted a real chocolate cake on stage to eat…After days of begging, we agreed. And so, on opening day, “Bruce” ate the cake and it got everywhere. I’m talking microphones, the big stage, the little stage and all over his hands and mouth. It was brutal cleaning that up, but dare I say it was worth it seeing the audience roaring with laughter and all the cast members silently giggle during his scene,” sophomore Tatum-Cox said.
By learning how to step into a role with resilience, patience and confidence, her experiences in theater have influenced schoolwork, taught her how to communicate effectively and has guided her decision-making, both inside and outside the classroom.
As the spotlight became her second home, Tatum-Cox found people who also valued teamwork, leadership and the excitement to bring stories and fairytales to life. From memorizing pages of scripts to developing characters, she yearns to connect with her stage crew and cast members.
As Tatum-Cox learns from those with more experience in Troupe, she passes down these experiences to familiar faces at Ponce. Even though Tatum-Cox does not plan on chasing a career in acting, she hopes to keep theater in her life by pursuing a double minor in drama.
Whether it be sprinting on the track, engaging students with insightful lessons, tackling internships or brainstorming the positions of actors on stage, Cavaliers are caught in constant hustle and bustle. Making a name for themselves, Rodriguez, Mr. Miller, Salas and Tatum-Cox showcase the variety of experiences at Gables through their distinct routines.
