Breakthrough Miami

Shoutout to Breakthrough Miami Scholar and 8th-grade student at Leisure City K-8 Center, Amy Santay! 🍎

Amy is a bright and "breakalicious" Scholar who is intelligent, hardworking, and radiates positive energy. Often showing off her great sense of humor, Amy is a fun and engaging presence on campus. She consistently completes her work with focus and without complaint, and actively participates in activities. She is especially supportive during group assignments, always willing to help others succeed. Her kindness and quiet leadership make her a model Scholar.

Outside of her responsibilities as a student and Scholar, Amy enjoys crocheting, a skill she developed through her electives at Breakthrough Miami. Crocheting allows her to be creative, practice patience, and demonstrates her willingness to learn new skills.

When she graduates in 2030, Amy dreams of attending college, pursuing a degree in Robotic Engineering, and one day working with NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration for a future in innovation, science, and exploration. 🚀

We are proud of you, Amy! 👏

The Children's Trust Miami-Dade County Public Schools Palmer Trinity School

Shoutout to Breakthrough Miami Volunteer CHANGEMAKER and Sophomore at Robert Morgan Educational Center (TM), Safina Mulindwa! ✏️

Safina is a passionate, dedicated, and proud Changemaker and Scholar in our Village. She attends every Super Saturday and takes the time to deepen her relationship with our middle school Scholars. Always looking to "level up", Safina can always be found improving her teaching skills to become a better teaching assistant.

As a student at Robert Morgan, Safina is an active member of the debate club and HOSA, and is interested in fashion and dance. An up-and-coming entrepreneur, Safina's business, The Scent of Safina Marie, was a major hit at our 2026 Young Entrepreneurs Market.

When she graduates in 2028, Safina dreams of attending Florida State University to deepen her knowledge in entrepreneurship and eventually become a successful businesses owner.

We salute you, Safina! 👏

Volunteer Florida Gulliver Preparatory School Miami-Dade County Public Schools

"Breakthrough has impacted my life by leading me in a successful direction in life." -Amari Johnson

Congratulations to Breakthrough Miami Scholar, Amari Johnson! 🎓

Graduating from Belen Jesuit Preparatory School as an accomplished student leader, Amari made a lasting impact in his community throughout his high school journey as an honor roll student.

Demonstrating his ability to lead, Amari served as President of the Diversity Advisory Panel and Captain of the Varsity Football Team. Continuing his extracurricular involvement, Amari was a member of various clubs and organizations, including the Key Club and the Black Student Union, all while balancing athletics as a Varsity Football player, Weightlifter, and Track athlete.

Outside of school, Amari served his community through volunteer service with the Turkey Drive at Fasulo Park, Trunk or Treat events, the DAP St. Mary’s Easter Field Day, and by supporting Belen Jesuit Open House programs.

As he prepares for his next academic chapter, Amari will attend Tallahassee State College before transferring to Florida A&M University to major in Digital Marketing and build a successful career in the business and media world.

Helios Education Foundation Better Make Room Breakthrough Miami Alumni Network The Children's Trust Reach Higher

"As a Scholar, I gained more than academic support; I found community. Breakthrough Miami became a steady stepping stone in my journey, pushing me to aim higher while reminding me that I was never climbing alone." -Breindel Marcelus

Congratulations to Breakthrough Miami Scholar, Breindel Marcelus! 🎓

Graduating from Barbara Goleman Senior High as a proud first-generation student, Breindel committed to a high school journey filled with service, leadership, and advocacy. While excelling as an honor roll student and completing AP and dual-enrollment courses, Breindel also dedicated himself to creating meaningful impact within his community.

Breindel served as President and Youth Advocacy Chair for SWAT (Students Working Against To***co), Secretary of the Black Student Union, and a Sunday School Teacher at his local church. Additionally, Breindel is a member of his school’s Model United Nations, Key Club, and United Students for Political Activism.

Committed to serving others, Breindel served as a Breakthrough Miami Volunteer Changemaker, a volunteer for Girlfriend for Girlfriends, where he helped create care baskets for women escaping domestic violence. He also volunteered with The Caring Place, and participated in service projects with Praying Pelican Missions.

As a result of his dedication and potential, Breindel was recognized as a recipient of the 2026 BDJ40 Scholarship (Udonis Haslem Foundation). He was also recognized as a The Posse Foundation Finalist.

Breindel will attend Miami Dade College to study Psychology while preparing for an opportunity to work with children in Bali through the Nyah Project, an experience that closely aligns with his passion for mental health, education, and youth development. Breindel dreams of becoming a child psychologist while continuing to grow his business, Hope N’ Honey, which combines creative expression, therapy, food accessibility, and community wellness for underserved families.

Helios Education Foundation Better Make Room The Children's Trust Reach Higher Miami-Dade County Public Schools

"Being a Breakthrough Miami Scholar has impacted my life by exposing me to a lot of career paths and opportunities at a young age, showing me that my education is everything, which has shaped me into the person I am today." -Ahirel Reyes

Congratulations to Breakthrough Miami Scholar, Ahirel Reyes! 🎓

Throughout her time as an honor roll student at New World School of the Arts, Ahirel demonstrated an incredible passion for creativity, leadership, and service, all while taking multiple challenging dual-enrollment courses.

Ahirel stepped into various leadership roles while in high school, including serving as the Social Media Manager and Historian for the Black Students Union, President and Event Coordinator for Money Movez Miami, and Social Media Manager and Treasurer for All-Star Cheer.

Demonstrating a commitment to service leadership, Ahirel volunteered with Heal Grow Thrive at Mount Hermon Church in Miami Gardens, supporting children navigating mental health challenges. She also helped organize engaging financial literacy events through Money Movez Miami, teaching young people practical money management skills in creative ways. Ahirel’s proven potential and leadership in her community granted her recognition as a Carnival Cruise Line Scholarship Awardee.

Ahirel is committed to Florida A&M University with dreams of becoming a dermatologist and launching her own skincare line. She is building a future rooted in confidence, care, entrepreneurship, and impact.

Helios Education Foundation Better Make Room Breakthrough Miami Alumni Network The Children's Trust Reach Higher Miami-Dade County Public Schools

"My experience as a Scholar with Breakthrough Miami has been a meaningful part of my journey since sixth grade. The program helped me grow in confidence, strengthen my academics, and build friendships and mentors that supported me along the way." -Michelle Cruz

Congratulations to Breakthrough Miami Scholar, Michelle Cruz! 🎓

A first-generation college student graduating from Coral Gables Senior High, Michelle is a bright young leader defined by her academic excellence, leadership, and service. As an honor roll student, she completed Advanced Placement courses in English Language and Composition, World History, and Spanish Language while also completing International Baccalaureate courses.

Actively involved in extracurricular activities, Michelle participated in clubs and organizations, including the Interact Club, Key Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and the Carnival Scholarship & Mentoring Program. Additionally, Michelle is a member of her school’s Track & Field team.

In a full-circle moment, Michelle gave back to our Village as a Breakthrough Miami Volunteer Changemaker. She also dedicated time to serving her community in various ways, including participating in beach cleanups and Christmas Caroling during the festive season. Her impact and hard work were recognized by the Carnival Cruise Line Foundation, where she was selected as a Carnival Scholarship Awardee.

Michelle has committed to the University of South Florida to major in Education - Middle School Mathematics. Through her future career in education, she hopes to inspire and empower the next generation of students while helping young learners build confidence in the classroom.

Helios Education Foundation Better Make Room Breakthrough Miami Alumni Network The Children's Trust Miami-Dade County Public Schools Reach Higher

"Being a Breakthrough Miami Scholar has had a huge impact on my journey. The program surrounded me with mentors and peers who pushed me to aim higher and believe in my potential. I gained guidance, support, and opportunities that helped me grow both academically and personally." -Nicholas Oliva-Prado

Congratulations to Breakthrough Miami Scholar, Nicholas Oliva-Prado! 🎓

Graduating from Coral Reef Senior High as an accomplished student leader, Nicholas has had an impressive high school journey filled with excellence, service, and leadership.

While a student at Coral Reef Senior High, Nicholas enrolled in various AP and dual-enrollment courses that allowed him to prepare for future success in law, including advanced courses in Government and Research.

Outside of his student responsibilities, Nicholas remained actively involved in extracurriculars as a member of Speech and Debate, Mock Trial, and 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project. As Treasurer of SkillsUSA, Nicholas leveled up his professional growth and helped organize student involvement initiatives. In addition to his extracurriculars, Nicholas also dedicated time to serving others as a youth group leader at Lifted Church. Additionally, he is an active member of the football team, where he regularly levels up his football skills.

Nicholas’ hard work and leadership earned him recognition as a The Posse Foundation Finalist.

Nicholas is proudly celebrating his new journey as a Panther at Florida International University, where he will major in Political Philosophy. In the future, Nicholas plans to become a practicing lawyer and make a meaningful impact in the legal field and beyond.

Helios Education Foundation Better Make Room Breakthrough Miami Alumni Network The Children's Trust Reach Higher Miami-Dade County Public Schools

"Breakthrough Miami provided me with opportunities and expanded my scope of empathy. I was able to find my purpose when volunteering for Breakthrough, helping me make better decisions regarding college." -Daniela Ramírez

Congratulations to Breakthrough Miami Scholar, Daniela Ramírez! 🎓

Daniela is an extraordinary honor roll student graduating from the School for Advanced Studies with not only her high school diploma, but also with an associate's degree through her successful completion of multiple challenging AP and dual-enrollment courses including Government, Economics, and Psychology.

Daniela’s leadership and service throughout her time as a high school student make her a model Scholar and Changemaker. Possessing an impressive service leadership resume, Daniela served as President of Women of Tomorrow, Vice President of Best Buddies, Editor of the Wolfson Newspaper, Historian for Model UN, Webmaster for Key Club, Activities Director for Hispanic Club, Social Media Director for Rho Kappa, Acting Chief Editor for Yearbook, and Historian for Over the Top.

As a Breakthrough Miami Teaching Assistant, Daniela gave back to our Village as a mentor and teacher for our younger Scholars by providing academic support. Further adding to her service, she also served as a Literacy Enhancement and Advancement Program Tutor. Daniela also co-founded Unaccompanied Minors, further supporting her community and creating safe spaces for youth.

Daniela’s positive impact on her community has earned her recognition from multiple organizations, including being a Finalist of the Coca-Cola Foundation Scholarship. Daniela is now preparing to attend Carleton College as a proud first-generation student to study Journalism and English and pursue her long-term goal of becoming a family lawyer. Her dream is to create a nonprofit organization that provides underrepresented children access to artistic expression.

Helios Education Foundation Better Make Room The Children's Trust Reach Higher Miami-Dade County Public Schools

"Breakthrough Miami has played a powerful role in shaping my life journey. It became more than just a program. It was a family and safe space where I felt supported and encouraged. Breakthrough inspired me to go after my goals with confidence, teaching me that success comes from dedication, perseverance, and effort." -J’Dorah Petion

Congratulations to Breakthrough Miami Scholar, J’Dorah Petion! 🎓

Graduating from Miami Northwestern Senior High School as an honor roll recipient, J’Dorah has made a lasting impact as a young leader and changemaker within her community.

Defined by her leadership, artistry, and service, J’Dorah has been deeply involved in her community as a member of the PAVAC Magnet Dance Program, Bible Club, and the Yearbook Committee. Extending her leadership, J’Dorah served as the Captain of the Miami Northwestern Girls, Secretary and Treasurer of the Student Council all four years of high school, as Assistant Secretary of the National Honor Society, Treasurer of the National English Honor Society, and Historian for Club Project H.E.R.

Outside of school, J’Dorah has served countless hours as a dance mentor at the Young Contemporary Dance Theater under the direction of Mrs. Traci Young-Byron, helping young students discover joy through dance. As an assistant to Mrs. Nivia Woodard, J’Dorah has used her passion for the arts to positively influence and inspire the next generation of dancers.

J’Dorah is now preparing to pursue majors in Psychology and Dance at Morgan State University and combine the two to create meaningful spaces where artists feel emotionally supported, empowered, and mentally healthy. By combining her love for dance with her passion for psychology, J’Dorah hopes to make a meaningful social impact by advocating for mental wellness within the arts community and mentoring future generations of young performers. She plans to earn a master’s degree in Dance/Movement Therapy and a PhD in Clinical or Counseling Psychology while continuing to grow as a professional dancer and performer.

Helios Education Foundation Better Make Room Breakthrough Miami The Children's Trust Reach Higher Miami-Dade County Public Schools

"Breakthrough Miami provided the village I needed as a first-generation student. It allowed me to be myself, meet new people, and grow as a person. Breakthrough not only impacted my life's journey, but it helped shape me into who I am today." -Alyna Rodriguez

Congratulations to Breakthrough Miami Scholar, Alyna Rodriguez! 🎓

A proud first-generation student graduating from Coral Gables Senior High, Alyna’s story is one of excellence, drive, and commitment. Looking to build a foundation for her future in computer science and technology, Alyna enrolled in and completed numerous dual-enrollment and Advanced Placement courses related to her field of study, granting her the opportunity to graduate high school with an associate’s degree.

Beyond her studies, Alyna is an active member of her school community. She is a proud member of the Academy of Finance, National Business Honor Society, and Future Business Leaders of America. Continuing to impact others, Alyna served our Village as a Teaching Assistant and supported recruitment efforts at her high school, where she supported other students on their own educational journeys.

Furthering her service leadership, Alyna served as a Lead Volunteer Changemaker within our Village, dedicating her time to mentoring and supporting other Scholars as they reach academic excellence. She also volunteered at a cancer hospital, helping decorate patient floors to create a more uplifting environment, and participated in efforts to prepare sandwiches for the homeless.

Alyna is now preparing to kickstart her career in Computer Science at Florida International University and is focused on continuing her education, earning scholarships, gaining internships in coding and software development, and becoming a computer software engineer.

Helios Education Foundation Better Make Room Breakthrough Miami Alumni Network The Children's Trust Reach Higher Miami-Dade County Public Schools