Congratulating St. Theresa Catholic School

Floor Speech

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Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of St. Theresa Catholic School, a pillar of faith, education, and community in the heart of Coral Gables, Florida.

In 1925, the Sisters of St. Joseph opened a school with 70 students, planting the seed for one of south Florida's most distinguished Catholic schools. In 1991, the Carmelite Sisters began administering and teaching, a mission that they continue today.

For a century, St. Theresa has remained true to its calling: faith formation, academic excellence, and service in a nurturing Christ- centered environment. Over the years, the school has grown, embraced innovation, and prepared generations of students to face the future while remaining rooted in their faith.

St. Theresa continues to shine as a beacon of excellence in Catholic education, with its enduring legacy carried forward by a community that fully embodies its mission. Congratulations to St. Theresa Catholic School on a century of service. Extraordinary Achievements of Miami-Dade County Public Schools

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Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary achievements of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the third largest school district in our Nation, serving more than 335,000 students.

Under the leadership of School Board Chair Mari Tere Rojas, Vice Chair Monica Colucci, and board members Roberto Alonso, Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, Mary Blanco, Danny Espino, Dr. Steve Gallon, Joseph Geller, and Luisa Santos, along with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jose Dotres, Miami-Dade has once again earned an A rating, the largest district in Florida to do so.

This success reflects the tireless work of our students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the entire workforce, and it remains a source of pride for our community.

In 2025, 99 percent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools earned school grades of A, B, or C, and the district achieved a record-breaking graduation rate of 95.2 percent.

Miami-Dade also received the prestigious 2024 Cognia School/Systems of Distinction award, and the district earned 59 Magnet Schools of Excellence Merit awards, and 32 Magnet Schools of Distinction awards.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools continue to lead the Nation with a total of 51 National Academy Foundation distinguished career academies and 3 model career academies, and numerous schools have been designated as National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence.

For the 41st consecutive year, the district was awarded the certificate of excellence in financial reporting by the Association of School Business Officials International.

These accomplishments and the strength of Miami-Dade County Public Schools' educational programs in a safe and conducive learning environment reaffirms the district's role in preparing students to thrive in the global and technological marketplace.

I am proud to celebrate their success and the bright future they are building for the next generation of Miami-Dade County residents.

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