June 22, 2017 
Vol. 1 Issue 15
Transforming our FUTURE one student at a time...
Mission Statement 
Cristo Rey Tampa High School, a Catholic college-preparatory school and work study program sponsored by the Salesians of Don Bosco, forms underserved young men and women who will actively live faith, hope, and love.  Through the educational approach of St. John Bosco and under the protection of Mary Help of Christians, we create an environment of trust and loving kindness.
Celebrating the Class of 2020
Cristo Rey Tampa ends its inaugural year with much to celebrate. On behalf of the faculty and staff, THANK YOU to the families that entrusted their students to us, to our Corporate Job Partners who opened their offices to our students, and to all our generous benefactors. Go Panthers!
  Students of the Year
Joseph Alesandrini (English), Oscar Benitez (Spanish 3), Sankofa Benzo (Health & PE and ALEKS), Denise Buchannon (World History), Jonathan Clesca (World History Honors and Spanish 1), Armando Diaz (Geometry), Jeremy Hurtado (ALEKS and Biology), Sarai Navarro (Religious Studies), Kyana Sanford (Algebra), and Miurel Zamora (Spanish 3)
 
Turnaround Students of the Year
Joseph Alesandrini (Math), Paul Anctil (Spanish 1), Oscar Benitez (World History), Jaiden Headen (Biology), Berenice Octavo (Health & PE), Leo Palacios (Spanish 3), Luis Parra (Religious Studies), and Abi’yah Wright (English)
 
Grit and Determination Award:  Datiana Solomon

Students Exemplifying CRT's Core Principals and Values
HOME:  Aydin Montero
A HOME that welcomes where we experience LOVE, ACCEPTANCE, and MERCY
SCHOOL:  Jani Baby
A SCHOOL that prepares for life where we practice INTEGRITY, DEDICATION, and TENACITY
CHURCH:  Nicole Singletary
A CHURCH that evangelizes where we model FAITH, ONENESS, and SERVICE
PLAYGROUND:  Anthony McFarlane
A PLAYGROUND where friends come to meet and live in JOY, HOPE, and GRATITUDE
Corporate Work Study Program
Exceptional Performance Award Winners

Top Performing Individuals
Bella Albarran-Cornelio, Joseph Alesandrini, Jani Baby, Oscar Benitez, Sankofa Benzo, Denise Buchannon, Ariely Burgos, Jonathan Clesca, Dominic De Jesus, Denisha De-la-Viera , Steven Faison, Jennifer Garcia, Jose Garcia, Ishana Grant, Jeremy Hurtado, Jacqueline Jaimes, Xavier Martin, Lorenzo Maza-Navarro, Anthony McFarlane, Aydin Montero, Sarai Navarro, Kenniya Norman, Leonardo Palacios, Nicole Palacios, Luis Parra, Rikenlay Resiliac, Rosamaria Rico-Torres, Christian Romero, Rodolfo Salinas, Kyana Sanford, Nicole Singletary, Amali Turner, Karla Urias, Miurel Zamora, and Angelica Zuluaga

Top Performing Teams

BST Global: Jonathan Clesca, Jacqueline Jaimes, Lorenzo Maza-Navarro, Karla Urias; Bush Ross: Nicole Singletary; Label Value: Anthony McFarlane, Aydin Montero, Sarai Murphy; MGT America: Jennifer Garcia, Luis Parra, Angelica Zuluaga; Robert Baird: Denisha De-la-Viera, Rosamaria Rico-Torres; Step Up For Students: Jeremiah Alexander, Ariely Burgos, Tamara Gumbs; U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Celagi Montalvo, Abi’ya Wright; and White & Case: Nicole Palacios, Miurel Zamora
Salesians' Don Bosco and Dominic Savio
2016-17 Award Winners

Congratulations Aaron and Denise! 

Don Bosco Award 
Aaron Mammah receives the award for displaying the qualities and virtues of a Christian disciple and exemplifying the Salesian spirit in the school community. Aaron is known for his kindness, respect, service and prayerfulness.

Dominic Savio Service Award
Denise Buchannon receives the award for demonstrating generosity and service and is an example to her peers. Denise participated in numerous service projects at Cristo Rey Tampa and Mary Help of Christians Center. Several times, she went out on Saturdays to feed the homeless and hungry as part of the Parish Outreach program.  


Meet Neal Herman, Chairman of the Board 
What company are you employed by and what position do you hold?
I am a Director at Avesta with a focus on investment platform operations, working with teams and processes across our capital, acquisitions, and asset management teams.
 
What motivates you to serve on the CRT board?
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the school develop from an idea into reality. I served on the feasibility study team and then took a year away from work to go to graduate school in Chicago. Upon returning, I saw the school in operation, met the team, and saw the students in action at work. I was inspired to join the board and make a long-term commitment to the school. I am very grateful for the opportunity.
 
What is your vision for CRT?
The CRT team provides our students with a faith-filled, transformational experience that changes worldviews for everyone involved. Students, teachers, faculty, board members, and partners are all-in, marching towards something much bigger than ourselves. 
 
In three years, approximately 70 students will graduate from Cristo Rey Tampa and pursue their dreams. They and their families will be part of a Cristo Rey Tampa team that will provide love and support for life.
 
What do you wish people knew about CRT?
CRT students bring a level of electricity to the workplace that is very difficult to replicate.  Their youth, curiosity, and perspective add a lot of value to Avesta’s team. 
 
Any recent awards/nominations you would like to include?
Avesta named as a Fortune Top 100 Best Medium-sized Company for 2016.   

Is there a particular Bible verse that motivates or inspires you?
2 Corinthians 12:9-10: 

"But he has answered me, 'My grace is enough for you: for power is at full stretch in weakness.' It is, then, about my weaknesses that I am happiest of all to boast, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me; and that is why I am glad of weaknesses, insults, constraints, persecutions, and distress for Christ's sake. For it is when I am weak that I am strong."

What extra-curricular activities do you enjoy when not working or volunteering?
I enjoy spending time with friends and family; cooking and BBQ (I've been on a sous vide kick lately); reading, outdoor activities, and exercising.
 
Anything else you might want to share with the CRT community?
 My wife, Nicole, and I are becoming parents very soon.  We are expecting a baby boy on July 5th!
Thank You Founding Job Partners!
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a corporate job partner next year or know of someone who might be interested, please contact  Maria Vaca, Ed.D.,  Director of Corporate Work Study Program, via phone at 813-621-8300 or email.
 Latest CRT Visitors
The Bulleits (l-r) Ed, Kelly Ring, Raleigh, and Randall with principal Jim Madden. 
Maria Vaca and Skanska's Daniel Abou-Jaoude, and Pascal Wilson

Leadership Tampa Class of 2017 visits with CRT students and staff: (l-r):  Michael Ferrone, Amali Turner, Matthew Gomez, Maria Vaca, Steven Faison, Man Le, Angelica Zuluaga, and Charles D. Imbergamo