On the early morning of April 18, students involved in publications at Coral Gables Senior High start clamoring into buses, excited for the biggest event of the year. However, none of this is possible without the support of the advisors and this year and one special advisor, Mrs. Ana Zuniga, who got recognized this year in the Florida Scholastic Press Association 2024 State Convention.
From April 18 to April 20, students involved in one of five Gables publications were invited to attend FSPA. Representing Gables, the student-run publications all of won notable awards for their work this year, whether it was writing articles, filming reels or designing spreads in yearbook. Yet, one of the most significant award achieved during the convention was that of Mrs. Ana Zuniga who won the award of Golden Medallion.
This award is the highest given at by FSPA and is bestowed upon two nominees each year that honor service to FSPA and to scholastic journalism. The nominees are appointed by previous recipients and the FSPA executive board members while previous recipients vote for the two final winners. Mrs. Ana Zuniga was nominated by Mr. Jose Oterto, her representative from Herff Jones, the company that manufactures the yearbooks. After carefully reviewing all Zuniga has done for her publication and her students, all while promoting scholastic journalism, she rightly won.
“I had no idea that this was happening, and so they called my name and started to describe all the contributions that I’ve done. Obviously, I’ve been the yearbook advisor since 2005, I’ve made 19 books so far, all of which have won All-Florida, some that have won at the national level, and many that have won Sunshine-Standout,” Mrs. Ana Zuniga said.
In addition to being the Yearbook, or Cavaleon advisor, Mrs. Ana Zuniga also manages to teach International Baccalaureate and Dual Enrollment Math, all while sponsoring the Quill and Scroll club and being the CAF&DM academy advisor. However, this award came as a complete surprise, and was announced at the advisor luncheon where Zuniga stood shocked as she heard her name be announced for the Golden Medallion. Her contributions to Gables and to scholastic journalism have been vast and has left a positive impact on every student. Mrs. Ana Zuniga is dedicated to push her students to achieve greatness in all fields, whether it’s math, yearbook or simply to be better people.
“Mrs. Zuniga does such a good job of catering to each and every student and she really makes an effort to get to know all of her students. It’s honestly insane how she works so hard but still focuses on ever single student and guides them no matter what, I’m honestly surprised she didn’t win it before,” senior Amalia Garrido
This award outlines all the continuous efforts Mrs. Ana Zuniga makes in order to supports her students and guide them to the next chapters of their life. Zuniga will continue to advise Cavaleon as they strive to win more awards while making long-lasting memories.
“I think its a really nice recognition to know that your peers see you in this light, so I just want to continue doing the same job that I’m doing and just kind of do it even better,” Mrs. Ana Zuniga said.
