To celebrate the end of the year and recognize the achievements of the publications at Coral Gables Senior High, the Communication Arts, Film and Digital Media academy held its annual banquet. This year, the event was hosted at the Biltmore Hotel’s Granada Ballroom on May 25.

Kicking off at 9:30 a.m., attending students and teachers had time to chat and choose their seats before the recognitions began. A Fox Mar photo booth was also available for guests, which students and advisors alike made the most of to commemorate this event by celebrating their achievements.

“The venue was very nice; I had never been to that part of the Biltmore before so it was really nice to see the architecture and walk around. Everyone was really happy to be done with the year and to celebrate all their accomplishments from the year, and the editors and the people graduating were really excited to hand over the torch to the new editors. Everyone seemed like they were having a good time, especially at the end with the dancing,” junior Micaela Montero said.

The accolades began with editors-in-chief of CavsTV and Highlights, Maria Fernandez and Natalia Pallas, welcoming the students, advisors and guests to the banquet. They congratulated students on a successful return this school year and commended them for their hard work that paid off with all five of the Gables publications being recognized as All Florida. They went on to recognize the sponsors of each publication, whose dedication makes it all possible, by presenting each of them with a bouquet of roses.

CAF&DM Academy Leader and Cavaleon sponsor Ms. Zuniga took the stage next to acknowledge the Gables faculty members who have played a behind-the-scenes role in helping the publications throughout the year. She thanked Ms. Driver, Ms. Figueroa and, lastly, Mr. Diaz, who will be retiring this year. Dr. Diaz gave a few words to the Cavaliers, congratulating them on their dedication and encouraging them to continue to pursue their passion for journalism.

Following this, EICs and sponsors from each publication came up to present awards to their editors and staff, including editor certificates, Top Staff Writer, Rookie of the Year and Rising Star.

The awards then paused for guests to enjoy a three-course meal provided by the Biltmore. However, they soon resumed with recognition of the EICs from all the publications this year and the welcoming of the new EICs who will be taking the torch in the school year to come.

The event closed off with music and dancing, bringing a lively ending to a joyous event, appreciating the commitment that goes into each and every one of Gables’ publications. Students also used the time to take in the sights of the Biltmore, appreciating this special occasion with their fellow publication members.

“Honestly, I thought the banquet was a really amazing experience. It was really fun to be able to hang out with all of the Highlights staff that I’ve been working with throughout the year and I loved spending time with not just them but also my friends from across publications,” sophomore Emily Kardjian said.