Students and parents were invited to Coral Gables Senior High School to learn about the vast curriculum, extracurriculars and magnet programs offered on campus. At 5 p.m. on Nov. 20, Gables hosted its annual Elective Fair, where select classes, clubs and organizations displayed their role in the Gables community. Visiting families toured the school, spoke to students and immersed themselves in Cavalier spirit.
The elective fair offered a spirited showcase of the school’s diverse programs and community involvement. Ms. Passwaters and Student Activities partnered up to plan, set up and execute the event. Student activities members were placed into groups to lead the campus tours and help the event run smoothly. Volunteering students guided parents to the media center where representatives from the Parent Teacher and Student Association encouraged incoming parents to support the growing Gables community.
“I am the Associate Coordinator, so I oversee all the academies, mainly focusing on recruitment and inviting students to this event so they can learn more about the school. This is the first time we showcase our magnet programs and our diverse electives in the same night, so I had to plan the layout and make new flyers. Over 375 families showed up this year, which has never happened before,” Ms. Passwaters said.
Members from the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps spoke to visitors about their experience in the program and the innovative courses it provided them, like robotics and drone piloting. Representatives from the Fashion and Design elective displayed their custom garments and detailed their artistic progression through the years. Additionally, certification electives like Culinary and Business were put on display, demonstrating how Gables not only prepares its students for college, but also the real world.
“I’ve been taking the Fashion and Design elective for four years. and I’m here trying to get people to join. The class helped me design my own line of clothes and repair damaged clothes. I think the class brings out your artistic side through fashion and provides useful knowledge about sewing,” senior Eilyn Gonzalez said.
As the elective fair concluded at 6:20 p.m., guests were escorted to the auditorium for the International Baccalaureate and the 6000 cafeteria for Academy of Finance informational assembly. IB Executive Council and AOF Board students helped guide visitors to their seats and assigned them to a tour group for after their respective meetings. Principal Balboa began the assembly by welcoming guests to the campus and introducing
As parents were welcomed by Ms. Van Wyk, the IB Academy Leader, she informed parents on the advantageous opportunities provided through the program and the rigorous dedication it takes to be an excellent student in the magnet. Similarly, Lead Teacher, Mr. Diaz spoke about the classes and workforce-ready opportunities provided by AOF.
Making time for student testimonies, IB Executive Council members and AOF Board members spoke to their respective audience to share their personal experiences at Gables. From sophomores to seniors, students offered their insight on the learning environment that Gables fosters; whether it be the compassionate teachers, dependable counselors or driven student body, all aspects of the Gables community inspire students to thrive.
Visitors were divided into tour groups and led around the school in different routes. As groups explored the campus, members from Student Activities detailed the renovation phases that the school is planning. They showcased the fully completed Phase 1, which restored the band room and supplied it with a plethora of new instruments as well as refurbishing outside patios used for lunch. Phase 2, the one currently in effect, plans to modernize the oldest buildings with new paint, ceilings, air conditioning equipment and windows. Lastly, Phase 3 plans to repaint the field and expand the track, allowing for competitions to be held on campus.
“I’m an alumna of the school, and I loved being a student at Gables, which is why my children go here too. The schedule gives them space for electives while still prioritizing core classes. I joined the PTSA because it funds education in our local community, and it raises money for improving the Gables campus,” Diane Quick said.
Tour guides led guests around the 6000 Building and displayed the art and pottery classes as well as innovative electives like accounting and computer science. Groups then visited the College Assistance Program, run by Ms. Sanz, that helps students draft their college applications and connect with representatives from over 100 universities. As the tour concluded, groups were led to the Gables mural painted across the media center. CavsConnect photographers organized the groups and captured the moment, welcoming the parents and students to the Cavalier family.
“I was the main speaker in my group, and I led families around the school, highlighting important buildings and renovations. Because there was so many people this year, we had to slowly make our way around other groups, forcing us to talk more. We did our best towards the end when we spoke about our personal experiences in the school and how much we enjoy Gables,” sophomore Erick Del Valle said.
Through genuine discourse and informative explanations, students not only highlighted the advantageous academic programs and extracurricular activities at Gables, but also the welcoming environment that defines the school. The elective fair and its student led tours left guests with a lasting memory of a growing community, dedicated to its students, teachers and Gables.
