By Juan Varela, Salutatorian - SIATech Charter High School

Upon first entering SIATech, one word came into my mind “opportunity,” an opportunity to learn something new, an opportunity to start fresh and to make something of myself.  At the beginning of this school year, while I was in my other school, it dawned on me that this was going to be my last year in school. One last opportunity to get good grades, a last opportunity to raise my GPA and be the student I know I could be. In that school my dreams just stayed dreams! For one reason or another, I was being held back by other students and sometimes the school which needed me to work at their pace rather than my own.

One day a fantastic thing happened! I happened to be with my cousin, Ruthie, and we were looking for jobs on the Internet at one of our libraries. She was writing on a piece of paper that was actually an advertisement for Job Corps. I turned it over and said “Ruthie have you looked at this?” Then I called the number. This phone call led me on a fantastic journey to Job Corps and SIATech! Coming to SIATech and Job Corps, I got inspired to do my best and be the student I knew I could become. Of course I could not have done it alone. It was all a combination of the different personalities that the staff at SIATech and Job Corps brings together. The Homestead staff of Mrs. Lopez, Mr. Lopez, Mrs. Ramsay, Mrs. Primerano, Mrs. Alcina, Mrs. Hall, Mr. Acevedo, Mrs. Hazim, Mrs. Werther, and Mr. Grafals each helped make me the salutatorian. The gorgeous ladies in the front of the school inspire everyone to make the best of their day everyday because they greet everyone with their smile. The teachers encourage every single student who walks in the SiaTech doors to do their best no matter what. Mr. Lopez inspires us when he goes to our CPP classroom to inform us about SIATech. Mrs. Lopez transforms our lives when she admits us into the fabulous program and finally Dr. Dawson has left a permanent print in our lives when she founded SIATech in Miami-Dade County.

Today 74 of us are graduating with our high school diplomas. Our past is gone and the present is confusing. Why? Because the future both scares us and intrigues us. We have lost and gained many great friends in the past thirteen years. With those friendships we made many memories together that we will never forget-funny, serious, sad, and exciting. Today we are here to celebrate those memories and reflect on our lessons. We are also preparing for a future full of mystery yet shrouded in success and happiness.

To the SIATech class of 2008, I wish the best of luck in our bright future and remember, “High school may be over, but your education still continues.”