PILLARS NEWSLETTER

No.4 - October 2025

Titan Nation, 

 

This is our first quarterly newsletter for the 2025–2026 academic year! Since returning to campus from the summer break, you have navigated the first few months of a demanding curriculum, strived for excellence, strengthened your friendships, and, most importantly, faced challenges the Titan way: with courage, conviction, and methodical thinking.

 

As a result, you have achieved success both inside and outside the classroom. Many of you have even earned remarkable recognitions that reflect your dedication and hard work. Others, have successfully overcome challenges that, at times, may have seemed impossible. However, as Titans, you understand that your efforts are not driven by the possibility of earning a recognition, but by your deep desire to seek the higher things in life.

 

This is what sets Titans apart. It is your unwavering will to pursue truth, goodness, and beauty that shapes you into a Titan – a well-rounded individual that navigates life with purpose. 

ACADEMICS 

True North College Counseling Team 

True North scholars are deeply engaged in a comprehensive college counseling journey designed to help each student find and enroll in their optimal college match. Programming begins in Freshman and Sophomore year and builds up to the Junior College Success Course. Throughout the program, scholars develop their resumes, college lists, personal statements and essays, and letters of recommendation. 

 

This quarter, the True North College Counseling team kicked things off with an information session for Junior Parents. During the informational session, they provided insight on the process of applying for college and the steps they have already taken with scholars during their Freshman and Sophomore years. 

 

Our Junior scholars have met with representatives from some of the nation’s top universities and colleges, such as Hillsdale, the University of Chicago, and Babson College. These conversations helped students gain valuable insights into the application process, identifying the right college fit, and exploring campus life.

 

Our scholars also traveled to Boston, where they toured several universities across the Northeast region and connected with True North alumni currently studying at prestigious institutions such as MIT and Boston College.

 

To date, our seniors have submitted 531 applications to 98 different institutions across the country ahead of the November 1st deadline. This is a testament to their hard work, determination, and the steady guidance of our college counseling team.

Perfect Scores 

Several of our True North Classical Academy scholars received a perfect score on their culminating assessments. Despite this being an extremely difficult task, many of our scholars were able to earn this distinction in more than one subject. 

 

As a classical education school, we strive to shape our scholars into well-rounded individuals who excel in more than one subject. We believe that through this development, our scholars will not only become knowledgeable, but they will also become aware of the good, true, and beautiful that surrounds them. These certificates reflect the growth of our scholars as individuals.

 

Congratulations, scholars!

True North Teachers

At True North Classical Academy, we believe in building a culture of excellence in everything we do. This culture of excellence originates at the core from our faculty – the heartbeat of our school. That is why we only hire the best and brightest teachers to join our Titan Community. This quarter, three of our incredible teachers were recognized at the state and nation level. 

 

Mrs. Laura Cabral, True North Classical Academy Dadeland, was recognized by Good Morning America (GMA) as one of 5 teachers in our state that continuously strives for excellence. Mr. Michael Santana, True North Classical Academy Sunset, received the National Historian of the Year Award from the Civil Air Patrol. Mrs. Nicole Leon, True North Classical Academy Dadeland, was selected as the 2026 Charter School Teacher of Year. 

 

As True North educators, our faculty and staff are supported at every stage of their journey through intentional coaching, ongoing mentorship, and world-class professional development. Throughout the year, we bring world-renowned speakers to hold panels for our teachers and encourage them to continue their education.

America's Semiquencentenial

On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To celebrate this milestone, True North planned a series of educational events designed to help students deepen their knowledge of civics. 

 

At True North, we began the festivities with one of our school’s oldest traditions—the Celebration of Freedom Show. Since then, we have hosted a variety of events that promote patriotism and inspire our scholars to reflect on the founding principles of our nation.

 

This quarter, during assembly, we introduced the first-ever U.S. History Civics Bowl through a game of Kahoot! Over the span of two days, upper school scholars tested their knowledge with a series of questions that focused on American history. The results were shocking with the Juniors beating the Seniors on Monday and the Sophomores defeating the Freshmen on Tuesday. 

Beyond the classroom

On September 11, our scholars gathered for a special morning assembly honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost on that somber day. The ceremony, led by State Representative and Firefighter Captain Omar Blanco, served as a powerful reminder of the strength, unity, and courage that define our nation.

 

During the assembly, Representative Blanco shared how virtues of service, unity, and courage have guided his own life and career. 

 

At True North, we honor and respect our nation and those who serve and, as Titans, we are committed to never forgetting the events that took place on 9/11. 

7th Grade Field Trip to the Freedom Tower

Our 7th grade Pinecrest scholars had the honor of being the first school to visit the newly renovated Freedom Tower.

 

During their visit, our scholars had the opportunity to listen to Christina Diaz Gonzalez, the author of The Red Umbrella, discuss the details of how the book came about through personal family stories, and learned the history of the Freedom Tower from Miami Dade College President, Madeline Pumariega.

 

Our scholars also had the privilege of hearing from former Operation Pedro Pan children, Mr. Max Alvarez and Mr. Jorge Finlay Sr. who shared their heartfelt stories of the pain they felt leaving their families behind uncertain if they would see them again. Mr. Alvarez and Mr. Finlay, Sr. ended their panel with a message of hope and gratitude to the U.S. for affording them the freedom and opportunity to strive to be the very best they could be.

Christina Diaz Gonzalez 

The author of The Red Umbrella, Christina Diaz Gonzalez, joined our 7th grade scholars on two separate occasions to discuss her book, which they read in class.  

 

During her text discussion, Christina lead a conversation with our scholars, gave them a glimpse into the creative process of writing, shared the connection between the books The Red Umbrella and The Bluest Sky, encouraged our scholars to preserve their own family stories through writing, and hosted a Q&A session. Each of her visits, concluded with a book signing where our scholars had the opportunity to talk one-on-one with the author. 

Two of our Titans, Samir Ahmad and Amani Ahmad, are published authors! 

 

Alongside their mother, Dr. Uzma Farooq, Samir and Amani co-authored The Boy Who Cried Wolf! And Other Great Stories — a modern retelling of 13 classic Aesop fables. Inspired by a childhood book owned by Dr. Farooq, the family reimagined each tale with a modern twist and a focus on the timeless lessons.

 

Earlier this year, the authors hosted a meet and greet at Barnes & Noble, where they discussed their writing process, favorite memories, and read a few stories from their book. The event was such a success that Barnes & Noble invited them back for a second reading on Sunday, October 26 as part of the book store's latest grand opening. 

Speech and Debate Tournament at Columbus High School

The True North Titan Debate Team placed first and third at the recent Speech and Debate Tournament hosted by Columbus High School. Although this is an incredible feat on its own, what is even more impressive is that this competition was the first for two of our scholars.

 

Individually: 

 

Congratulations, scholars! 

Firefighters in Galloway 

Our Tiny Titans welcomed their local firefighters to our Galloway Campus. During the visit, our scholars had an opportunity to thank our first responders for their work in the line of duty, learn more about their job, tour the fire trucks, and even got to use the fire hose. The visit was insightful and memorable for our scholars. 

Arts

True North Classical Fine Arts Department

This quarter, The True North Fine Arts Department had a series of exciting accomplishments. 

 

Several of our Art Scholars have been juried into four prestigious Miami-Dade County Public Schools Visual Arts exhibitions, with their work featured at the Miami International Airport, the Frost Museum, Barry University, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. 

 

We also had one of our 8th grade scholar's artwork selected for publication in Blick's Celebrating Art book!

 

In addition to student achievements, Mrs. Sara Alfaro, True North’s Fine Arts Teacher and Department Head, attended a hands-on professional development workshop led by the Miami-Dade County Visual Arts Department at the Frost Museum.

 

These accomplishments provide a glimpse into True North's commitment to fostering excellence and living a life filled with truth, goodness, and beauty. 

Celebration of Freedom Show

One of True North's most cherished traditions is our Celebration of Freedom Show. During the performance, our scholars come together to celebrate our highest ideals, noblest traditions, and the remarkable spirit of our Nation. Over the course of the evening, attendees had the honor of:

 

 

In preparing for this event, our scholars not only learned melodies and words, but also the deeper meaning behind them. They learned that freedom is something to be valued, that unity makes us stronger, and that love of the ideals of this country is something to be celebrated.

 

These are the principles that make America exceptional, and if America is to continue to be a beacon of Hope in this world, we must raise our children to love these ideals.

Chopin Piano Performance 

True North Classical Academy hosted internationally acclaimed performers Shuguang Gong (China), Victoria Wong (Canada/USA), and Viet Trung Nguyen (Vietnam/Poland) for an impressive piano performance as part of the Arete Program. 

 

More than 100 True North students, families, and faculty members attended the virtuosic performance in the Sunset Campus Assembly Room. Following the performance, guests gathered in the Cafeteria to discuss the event's highlights while enjoying some light refreshments. 

Little Women

True North Classical Academy proudly presented Little Women: a play by Kate Hamill based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott.

 

Despite this being only True North’s second-ever theater production, it captivated audiences beyond all expectations. For two nights at the McCarthy Theater at Miami Dade College, our talented theater scholars took the stage and delivered a Broadway-style performance that brought this American classic to life. The production was both artistic and deeply moving, featuring a special appearance by True North’s very own Michael Santana.

Athletics 

Fall Sports Records 

Our True North Athletics department currently has five Fall sports in full swing, and our Titans are putting some #TitanStrong numbers on the board! Individually our teams have reached several milestones.  

 

Golf
The True North Classical Academy Golf Team holds a 5-3 record this season. They’ve shattered several individual records, including an impressive 32 on 9 holes during their inaugural game, which is the equivalent of a 64 on 18 holes. 

Cross Country
The Cross Country team is making history with their best season yet, posting multiple top finishes and leading the way for Titans everywhere.

Swimming
The Swim team has hosted several successful meets this season, earning multiple victories and strong finishes across the board.

Girls Volleyball
Our Girls Volleyball team are District Champions, boasting an outstanding 19-8 record!

Football
The Football team sits #1 in the district with an impressive 6-2 record, continuing to dominate the field.

TRUE NORTH CLASSICAL FOUNDATION 

Dash of the titans 5k

The True North Classical Foundation kicked off its events for the 2025–2026 academic year with the Dash of the Titans 5K, presented by UHealth Jackson Children's Care.

On September 27, more than 1,300 Titans gathered at Zoo Miami to take part in this fun, family-friendly event. For nearly five hours, participants enjoyed running through the zoo, engaging in exciting activities, savoring delicious food, and connecting with over 20 sponsors who helped make the event possible.

 

This year’s Dash of the Titans 5K also featured a Kids Zone, where our Tiny Titans delighted in activities such as face painting, crafting, and coloring before participating in their very own Dash of the Titans race.

 

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who joined us and helped make this year’s Dash of the Titans 5K such a tremendous success!

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