Friday, December 12, 2025

Titan Nation,

 

This week, our art scholars shined in a variety of ways. From two extremely successful and well-received musical performances to nearly ten students being selected for the Impressions in Watercolor Exhibition, there was excitement all around the Art Department. Additionally, our upper school scholars participated in an public-speaking panel featuring Florida's former Lieutenant Governor, Carlos Lopez-Cantera, alongside our founder Mr. Michael Bileca. On their own, these accomplishments are outstanding; however, our scholars' ability to participate in these enriching opportunities while also balancing a rigorous curriculum is truly impressive.

 

We have also heard your feedback and are excited to announce that Titan Vault's Holiday Sale has been extended! A 30% discount is automatically applied to your purchase when checking-out. Don't miss this opportunity to purchase all of your favorite Titan items at a reduced price. You can shop online at www.titanvault.shop and choose to have items shipped to your home or picked up at the store.

 

Below is your Weekly Scroll: 

2025 Merrick Festival Caroling Competition

Over the weekend, our Middle and High School chorus scholars participated in the 2025 Merrick Festival Caroling Competition. During their performances, our scholars sung their renditions of traditional holiday songs, like O Holy Night and Joy to the World which mesmerized the crowd.

The Merrick Festival Caroling Competition is one of South Florida's longstanding holiday traditions, bringing together numerous schools to celebrate the arts and spread holiday cheer. Last year, our scholars received an Honorable Mention during the competition. 
 

Congratulations, scholars!

True North Holiday Shows 

Over the past week, our True North Pinecrest, Gateway, Dadeland, and Sunset Scholars hosted their Holiday Show. The show featured a series of performances, where our scholars were able to perform their renditions of traditional songs that focused on the themes of faith, hope and peace. Throughout the musical performances our scholars talents shined and continuously moved our audience. 

Arete Program: Former Lt. Governor 

Carlos Lopez-Cantera 

This week, the True North Classical Academy Arete Program hosted a public-speaking leadership session featuring True North parent and  Florida's former Lieutenant Governor and state representative, Carlos Lopez-Cantera.

 

The event opened with a brief presentation from Mr. Bileca highlighting the importance of overcoming your fear of public speaking by embracing challenges as an opportunity to grow. Former Lt. Gov. Lopez-Cantera provided advice on how to improve communications skills, shared personal stories and insights on his experience in small and large public speaking events, and reminded our scholars of the importance of courage and resilience. He also shared stories of serving together with Representative Bileca when they were both in the Florida House of Representatives.

 

True North Classical Academy's Arete Program offers events and experiences that enrich and challenge our upper school students. It is rooted in an ancient Greek concept that represents the pursuit of excellence and the continual striving toward one's full potential. 

 

Students who attend 6 Arete Scholar events, no more than 2 of the activities may be approved art events, will be recognized with an Arete distinction certificate at the end of the year. To achieve Arete Fellows, students must earn Arete distinction each year they matriculate at True North.  Arete Fellows will be recognized at graduation with the Arete Fellows cord. To achieve Arete Honors, students must earn Arete distinction each year they matriculate at True North and meet the requirements to earn the Florida Bright Futures scholarship.  Arete Honors will be recognized at graduation with Arete Honors braided cord.

Impressions in Watercolor Exhibition 

Several of our True North Classical Academy Art Scholars from three different campuses, Sunset, Pinecrest, and Gateway, have been selected for the Impressions in Watercolor Exhibition. This is a historic accomplishment for our Art Department!

 

Pinecrest honorees whose works were selected:
• Tiffany Igelko, 7th Grade
• Gia Bruno Agudelo, 7th Grade
• Gabriela Pitts, 7th Grade

 

Sunset Campus students whose works were selected:
• Addison Norman, 8th Grade
• Mia De La Cruz, 11th Grade
• Zoe Gil, 12th Grade

 

Gateway Campus students whose works were selected:
• Phoebe Powell, 6th Grade
• Valentina Franco, 6th Grade
• Asher Suarez, 6th Grade

 

This exhibition marks the 40th year of the partnership between Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the Miami Watercolor Society, celebrating the expressive beauty of watercolor among our young artists.

 

Congratulations, scholars! 

Titan Vault Holiday Sale 

You asked, Titan Vault answered – our Holiday Sale is extending! Take advantage of this special offer and purchase your favorite Titan merchandise today. Whether you are looking for a gift for a fellow Titan, expanding your True North gear collection, or stocking-up on your favorite items for 2026, Titan Vault has everything you are looking for.

 

Titan Vault's store hours are Monday - Friday from 11am to 5pm. You can shop online at www.titanvault.shop and choose to have items shipped to your home or picked up at the store.

 

Let's #TitanUp and spread the Titan spirit this holiday season!