Development News for Pinecrest, Florida

Downtown Doral Charter Upper School Teams Honored for State Championship Wins

The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, recognized the Downtown Doral Charter Upper School (DDCUS) soccer and cheerleading teams for their championship achievements. The boys' soccer team won the historic state championship in the 2025-26 academic year with a 5-0 victory, after reaching states twice in four years. They also won the Champions League tournament and finished ranked number three nationally. Individual soccer accolades included Eduardo Jerez being named Miami-Dade County Player of the Year and head coach Jonathan Rosas being named Coach of the Year for Miami-Dade County and the State of Florida (Class 3A). The cheerleading team also captured their first state championship in school history and earned national recognition at the 2026 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship. Coach Maria Franco was named Miami-Dade Coach of the Year. These accomplishments are seen as integral to student development, fostering perseverance, teamwork, and self-discipline, and contributing to school pride.

Miami-Dade School Board Recognizes WalkSafe Program and Poster Contest Winners

The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, recognized the WalkSafe program at the Kids Neuroscience Center Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, including the 2026 WalkSafe Statewide Poster Contest winners. The WalkSafe program aims to improve pedestrian safety and health for elementary school children through educational initiatives, community outreach, and research. It has served the Miami-Dade community since 2001, reaching over 73,000 students and 1,200 adults in Miami-Dade County alone, with over 42,000 students and 900 adults reached this year. The program collaborates with schools, organizations, and law enforcement to improve infrastructure near schools. The resolution also highlighted the winners of the 2026 WalkSafe Statewide Poster Contest: Zuri White (1st grade, Frank C. Martin K-8 Center), Sophia Diaz (3rd grade, Hialeah Elementary School), and Angelica Stangmiller (4th-5th grade, Southside Elementary). The board also recognized the artistic contributions of Ryder Liv, who passed away but whose artwork was featured. [cite: 35, 75-77, 81-82, 84-85, 131-132, 158-159, 175-179, 203-206, 209-212, 217-219, 230-235]

Dr. Evelina Bessman Honored for Decades of Community Service in Mental Health and Housing

The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, honored Dr. Evelina W. Bessman for her outstanding contributions and dedication to the Miami-Dade community. Dr. Bessman, described as a respected mental health advisor, community leader, and woman of deep faith, was instrumental in co-founding Chapman Partnership 30 years ago, which has served over 150,000 people. She has been on their board since its inception, advocating for mental health issues and the marginalized. Dr. Bessman is also deeply involved with the New Horizon Community Mental Health Center, where she has served on the board for 26 years, including 15 as chairman, and is currently using her personal assets to build housing. Speakers highlighted her wisdom, resilience, warmth, and unwavering commitment. She is an alumna of Miami Northwestern Senior High School and was its valedictorian. Her work in mental health, before it was widely discussed, marks her as a trailblazer. She is recognized as an investor in people, hope, healing, dignity, and opportunity, teaching others how to navigate their own paths.