md_school_board_honor_web.jpgMIAMI — Wendy Edmond, School for Advanced Studies (SAS) North graduate, was honored during the Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ March board meeting. Born in Haiti, Wendy moved to the United States at age seven and learned to speak English when he entered the Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

He made so much progress in the ensuing years that by the time he was a junior in high school, he was able to enter the challenging School for Advanced Studies (rated by Newsweek magazine as the 28th best high school in the United States and the top high school in South Florida).

While at SAS, Wendy became an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honors and was able to complete an Associate in Arts degree with Miami Dade College. He also was the recipient of the coveted Gates Millennium Scholarship from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which covers his undergraduate and graduate studies.

At age 19, Wendy became the youngest graduating member of the University of Miami School of Nursing Class of 2011 when he received his bachelor's degree. UM President Donna Shalala introduced Wendy as the commencement speaker at the graduation ceremonies and acknowledged his inspirational story.

In her presentation to him during the school board meeting, board member Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall commended Wendy for his commitment to education.

Photo: COURTESY OF MIAMI-DADE SCHOOLS

SCHOOL BOARD HONORS: From left are School Board Member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, SAS North Counselor Dr. Michael Townsel, Wendy Edmond.