Once An Owl, Always An Owl

As a freshman, Kisa Modewala started her journey at Florida Atlantic University High School in August 2013. She graduated from FAUHS and FAU in May 2017. Then in May 2020, she was recognized as the youngest George Washington University Law School graduate at 20. She is currently a licensed attorney in New York. In Fall 2020, she was accepted into the White House Internship Program and worked in the Office of White House Counsel. She was also selected to be part of the Securities and Exchange Commission Student Honors Program in the Spring of 2019 and a law clerk for the Department of Justice in Fall of 2018.

Our first Platinum sponsor Jon Cipyak is a great supporter of our K-12 programs and an alum of Florida Atlantic University, where he earned a Masters's in Educational Leadership. Jon joined Builders Plus in 1997 and has progressed to the position of CEO. Jon is involved in all project aspects to personally ensure client satisfaction with each project. His diverse experience provides valuable insight for integrating management, accounting, and human resource plans. He is critical to the company's continued strategic development and operations management. His unwavering support showed significant benefits for the K-12 school and programs as he built an area to support our SeaPerch test pool, purchased new drones for the team who participated in nationals in Denver, served as a School Advisory Board member, and donated Chromebook bags which are just a few ways Jon and Builders Plus have supported the school. In addition, he coaches a girl's flag football team through a city league.   Joining him are his two children, Savannah and JV, who are currently in 4th and 6th grade. An avid Dolphin fan, JV has had so much fun joining the flag football and cross-country teams. Savannah has developed her love of STEM through many opportunities offered at ADHUS. She went to states for the science fair and traveled to Denver, where her drone team won 3rd at nationals, and recently was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. Learn more about Builder's Plus at www.builderplus.com

Dr. Pamela Steiger, D.M.D. is a Board Certified Orthodontic Specialist who performs the most advanced treatment techniques in her state-of-the-art Orthodontics facility. She is an expert in braces and Invisalign to have the most aesthetic and functional results. She truly cares about every patient and treats them like a part of her own family. She provides the best possible Orthodontic care in the most comfortable environment. Her desire to help people in this more personalized setting led to "The Smile Boutique" — a unique location for the best Orthodontics experience. She hopes you feel at home in her beautiful office, designed to make you feel like you are anywhere but a dental office. Joining her today is Savanna Griek, who attended A.D. Henderson University School from Kindergarten to eighth grade. She not only works for Dr. Pam but is also a patient.

In January 2021, Dr. Herbst, Superintendent, was thrilled to share an update regarding our school's Let's Build This Together capital campaign. The $54 million fundraising goal to transform the school campus into a state-of-the-art educational facility was well within reach. $35 million in private and public funding was secured. Due to the support and generosity of our donors, legislators, families, and community members, they would break ground on a new K-8 school building and our first-ever athletic complex. The building was opened in August 2022 to a very excited faculty, staff, students, and families.  Ryan Britton works at Florida Atlantic University in the Office of Government Relations. Ryan works tirelessly to promote and reinforce FAU as a valued and trusted partner; to advocate for the university at all government jurisdictional levels; and to facilitate partnerships with businesses, economic development, and non-profit organizations. Ryan is a great supporter of the K-12 Lab Schools at FAU.  Joey Katz, 24, started at FAUHS in 2012, Graduated from HS in 2016, and just one semester later graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor's in Political Science and a Minor in History. Currently a Legislative Aide in the Office of State Representative Toby Overdorf. Joseph Guzzi, 21, is a political science major set to graduate in the spring of 2024. Currently, An intern in Representative Toby Overdorf's office will assist throughout the spring legislative session in Tallahassee.

Dr. Carly Polin proudly serves Boca Raton's residents with thoughtful, personalized general and cosmetic dentistry. She combines the latest technology with compassionate dental care to help patients of all ages achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. Dr. Polin is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and ITI, a global association of professions in implant dentistry. She's an active member of the Florida Dental Association and the Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. In 2019 was awarded the Palm Beach Illustrated Top Dentist Award for cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Carly enjoys spending time with her family, husband, and two daughters in her free time. With her today is one of her adorable daughters Vianna who loves to swim and play soccer, and also ski since she just learned in Vail, Colorado. She wants to be a dentist, just like her mommy.  

In 2018, entrepreneur Daniel Cane made a $1 million gift to establish The Cane Institute for Advanced Technologies at A.D. Henderson University School & FAU High School. The Institute's integrated approach to solving society's most challenging problems engages the best and brightest students, faculty, and resources to explore today's most complex challenges in cybersecurity, autonomous vehicles, robotics, virtual reality, augmented reality, automation, and artificial intelligence. Daniel is a trustee of Florida Atlantic University, the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, and a Cornell University Council member. He is the CEO and co-founder of South Florida-based Modernizing Medicine, Founded in 2010, transforming healthcare by placing doctors and patients at the center of care through an intelligent, specialty-specific cloud platform. Daniel has a Bachelor's in Applied Economics from Cornell University, where he co-founded Blackboard Inc., raised over one million dollars in venture capital, and, in 2004, helped take the company public on the NASDAQ in 2011, and was sold for over one billion dollars.    Allan Phipps is the K-12 District STEM Coordinator and Director of The Cane Institute. During his tenure as an educator, he has experienced what most only dream about, such as being an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow, attending the National Science Foundation as a practitioner informing policy, and speaking at the White House during an Environmental Education Summit.   Mark Zagha is an FAU High sophomore pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering or biology with a minor in math. To date, one of his most significant accomplishments was winning the best presentation award for the MATE regional competition in the 7th grade. Mark enjoys helping others as a Learning Assistant at Florida Atlantic University in Calculus 1 and is a volunteer at Learn To Be. This online 1:1 program helps kids from underserved communities by connecting them with exceptional tutors like Mark online for free.

Undergraduate research has been shown to increase student retention and achievement. Many people think that research primarily happens in STEM fields, but what about non-STEM topics? Students interested in the arts and humanities, too, can benefit from undergraduate research experiences as much as STEM students! Dr. Tricia Meredith, Director of Research at FAU Lab Schools, heard our students' needs and created opportunities for my guests here today and many who have followed in the path they forged. Two are currently in the program; Jaimie Yap, 17, a senior, will graduate from FAU with a degree in Biochemistry in the spring of 2024. Asna Nayani is a junior in high school and college with a double major in political science and sociology and is the president of the University's Undergraduate Law Journal. Caralin Branscum, who just turned 24, started at FAUHS in 2013 as a 9th grader; she graduated from FAUHS in 2017 with B.A. in Criminology/Criminal Justice & Sociology in 2018 M.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice 2019. Then started in a doctoral program in 2020. She is a third-year doctoral student in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. These three students have all conducted research in their major fields, making exciting and essential discoveries and opening doors to new professional opportunities.

Welcome to the first podcast of 2023 - January always brings lots of New year's resolutions, usually around dieting and exercise. But as usual, A.D. Henderson and FAUHS are ahead of the curve, launching its inaugural year of the Health and Wellness program, where Faculty and Staff have the opportunity to participate in an activity each month that encourages physical, mental, or emotional health reboots. I am so excited to ANNOUNCE THAT FAU Lab Schools Alumni will have a team participating in the Community Spirit Race 5K & 1 Mile. Saturday, March 4, 2023, for the 4th Annual Community Spirit Race on the FAU campus. My guests today all believe in healthy habits and giving back.   Kristina Cornwell is the Health and Wellness Program Coordinator at ADHUS & FAUHS. Noah Forman has accomplished a lot since the last time he was on our podcast. He raised $38,000 for the bobby jones foundation and was awarded the shining star award by the Bobby Jones foundation. Alana St. John, Director of Programs at Spirit of Giving, was in the first Freshman class of FAUHS in 2004. Alana wrapped up her last big project in December and is gearing up for the Community Spirit Race in March.

Since 2004, 88 students have graduated with bachelor's degrees before graduating high school. So what happens to these students once they graduate? How are they doing in a job market where their colleagues are several years their senior? Today I have one of our alumni that started an internship at the age of sixteen at Reed & Company CPAs while attending FAUHS. Addison Comer, now 21, graduated from FAUHS in May 2019 and walked the stage last week to receive her Master of Accounting. Addison is on her way to owning her own business by age 25. Jay Schuppener can tell you why you would be fortunate if you are looking for your next top intern or employee from FAUHS. Jay, an FAU alum, received his Master's in Accounting from FAU. He is currently the Director of Consulting & Client Business Development at Reed & Company CPAs, where he started in 2015. Jay has been a great mentor to Addison and is so impressed with her that he has challenged me to find other students that may be candidates to follow in Addison's footsteps.       

FAU High School allows high-achieving students to move at an accelerated pace. Although today's guests may not have many of their peers in their major, they have forged their path to success. Gabriela Miranda, Age 17, is a senior in high school and college; she will graduate high school in the spring 2023 semester and college just a couple of months later in the summer 2023 semester. Cole Meredith, 18 attended ADHUS and FAUHS; he graduated on May 2022 and now attends the Undergraduate program at the Newhouse School Of Syracuse University. An aspiring screenwriter Arwen Paredes 17, is a high school senior and college junior pursuing degrees in English and Multimedia Studies (Film, Video, and New Media).

A.D. Henderson is a developmental research (lab) school established in 1968 to enhance instruction and research. FAU High School is the only public, accelerated pre-collegiate program with every one of its students working towards a cost-free bachelor's degree and high school diploma simultaneously. During previous episodes, you have heard about groundbreaking research that our high school students have worked on, but what about the educators? Today my guests will share how action research proves to be one of the most potent tools for continuous improvement. Dr. Tricia Meredith, Director of Research, continues to make connections between the University and the K 12 program. When challenged with formalizing educator research, she reached out to one of our most beloved partners at the College of Education, Michelle Vaughan, an Associate Professor at FAU in the Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry. Christopher Clevenger, who has taught HS History for 12 years and has been at FAUHS since 2016, has done some great work and reflection on his practice through action research. He is now pursuing a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction, focusing on Curriculum Design. Chris is a 2024 FAU District Teacher of the Year finalist and has seen this course's impact as he shares his experience during this episode.   

Did you know that Sharks have lived in our oceans for over 400 million years? Worldwide there are over 500 species of shark. You can find them in almost every marine ecosystem on earth, including freshwater! Dr. Marianne Porter, Associate Professor at FAU Biological Sciences and a National Science Foundation Career Award winner, Kai Lechat-Lam, 16, a Senior in HS and a Junior studying Major Biological Sciences, and Jamie Knaub, Ph.D. Candidates in Integrative Biology at FAU will share why they enjoy exploring the mysterious and wonderful world of sharks and how they selected this as their research focus. 

The A. D Henderson University School Parent Teacher Organization is an all-volunteer, parent-run, non-profit organization committed to enhancing and enriching children's education and fostering a sense of community within the school. The PTO board works extremely hard to provide activities for the students, educators, and families, such as Tailgates, Fall Festival, the Rainbow Run, Field Day, fundraisers, and community outreach. The educators, administrators, and students are thankful for this fantastic group of volunteers and the long-lasting traditions such as the Thanksgiving feast. My guests will always hold this event near and dear to their hearts. PTO President, Emma Khoury, has been a parent since 2014. Allison Griek, whose children started at ADHUS 23 years ago, has been a parent since her first child started in 1999. Tatyana Senior, who started as a student in 2005, and graduated from FAU with a bachelor's in sociology in 2021, will be celebrating the feast from a different seat - educator as she now works at ADHUS

Research at the FAU Lab Schools K-12 programs consists of a multi-disciplinary approach that creates translational research opportunities that begin with the imagination and then move into the laboratory, and publications, ultimately benefiting society! Today we will look into Drosophila Research - you probably think, what type of research?!?! But After you hear from my guests today, you will understand why these tiny fruit flies are crucial to their research. Karis Hong, 17, is working on a research project on the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 gene, and Julia McDuffee, 18, is researching the optimization of biological fluorescence imaging at Max Planck. Dr. Jennifer Krill teaches neurophysiology courses and is the instructor and mentor to these students. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/er6el7foyk0mhvm/AAB7UDHZxfZ1xaRv7k7pdM51a?dl=0 Sherry Bees Partnerships and Alumni Relations Director A. D. Henderson University School & Florida Atlantic University High School 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431 E-mail: sbees@fau.edu| Follow me on Twitter @bees_sherry; Instagram @director_bees “It's only after you've stepped outside your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform.” ― Roy T. Bennett Check out the A. D. Henderson University School & Florida Atlantic University High School podcast Once an Owl, Always an Owl on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts by searching for FAU Lab Schools. Updates on the Bezos Academy at FAU: Bezos Academy Boca Raton will open in 2023! If you are interested in becoming a Business Partner, please fill out the Business Partner Information Form or email me at sbees@fau.edu for more information.

Today's guests bring fun and great energy wherever they go. They participate in activities and clubs that center around helping others. Dr. Molly Adam, the Director of FAU High School - Jupiter Campus, in Partnership with Max Planck Academy, is always looking for ways to allow students to pursue their passion. Pablo Fabregas and Vedaant Mutha are the founders and Co-President of Deca. They are currently working on starting a non-profit business with other members of the DECA Club and are a mentor for students transitioning to the University. And joining us from Reno, NV, is one of the outstanding alumni Kira Wolak who graduated from FAUHS in 2017. Now 23 years of age, she is an IT Consultant for Ernst & Young.

In this episode, you will hear from three of Florida Atlantic Lab Schools' finest educators. They are not only members of the TOY committee; they served as 2019, 2020, and 2023 FAU LAB Schools District Teacher of the Year! They are all talented, driven, and lack sleep because they excel in their current role as they were born to be educators! Jenny Osullivan, Chayane Daniels, and Rhea Francani will share their combined thirty-six years of experience and a hundred years' worth of accomplishments in this memorable episode.

Three young talented ladies join me today - One is a junior, and two are seniors at FAUHS who have been named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Competition. These students are among 16,000 whose scores placed them in the 99th percentile nationally. More than 3.5 million high school students each year take the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. All three hold Officer positions in SGA and are on the Dean's and President's lists for their academic excellence; all worked at the Math Learning Center at FAU, where they assisted college students with calculus. These young ladies believe that hard work pays off but that social endeavors and community outreach are critical to creating a well-rounded adult in our society.

This episode will focus on SEL, continuous improvement, and continuing education. I have three officers from the FAU Police Department and one of the super-talented educators from A.D. HENDERSON. I am thrilled to introduce Valentine, better known as Vallie, a 9-month-old Beagle mix and Florida Atlantic University's first therapy dog. Officer Marissa Buchanan, Vallie's partner, is the University's first female K9 officer. Lieutenant Howard Howell oversees Road Patrol and the SRO program and is passionate about creating connections in the K 12 schools. Lindsey Wuest is a Dog lover, a talented artist, and the Science through Art teacher at ADHUS & FAUHS.

In today's episode, you will hear a common theme; that Social Emotional Strategies and Mental Health support are critical in schools. After hearing our guests' perspectives, it is clear that the Peer Mentoring program at FAUHS has made a considerable impact. We will hear from Dr. Bendit, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with high-achieving/gifted and talented adolescents; Elizabeth Insuasti, a FAUHS senior; and Abel Abraham graduated from FAU Highschool in May 2022.  

In the TENTH Episode of Once an Owl, Always an Owl, you will hear about FAUHS Research Program from Dr. Tricia Meredith, Jasmine Coyle, and Liberty Juno. If you ask Dr. Tricia Meredith, Director of Research at FAU Lab Schools, a famous shark researcher, or as I would refer to her as the "shark lady," what is your greatest accomplishment? She will tell you it was the creation of the FAUHS Research Program. Jasmine Coyle, who started working with the team in 2016, is passionate about sharing the value of the natural world and inspiring them to love all of its benefits. She has received many grants and is well known for her orchid propagation lab throughout FAU Lab schools. Liberty Juno graduated from HS in 2022 and is currently pursuing a B.S. degree majoring in Cellular Neuroscience and Marine Biology. She is applying to medical schools in Ireland for enrollment in Fall 2023. Liberty is proud to be a first-generation college student who caught the research bug and works as an FAU Research Methods Teaching Assistant with these ladies.

In today's episode, we will hear from Pilar Taylor, the Director of the Stiles-Nicholson STEM Teacher Academy. Founded by David Nicholson of the Stiles-Nicholson Foundation, the Academy provides educators structured access to the high-caliber research environment of the FAU Lab Schools. She will share information about the scheduled workshops during the 2022-2023 school year, for educators in Palm Beach County. You will also hear from Mia and Luna volunteers for the ASCEND program in Jupiter ASCEND (Advancing STEM: Community Engagement through Neuroscience Discovery). Mia Vila is majoring in cellular neuroscience and participates in undergraduate research studying to understand the neurobiological and behavioral effects of substance abuse disorder.  Luna Forero has been an ADHUS owl since Kindergarten and will be a legacy student once she graduates in the spring. She is on track to graduate with her bachelor of science with a biological chemistry concentration. Her research is Through the social neuroscience lens,  which focuses on supporting underrepresented students in STEM by investigating stereotype threats.   If you are interested in exploring the professional learning opportunities offered by the Stiles-Nicholson STEM Teacher Academy, email:  SNSTA@fau.edu or at STILES-NICHOLSON STEM TEACHER ACADEMY

In today's episode, I am with three extraordinary young ladies. They are not only intelligent, philanthropic, and hard-working but what is so unique is what else this 6th grader, 10th grader, and senior have in common. Alexa, Amelie, and Kaylin are athletes that hold Regional, National, and World Titles and have made a name for themselves as pro surfers, golfers, and chess players. In their spare time, they volunteer to teach children to surf, create a nonprofit to support Covid19 patients and health care heroes, and foster rabbits and puppies, to name a few.    

Today's episode may feel strange for my guests. During their careers, they were in the front of the classroom or cameras. They were in charge of asking all the questions as educators or reporters. But today, these two sisters and their second-grade teacher from 2004 and 2007 are here to answer questions, tell us what they are doing now, and share their favorite memories at ADHUS & FAUHS. Christina and Gianna Concerta and the legendary Chris Barzey make it clear that once you enter the doors of ADHUS & FAUHS, you may come in as a student, but you will become part of the OWL family. 

In this episode, Giulia, Alan, Emily, and Jessica share their stories as the first generation in their family to attend college. They set ambitious goals, and with the love and support of their family, they continually push themselves outside of their comfort zone. They clearly understand the impact they will make for themselves and their family as First Generation College Graduates.

If you ask our alums what has not changed since they attended AD Henderson University School in 1983 until today, they would say a Culture of excellence, the feeling of community, and being very intentional about always striving for improvement. You may wonder how they can compare the good old days to current times at the school. They can firsthand but from a different lens as they are now parents of students attending ADHUS. Even more impressive is that two guests have been students and parents in one of our LEGENDARY educators, Chris Barzey's class.

In today's episode, you will meet Allyson, Noah,  Devon, and Anya, ranging in age from eleven to twenty-four years old. Two have graduated from FAUHS, one is heading into seventh grade, and one is joining us this year as a tenth-grade transfer student. Although they are among the best and brightest students, what stands out is their passion for contributing to society. These young philanthropists are constantly exploring ways to help others. Join me to hear how these remarkable students started on this selfless path.

On May 19, 2017, four Florida Atlantic High School students signed letters of intent as the inaugural class to attend the FAU College of Medicine. They started training as doctors in the fall of 2018 and are now eligible to work as paid medical residents when they're 22 or 23, making them significantly younger than the average medical graduate, who starts a residency around age 30. During this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Cara Busheme, Ajay Desai, who are in their third year of medical school, and Sarah Palumbo, a 4th-year student in the inaugural class. Please tune in to hear about their journey and a big surprise announcement. 

In this episode of Once an Owl, Always an Owl, we spoke with four very talented athletes. Nora El-Abbar, Hannah Herbst, Cydni Turner, and Maisha Atkinson were on the relay team that won the 4X800 state title for the first time in the school's history. At the same time, Maisha Atkinson pulled off FAU High School's first-ever individual state title by winning the 400-meter run. In addition to their athletic accolades, one is heading to Princeton, one is preparing for the MCAT, one is going to graduate school for Software Engineering, and one started her own company and was honored as one of Forbes 30 under 30. Join us to hear what they are doing next. 

In this episode of Once an Owl, Always an Owl, we spoke with three recent graduates from FAUHS Jupiter in Partnership with the Max Plank Academy; Kate Maire, Aden Eagle, and Seth Goldin. These remarkable young adults have accomplished more in their 17 or 18 years, than most do in a lifetime. Not only are they going to Yale and FAU Wilkes Honors College, but one of these students was handed a Bachelor's Diploma a week before a HS Diploma, and is now on his way to starting his Ph.D at Carnegie Mellon. Learn more about their journey, inspiration, and how a fellowship brought these besties together.

A sneak peek at what's ahead...