The late Vernon Jarrett, renowned journalist and syndicated columnist, who created and launched the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO), a national initiative of the NAACP, left a great legacy for students of African heritage.

Now in its 35th year, Miami-Dade County’s competition has been conducted; gold medalists and finalists have been selected and the National Competition is underway in Orlando, FL, July 11-14. This year, 11 local students achieved Gold Medalist distinction and represent MDCPS, the Miami-Dade NAACP Branch and its Youth Council.

Miami-Dade NAACP ACT-SO Medalists 2013

SCIENCE

Chemistry/Biochemistry

Netgie Laguerre

Dr. Michael Krop Senior High

Computer Science

Kayla Clark

TERRA Environmental Center

Medicine & Health

Kayla Clark

TERRA Environmental Center

PERFORMING ARTS

Dance

Kierra Gowdy

Miami Coral Reef Senior High

Alondra BalBuena

Robert Morgan Educational Center

Drama

Imani Jennings

Dr. Michael Krop Senior High

Akiya Bailey

Miami Northwestern Senior High

Music Vocal - Classical

Amberlyn Etienne

Miami Coral Reef Senior High

Marcus Blair

New World School of the Arts

Music Vocal - Contemporary

Akiya Bailey

Miami Northwestern Senior High

VISUAL ARTS

Architecture

Joseph Herring

Miami Jackson Senior High School

Unique Watkins

Miami Jackson Senior High School

Shannon Butler

Miami Jackson Senior High School

Drawing

Reinaldo (Rey) Jaffet

Miami Palmetto Senior High School

Painting

Phillip Burrows

Design & Architecture Senior High School

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Business

Clairdine Estimable

Miami Edison Senior High School

Frantz Senat

Miami Edison Senior High School

Chevon Williams

Booker T. Washington Senior High School