The Navigator staff have written a collection of student features for the month.

Dior Kelis Wallace: The Whole Picture

By: Jay’La Goldwire

Fort Lauderdale High School senior, majorette captain, and future pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dior Kelis Wallace is the epitome of a well-rounded student. 

Dior started high school with the goals of graduating with her Cambridge Diploma and expanding her medical knowledge through interactive programs such as the EMT and EKG classes offered by Mr. Evans. 

“I have always been interested in all things medically affiliated for as long as I can remember and to actively be involved in a hands-on program at such an early age is extremely fulfilling,” she said.

Now a high school senior, Dior is leaving FLHS with what she considers the best version of herself. She has gained a multitude of life lessons, three industry certifications, and her Cambridge Diploma. 

“Honestly I’m both excited and sad to leave; it’s bittersweet,” she shared. “I love all the bonds and experiences that I was able to formulate while at this school, but I’m excited for the next step and to open up the next chapter in my life.”

With the goal of majoring in biochemistry and minoring in African American studies, Dior has set the bar high for her future. 

“After graduating I plan on going to med school and further researching studies related to pediatrics and orthopedic medicine to hopefully enter the medical field and professionally work as a pediatric orthopedic surgeon.” 

Dior has mastered the ability to balance multiple extracurriculars. She holds a leadership role in band, serves as a mentor for Flying L Mentors, and holds membership in National English Honor Society. She has carried out all of this while maintaining a 4.49 weighted GPA. And, throughout it all, she preserved her resilient and amiable character. 

Self-described as ambitious, motivated, and patient, Dior leaves a mark on not only her peers but every person she meets. She partially credits her favorite FLHS teachers Mr. Evans and Chef Orsolini for her hospitable persona. 

“Both Mr. Evans and Chef put forth extreme efforts in order to ensure that I can be the best version of myself possible,” she explained. “Mr. Evans provides me with both the resources and information needed to further develop my career path and continue to further my life outside of high school. Chef Orsolini constantly checks in on me and makes sure that I am the best version of myself mentally and physically and presents me with ample life lessons that may also further me as a person.”  

That admiration is reciprocated. 

“Dior is, in one word, adorable. She is always doing her job. She is always helping me with events,” shared Chef Orsolini. “She communicates with me and if I had a daughter, she would be the one I would like to have. I am going to be really sad when she is not with me. “

 After four years of attending FLHS, Dior recalls her favorite memory.  

“One of my best memories at school involves the band. Every game, event, and rally is always so rewarding considering I know that I made an effort to further this team of dancing girls and that they are either looking good, having fun, or both.”

Mia Hochhauser: Taking on the American Dream

By: Jenna Olson

When Fort Lauderdale High School (FLHS) junior Mia Hochhauser moved from Bolivia to the United States, she thought that living the American dream was going to be easy. Quickly, she learned that it was going to be much different than the image she had painted for herself.  

“The transition was very hard. Before I came here, I had this idea of how it was going to be, watching all these movies and reading books,” she said. “It was like I had this specific idea in my head and then I came here and it was just like someone slapped me in my face.”

Mia moved to the U.S. in August of 2022. In that short time, the language barrier had proven to be her most challenging obstacle. “I didn’t want to talk because I was really embarrassed that someone would be mad at me because I didn’t speak well,” said Mia. 

Despite this struggle of learning a new language, Mia participates in numerous extracurriculars in and out of school. While battling the different academics the school offers, she joined the FLHS tennis team within a few months of her move. 

“[Tennis] started to remind me [of] my afternoons watching tennis games with my grandpa, so I took the chance and joined the team,” Mia stated.

Joining the team has helped Mia create friendships with other students at FLHS. One in particular is senior Ilani Mary.

It wasn’t long before the two instantly connected. “She always supports me when I do something stupid, and she gives me advice when I need it.” Mia continued, “She was one of the people who helped me feel at home.” 

Another person who has significantly influenced Mia’s path is her journalism teacher, Ms. Jackson. 

“When I met Ms. Jackson, she started to help me to become a better writer; she in some way believed in me and made me think I could do it.” 

Mia is working towards her future of becoming a journalist and feels Ms. Jackson has had a great impact on her writing. Mia proceeds, “She is kind of one of my inspirations and I actually admire her.” 

The writing mindset is shared by both student and teacher.  

“Mia is a refreshing student to have in class. She is always positive and works to improve her communication skills, whether it’s her writing or speaking,” said Jackson. “Her dedication to academic success is impressive, as she refuses to settle for just ‘good enough.’  She has already become a true leader and role model for her peers. FLHS is lucky to have her!”  

Mia has come a long way from her first arrival at Fort Lauderdale High School and will continue to strive as a journalism student. 

Valeria Salazar: FLHS P.R.I.D.E.

By: Samantha Allie

The acronym P.R.I.D.E. is a focus for the Fort Lauderdale High School 2023-2024 school year, and sophomore Valeria Salazar is a perfect example of what it means.  

Valeria has been a part of THEE SOUND, the FLHS band, since freshman year. She plays saxophone and takes her band role seriously.  

“She is a role model to her fellow band members,” said the band director Mr. Navarro. “She goes beyond the call of duty as she always exemplifies what a model band member should reflect. She is always on time, prepared and ready to perform.” 

Valeria’s peers echo Navarro’s impression.

“She’s always ready to help her fellow section members with whatever they need,”  said saxophone section leader Cecelia Torrez (12). 

Valeria has had many inspirations to keep her going, but one that has stood out the most was her first band teacher, Mr. Manuel from North Gardens Elementary School.

When she was in third grade, he told her, “Perfect practice makes perfect.” Since then, she has always aimed to improve.  

“I’ve always been disciplined, ever since Mr. Manuel taught me that mindset, and it’s more so a mindset than a skill, really. The advice he gave me then is something I still think about now. I normally play until my bottom lip gives out on weekends, and 30 to 45 minutes on some weekdays,” Valeria said.  “Band rehearsal is just where we put everything together. Everyone in the band is important and is held accountable for knowing their part in the show, that’s where the individual practice comes in.”

Band is not the only place that Valeria shines. 

“Valeria is a person that lights up the room with her knowledge and enthusiasm, and she has such a professional work ethic,” said Criminal Justice teacher Mr. Ortiz, who has had Valeria in class for the past two years. 

FLHS takes P.R.I.D.E seriously and Valeria Salazar is a perfect example of such.

Alessandro Manca: Intercontinental Teen

By: Terran Shields

Families have interesting histories, but Alessandro Manca‘s family can trace their ancestry back farther than most.

“My family’s been Italian since Julian Cesar of the Roman Empire, which makes us the first generation to have moved out of Italy,” he said.

Alessandro (11) was born in Piza, Italy, where he lived for eight years. His family then moved to Perth, Australia, for four years and then to Brisbane, Australia, for three years. He has lived in Fort Lauderdale since January 2023.

Because he has lived on three continents, Alessandro has learned to get used to change and admits there have been many.  

“Probably, I’d say, getting adapted to different places, different school types and systems, and different ways of living,” he shared. “I’m not a big change person. It’s not that bad. It’s interesting. You get to see new places and [meet] new people.”

One change that was the most difficult to get used to was the American school schedule.

“In Italy, you go [to school] on Saturday, but every day we finish at 12. In Australia, you start at 8:45–9, and then you finish at 2:45 for ten weeks, and then you get two weeks off, and this happens four times a year,” he said.

Track and field is important to Alessandro, especially running the 200 and 400 meter events.

“[I] will be running track this year and next year; it gives me a sense of accomplishment. [My] goals with track—trying to run in college, getting better opportunities—would change my life.”

One of his future goals is to get into his dream school.

“I […] want to go to Harvard, and everyone goes crazy when I tell them that I want to go there. That’s the best school, at least that’s what my mother says.”

Alessandro’s life has taken him many places, and there are many more in his future.

Giorgio Domesi: Everything is About Opportunities

By: Alessandro Manca

Born in Managua, Nicaragua to Italian parents is just one aspect that makes Fort Lauderdale High School junior Giorgio Domesi possibly the most interesting person on campus. 

After living in Nicaragua for 14 years, his family moved to the United States, the “land of the free.”

” You know you hear on TV and movies about America being ‘the land of opportunities’ so obviously, we moved here,” he explained.  ” I don’t think there’s any comparison to America, I mean except Italy of course […] but I think it’s easier to live here. There’s so many ways to make money […],” he added.  

Giorgio also hopes to take advantage of the college opportunities the U.S. has to offer.  ” I’ve always wanted to go to college to get an engineering degree but never knew which one to do;  they’re all different opportunities.” 

Although Giorgio and his family moved to Fort Lauderdale, his father and sister decided to go back to Italy to live in Osimo, his father’s hometown.  Giorgio misses his father the most and hopes that he is able to return to the U.S. soon.  

Just like many Europeans and Latin Americans, soccer was Giorgio’s first sport.  He started to play at four years old but has begun transitioning to track and field. 

” I still think that soccer is the best sport, but I’m open to trying field events, maybe shot put and discus because I feel like I’d be pretty good at those.”

What Giorgio misses about Nicaragua is the people.  

”I like to think that people in Nicaragua were more friendly, simply because since I’ve been here, I don’t get many greetings from people.”

It is Giorgio’s personality, experiences, and interests that make him such a valuable student here at Fort Lauderdale High School.

Jordan Perez Kump

By: Madelyn Cannon

Fort Lauderdale High School’s hallways are filled with interesting students. One who is passionate about a variety of things is senior Jordan Perez Kump.  

Jordan is a black belt in TaekwonDo. He started learning karate when he was seven years old.

“I started TaekwonDo after watching a friend,” he said.  “It looked like fun.”  

 Although he has since quit the sport, Jordan was dedicated.  He competed in multiple competitions such as the KICK Tournament from the ages eight to thirteen.  He took his passion to a new level and helped with the studio’s after school program. 

Jordan is also passionate about sociology and attributes his interest to AICE Sociology teacher Ms. Blecker.  He even plans to study sociology in college.   

“I like to learn how our society functions,” he said.  “[Ms. Blecker’s] passion for the subject inspired me to continue learning about it.” 

Ms. Blecker is honored to have influenced Jordan and his career goals. 

“I had the privilege of introducing Jordan to the fascinating world of sociology and I am thrilled to see how his passion for the subject has flourished,” said Ms. Blecker.  “Jordan’s genuine curiosity and engagement with sociological concepts are truly remarkable. I have no doubt that [he] will continue to thrive and make meaningful contributions to the field of sociology.” 

 Jordan and his mom live with their three dogs, Blue, Callie, and Luna, who are loved members of the family.  

“I care about them a lot. We got two of them through my mom’s work,” he shared. “They’re very social, and Luna is an emotional support dog. They’re very caring, very loving.  My dogs like being cuddled and want all the attention.  They can make you feel better.”

FLHS wishes Jordan the best as he navigates toward his next steps in life.  

Benjamin Falk: Intercontinental Star

By: Sebastian Castillo

Originally born in Vaas, Finland, Fort Lauderdale High School freshman Benjamin Falk is keeping his head up in the school halls with a Finish background and a knack for soccer. 

Eight years ago, Ben and his family moved to the United States for his mom’s work. The family returns to Finland each summer to visit family and enjoy time in his birth country. 

 While he likes living in the US more than in Finland, there is one key aspect of Finland that he prefers.   

 “What I miss the most is the soccer experience,” he said.  “In Florida the heat during practice and games is unbearable.”  

The change in climate and environment impacts Ben’s athletic consistency. 

 “When we travel to Finland during summers, Ben doesn’t necessarily play better but he plays with a much more significant comfort and control,” said Ben’s mother.   

Ben’s hopes to play professional soccer as the left-wing position after attending Florida State University.  

“Ever since I was young, Christiano Ronaldo has been my inspiration for my soccer aspirations,” Ben said.