Felix Varela High School

Infobox Secondary school
name = Felix Varela Senior High School

district = Miami-Dade County Public Schools
principal = Connie Navarro
type = Public Secondary
established = August 2000
city = Miami
state = Florida
country = USA
enrollment = 3,435 students
grades = 9–12
campus = Suburban
mascot = Viper
colors = Hunter Green, Black and Silver
free_label_1 = Average Class Size
free_1 = 35
free_label_2 = Founding Principal
free_2= Millie Fornell
picture =

website = [http://www.varelahs.com/ Felix Varela High School]

Felix Varela Senior High School is a secondary school located at 15255 SW 96th St (Viper Way) in Miami, Florida, USA. Varela serves portions of Kendall, an unincorporated area outside of Miami; its principal is Connie Navarro.

Varela was built as an overcrowding relief school for G. Holmes Braddock High School and Miami Sunset High School; construction began in 1998 but due to delays during construction (mainly concerning funding and local area politics) the school's opening was pushed back several times. Varela opened to students fall of 2000.

The school was named for Father Félix Varela (November 20, 1788-February 27, 1853), a Cuban Roman Catholic Priest, human rights advocate, teacher, and an admired figure throughout the Cuban American exile community.

The school opened its doors to approximately 2,000 ninth and tenth graders (classes of 2003 and 2004) on August 28, 2000. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Veterinary Science

The veterinary science program has been promoted to a magnet program, taught by Yleana Escobar. The program deals with domestic animals, opossums, raccoons and foxes. Students are prepared for work as veterinarians, wildlife rehabilitators, or working on a farm.

Felix Varela's Veterinary Science academy works with Friends Forever Rescue, in which the veterinary students learn skills such as vaccinating, micro chipping, medicating, and restraining. The Vet academy has a barn that includes goats, mini-donkeys, mini-horses, chickens, geese, rabbits, and turkey.

Varela's Vet class is part of the national organization of the Future Farmers of America, FFA. The Varela FFA has been placed high in competitions. The greatest accomplishments have been:
* For two years have been placed 5th and 4th in Food Science, 5th and 4th
* Going to states for prepared public speaking for their district twice in a row.
*The only FFA chapter that helps out with ring stewarding for dog show clubs such as Miami Obedience Club.
*In April 2002 2nd place in Florida for a Horticulture Demonstration CDE on Landscaping Management presentation.

Marching Band

With the change in band directors, the Marching Band of Mystery had a good season in 2007-2008. They were placed 1st in class 2A in the Hialeah Showcase of Champions.

Athletics

The varsity sports program began with the 2001-2002 school year alongside its first junior class. Felix Varela High's athletic rivals include G. Holmes Braddock High School, Miami Sunset High School and John A. Ferguson High School. Miami Palmetto High School is also a rival.

Championships

Boy’s Varsity soccer team:
* 2008 National Champions [ [http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/story/497624.html "Varela boys nation's best"] "Miami Herald"]
* 2008 FHSAA Class 6A State Champions by defeating Weston Cypress Bay 1-1 (4-1 PK). ("Back-to-Back State Champions") [ [http://www.miamiherald.com/620/story/422280.html "Varela's extra effort adds up to 2nd title in a row"] "Miami Herald"]
* 2007 FHSAA Class 6A State Champions by defeating Wellington High School 2-1 although they sucked. ("This is the school’s first state championship throughout its six-year history in varsity sports") [ [http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/story/297241.html "Varela coach has the right fit"] "Miami Herald"] Cheerleading: 2008 Grand National Champions

Boy’s Varsity football team:
* 2006 FHSAA District 15-6A District Champions (undefeated) in their district. [ [http://www.miamiherald.com/1209/story/217308.html "District 15-6A Capsules"] "Miami Herald"]

References

ee also

*Miami-Dade County Public Schools
*Education in the United States

External links

* [http://www.varelahs.com/ Felix Varela High School]
* [http://www.dadeschools.net/ Miami-Dade County public schools]
* [http://my.highschooljournalism.org/fl/miami/fvshs/ The Viper Vibe]