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The Alvarez family, the family behind the success of Miami-based Sunshine Gasoline Distributors, has announced that they will make a transformational gift to Christopher Columbus High School for the full renovation of the school’s main entrance and A Building, both of which were built when the school first opened in 1958. Maximo Alvarez, the founder and president of Sunshine Gasoline Distributors, was excited to make the announcement along with his wife Esther, sons Maximo R. ‘98, Eduardo ‘04 and daughter Sandy Reus who help lead the 36-year-old company along with their father.
Maximo Alvarez has deep ties to Columbus and to the Marist Brothers. He and his brother Lucas attended the Maristas School in Havana, Cuba during the 1950s. Maximo’s two sons, nephew and son-in-law all graduated from Columbus during the last three decades. In addition, his oldest grandson is currently attending Columbus with his other five waiting in the wings to become future Explorers.
“Our family knows first-hand about the quality Catholic and Marist education that Columbus offers and we want to invest and give back to this school that has helped so many young men in our community be successful in life,” said Maximo Alvarez. “It is our honor to support the school and help enrich the educational experience for Columbus students.”
The Alvarez family gift is one of the school’s largest single donations ever received and will help fund a pivotal campus improvement project. The “Entrance and A Building Renovation” will not only give a makeover to the entryway but it will allow for improved security, updated classrooms, accessibility, and consolidate the school’s administrative offices into one location, creating an overall better flow on campus.
The school’s president, Thomas Kruczek, expressed his deepest gratitude to the Alvarez family for their incredible commitment and generosity.
“This is a very important project for us—it’s the renovation of the first building that you see upon entering our school,” said President Kruczek. “Maximo Alvarez and his family are beacons of hope and inspiration for our school community. We are excited to move forward on the project together.”
Nicholas Ramos ‘04, Vice President of Advancement, was also grateful.
“Columbus High School has always thrived through the unwavering support of its community,” said Ramos. “With profound gratitude, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Alvarez family for their extraordinary commitment. This gift not only empowers the future of our institution but also resonates as a testament to the lasting impact that dedication and vision can create. Together, we’re shaping legacies, enriching education, and lighting the way for generations to come.”
The school plans to break ground on the “Entrance and A Building Renovation Project” in June 2024.
About Maximo Alvarez Sr. and Sunshine Gasoline Distributors:
Born in Havana, Cuba, Alvarez came to the United States at age 13 as part of Operation Pedro Pan. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Florida State University and soon after graduation began his career in the oil industry with Cities Services Oil Company (CITGO Petroleum) and Mobil Oil Corp. In 1976, Maximo left corporate life and started his first business venture as an independent entrepreneur opening Sunshine Citrus Corp. Sunshine Citrus enjoyed a successful 11 year run as a citrus gift packing and shipping enterprise. In 1987, when the expansion of I-595 caused Maximo to re-locate his business, he purchased four gas stations. These four gas stations were the cornerstone of Sunshine Gasoline Distributors, Inc. Currently, Sunshine is one of the largest gasoline distributors in Florida, supplying over 500 gas stations. Maximo is a trustee of Pedro Pan Group, a non-profit organization for immigrant children. He is a member of the Belmont Abbey Wall of Fame and a trustee of Florida State University. He also serves as a trustee for The First Tee, a junior program that sets out to positively impact the lives of young people through the game of golf.
About Christopher Columbus High School:
Brotherhood, Faith, and Scholarship define the Marist Brothers Catholic education at Christopher Columbus High School. By making Jesus Christ known and loved and creating an inspiring academic and extracurricular environment, we prepare young men for higher learning and a life-long commitment to leadership and service through Gospel and Marist values. Founded in 1958, the school is dedicated to providing a rigorous and tailored academic curriculum, fostering leadership qualities, and encouraging personal growth in its students. The school is fully accredited by Cognia and is a member of the Marist Association of Secondary Schools, the National Catholic Educational Association and the Independent Schools of South Florida. To learn more about Christopher Columbus High School visit http://www.columbushs.com
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