Dr. Annette Weissman, Principal of Sunny Isles Beach K-8, is proud to announce that Belen Mella, an eighth grade student at SIB, has earned national recognition through The Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards of 2011. Initially, there were 185,000 works of art and writing submitted nationally and 10,000 of those applicants were awarded Regional Gold Keys, qualifying their work for national review. Then, the final judging by professionals in the artistic and literary fields identified only 1,500 national winners. Belen’s composition was chosen as exemplary and worthy of this top award. To honor Belen’s accomplishments and talents in creative writing, she has been invited to an award reception and national celebration in New York City at the world renowned Carnegie Hall where she will be receiving a prestigious gold medal.
Belen’s work was submitted by her supportive and mentoring language arts teacher, Johanna Morales, who praised Belen as an overall outstanding student. During her 3 years as a student at SIB, Belen has been on the honor roll every quarter, has received several awards for her writing ability, and has been a member of several clubs. She is a source of pride to her school and her community.
