Milo Gilad

Milo Gilad is an aspiring computer scientist at North Broward Preparatory High School in Coconut Creek, Florida. Heavily involved with his local Robotics Team and Coding Club, he hopes to enter the burgeoning field of cybersecurity. Milo also enjoys tutoring students in computer science as a means of encouraging involvement in STEM classes and careers.

Alexander Grindle-Boettcher

Alexander Grindle-Boettcher is a junior at North Broward Preparatory School, and has lived in South Florida for most of his life. His involvement in local communities and organizations like the Black Lives Matter Alliance, Food Not Bombs, and SunServe Florida gave him the courage he needed to come out as a transgender boy. Alex is currently is the president of the NBPS Gay Straight Alliance, practicing the viola, doing art, and living his most authentic life.

Mohammed Khalifi

Mohammad Khalil is a senior at North Broward Preparatory School. He is a Palestinian American who loves getting involved in current events and world systems. Mohammad is an actor and writer who is very passionate about his craft, and intends to use them as an extension of his voice to try and make the world a better place.

Gianna Milan

Gianna is a seventeen year old aspiring pianist, composer, and journalist from Boca Raton, FL. She believes everyone in this world has a unique artistic voice that deserves to be shared. Through her passions for music and writing, Gianna hopes to inspire others to discover their creative outlets and express themselves in an enlightening and meaningful way. In her TEDx talk, Gianna expands on the idea of living by the pursuit of happiness: if you follow your heart and aspire to your greatest passion, then you will ultimately fulfill your dreams, bringing joy to your life for as long as you live. Gianna is a high school senior at North Broward Preparatory School, where she is the Editor in Chief for the student-run online publication, Brainwash (brainwashnbps.com) and the President of Tri-M Music Honor Society. In college, she plans to study music performance and journalism, with dreams of pursuing a career as a pianist or classical music critic.

Eitan Pessah

Eitan Pessah is a senior at North Broward Preparatory School, born and raised in South Florida. He is an IB diploma candidate and heavily involved in the theatre department. Some of his other hobbies include reading, writing, and soccer. Eitan plans on majoring in both acting and pre-med when he goes to university.

Laura Weinstein

Laura Weinstein is a student journalist, as well as a vegan, LGBTQ+, and feminist activist from Coral Springs, Florida. She is the opinion editor of North Broward’s online newspaper Brainwash, where she publishes everything from movie reviews to controversial articles on questioning the foundation of personal ethics. Laura is an officer for the Gay Straight Alliance of NBPS, and runs social media for the club as well.

Harrison Haber

This is Harrison’s 4th year on academic scholarship at North Broward Preparatory School as a current Senior. He was born and raised locally in Boca Raton, Florida and loves long walks on the beach. Harrison has been a captain of the North Broward hockey team since sophomore year and is also a player for the South Florida Hockey Academy. He is one of the lead event organizers for the St. Baldrick’s Childhood Cancer Shave-a-thon and Treasurer of the Interact Club that has raised over $80,000 towards childhood cancer, while shaving his head in support of the cause. He is also the Vice President of the National Honor Society, founder of the school’s health committee, a student government legislature, and works a part time job at a local Ice Rink. He is a coach for the Florida Panthers Learn To Play program and is active in his local religious community. Harrison has been awarded the Brandies book award, Iron Eagle award and is a 2-time AP Scholar with Honor recipient. He has a 4.7 GPA and is also an IB diploma course candidate. Harrison’s parents are from the greater New York area and his brother is currently attending the University of Florida, while he has two loving dogs at home.

Dido Balla

Dido Balla is an educator, a creator, and a brain trainer. His first company was a non-profit organization called FitLit, whose mission is to use a blended curriculum of fitness and literature to empower youth. His new company, MetaMindset LLC, is on a mission to spread the importance of mental fitness. As a brain trainer, Dido positively impacts hundreds of parents and educators as well as thousands of students in the areas of positive psychology, mindful awareness, social and emotional learning, and neuroscience. His work has expanded throughout the United States and abroad in countries such as Brazil and Jordan. Dido earned his Masters of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University, and he is currently the Student Services and Academic Coordinator at North Broward Preparatory School.

August Berger

August Berger is a Teaching Artist who enjoys an active musical life in South Florida. He maintains a busy schedule as both a performer and educator. August is a member of the Strings faculty at North Broward Preparatory School in Coconut Creek and also serves as Double Bass Coach with the Florida Youth Orchestras. As a musician, he performs with many professional orchestras and ensembles from the Keys to Palm Beach.

Dawn Card

Dawn has a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Upon earning her degree, Dawn joined the Peace Corps so she could apply her skills in Geology and Environmental Science on an international level. During her service in El Salvador she discovered her passion for teaching. She worked with local farmers on implementing more sustainable farming practices as well as in local schools teaching environmental education.

Dawn also holds a Master’s Degree in International Intercultural Education from Florida International University. While earning her degree she worked as an environmental educator in South Florida focusing most of her work on Florida’s diverse ecosystems and the impact humans have on the natural environment.

This is Dawn’s fourth year teaching Life Science at North Broward Preparatory School. She devotes a lot of her time working in the middle school garden with her students and exploring the connection between our health, the health of the environment and the food we eat.

Jeremy Hall

Jeremy earned his Bachelor of Arts in History at Villanova University and his Master of Education in Secondary Social Studies at Southern New Hampshire University. He is originally from the Washington, D.C. area and has taught in Maryland, New Hampshire, and now in South Florida. Jeremy currently teaches IB Theory of Knowledge and IB Global Politics. He also moderates the Philosophy Club, is a grade-level leader for an Advisory program, and, as a Nord Anglia Teaching Fellow, leads Professional Development programs both within and without the school. He loves to read; among his favorite books are Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Joseph Campbell’s The Power of Myth, and John Steinbeck’s East of Eden. He is also a Star Wars fanatic and is known to his students as Darth Hall.

Genevieve Hoppe

Genevieve is a passionate educator and life-long learner who has worked in education as a teacher and administrator for over twelve years. In her current role she is the Middle School Principal for North Broward Preparatory School. Genevieve’s educational credentials include her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a concentration in Business Administration from Furman University and a Masters of Modern Language from the University of Memphis. She further developed her understanding about Visible Thinking strategies by graduating from Harvard Project Zero. Genevieve is a Google Certified Educator and an Apple Teacher. She has experience in curriculum and strategic planning, has worked on various school accreditation teams, rolled out one-to-one laptop and one-to-one iPad programs, worked in diverse school settings, and has been trained in design thinking and experiential learning. Genevieve has a passion for education and working with young people and is a true advocate for students, teachers, and families.

James Standefer

James joined the NBPS Leadership team in 2018. He started as a High School English teacher in the Chicagoland area, and has served as a classroom teacher, a special educator, and an administrator of special needs and student supports in public schools, and private international schools. He is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Republic of the Philippines 2002-04), and his career has taken him to places like Washington, DC; Silver Spring, MD; Stamford, CT; and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

James earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and Literature from Illinois Wesleyan University, a Master’s in Transitional Special Education from The George Washington University, and his principal’s certification from Antioch University, New England. He is also an accomplished high school football and volleyball coach. James believes strongly in the education and development of the whole child as a critical thinker and lifelong learner, and is a progressive proponent of teaching and learning that inspires intrinsic motivation, strengthens executive skills, and engages global literacy in the modern world. James is a strong advocate for all of the students and families in the LPA program. He always has their best interest in mind and strives to serve as a leader and mentor.

James and his wife Noreen have two children who currently attend North Broward Preparatory School. And when not at school, James will likely be found spending time with his family, drawing and painting, or traveling.

Julia Wadsworth

Hi my name is Julia Wadsworth and this will be my third year as an elementary strings teacher and 2nd year as an IB music teacher at North Broward Preparatory School! After graduating from the Hartt School of Music with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, I spent 4 years teaching elementary strings and general music in Phoenix, AZ.

As a violinist, I have had the pleasure of traveling and performing as concertmistress for the Deleware Valley Opera, the New York Summer Music Festival in Oneonta, NY, and the Festival Eleazar de Carvalho in Fortaleza, Brazil. While living in Phoenix I played with the Pro Arte Ensemble, West Valley Symphony, Musica Nova Orchestra, and La Forza Symphony Orchestra.

I have a strong belief in comprehensive musicianship: teaching students of all ages not just how to play music, but also how to understand and create it. This allows music to play many roles. It can challenge the mind, ignite the imagination, and touch one’s soul all at once.