Our Farewell to Carvalho
by Sofia Maya, Junior, iPreparatory Academy; Pia Rugel, Senior, iPreparatory Academy; and our Advisor, Ms. Melissa Keller
by Sofia Maya, Junior, iPreparatory Academy; Pia Rugel, Senior, iPreparatory Academy; and our Advisor, Ms. Melissa Keller
Any internet search would reveal the myriad of personal awards and district accolades for the tenure of Alberto M. Carvalho, Superintendent of Miami Dade County Public Schools from 2008 to February 2022 and Principal of iPreparatory Academy. However, anyone who knows Mr. Carvalho knows that the awards are only the surface of a dynamic man who has touched the lives of everyone in his community. From students to staff to teachers and to administrators, each has a different story. What stands out most about Mr. Carvalho to the students and teachers isn’t that he is Superintendent/Principal, but rather his everlasting presence and personality.
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iPrep as Carvalho’s Vision
Mr. Carvalho has always maintained a close relationship with his teachers and staff. Ms. Molly Villucci, current Test Chairperson and Internship Coordinator, remembers her first meeting with Carvalho, which was when, before the opening of school, he joined the staff as they painted the (old) front mural. This memory is a testament to Mr. Carvalho “rolling up his sleeves” and interacting with the staff. More recently, at the start of the pandemic, long-time iPrep teacher Bradley Sultz recalls his own run-in with Carvalho while playing volleyball in Miami Shores with his wife, Ms. Hauser, a teacher at iPrep at the time, and his two kids, both iPrep students. Carvalho appeared “out of nowhere” on his bicycle and swiftly “joined in” on the game. During a very tense and stressful time, Carvalho was able to relax with just one of the many “iPrep” families.
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Mr. Carvalho greeting a classroom
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 Mr. Carvalho, Ms. Gonzalez, and Ms. Diaz
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His Presence
Ms. Aillette A. Rodriguez-Diaz, succeeding Principal of iPreparatory Academy, relays that Mr. Carvalho’s frequent visits to iPrep (and other schools) keep him connected to everyday realities and our most important asset- the children. In fact, Mrs. Rosario, iPrep kindergarten/first grade teacher, explains that the children always run over to him and “hug him.”
When chatting with high school students who have been at iPrep since pre-k/kindergarten, they certainly remember Carvalho’s frequent visits to their classrooms. For example, one of Max Sultz’s, iPrep sophomore’s, fondest memories with Mr. Carvalho is when he was in elementary school, Carvalho would join him in the cafeteria, talking about his interests “planes and tanks and cars… and he'd just sit there and listen." And, something both amusing and endearing are the students’ memory of Mr. Carvalho, as both senior, Deliliah Sabatella, and junior, Khailah White, remember that he would wear black suits. Delilah quips, "We would always tell him he needs to dress in more colorful clothing,” and Khailah mentioned how she once confronted Mr. Carvalho about his black suit, telling him "You wear the same suit every day." |
Sources say Mr. Carvalho was a frequent presence at iPrep, often strolling through the hallways to uplift his day. Retired science teacher from iPrep, David Palladino, remembers that during his visits “he would challenge students to Ping-Pong games… building camaraderie with them” (and still does to this day). Other days, as the students were in classes learning, Carvalho would “just show up” and stand quietly in the back, “like a Ninja” observing. And one of the most recent activities at iPrep, the Music Club’s 2021 Holiday performance for the high school, Carvalho popped in with a speech, and, as singer freshman Dafne Porri, defines, Carvalho made a song request for Bohemian Rhapsody, and, quite organically, he began performing with the students.
Mr. Carvalho playing ping pong with iPrep students
“Lead with a Heart”
One of Carvalho’s special abilities is to make a lasting impact on the people he meets. One of the many people he inspired is our “new” principal, Ms. Aillette A. Rodriguez-Diaz. Ms. Diaz describes how Carvalho is an “exemplary leader” who is able to inspire others, and, most importantly, “lead with a heart,” focusing his passions for education and students by surrounding himself with people that share the same vision. He is able to connect with others easily and display his fondness for those under his care. As well, Ms. Diaz emphasizes the fact that Carvalho has been a great inspiration as she steps into his role as Principal of iPrep Academy. She hopes to “continue his legacy” and to keep iPrep at the highest “level of prestige.”
Similarly, Ms. Molly Diallo, Social Studies teacher at Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High and Francisco B. Walker Teacher of the Year 2019, spotlights the influence that Carvalho has made on her life. She expressed how Carvalho motivated her to “lead with a heart,” moving her to become a “public servant” and current Council Member of Bay Harbor Islands, helping improve her community as Carvalho does.
Similarly, Ms. Molly Diallo, Social Studies teacher at Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High and Francisco B. Walker Teacher of the Year 2019, spotlights the influence that Carvalho has made on her life. She expressed how Carvalho motivated her to “lead with a heart,” moving her to become a “public servant” and current Council Member of Bay Harbor Islands, helping improve her community as Carvalho does.
The “Ally”
Carvalho’s engagement and heart are what led him to focus on a high risk population of students. Lisa La Monica, a Wellness/TRUST Counselor who has been working to support the LGBTQ++ community since 1993, had much to say about all the crucial work Mr. Carvalho has done for LGBTQ++ youth in Miami-Dade County. Ms. La Monica spoke of how he, as a true ally, has met with the Miami Coalition for Queer Youth (a group of community organizations based in Miami that have come together to support and uplift LGBTQ++ youth) multiple times a year, a “type of collaboration… not offered by any Superintendent before him.” Ms. La Monica expressed just how dedicated Mr. Carvalho has been to this community, never faltering as he continues to serve all students despite any opposition he has faced, labeling him a “guardian of and hero for all youth.”
As we bid a bittersweet goodbye to our Principal and Superintendent, we can’t help remembering all the times he “was more.” He is our “black suit,” “ping-pong champion,” “Ally,” and “Ninja.” He cares for his community with a genuine compassion rare in the world of politics. But, most importantly, he is a man who leads “with his heart.” Tchau, Mr. Carvalho. You will be missed.
As we bid a bittersweet goodbye to our Principal and Superintendent, we can’t help remembering all the times he “was more.” He is our “black suit,” “ping-pong champion,” “Ally,” and “Ninja.” He cares for his community with a genuine compassion rare in the world of politics. But, most importantly, he is a man who leads “with his heart.” Tchau, Mr. Carvalho. You will be missed.
