Entering high school as a freshman puts lot of pressure on kids. You learn that your actions can hurt your reputation. You also discover that the work isn’t easy and the tests are no better. Some ninth graders, however, come to Miami High and find a way to stand out.

Perfect Scores

Freshman Emmanuel Garit earned perfect scores on the Excel Industry Certification exam and on the CIW – Internet Business Associate Certification Exam. Preparation for the exams was neither quick nor easy.

Emmanuel said, “I spent the first nine weeks and most of the second studying for the exams.” Emmanuel used Gmetrix as a practice tool and got extra practice when he had free time.

Before students could take the Excel test, they had to study topics such as Defining a Range and Pivot Tables and Charts. “Some of the most difficult functions in Excel include using the IF…Then… ELSE functions, cross- worksheet formulas and adding worksheets from other workbooks,” said Business Technology teacher Ms. Branch. “Students must be able to analyze and synthesize what they learn in order to come up with the right solution.”

But that was no challenge for Emmanuel, who said the tests were pretty easy. Here’s his test taking advice for his fellow students:  “Relax; if you stress about it, it will come out wrong. Staying calm is the solution.”

Although Emmanuel has not received any large benefits so far from his industry certifications, he does appreciate all of the kudos he has gotten from his peers and teachers.

School

Emmanuel currently has a 4.0 GPA, and his favorite subject is math.  “I’ve always found it easy and interesting,” he said. He is a member of the Miami High’s Web Dev Club, as well.

When it’s time to go to college, he plans to attend University of Miami (UM), Florida International University (FIU), or University of Florida (UF).  He has yet to choose a career path, but he does know that in ten years he will be pursuing his dreams. As for now and the next school year he says, “I just plan to keep up the hard work.”

Personal Life

Emmanuel Garit was born in Miami at Jackson Memorial Hospital on December 5, 2000, as his parents’ first and only child. He attended Kensington Park Elementary and later Citrus Grove Middle School. He chose to become a Stingaree because of Miami High’s rich history.

His enjoys basketball, videogames, and he also enjoys inviting friends to his house to have some fun. His typical weekend plans are to “savor my free time, relax, and maybe get ahead on some homework.”