Abstract? Sometimes. Disruptive? Possibly. Innovative? Always. The entrepreneurial mindset at Pine Crest School takes on many forms and is woven throughout the Lower, Middle and Upper School curricula. Five years ago, Mrs. Keri Kolettis, Vice President of Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship, developed the three-year social entrepreneurship program offered in Upper School. Mrs. Kolettis works closely with Divisional leadership to incorporate entrepreneurial learning opportunities in all grade levels. 

By Veronika Hesse ’27

This summer, Frank Sobchak ’88 added a stunning accomplishment to his resume. “We just won the Finisterre division of the Newport Bermuda Race (sailing),” he said. One of the top three most prestigious amateur offshore sailing races, Frank and his crew completed the race in three and a half days.  

As is the case with Pine Crest students, senior Talia Sverdlik ’25 made good use of her time over the summer. 

Over the summer, Pine Crest School faculty had the opportunity to participate in specialized professional development workshops in virtual reality (VR). 

Mr. Antoine Khouri, Orchestra Director on the Fort Lauderdale campus, has loved music since he was a child. His parents and grandparents encouraged him to sing in his church’s choir and begin learning the piano at five years old, with his mother as his teacher. 

Contributions by: Sara Pearl Adler ’24

Over the last five years, Pine Crest Upper School students with an interest in entrepreneurship have had the opportunity to apply for the three-year social entrepreneurship program.

Patty Gómez is the Chair of the World Languages Department and has been teaching at Pine Crest for 10 years. A former materials science engineer, Patty says that teaching is what she was meant to do. 

Brandon Goldberg ’24 joined Pine Crest School as a seventh grade student, already an accomplished jazz pianist. 

Coming to Pine Crest School in eighth grade, Noa Levin ’24 was a new student in a new country. Originally from London, England, Noa and her family relocated to South Florida to be near family who had already made the transatlantic move, and for the beaches and weather.

Kenny Chan ’24 joined Pine Crest Upper School as a freshman. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Kenny said coming to Pine Crest for the first time was like being on a college campus.

By: Asha Gandreti ’25

Fostering connections is what Middle School English Teacher Mrs. Debbie Gibson enjoys most about working students. 

By: Madison Rechter ’26

Jaime Legagneur ’97 has been proactive in the pursuit of her educational and career goals since graduating from Pine Crest. Wanting to experience something new while staying warm, Jaime attended Tulane University in New Orleans for her undergraduate degree.

Pine Crest Upper School student Priya Ghanta ’24 has devoted the last four years to scientific research and music.

Aron Weingard ’03 recalls that some of his fondest childhood memories were attending a sleep-away camp in Maine. He was unaware of it at the time, but his connection to this camp would prove to be a profound influence on his life and the lives of thousands of grieving children.  

Graduating from the University of Florida with a bachelor of science degree in Finance and then a master of science in Entrepreneurship, Aron’s career path led him initially to management and eventually to the wealth management industry. What is unique—and not an obvious step based on his background—is the fact that he has become a nationally recognized leader in the space of childhood grief.

At Pine Crest Middle School, eighth grade students are offered a unique course option centered around emergent leadership. This course aims to nurture emergent leadership abilities, with a particular focus on developing skills essential to becoming entrepreneurs and leaders. Students will learn valuable skills such as collaboration, the art of public speaking, resiliency, and adaptability which are critical for their development as future leaders.