It is never too late to find your passion. Just ask former “hummingbird” Jacqueline, or Jack, Perez ’82.

During her time in Upper School, Pine Crest alumna Hanna Colin ’10 was passionate about social advocacy, serving as a member of student government and volunteering across Broward County.

Megan (Howard) Zavertnik ’06 did not intend to become a national security advisor. As a Chinese language major while studying at the University of Florida, Megan planned to live and work in China after graduation. That changed after an internship with the House of Representatives Committee on Armed Services before her senior year.

Jonathan Dobrinsky ’03 works tirelessly on the front line of the fight against COVID-19.

Following his parents’ footsteps into medicine—Dr. Dobrinsky’s father was a cardiologist and his mother is a nurse—he did not initially study to be a doctor.

by Spencer Davimos ’22

In his medical residency at the Largo Medical Center in Tampa, FL, Dr. Andrew Logan ’10 works around the clock to assist COVID-19 patients.

After graduating from Pine Crest School as part of the Class of 2000, and then Davidson College, Kate (Weihe) Dobbie and a group of friends who had grown up skiing decided to move to Sun Valley, Idaho.

Brett Weiss ’15 has always been interested in emergency medicine.

Ohio has always been a second home for alumnus Hayden Grove ’11. After graduating from Pine Crest with a love for journalism, music, and sports, Hayden’s passion for sports brought him to The Ohio State University to complete his undergraduate studies.

Beloved mathematics instructor Richard Palmaccio ’08H taught at Pine Crest for 28 years. Now entering his 52nd year as a teacher, Mr. Palmaccio shows no signs of slowing down.

Dr. Sheldon Kaplan ’66 is a licensed child and adolescent psychologist who has been on the front line for children and teenagers coping with the stress of COVID-19.

In March of 2019, 13 Upper School student journalists traveled to New York City to attend the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Spring Convention. Before the conference, students had the opportunity to meet with Pine Crest alumni who work in media-related careers in the City. The alumni offered tours of their offices, spoke about their career paths, and answered students’ questions about working in media. Everyone enjoyed reminiscing about their Pine Crest experiences and reflecting upon what makes the School so special.

Fritz Brogan ’03 loves to meet and speak with people — this has been key to his success in the hospitality industry and politics.

Ben Schecter ’14 has always enjoyed making a positive impact on others’ lives.

A love of dentistry ignited when Dr. Brandon Alegre ’97 accompanied his sisters to a dental visit while he was a senior at Pine Crest. Seeing the University of Florida Gators logo on the orthodontist's tie launched a conversation and Brandon’s career. He opened his dental practice in 2007 after completing his residency at the Bay Pines Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.

by Connor Norris ’21

In March of 2019, 13 Upper School student journalists traveled to New York City to attend the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Spring Convention. Before the conference, students had the opportunity to meet with Pine Crest alumni who work in media-related careers in the City. The alumni offered tours of their offices, spoke about their career paths, and answered students’ questions about working in media. Everyone enjoyed reminiscing about their Pine Crest experiences and reflecting upon what makes the School so special.

by Daniel Hennelly ’21, Ilana Hutzler ’20, Karene Hermon ’21, and Jade Klacko ’21

“The pandemic brought enormous change for everyone at ChenMed,” said Gordon Chen, M.D. ’97, Chief Medical Officer. “Our social norm has changed drastically.”  

Gordon and his brother, ChenMed Chief Executive Officer Christopher Chen, M.D. ’94, are senior administrators of this physician-led, family-oriented organization committed to bringing superior healthcare to moderate-to-low income senior adults. 

When Calla Cissel ’11  became a nurse manager for Baptist Health Louisville’s 21-bed telemetry unit in November 2019, little did she know that just a few months later, she would be managing the hospital’s COVID-19 floor.

“Pine Crest truly gave me a strong foundation to deal with whatever life throws my way,” according to Dr. Kim Donaldson ’90.