- December 13, 2025
The Matanzas High AICE Diploma recipients. Forty-nine students earned their diplomas based on the June 2025 exam series through Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Photo by Brent Woronoff
The Matanzas JROTC present the colors at the beginning of the ceremony. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Principal Mike Rinaldi presents Mia-Katharina Apfelbach with her AICE Diploma. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Principal Mike Rinaldi presents Nicholas Correa with his AICE Diploma. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Principal Mike Rinaldi presents Jaeda West with her AICE Diploma. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Principal Mike Rinaldi presents Cohen Young with his AICE Diploma. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Principal Mike Rinaldi presents Alexandra Cushman with her AICE Diploma. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Principal Mike Rinaldi presents Kylie Nuon with her AICE Diploma. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Principal Mike Rinaldi presents Jaeda West with her AICE Diploma. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Matanzas Assistant Principal Kara Minn speaks at the AICE Diploma Presentation. Photo by Brent Woronoff
AICE U.S. History and Globabl Perspectives teacher Kyle Neisler speaks at Matanzas High's AICE Diploma Presentation. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Matanzas High School Principal Mike Rinaldi speaks at the AICE Diplomas Presentation. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Forty-nine Matanzas High School seniors earned their Cambridge AICE Diplomas based upon the results of their June 2025 exam series. They were honored on Thursday, Oct. 23, with the school’s first ever AICE Diploma presentation ceremony.
“We wanted to celebrate this momentous occasion sooner rather than have it blend in with all of the other end-of-the-year celebrations,” Matanzas AICE Coordinator Erin Davis said.
Students in the demanding program are required to pass at least seven college level courses within a 25-month period. The courses must include a science, a language, a humanities, a course called Global Perspectives and Research and any three additional courses, Davis said.
Earning the AICE Diploma guarantees students the full Florida Bright Futures Scholarship.
Your diploma is more than just a piece of paper. It's a testament to your hard work, your character and your commitment to excellence.
— MIKE RINALDI, Matanzas principal
“Your diploma is more than just a piece of paper,” Matanzas Principal Mike Rinaldi told the diploma recipients during his remarks at the ceremony. “It's a testament to your hard work, your character and your commitment to excellence. You have embraced challenges, pursued knowledge and curiosity and inspired all of us with your determination. You make Pirate Nation very proud.”
Assistant Principal Kara Minn and AICE teachers Shelley Tincher and Kyle Neisler also spoke during the ceremony. Amara Nagel, the AICE Student Advisory Council vice president, welcomed the students and their families and delivered closing remarks. Davis, AICE guidance counselors Laura Oliva and Yasmin Cuevas and School Board member Lauren Ramirez participated in the diploma presentations.
Yeva Dermenzhy, Stephanie Ibarra Carreon and Ava Muldoon earned their diplomas with distinction. Twenty-six others earned their diplomas with merit.
“It is a monumental achievement that you reach,” Tincher told all of the diploma recipients. “Stopping to bask in the glow of your efforts is so well deserved, but I know you. I know that after tonight, you will not dwell on this accomplishment. You've conquered this obstacle and are already planning for the next. ... (eventually) becoming doctors, nurses, writers, graphic designers and engineers, tycoons of business and teachers.”
Minn praised the students for their hard work, their families for their support and their teachers for their dedication and commitment.
“I want you to all take some time tonight as a family, as an individual and as an educator, and just remember that you're doing amazing, great things. And thank goodness that you took the time over the last three years to get this accomplishment met,” Minn said. “You did it. You succeeded. And for that, we're so proud of you.”
