“It is what it is.”
A Formal Farewell to My Senior Year
The 2020-2021 school year, for a long time, was an idea. A memory formed even before its occurence, a 4th period daydream to process the difficulties and hardships of my junior year. My senior year of high school represented the finality of small, yet satisfactory impact that I was able to have before parting ways completely. Within an immensely reasonable delay, I still find myself battling my own internal selfishness in grieving the loss of my own high expectations. The thought of years worth of dedication to a system that you’ve put so much of your life into not amounting to the things you’ve hoped is disheartening to almost anyone. Though, there are not decisions without intention or purpose, and I am in full understanding of what has to be done in keeping others along with myself safe during this global emergency. This article will be reflecting on not returning to school in the fall from both a logical and an emotional standpoint, as well as what this means for students of any age.
Realistically, it isn’t incredibly difficult to see as to why students return to school will not be in any haste. As COVID-19 numbers in others countries are continuously dropping or disappearing completely, the United States, Florida specifically, has been rising more than ever. With clear disregard to safety precautions being suggested and even enforced by the law, Florida is still seeing an increase of hundreds of cases per day, and an overall total of over 300,000 throughout the state. As executive order 20-70 slowly begins to fade with the reopening of businesses, it is seen that there was not enough time given for America to recover and now it is affecting things of higher value than simply going bowling with friends or eating inside of a restaurant. These irresponsible decisions made by our officials, while providing temporary comfort, is ensuring that gatherings on a larger scale, such as returning to school, are less likely to occur.
Though, the health precautions that are necessary in the containing and decreasing of COVID-19 are being almost entirely disregarded in Palm Beach County’s decisions regarding their future attempts to send students back to school. As of now, sending students of any age back to school in our county shouldn’t be up for consideration due to our mass increase of cases and our current inability to see an end to the virus. Even with this, officials are still meeting over Zoom to announce their intention to send kids back that are as young as 5, first. Involving K-2 in the first group to go back to school is almost nonconsensually experimental, as kids that age cannot comprehend the seriousness of this pandemic in making the decision to return for themselves. High school age students, while still minors, are much more able to understand what is going on along with the precautions necessary to properly socially distance and keep masks on during the school day. With freshmen being the only high school grade on list of (first) returning students currently, there is less time for upperclassmen to enjoy what aspects of senior year that could possibly remain.
To students, to seniors, and to myself, it is okay to feel defeated by the lack of improvement that is clearly seen. As much as I want to be respectful of the safety of others and have been thus far, that does not mask the fact that nothing will make up for the irreplaceable time that I, and many others are going to lose. The most I can hope for is some form of normalcy throughout the 2020-2021 school year, even if that means waiting until after December to return. I hope that people will see what this virus will cost people, and has costed people since it spread to America in January. I acknowledge that the class of 2021 are not the first to have missed out on a large portion of our senior year, but I hope that we are the last. As plans for an eventual return are in constant change, I will continue to readjust this idealistic future that I had grown so attached to without fully realizing it.
A Palm Beach County Bank Processing PPP Loans When The Big Banks Didn’t
A Palm Beach County Bank Processing PPP Loans When The Big Banks Didn’t
WEST PALM BEACH, FL — July 27, 2020 Flagler Bank has been able to streamline the complicated PPP loan application process for many small businesses here in the region. Jack Stearns, of Stearns Construction, said, “I was getting no answer back from my bank on the PPP loan application. Then Allen (Bornstein of WorkGroup Payroll, Inc.) connected me to Flagler Bank and they took care of me and got it done- fast. It just took a few days.”
Fernando Mondragon, President of Mondragon Pest Control, said, “I applied for the PPP program but my bank didn’t seem motivated. Maybe I was too small to get their full attention but, when I went to Flagler Bank, they made it easy.”
Through Friday, Flagler had successfully processed close to 650 PPP loan applications and, though they have clients with loans of over $2 million, 500 of the PPP loans were for under $150,000.
Allen Bornstein, President of WorkGroup Payroll, Inc. said, “Our clients were so frustrated at the big banks. They couldn’t get answers and they couldn’t talk to a human being. Flagler’s people gave us their cell phone numbers! They were amazing- a lifeline. Our clients thanked us up and down!”
When asked why he thought Flagler was able to get PPP loans turned around in as fast as only 1 or 2 days, Ed Sterling, President and CEO of Flagler Bank, said, “The big banks relied on a computer queue system. We relied on our people. We were running around like a beehive here and handling everything through the drive through window and online. We came in early and stayed late and we said to each other, “Let’s get this done!”
Dave Lumbert, VP, Flagler Bank, said, “Allen’s company (WorkGroup Payroll, Inc,.) made it easier because his people knew what papers to give us.”
Bornstein said, “Based upon SBA guidelines, there are different ways to look at this and we looked at it each way to see how to get the most for our clients.”
Rob Greene, President of Martin Fence Co., has been with Flagler Bank for about 10 years. He said, “Years ago a friend asked me, ‘If you’re not a multi-billion dollar corporation, why are you banking with a multi-billion dollar bank?’ I interviewed several banks but, what overshadowed everything, was Flagler’s willingness to bend over backwards. They make banking a pleasure.” On the PPP loan process, Greene said of Flagler, “They made it easy. They contacted me. It was just a matter of a couple days.”
Stanley Shuba, Co-owner of Beeline Distributors, said they have been with Flagler since the beginning- 25 years ago. Shuba said, “They know who we are. We show up and ask them to do something and they get it done.” He said the bank worked with Beeline many times over the years, most notably in helping them secure their commercial truck loans. “The PPP loan process was pretty painless. We gave them the info and they did all the inputting. It was probably the easiest loan we ever did.”
Sterling said, “This is important for our community- it is keeping people employed. That’s the purpose of this program, as administered by the SBA. We are glad our bank has been able to help.”
This teamwork between Flagler Bank and WorkGroup Payroll, Inc. has been able to help hundreds of small businesses in Palm Beach County, resulting in better employment numbers, a boost to the local economy and more businesses being able to survive the impact of the COVID pandemic that has already closed so many businesses in the region.
About Flagler Bank
The goal of Flagler Bank is to be the most respected community bank in South Florida by providing quality service for the financial needs of its customers. We aim to provide prompt, courteous service to current and future customers with an emphasis on prompt, courteous personal service. We provide for the needs of the individual and the small business alike through a variety of lending opportunities and deposit services with the most up to date technologies available for maximum convenience. Flagler Bank doesn’t regard its customers as just numbers but as neighbors and individuals with their own personal needs.
About WorkGroup Payroll, Inc.
WorkGroup Payroll was formed with one goal in mind: to be the cost effective premier provider of payroll, payroll tax services and other related services for small to medium sized businesses. We strive to be on a first name basis and treat you as our most valued client. We work to exceed expectations and meet changing needs. We use technology to enhance our customer experience, not replace human interaction.
Especially now, we are committed to providing payroll and related services that are cost effective. We believe every client relationship is priceless- and we do all this at a price significantly less than the large national payroll companies.
Susan G. Komen Florida Recruiting for Virtual BigWigs Campaign
Susan G. Komen Florida Recruiting BigWigs Campaign
Florida – It’s all about having fun and raising funds and Susan G. Komen Florida’s BigWigs campaign does both while helping in the fight against breast cancer. The organization is proud to once again host their BigWigs fundraising campaign and invites area business and community leaders to join in raising awareness, and funds during a friendly competition that runs from September 21stthrough October 31st.
Throughout the competition, BigWigs will work to encourage friends and colleagues to support their efforts of raising funds for life-saving breast cancer diagnostics, navigation, education, screening, and treatment services provided throughout Florida. It won’t be unusual to see these participants popping up around social media (and hopefully around town soon enough) donning their pink wigs and sharing informational tips about breast health, personal stories of their ties to breast cancer, and asking for donations to help support Komen’s efforts to create a world without breast cancer.
Each participant is challenged to raise a minimum of $1,000 to support breast health programs and services in Florida, and along the way they will be treated to prizes, incentives, and opportunities to boast of being named a top fundraiser, top team, BigWig with the most donors, or most creative campaign.
While BigWigs are having tons of fun, the reason they are fundraising is that breast cancer continues to affect 1 in 8 women at some point in their lifetime, and a countless number of men. This year many of these people will also have lost their jobs and their health benefits. Every two minutes, one case of breast cancer is diagnosed in the United States. This year alone 268,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are anticipated to be diagnosed in women and 2,600 cases in men. With events such as these, Komen Florida is able to make an incredible impact on increasing the current number of 3.8 million breast cancer survivors living today.
For more information on the 2020 BigWigs campaign, please visit at komenflorida.org/bigwigs, or contact Kelly Lindsey at (561) 514-3020 or[email protected] with questions.
About Susan G. Komen® and Komen Florida:
Komen Florida is helping fuel research, advocate for patients and support people facing breast cancer locally through a variety of direct patient-centered services and by collaborating with area providers to remove barriers and connect people to needed care across the state of Florida. For more information, call (561) 514-3020 or visit www.komenflorida.org.
About Susan G. Komen®
Susan G. Komen® is the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Born out of a promise between two sisters, Susan G. Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow’s cures.
Johan’s Joe co-owner, Laura Olsson, joins Food Network Stars in kids’ virtual summer camp
Local Coffee House Owner to Teach Cooking Class Benefiting Casey Cares Foundation
Johan’s Joe co-owner, Laura Olsson, joins Food Network Stars in kids’ virtual summer camp
Nationwide (virtual) – Casey Cares Foundation has invited Laura Olsson, co-owner of Johan’s Jöe Swedish Coffee House & Café to be a featured chef during their Casey Cares Cooking & Baking Summer Camp. The virtual camp will bring chefs and bakers from across the country virtually to kids for seven weeks of special cooking lessons from July 17 to August 28, 2020. Olsson will teach the July 31st class.
Casey Baynes, who founded Casey Cares Foundation in 2000, says her organization serves more than 1,200 families a year through ongoing and uplifting programming to critically ill children. and their families. “Laura will join other top chefs like winner of the Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship, the host of Farmhouse Rules, Nancy Fuller, and judge for both the Best and Worst Bakers in America and the Holiday and Spring Baking Championships, Jason Smith.”
Olsson’s journey into the culinary world followed a career singing in Washington, D.C. theatres and performing on Disney Cruise Lines. Her two children, Bella (6) and Henrik (3) inspired her to continue Swedish traditions across South Florida through the coffee house and café. When not operating Johan’s Jöe, she loves entertaining at home with food and wine, singing for her church, traveling with her family, cooking with her kids and making her customers the perfect cup of coffee. She is passionate about nonprofit organizations that support children in foster care.
The Casey Cares Foundation Cooking Class featuring Laura Olsson is $29. Registration can be found at https://www.caseycares.org/events/casey-cares-cooking-baking-summer-camp. For additional information, please visit caseycares.org.
About Johan’s Jöe Swedish Coffee House & Café
Two Swedish entrepreneurs opened Johan’s Jӧe in Downtown West Palm Beach in September 2015 with the goal to provide an authentic Swedish experience. Partners and current owners Laura Olsson and Matti Klintberg have carried on the Scandinavian experience since 2017. Serving organic, fair trade, Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee and tea from the award-winning Löfbergs Lila Swedish coffee roasters, Johan’s Jӧe promises customers the perfect cup along with food and pastries derived from favorite family recipes served with love. Featuring elegant and luxurious décor, spacious seating makes for an ideal working lunch or an afternoon “Fika” (coffee break). All this delicious attention to details has contributed to Johan’s Joe receiving the Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor four years and being named West Palm Beach’s number one coffee spot. Their Palm Beach Gardens location opened in 2019:johansjoe.com. Contact Laura Olsson directly at (240) 876-9602 or [email protected].
About Casey Cares Foundation
Casey Cares knows how difficult life can be for families with critically ill children. We focus on the entire family, not simply the sick child. We help keep families’ spirits high by arranging bi-monthly programming – whether it’s a movie night and a fresh pair of pajamas or the chance to attend a major sporting event. Founded 20 years ago, Casey Cares makes life a lot better for families in eight states including Florida and D.C. Rather than once-a-lifetime or once-a-year, we believe the best palliative care comes from continuous, ongoing support. Learn more at caseycares.org. Casey Cares Headquarters is located at 3918 Vero Rd, Suite C, Baltimore, MD 21227. Casey Cares Foundation in Florida can be reached at 1440 Coral Ridge Drive #263, Coral Springs, FL 33071, by calling 954-821-0191. Register for the kids’ cooking camp at caseycares.org/events/casey-cares-cooking-baking-summer-camp.
CARBONELL AWARDS Virtual Ceremony Viewable on YouTube – Coming Next Monday, August 3
Coming Next Monday
The Carbonell Awards Virtual Ceremony
Viewable on YouTube August 3 at 7:30 pm
Awards Will Be Presented in 20 Competitive Categories,
Plus Four Special Awards and Three Student Scholarships
(South Florida – July 27, 2020) Donald R. Walters, Esq., board president of the Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s Theatre & Arts Honors, today announced that the 44th awards ceremony—the first virtual one in its history—will be streamed at 7:30 pm on Monday, August 3, through the YouTube Channel of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts(www.youtube.com/channel/UCwYGa-RlNvCuRe34c0TxntA). The original live ceremony was postponed due to COVID-19.
Carbonell Awards will be presented in 20 competitive categories, featuring 100 different nominations. Palm Beach Dramaworks earned 29 nominations overall, the most of any theater in the tri-county region. Zoetic Stage received 20 nominations, the most for any theater in Miami-Dade County, and Slow Burn Theatre Company in Fort Lauderdale earned 12 nominations, the most of any theater in Broward County. Out of more than 80 shows that opened in 2019 at regional theaters, 62 were eligible for nominations.
At the upcoming virtual event, four Special Awards will also be presented:
+ The George Abbott Award to Kelley Shanley, President & CEO of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
+ The Bill Von Maurer Award to Palm Beach Dramaworks.
+ The Bill Hindman Award to Barbara Bradshaw, the recipient of four Carbonell Awards.
+ The Ruth Foreman Award to Broadway Factor for The Amparo Experience, the critically acclaimed immersive theater production in Miami.
Another highlight will be the awarding of the 2020 Jack Zink Memorial Student Scholarships to Skye Alyssa Friedman(Palm Beach County, $3,000), Amaris Rios (Miami-Dade County, $2,000), and Jeremy Fuentes (Broward County, $1,000).
The virtual ceremony is being produced byFantel Music, including Carbonell Award winner Caryl Fantel, who has been part of the award show’s production team for 12 years and is a two-time Silver Palm Award-winning music director, pianist and vocal coach; and her daughter Alyssa Fantel, an actress, acting coach and award-winning playwright.
Carbonell Awards Virtual Red Carpet
Because the live ceremony in April was postponed less than a month before it was to happen, many of the nominees and attendees had already purchased gowns and outfits to wear. Accordingly, Carbonell Managing Director Mary Damiano has invited attendees to submit a photo of themselves wearing their party attire, which she will post on the organization’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CarbonellAwardsInc/). A virtual red carpet to go with the virtual awards ceremony.
About The Carbonell Awards
Along with New York’s Drama Desk and Chicago’s Joseph Jefferson Awards, the Carbonell Awards are among the nation’s senior regional arts awards and predate others including Washington, D.C.’s Helen Hayes Awards. The Carbonell Awards fosters the artistic growth of professional theater in South Florida by celebrating the diversity of our theater artists, providing educational scholarships, and building audience appreciation and civic pride by highlighting achievements of our theater community. Named after Manuel Carbonell, an internationally-renowned sculptor, who designed the original solid bronze and marble award in 1976, each season volunteer panelists and judges choose nominees and recipients from hundreds of shows produced on stages throughout the tri-county area. For more information, visitwww.carbonellawards.org.
NATIONAL FEED A RESCUE PET WEEK CELEBRATES “ALICE THE PUPPY” & AIMS TO PROVIDE 2.4 MILLION MEALS & 150,000 LBS OF CRITICAL SUPPLIES
Rescue Bank Helps Thousands of Shelter Pets Across the U.S. Affected by COVID-19
Seattle, Wash., July 27, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In honor of National Feed a Rescue Pet Week, Rescue Bank, a signature program of the national non-profit GreaterGood.org, and The Animal Rescue Site celebrate the resilience of a shelter pup named Alice. The goal of this charitable week (July 27- August 1) is to provide 2.4 million meals and 150,000 lbs. of critical supplies (bowls, leashes, crates, etc.) to continue to support pet welfare organizations and communities across the U.S. that have been impacted by the pandemic. To date, GreaterGood.org has donated over $15 million in COVID-19 disaster relief to help people and pets affected, and National Feed a Rescue Pet Week will significantly expand those efforts.
“Since we provided pet meals and supplies to the Houston Humane Society during the pandemic, they were able to allocate funds to provide Alice with the critical medical care that she needed,” said Elizabeth Asher, founder and director for Rescue Bank. “Houston Humane Society will also share and distribute these donated goods to other community animal rescues to help more pets in crisis like Alice.”
Alice, an “enthusiastic wiggling” 11-month-old terrier was brought to the Houston Humane Society in late June. Her right tibia was broken, so they performed surgery to stabilize it. It had been injured for a while, so the animal shelter is not sure if the leg can be saved or if they will need to amputate it, but for now Alice is resting as comfortably as possible until they are able to determine next steps.
A special truck with an estimated 28 pallets of pet food and supplies will be delivered to the Houston Humane Society for Alice and her friends during National Feed a Rescue Pet Week. This delivery marks a milestone – the 4,000thtruck that Rescue Bank has distributed since 2011.
During National Feed a Rescue Pet Week, the pet-loving community can support more homeless pets affected by COVID-19 and visit FeedaRescuePet.org. A $5 donation will pay to deliver 80 meals and 5lbs. of critical supplies to animal welfare organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to providing a direct donation, animal-lovers can contribute to the cause by shopping on the site or with a free daily click at The Animal Rescue Site.
About Rescue Bank
Rescue Bank a Signature Program of GreaterGood.org, is the world’s largest charitable pet food distribution program. Rescue Bank operates on the national food bank model to serve community-based animal welfare groups that typically lack access to resources. Rescue Bank also provides substantial support to shelters and families during natural and man-made disasters. More at rescuebank.org.
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About GreaterGood.org
GreaterGood.org is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that works to improve the health and well-being of people, pets, and the planet. Over the last 12 years, GreaterGood.orghas given over $250 million in cash and in-kind grants to over 3,000 charitable partners worldwide. To learn more, visit GreaterGood.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
About TheAnimalRescueSite.com
TheAnimalRescueSite.com has provided food and vital supplies for animals in shelters and rescues since 2002. Visitors generate funding by clicking the “Click to Give” button up to four times a day or shopping at the ARS store, store.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com. Currently one half of the funding goes to COVID-19 response.
Wellington Back to School Drive thru Event 2020
Wellington to Host
“Back to School Drive-Thru Event”
Wellington wants to ensure local students are prepared for a great start to the 2020/2021 school year. The Village will host a “Back-to-School Drive-Thru” event on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at Village Park from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Registration is required. Students must be Wellington residents or attend a Wellington school in order to receive supplies. Registrations must be submitted through Eventbrite.com, at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wellingtons-back-to-school-drive-thru-event-registration-113666339080. Please register early, as supplies are limited.
WHAT
Wellington Back to School Drive-Thru Event
WHEN
August 15th
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
WHERE
Village Park located at 11700 Pierson Rd
(Enter through 120th Ave. South)
Students registered for the event will receive a backpack and back-to-school supplies made possible through partnerships with our premier sponsor, the Christopher Aguirre Memorial Foundation, and our supporting community sponsors:
- Wellington Community Foundation
- Wellington Rotary Club
- Humana
- Chick-Fil-A
- Baptist Health South Florida
- Joe DiMaggio Children’s Specialty Center
Village Park will be closed to the general public until Noon on the day of the event in order to accommodate one-way traffic. The entrance for the event will be located off of 120th Ave S, with guests exiting the park at Pierson Road.
In an effort to make this a socially distanced and safe event, guests must stay in their vehicles. Wellington’s Community Services staff will enlist the help of local sponsors to place the supplies in each vehicle.
For additional information, contact Wellington’s Community Services Department at 561-791-4796.
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Newsletter.
Young Friends of the Kravis Center to Host Virtual Panel Discussion with Nonprofit Leaders on August 20th
YOUNG FRIENDS OF THE KRAVIS CENTER TO HOST VIRTUAL PANEL DISCUSSION WITH NONPROFIT LEADERS ON AUGUST 20
Kravis Center CEO to lead panel with Cultural Council of PBC, Nonprofits First, Inc. and the United Way of PBC
(West Palm Beach, Fla) – Until the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts can open its doors to the public, it continues to expand its virtual offerings. On August 20, the Young Friends of the Kravis Center will host “The Current State of the Arts and Nonprofits in Palm Beach County,” a Zoom panel discussion including Kravis Center CEO Judith Mitchell; Dave Lawrence, President and CEO for the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County; Jessica Cecere, CEO for Nonprofits First, Inc. and Dr. Laurie George, President and CEO for the United Way of Palm Beach County. The discussion starts at 12 noon.
Talya Lerman, Development Manager and Young Friends liaison at the Kravis Center, will moderate the panel with Lindsey White, Associate Vice President of Philanthropy for the United Way of Palm Beach County. Discussion will include the “state of the arts” during COVID-19, how the non-profit sector has responded to the pandemic and how organizations plan to pivot going forward for the coming season.
“We invite our Young Friends members and prospective members to register for this timely and informative discussion with some of our top community leaders,” said Lerman. “As a Young Friends member, you receive advance opportunities for ticket ordering for Kravis Center presentations, priority access to Kravis On Broadway and Regional Arts Classical Concert Series, invitation to Young Friends special events, subscription to Kravis Center publications, and many other fun and exciting perks. A Young Friends membership is a wonderful way to make a difference in the community as well as make new connections with other like-minded professionals.”
Membership for Young Friends of the Kravis Center starts at $125 annually. To register for the Zoom panel discussion and for more information on becoming a Young Friends member, please contact Talya Lerman, Development Manager, at 561.651.4373 or [email protected].
The Kravis Center is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, FL. The Center’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international artists and companies of the highest quality, by offering comprehensive arts education programs – serving nearly 3 million students since its inception; by providing a Palm Beach County home for local and regional arts organizations to showcase their work; and by providing an economic catalyst and community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County. To enhance and elevate the customer experience, the Center is undertaking a $40 million capital project to support a campus redesign and facility expansion that will create a more accessible, comfortable and pedestrian-friendly venue for the community. Aptly namedKravis 2020: The Future is Now, this project is at the heart of the Kravis Center’s vision for the future.
For general information about the Kravis Center, please visit kravis.org. For more information about the Kravis 2020: The Future is Now project, visit kravis.org/kravis2020.
Palm Beach Atlantic – VP for Spiritual Development Announcement
Palm Beach Atlantic University Promotes Campus Pastor to Vice President for Spiritual Development
WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. – Palm Beach Atlantic University President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn has promoted Campus Pastor Dr. Bernie Cueto to Vice President for Spiritual Development.
In addition to serving as campus pastor to nearly 4,000 students, faculty and staff, Cueto will serve in the President’s Cabinet, assume a larger role with the Board of Trustees and take a more holistic approach to developing the spiritual culture on campus.
“Integrating Christian faith into everything we do is the most important ingredient in the ‘special sauce’ that is PBA,” Schwinn said. “Having Bernie Cueto responsible for spiritual development across all aspects of our community is important as we grow toward the future. He is a perfect fit for this newly expanded and vital role.”
Cueto has dedicated the last 25 years of his life to studying, teaching and preaching God’s Word. About 15 of those years have been at Palm Beach Atlantic, where he leads weekday campus chapel services and is available for pastoral support and prayer. A trained New Testament scholar, Cueto will continue to teach in the School of Ministry.
“President Schwinn is a trailblazer whose passion for Christ and spiritual life revolves around all she does,” Cueto said. “She saw the need for a more comprehensive approach to faith formation and wanted it represented at the University’s highest level, especially since it is central to our mission.”
Cueto is passionate about seeing lives change as students experience Christ-first community at PBA. The University welcomes and guides those who desire discipleship, developing them into the image of Christ for the sake of others, Cueto said.
“Helping others come to know Christ, grow in Christ and then go to the ends of the earth for him is what we do,” Cueto said. “At PBA, I have been able to do that with some of the very best faculty and staff who love God and are committed to academic rigor.”
Born in Miami, Cueto is proud of his Cuban-American heritage and was raised in an environment that embraced cultural diversity. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English literature at Florida International University. He completed his Master of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy degrees at Dallas Theological Seminary. He also serves as the teaching pastor at Family Church Gardens. He and his wife, Ana, have two sons and a daughter.
Palm Beach Atlantic University is a private, independent university offering undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees, with campuses in West Palm Beach, Orlando and online. The University is dedicated to the integration of Christian principles to prepare students for learning, leadership and service.