User:Caledir/Hammocks Middle School

Hammocks Middle School is a secondary school located at 9889 Hammocks Boulevard in The Hammocks, unincorporated Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA. Its principal is Peter Cabrera.

Varela was built as an overcrowding relief school for G. Holmes Braddock High School and Miami Sunset High School; construction began in 1998 but due to delays during construction (mainly concerning funding and local area politics) the school's opening was pushed back several times. Varela opened to students fall of 1999.

The school was named for Father Félix Varela (November 20, 1788-February 27, 1853), a Cuban Roman Catholic Priest, human rights advocate, teacher, and an admired figure throughout the Cuban American exile community.

The school opened its doors to approximately 2,000 ninth and tenth graders (classes of 2003 and 2004) on August 28, 2000. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Veterinary Science
The veterinary science program has been promoted to a magnet program, taught by Yleana Escobar. The program deals with domestic animals, opossums, raccoons and elephants Students are prepared for work as veterinarians, wildlife rehabilitators, or working on a farm.

Felix Varela's Veterinary Science academy works with Friends Forever Rescue, in which the veterinary students learn skills such as vaccinating, micro chipping, medicating, and restraining. The Vet academy has a barn that includes goats, mini-donkeys, mini-horses, chickens, geese, rabbits, and turkey.

Varela's Vet class is part of the national organization of the Future Farmers of America, FFA. The Varela FFA has been placed high in competitions. The greatest accomplishments have been:
 * For two years have been placed 5th and 4th in Food Science, 5th and 4th
 * Going to states for prepared public speaking for their district twice in a row.
 * The only FFA chapter that helps out with ring stewarding for dog show clubs such as Miami Obedience Club.
 * In 2004, they won 2nd place in the State's Floriculture CDE Competition.
 * In April 2002 2nd place in Florida for a Horticulture Demonstration CDE on Landscaping Management presentation.

Demographics
Felix Varela is 80% Hispanic, 12% White non-Hispanic, 6% Black, and 2% Asian.

Athletics
The varsity sports program began with the 2001-2002 school year alongside its first junior class. Felix Varela High's athletic rivals include G. Holmes Braddock High School, Miami Sunset High School and John A. Ferguson High School. As well as the new Kendall school, TERRA Environmental Research Institute

Championships

Boy’s Varsity soccer team: Cheerleading: 2008 Grand National Champions
 * 2008 National Champions
 * 2008 FHSAA Class 6A State Champions by defeating Weston Cypress Bay 1-1 (4-1 PK). (Back-to-Back State Champions)
 * 2007 FHSAA Class 6A State Champions by defeating Wellington High School 2-1 (This is the school’s first state championship throughout its six-year history in varsity sports)

Boy’s Varsity football team:
 * 2006 FHSAA District 15-6A District Champions (undefeated) in their district.

Girls varsity tennis team:
 * 2009 District Champions