2026 Silver Knight Nominees Announced

2/5/2026
Teresa Martinez | Director of Communications

Belen Jesuit Preparatory School proudly recognizes nine exceptional seniors as nominees for the 68th Annual Silver Knight Awards.

These students have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to service, positively impacting communities both within and beyond Miami-Dade County.

For more than six decades, The Miami Herald has honored high school seniors from Miami-Dade and Broward counties who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and selfless service.

Since November, Belen’s nominees have worked diligently to compile comprehensive portfolios highlighting their volunteer efforts and achievements. These submissions will be evaluated by judges on Judging Day in April.

“I am very proud of our Silver Knight nominees,” said José E. Roca ’84, principal. “They embody our Grad at Grad principles by being open to growth, intellectually curious, religious, loving, and committed to social justice. I wish them continued success throughout the competition.”

Silver Knight Nominees for the 2025–2026 Academic Year:

• César Aguado – Athletics
• Raúl Gómez-Pina – Science
• Anthony Kiami Giménez – Vocational Technical
• Yunier Martínez – Journalism
• Joaquín Otero – Speech
• José Romano – Mathematics
• Matthew Vila – Music and Dance
• Michael Vila – Digital and Interactive Media
• Ian Wolstenholme – Social Science

These students exemplify what it means to be men for others and serve as role models within and beyond the classroom. Independent judges will select one Silver Knight and three Honorable Mentions in each category.

Winners will be announced at the Silver Knight Awards ceremony on May 14, 2026, at 7 p.m. Silver Knight recipients will receive a $2,000 scholarship and a statue, while Honorable Mentions will each receive $500 and a plaque.