Welcome to Take Root, SEED Miami's newsletter! | | |
As we soak in the summer sun, we're celebrating the unforgettable moments that closed out our school year—from once-in-a-lifetime trips to joyful goodbyes and everything in between. While some may pause, SEED Miami is moving full speed ahead.
We are welcoming new scholars at orientation, preparing for a mission trip to the Dominican Republic with Global Scholarships, an annual outdoor adventure in North Carolina with Buffalo Cove Outdoor Education Center, and laying the groundwork for an incredible year to come.
The journey continues—and we're so glad you're part of it.
| | Bringing Color to Campus with Keller Williams Realty | | |
Our incredible friends at Keller Williams Realty showed up in full force—spending the day transforming our campus into a vibrant, welcoming space for learning and connection.
From fresh coats of paint and bold new murals to thoughtfully designed outdoor learning spaces, it was an all-hands-on-deck effort. Students, staff, and board members rolled up their sleeves, working side by side to paint, build, and reimagine spaces that now burst with color, creativity, and care. We're so grateful to Keller Williams for helping us bring new energy to SEED Miami—one brushstroke at a time.
| | | | Thanks to our generous partners and dedicated board, SEED Miami hosted its first-ever Field Day—and it was everything we dreamed of and more! From epic staff vs. student basketball and kickball showdowns, to balloon battles, dunk tank madness, bounce houses, and yes--even a surprise visit from a horse and an ice cream truck--the fun was nonstop. | | |
Miami Heat's DJ M Dot kept the energy high and music loud, and our friends at the Community Police Relations Foundation brought treats and endless support. A HUGE thank you to Grace at the Foundation and Lunny for making it all happen.
One student summed it up perfectly: "This was the best day ever!" We're still smiling, still grateful-and if you listen closely, you can still hear the cheers and laughter echoing through the neighborhood.
| | A Royal Treat From Burger King | | |
SEED students and staff were surprised with a delicious dinner, thanks to our incredible new partners at Burger King! The evening was topped off with sweet treats from our dedicated board members— making it a night of fellowship and community.
Thank you, Burger King, for treating our SEED family like royalty—and for reminding us of what we already know: our students rule!
| | Real World Experience. Real SEED Impact | | |
Our seniors wrapped up their internships—an incredible journey shadowing professionals across a wide range of industries, from law firms and judges' chambers to doctors' offices and lifestyle brands.
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing SEED Champions who opened their doors and inspired our scholars as they take their next steps toward college.
What makes this program truly special is how personal it becomes. Our students don't just observe they connect. They see the passion and purpose behind the work. And in return, our supporters get a glimpse of the heart of SEED—our brilliant, curious, and motivated scholars.
| | Disney Magic, SEED Style. | | |
Before we closed the chapter on this school year and celebrated graduation, our students were treated to something truly unforgettable—an epic overnight adventure to Walt Disney World.
You may recall, this special trip was announced and awarded during our Legacy Ceremony—and thanks to the incredible generosity of SEED board member and champion Dorothy Terrell, in partnership with Brightline, Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo, and SEED Miami board member Victoria Shahbaz, the dream came to life in the most magical way.
From riding the Brightline in style to devouring Mickey waffles and pretzels, chasing bubbles, and laughing until our cheeks hurt—every moment was a celebration. For many students, it was their very first trip to Disney, and the joy was infectious.
One student used the gift card she received to buy a Pandora charm, a keepsake she said will remind her of this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Another simply said, "This trip was everything." And one student couldn't stop smiling as she shared, "The fireworks were my favorite part. I've never seen fireworks like that in my life."
What moved us most? Though they had the freedom to explore, not a single student wandered off. They stayed close—shoulder to shoulder with their chaperones, holding on to this moment like family.
To our generous partners: thank you. You didn't just send our students on a trip—you gave them magical memories, and the kind of joy that lasts forever.
| | A Graduation To Remember: Celebrating the Class of 2025 | | |
In a celebration filled with laughter, happy tears, and unforgettable moments, we honored the remarkable SEED Miami Class of 2025 at the breathtaking Concours Club—a partner that continues to open its doors to us year after year, this time welcoming our graduates into its brand-new, state-of-the-art event center.
We were deeply moved by a powerful keynote address from Harri-Anna, SEED Miami's first Valedictorian, first college graduate, and a true pioneer in SEED's legacy. Her words will stay with us: "Every challenge you faced taught you how to bend without breaking. Every teacher who saw your potential, every friend who showed up for you-they were the sunlight and the rain. And now here you are. In full bloom. Rising."
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We also celebrated our SEED Champions and awarded college scholarships made possible by the incredible generosity of:
The Joseph Samuel Isicoff Memorial Fund
Andi Steinacker and Rob Hopson
Olivia and Ron Rothstein
Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig LLP
— and our beloved staff: Javin Witherspoon, Tiffany Graver-Smith, and Vincena Allen, who gave from the heart towards our scholar's college gaps.
Additionally, our very own Head of School Ms. Thomas reminded graduates with her signature inspiration: "You are ready. You are not just graduating —you are launching. You are not just capable — you are powerful. "
And lastly, in a meaningful tradition, Abdul, SEED Miami's 2025 Salutatorian, shared this year's class gift announcement of a mural by artist German DuBois: "Each year, the senior class gives something back--a way to say 'thank you,' to leave a little piece of ourselves behind, and to pay it forward. This year's gift celebrates the values that have carried us through the highs, the lows, and everything in between. We wanted to leave behind something meaningful--a lasting symbol that future SEED students can look to for inspiration, and that reminds our incredible staff why this work matters."
We laughed, we cried, and we held tight to each moment—because no matter how many times we celebrate our graduates, saying see you later never gets easier. But our pride? Like a SEED, it only grows.
| | From Garden to Graduation: Janell is taking root and rising | | |
As our seniors don their caps and gowns and head off to schools across the country, we’re celebrating not just where they’re going—but how far they’ve come. One shining example is Janell Rowe, who, alongside SEED board member and Garden & Resilience professor Ms. Andi, and Chef Danielle, brought SEED’s garden-to-plate experience to the WSFLTV studios this May, giving viewers a taste of the creativity and care grown right on our campus.
The garden has become more than a place to grow food—it’s a hands-on classroom where students cultivate confidence, independence, and real-world skills. From basil and mint to lemongrass and heirloom tomatoes, students harvest fresh ingredients and turn them into nourishing meals just steps from their classrooms.
For Janell, now heading to Xavier University of Louisiana, the gardening class was transformative. “I’m excited to take what I’ve learned beyond Miami,” she said. “I’m ready to cook for myself and others—even in a dorm!”
As our graduates plant new roots in colleges and communities across the nation, the lessons they’ve learned at SEED—both in and out of the garden—will continue to shape their journeys.
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At SEED Miami, transparency is one of our core values.
That’s why we’re excited and proud to share that we’ve been awarded the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, the nonprofit sector’s most trusted source for information and data.
This is the highest level of recognition offered by Candid’s GuideStar platform—and we’re honored to be among the top 15% of nonprofits nationwide who have earned this distinction.
What Does the Platinum Seal Mean?
The Platinum Seal is awarded to nonprofits who go above and beyond in sharing detailed information with the public. This includes not only our financials but also our goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress metrics. It reflects our deep commitment to accountability, trust-building, and meaningful impact.
Thank you for helping us get here!
This achievement was made possible by the unwavering support of our incredible community — our supporters, volunteers, staff, and board members. Your ongoing trust and commitment to our mission and our scholars mean the world to us.
| | ROOTED IN PURPOSE, RISING WITH YOU. | | |
With so much happening at SEED Miami, we’d love for you to visit and see the magic firsthand. Come witness the impact, the energy, and the future we’re building—together! | | |
To learn how you can invest in our mission or get involved, reach out to Tiffany Graver Smith.
None of what you’ve read would be possible without the unwavering support of champions like you. Thank you for being part of our story.
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