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Time stopped for midfielder Cosme Salas three minutes into the most highly anticipated game of the year for the Raider varsity soccer team against the MAST Makos. Hungry to take the ball from the other team’s possession, Salas attacked the striker. In a heated faceoff with his opponent, Salas felt his ankle twist and give out from under him as he tumbled to the ground, causing him to sit out the rest of the game.

“I felt like I couldn’t help my team win the game, I felt helpless,” said Salas.

Determined to get back on the field, Salas recovered in time to join his teammates against Jensen Beach, winning 3-2. The Raiders ultimately went on to clinch the state championship.

Salas developed a passion for the sport at a very young age. He began playing soccer at the age of two and never stopped, facing obstacles and challenges along the way. These taught him to be strong and resilient.

“I learned to never give up no matter what,” said Salas.

This applies both on and off the field. As a student enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program, Salas learned to balance his rigorous courses with soccer practices and games. Due to his complex schedule, he had to adapt and compromise his time to focus on getting good grades while still being able to contribute to his team. He’s also learned to work well under pressure, something that has helped him earn the nickname “Clutch Cosme” from his coaches.

“Whether helping someone score a goal, or scoring himself, Cosme comes through, usually in the final moments of the game,” said soccer coach Federico Mor-Tatis.

His talent on the field was recognized by both his teammates and the Miami Herald, which named him the Miami-Dade Boys’ Soccer Player of the Year for 4A-2A.

“I’ve played with him since I was 11 years old, now I’m 18, and he is still one of the best players I’ve ever played with,” said Tomas Sciarra.

Salas plans on continuing his soccer career in high school and in college. Aside from his love for the sport, Salas’ most memorable moments are those he’s spent alongside his friends.

“I wouldn’t trade any of the friendships I’ve made for the world,” said Salas.

The City and Self-Hood students took a trip to The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami’s exhibit “We are Maryan,” an exhibit from Holocaust survivor Maryan. Each student observed Maryan’s art, focusing on how it transformed as he transitioned from Poland to concentrations camps to New York. “The exhibit made me reflect a lot about Maryan’s life story and how he went through so many hardships, but still could create such beautiful work,” senior Sophia Abreu said. This was an opportunity for students to bond and to learn through different activities. “One of the activities that I remember the most was when we recreated a piece of art. We passed our drawings around and the person next to us recreated our piece in regards to their artistic style,” senior Sonia Cachon said. Photos provided by Neil de la Flor