WHAT’S THE ISSUE
Club TACOLCY Teen Interviews
Teacher Appreciation Week
Code/Art
Internship Opportunities
Food Drive Co-Op
Upcoming Events
TACOLCY PRESS the
Aaliyah Fisher Editor in Chief
A NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR
Welcome to the ninth issue of our newsletter!
As the school year comes to a close and summer begins, we’re excited to share all the vibrant moments that made this season so special. In this edition, you’ll hear directly from our graduating seniors as they reflect on their time in Club TACOLCY, take a look at the impressive coding projects from our young girls in partnership with Code/Art, and join us on a nature-filled adventure that included a scenic walk and kayaking experience. We also celebrated our incredible educators during Teacher Appreciation Week and wrapped up the academic year with joy, gratitude, and big plans for summer.
Dive in and relive the highlights with us!
“THE FUTURE STARTS HERE”: TACOLCY GRADUATES REFLECT ON HIGH SCHOOL AND WHAT’S NEXT
ft. Club TACOLCY Seniors
As the school year ends and caps are tossed into the air, three seniors from Miami Central Senior High School Mila Boyd, Sam Saintil, and Uel Beauliere are preparing to say goodbye not only to high school, but to a chapter of growth shaped in part by their involvement with Club TACOLCY. In a candid exit interview, these soon-to-be graduates shared how TACOLCY has impacted their journeys, their thoughts on the highs and lows of high school, and what they’re looking forward to next.
Q: How has Club TACOLCY helped you in your journey?
“Club TACOLCY is not just like a little after school program where you’re taught things that you already know. It’s a place where you’re not just sitting around not home They are there for you They create a safe space, and you might actually learn things that you don’t know like the money management sessions with Ed Fed.”
Mila Boyd: “I just love constantly coming to this program after school. It’s like a way to relax, to be told that you are amazing, you don’t have to stress, we can help you. And going on field trips. My SAT and ACT scores…my SAT hasn’t necessarily improved, but my ACT definitely improved. I went from a 14 to a 20 It’s not exactly my goal, but it was definitely a big jump.”
Mila Boyd graduates from Miami Central Senior High | JUNE 2025.
Sam Saintil:
“Club TACOLCY has impacted my life pretty positively. They actually helped me make my resume and study for the SAT If you’re struggling with classwork or have homework that you haven’t completed, they have tutors that can help”
Uel Beauliere:
“They were always there from the get-go. They helped me get an internship with them I got introduced to more people like the lawyers they brought in from Bilzin Law. You know, I wanna be one, so I need that! They really helped me with my SAT The first time, I scored low The second time, better. The final time, I scored high enough to get into both the colleges I wanted especially FAMU”
Q: What is the best and worst part about high school?
Mila Boyd:
Best part? “I currently hold a lot of leadership positions, so I often have to step out of class to handle administrative duties
It’s really great to be like, ‘Oh, my counselor needs me’”
Worst part? “Being told that I’m not gonna succeed or being disciplined things that can discourage a young student from succeeding”
Sam Saintil:
Best part? “After school activities, like Club TACOLCY and the marching band I play the baritone.”
Worst part? “The students. They’re very hardheaded”
UB u make. Not just with students, but with the staff, too Some people don’t like to be around teachers, but a lot of them are really helpful They’ll get you where you need to go in the future and they’ve got connections.”
Worst part? (She laughs) “Definitely the early mornings!”
Sam Saintil graduates from Miami Central Senior High | JUNE 2025.
https://tacolcy.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/16059
Q: What are your future plans?
Mila Boyd:
Originally from Los Angeles, Mila moved to Miami in her sophomore year and found herself at home in the vibrant, diverse culture of Liberty City.
“When I came to Florida, it was basically like a myth seeing so many Black people in one place… It still just feels like a big family.”
This fall, she’ll attend Florida A&M University (FAMU), where she plans to study agriculture and hydroponics. She recently launched a program to teach low-income elementary students about this sustainable method of growing crops and she hopes to expand it beyond U.S. borders someday.
Sam Saintil:
Quiet but consistent, Sam has been one of Club TACOLCY’s most dedicated participants. This fall, he’ll begin studying Computer Engineering at Miami Dade College on a full-ride scholarship.
Uel Beauliere:
Our future attorney, Uel, joined Club TACOLCY in 10th grade and quickly made an impression with her outgoing personality and drive This fall, she’s also heading to FAMU to major in Criminal Justice, where she’ll continue pursuing her dream of becoming a lawyer.
Though their paths may be different, Mila, Sam, and Uel all share one thing in common:
Club TACOLCY has played a key role in shaping their high school experiences and preparing them for the road ahead As they graduate and move forward, they carry not just memories, but lessons, relationships, and a sense of purpose that will continue to guide them. And if their stories are any indication this is only the beginning.
Uel Beauliere graduates from Miami Central Senior High | JUNE 2025.
Future Tech Queens in the Making
MAY13,2025
OurbrilliantyounggirlsfromtheOut-of-School(OOS)Programrecently wrappedupanexcitingcodingjourneywithCode/Art!Overthepastfew weeks,they’vebeenlearningthefundamentalsofcoding,creatingtheir owndigitalprojects,andexploringtheworldoftechinfun,creativeways.
Totopitalloff,theyhadthechancetopresenttheirworkinaspecial showcase sharingeverythingfromanimatedstoriestointeractivegames theybuiltthemselves.Thesegirlsarenotonlylearningnewskills,they’re steppingconfidentlyintospaceswheretheybelong.Thefutureisdefinitely codedintheirfavor!
TEACHERAPPRECIATION WITHTACOLCY
MAY 5 - MAY 9, 2025 – TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
Last month, we showed love to our amazing educators during Teacher Appreciation Week with a festive Taco Tuesday celebration and a surprise drive-thru donut drop-off! It was our small way of saying THANK YOU to the teachers who go above and beyond every day. Your dedication never goes unnoticed, and we appreciate you more than words (or tacos) can say!
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR TEACHERS!
TEACHERAPPRECIATION WITHTACOLCY
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK – MAY 5 - MAY 9, 2025
SPECIAL SHOUTOUT TO OUR TEACHERS AT
ROADMOOR ELEMENTARY
LIBERTYCITY ELEMENTARY
HOLMES ELEMENTARY
BROWNSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
OLINDA PASQUALE
ORCHARDVILLA ELEMENTARY
MJESSIECCRARY ELEMENTARY
LORAHPARK ELEMENTARY
BROWNSTONE MIDDLE SCHOOL
PARENT ACADEMY
CHARLESDREW K-8CENTER
LILLIEC.EVAN K-8CENTER
ENEIDAM. HARTNER ELEMENTARY
CAROLCITY SENIORHIGH
Naturewalk&kayaking
Last month, our Club TACOLCY teens had the opportunity to take part in an immersive environmental education experience, thanks to the generous support of Coastlove and Miami EcoAdventures.
During the outing, students embarked on a guided nature walk where they learned about South Florida’s rich ecosystems and the importance of environmental preservation. Along the way, they spotted native wildlife, explored the role of mangroves in coastal protection, and were amazed to learn just how massive sea turtles can grow.
The experience not only gave our youth a chance to connect with nature but also sparked important conversations around sustainability and the environment. We’re grateful to our partners for making this hands-on learning experience possible and for helping our teens see the natural world through a new lens.
LIBERTY CITY FRESH FOOD CO-OP
Social Work INTERNSHIP
What is TACOLCY CARE Fellowship?
The TACOLCY CARE Fellows Program is an unpaid, semester-long fellowship offering immersive, real-world experience in social work. Fellows support community care and client advocacy, while gaining hands-on skills in benefits access and trauma-informed engagement. The program integrates service with guided reflection to build ethical, systems-aware leaders.
Why Recommend Your Students?
More than an internship—this is a launchpad for culturally responsive, equity-driven changemakers.
Fellows receive:
Weekly 1:1 mentorship with an experienced supervisor
Monthly professional development seminars (e.g., Motivational Interviewing, Cultural Humility, CANS)
Experience in client intake, Medicaid/SNAP navigation, food distribution, and baby wellness programs
Capstone Project with opportunities to publish, present, or propose real solutions
A branded certificate of completion and letter of recommendation for exemplary service
Priority consideration for future job opportunities at TACOLCY or partner agencies
The TACOLCY CARE Fellows Program gives students a sense of purpose, real experience, and a path to future careers. Many of our interns go on to work in schools, nonprofits, and health programs.
Program Details:
Who? BSW, MSW, and Human Services students
When? 12–16 weeks | 10–20 hours/week | Flexible scheduling
Where? In-person at the Belafonte TACOLCY Center (Liberty City, Miami)
Support: Orientation, supervision, reflection activities, and a culminating presentation
Parents and stakeholders are invited to see the youth perform and demonstrate what they learned over the summer months + students in TACOLCY's program will be rewarded for letter grade improvements Students will also explore college, career, trade, and military options for their future
THE TACOLCY PRESS
BTC NEWSLETTER AD RATES BTC NEWSLETTER AD RATES BTC NEWSLETTER AD RATES
In our newsletter, ads aren’t just ads--they’re stories. We believe in showcasing brands through narratives that connect and inspire. This approach emphasizes the value of storytelling with the hope that our ad section will be engaging rather than transactional.
Do you want your business featured in our monthly newsletter?
Step
1: Fill out the “Ad Request” Form
Complete a form with basic information such as name, contact info, business details, and desired ad size.
https://forms gle/hNznuPgCinoYe44c7
Step 2: Choose Your Advertisement Type
-Regular Ad (business will provide their own ad content)
-Story-Focused Ad (we will conduct a formal interview, take photos and craft a narrative about your business to better engage readers)
Step 3: Make Payment to Confirm Ad Space
Once the form is submitted, businesses will receive a payment form After payment is completed, their promotional space will be confirmed in your newsletter.
https://www paypal com/ncp/payment/KB9XD7LKMQE92
The newsletters will be posted to the Belafonte TACOLCY Center, Inc website, emailed to people on our distribution lists, and available for physical distribution a week or two prior to the first day of the newsletter month.
Press-ready ads must be submitted to info@TACOLCY.org in the proper format by 5:00 PM on the 28th day of the month prior to publication.
Rates for BTC Merchant Members in the Liberty City and Little Haiti Business District Area
Ad Rate Prices:
Story Ad $200
MONTHLY RATES FOR AD PLACEMENTS IN THE TACOLCY PRESS NEWSLETTER: PAYMENT IS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION.
Full Page $150
Half Page $90
Quarter Page $45
Page 17
TO OUR PARTNERS TO OUR PARTNERS TO OUR PARTNERS
TH
