RE Log - Spring 2020

never allowed me to give up on myself,” and “she taught us the meaning of commitment and determination,” describe the effect Penny had on her players. It’s no surprise that Coach Matthews’ RE girls’ volleyball teams, affectionately referred to as “bad in black,” won nine straight district titles, two state semifinals and one incredible state championship. Sportsmanship and scholarship, self-respect, good manners and the weighty responsibility to present the school in the best manner possible – right down to the trimmed nails, tucked-in shirts and pulled back hair – were hallmarks of Penny’s teams. And if it weren’t enough to lead the girls to such heights, Penny started a volleyball program for the boys. Both programs continue to flourish. Perhaps as important as her coaching feats, Penny introduced her PE students to the beauty of Biscayne Bay, enhancing their appreciation of the precious and vulnerable natural world that surrounds us. “Okay, now flip that canoe and swim to the side (of the pool)” was a highlight of Coach Matthews’ annual no-nonsense and rigorous preparation for Outward Bound. Reading through the notes sent by former students on behalf of Señor Urbina, the first thing that one notices is just how many students wrote in Spanish. If that is not a testament to the power of superb teaching, I do not know what is. “He gave me the gift of confidence in speaking, reading and writing in Spanish.” “He opened up a big world for me.” “He instilled in me a love of Spanish literature.” “I have used my Spanish throughout my life and professional career.” Their submissions describe a consummate professional and academic whose own love of language captivated his students. Humor defines an Urbina classroom, a necessary balance to the oftentimes tedious delivery of grammar. His catchy phrases, personal anecdotes, and categorical belief in his students’ ability to learn Spanish made Señor Urbina’s classes some of the most sought out ones in the World Languages Department. His students’ advanced placement scores were always some of the highest in the school. Guillermo was born in Costa Rica and raised in Argentina and Chile. He studied in Nicaragua and London, completed his undergraduate degree in Belgium and took his master’s degree here in Miami at Florida International University. “For an anxious, awkward, 14 year old, I couldn’t have asked for a kinder, warmer and more welcoming advisor. We’re all better off knowing how to play catch in a canoe, and how to identify different mangroves, and how to actually work a compass and plot a route on a map. Congratulations, Penny, on an incredible career and being such an important part of our lives.” – Todd Needle ’10 “You have left an incredible legacy at RE and touched many lives … Though you are leaving us, I know that you will always be part of the RE community and all that we do!” – Vicki Carbonell Williamson ’88 26 Ransom Everglades LOG SPRING 2020 PennyMatthew�