Riviera has named 15 seniors as nominees for the Miami Herald Silver Knight Awards, marking one of the school’s largest groups of contenders for the regional honor recognizing students who demonstrate long-term service, leadership, and academic excellence. The Silver Knight program, founded in 1959, is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious student awards in South Florida. Their work spans hospitals, shelters, classrooms, and cultural organizations, reflecting how Riviera students are shaping their communities long before graduation.
The coveted award highlights student projects that demonstrate commitment, measurable results, and personal initiative. Each nominee represents the school in one of 15 categories, ranging from Art and Journalism to Vocational Technical and World Languages.
Each nominee leads a long-term project that addresses a specific community need. At the same time, their interests differ, from art therapy to STEM education, their work shares a commitment to service.
Here’s a closer look at Riviera’s Class of 2026 Silver Knight nominees.
Martinez co-founded “Siblings Bring Smiles” in January 2023 with her sister. The initiative aims to bring smiles to the faces of kids suffering from disease and their families during their difficult times. The project regularly hosts activities at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, providing a positive distraction for young patients. “Even to the kids who weren’t able to come to our activities, we prepared some kits with the supplies for them to enjoy from their room,” Martinez said. She got inspired to apply for the Silver Knight Award after attending the ceremony when her older sister received a nomination. “Going to the Silver Knight Award ceremony really opened my eyes to what it was that I was a part of: a group of students who not just have a community service project, but are willing to put in the effort,” Martinez said. She faced some challenges during the selection process, as her first choice was Athletics, given her status as a highly competitive cross-country athlete. Still, she believes the Art category best highlights her project. Martinez advises other aspiring award applicants to start a project they are passionate about with a sibling or friend, as she did.
